EDIT: NM, I misunderstood what you were saying. Links to guides?

 

Without VVT, what cams are best for boost? Stock 2.2 cams?

 

OK, so it's looking like I finally have a good plan after confirming that the Eco crank and cam sensors will work with Microsquirt. I will run air filter - MAF - propane mixer - turbo - cable-TB along with crank and cam sensors to fire my coils sequentially. I'll use a 2.2 head to eliminate VVT and the LE5 intake with a cable TB adapter to run an L61 TB. I may also look into trying to adapt an LS1-style TB but it's a lot bigger.

My understanding is that the L61 gained the cam sensor when they went from batch to sequential firing of the spark plugs?

 

This is a 2006 2.2 listed near me but that is the cam sensor hiding down there underneath that evap solenoid, isn't it? is the owner mistaken on years?

I also looked up an '08 L61 on Alldata and it is showing VVT. 07 is the latest non-VVT I found.

 

07-08 are non vvt, alldata is sometimes wrong between years. It seems you are referencing a picture in your last post but I dont see any pictures.

 

Oh, sorry. Forgot the pic:

 

Yes, that is the correct engine, And **** that thing looks brand new lol.

 

I think it's been cleaned up good. It has 110k miles. But since I only need the head I'll take it for $150.

Since I need a cable TB now, I'm thinking of using a universal 70mm with adapter. Seem logical?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/70mm-Thrott...19.m1438.l2649

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Ecotec-Univ...19.m1438.l2649

What about gaskets and head gasket? Is there a set I should get? Any affordable timing chain / guide upgrades I should do at the same time?

 

you're buying a full working motor for $150 with 110k miles? crap, i wish LE5's ran that price.

 

I haven't seen the motor in person yes, but presumably, yes. I see them around that price fairly often around here.

 

they do if you pull it yourself

 

For head gasket, use a stock LE5, basically just match that to what block you have. Cloyes makes the oem timing sets for GM. I think you can get the cam chain set for around $150.

 

Good point

 

I picked up the engine. While he did get it very clean, he also painted it with dollar store silver, which ends up looking just like the factory new aluminum.

It spun smooth so I gave him his $150, threw it in the bed of the truck, and went home. Before I start tearing into things I need to decide if there's any cheap upgrades I want to do and get the gasket set in-hand. I've heard there are upgraded timing chain guides but haven't seen them anywhere??? I don't think that the chain itself is prone to failure, but the guides break which creates slack and allows it to jump timing. That's what happened to the junk mock-up 2.2 I already had here at the shop. (Bought for $50 a long time ago.)

 

There are no upgraded guides, just bolts for the guides.

 

That $150 2.2 wasn't in nearly as good condition on the inside as it looked on the outside!


I guess it's a good thing I was only after the head. #1 rod bearing was missing. There was no seal on the oil pan though and both the rod and crank looked fine. I'm thinking the guy I bought it from just pulled the pan and a rod to inspect and forgot to put the bearing back in after. Doesn't matter.

The head looks OK, other than just dirty with old caked oil. I would like to put cam bearings and maybe springs in it but by the time I do that I might as well re-build the entire head, which I'm not really into doing. Ran out of time but I'm going to clean it up good and go from there.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/w5wFXNiAcm6HW1ak1

 

no such thing as cam bearings. Springs are definitely a good idea if youre going to be spending a lot of time in the upper RPM range.

 

Really? The cam just rides in the bare aluminum machined casting?

 

yes.

 

Interesting. That simplifies things a bit. Glad I mentioned it before I pulled them then. If I was going to do springs, which would you recommend?

 

Supertech 75# are the best from what Ive heard in my years of knowledge gathering. ZZP 82# are the cheaper alternative I do believe.