Well sometime this summer I might either blow my 2.2 or just swap piston and rods or a 2.4 block.

Which is better? I seen on eBay that piston/rod combo goes for $800. I can get a full 2.4 motor for $500 in my area.

I'm thinking 2.4 block might be better and cheaper.

Input please?

 

Isn't it only 2005-2006 Le5 that has forged internals? I think 2007+ is just cast.. dont quote me on that.. but I'd buy brand name forged pistons over what you're doing.

 

Aftermarket stuff will hold better. Why not build a 2.4 block and pull your good running 2.2 to sell?

 

build your 2.2. There's no point in doing an internal build unless you plan on going boosted as well. That way you can drop compression and run more boost. Or if you're gonna do an NA build do a high compression build, but I've never seen that done yet. IMO build the 2.2, swapping to the 2.4 would be a waste, it's not that much stronger.

 

I think its 06-07...was there ever a 05 LE5? Also 08+ i thought was magic year for switch over.

This might be good too. Just was looking for a cheaper option and 2.4s hold some nice power.

 

The 2.4 had a completely different crank sensor pick up. Takes a lot of work to pull that off. I think an LSJ guy did it a ways back.

 

We can match those eBay combos... Just pm us when you would like to order

 

If you don't mind I'd like to take a different approach to this question and ask you where you want to end up? Often times I see people building but with no real goal in mind. that's a great way to spend a small fortune and get lack luster results. I would implore you to set a goal whether that be a horsepower goal, or a quartermile or other track goal then build to that. The Cobalt world is littered with the empty bank accounts of guys who just started building with no real goal in mind.

My philosophy has always been to keep it as simple as possible. In your case that would mean building what you have. The 2.2 block is more then capable of good power numbers with the proper bottom end and internals. The extra displacement of the 2.4 is great, but usually not necessary for the horsepower goals most have in mind.

It sounds like you are a bit all over the place, that's fine, most people are. You say you want to blow your 2.2, or a rod and piston swap, or do a 2.4. IMO the first two are not mutual exclusive and should be done in conjunction with each other. I'd only do the 2.4 swap if you are wanting to stay NA.

The last thing I'd advise is to over build for boost. The Cobalt world is also littered with blown engines because people A. didn't know what they were doing, or B. didn't do their homework. Yes those two things are very different.

Anyway, best of luck to you. It may not be instantly gratifying like buy parts but please think about what I said and set some goals for yourself. You'll save yourself quite a bit of money and headache in the long run.

 

Well right now I'm almost done getting parts for my 2.9" supercharger install. I'll just go from there for mods. Maybe TVS in the future