What engines were used in J-Body cars?
From the factory, the following engines were available:
1.8L inline-4 OHV
1.8L inline-4 SOHC
1.8L inline-4 SOHC Turbo (84-87)
2.0L inline-4 OHV (Cavalier-specific)
2.0L inline-4 SOHC
2.0L inline-4 SOHC Turbo (87-1990 Sunbird Turbo)
2.2L inline-4 OHV
2.2L inline-4 DOHC "Ecotec"
2.3L inline-4 DOHC "Quad 4" (LD2)
2.4L inline-4 DOHC Twin Cam (LD9)
2.8L V-6 MPFI
3.1L V-6 MPFI
1995: The all-new Cavalier Z24 and Sunfire GT were introduced mid model year with the 2.3L Quad 4 (LD2) engine. This engine featured a 9.5:1 compression ratio, 150 Horsepower at 5600 rpm and 145 ft/lbs of torque at 4800 rpm. Non-Z24 and GT models came with the more economical 2.2L (LN2) engine, with 9.0:1 compression, 120 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 130 ft/lbs of torque at 4000 rpm.
1996: The 2.3L Quad 4 engine is replaced for the 1996 model year with the updated 2.4L Twin Cam (LD9) engine. This engine features twin balance shafts to quieten noise and improve comfort and reliability. The new 2.4L Twin Cam engine features a 9.5:1 compression ratio, 150 horsepower at 5600 rpm, and 155 ft/lbs of torque between 2400 and 4400 rpm (yes, a very flat torque curve!). EGR is present on this motor. The 2.2L (LN2) is also available.
1997: Engines remain the same as the 1996 model year.
1998: An all-new 2200 OHV engine replaces the aging 2.2L OHV engine. The 2.4L engine remains unchanged.
1999: Slight revisions are made to the 2.4L Twin Cam engine, including the head, intake and exhaust manifolds, and starter. EGR is removed, and the compression ratio is slightly increased from 9.5:1 to 9.7:1. The 2200 engine remains unchanged.
2000: GM secretly adds a 'detuner lip' to the 2.4L Twin Cam intake manifold. The PCM changes to use Class 2 wiring, and the primary O2 sensor now has two wires instead of one. The 2200 engine remains unchanged.
2001: Engines remain the same as the 2000 model year.
2002: In the first half of the model year, the 2.4L Twin Cam is available. In the second half, the all new 2.2L Ecotec replaces the 2.4L. The 2.2L Ecotec features a compression ratio of 10.0:1, 140 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 150 ft/lbs of torque at 4000 rpm. The 2200 OHV engine is available all year.
2003: The 2.2L DOHC Ecotec is now standard on all J-body cars.
2004: A slight change to the 2.2L Ecotec, reportedly prompted by early Saturn timing chain failures. Notably, the fuel rail is different from the 2003 model.
2005: The last year for J-cars. The 2.2L Ecotec is the only engine available.
