Ecotec differences 2002-2005
O.k some of you guys wanted to know what was new or revised on the Ecotec since it first appeared on the Js in mid-2002 model year. I post this because maybe some will like to retrofit the new items, would like to update it,or just have more knowledge on what is the latest.
For the record, the Ecotec that we all know started life in the Saturn L-series in 2000 model year.
Enjoy!
2005 Improvements
-Improved Block Structure
-Improved main and rod bearing material and shape
-Added polymer coating to piston and changed piston profile for noise reduction
-Added boss on oil pan for powertrain stiffening
-Acoustic cover for (Chevrolet Cobalt)
-Electronic throttle (Saturn ION and Chevrolet Cobalt)
-New fuel rail supplier (Chevrolet Cobalt.)
-Modified timing chain tensioner for noise improvement.
-New evap valve and tube.
-E16A controller (Chevrolet Cobalt and Saturn ION)
The Ecotec 2.2-liter (L61) gets one new application for model year 2005, starting with the all-new, Chevrolet Cobalt . The Cobalt Ecotec 2.2 is essentially the same as the variant used in the Saturn VUE sport utility vehicle, and it features electronic throttle control (ETC) and an electric power steering pump. As in the VUE and Saturn ION, the Cobalt Ecotec 2.2 also has a low-evaporation ``returnless’’ fuel injection system.
The Cobalt Ecotec 2.2-also features an electrically operated power steering pump, rather than a hydraulic pump driven by a camshaft gear. A cam-driven pump is the most efficient hydraulic system available, but the electric pump goes one better. Because the pump is operated by electricity from the vehicle’s charging system, there is no parasitic power loss running the power steering system. Fuel economy and performance are improved.
The Ecotec 2.2 will be the base engine in the 2005 Cobalt; GM Powertrain’s new Ecotec 2.4L I-4 and Ecotec 2.0L Supercharged I-4 engines will be offered as options. The Ecotec 2.2 will be the only engine offered in the Chevrolet Cavalier and Pontiac Sunfire, which continue in 2005. They have mechanical throttle control, hydraulic power steering and fuel injection with return lines.
MORE EFFICIENT CATALYTIC CONVERTERS IN UNDER-FLOOR APPLICATIONS
The Ecotec 2.2s in the Chevrolet Cobalt and Saturn ION have a new catalytic converter. The converter’s size and volume do not change. The difference lies in the mix of precious metals used in the catalyst’s “brick.’’
A combination of metals such as platinum, palladium and rhodium in the converter’s catalytic substrate create the chemical reaction the turns exhaust emissions into oxygen and water vapor. For 2005, the Ecotec 2.2s in the Cobalt and ION, the combination has been reformulated for improved catalytic converter performance
2004 Improvements
-Standard engine in the 2004 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Classic
-Unitized exhaust manifold/catalytic converter (Malibu)
-Higher compression and output (Saturn L-Series)
-Air-injection reaction (AIR) eliminated in all applications
-Fuel-pulse dampener for returnless fuel injection
-More efficient catalytic converters in under-floor applications.
FULL DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW OR CHANGED FEATURES
STANDARD ENGINE IN 2004 CHEVROLET MALIBU AND MALIBU CLASSIC
The Ecotec 2.2-liter (L61) gets two new applications for model year 2004, starting with the all-new, Epsilon-platform Chevrolet Malibu. The Malibu Ecotec 2.2 is essentially the same as the variant used in the Saturn VUE sport utility vehicle, and it features electronic throttle control (ETC) and an electric power steering pump. As in the VUE and Saturn ION, the Malibu Ecotec 2.2 also has a low-evaporation ``returnless’’ fuel injection system.
ETC is increasingly common on premium V-8 engines, but still rare on four-cylinders. There is no mechanical link between the accelerator pedal and the throttle. A potentiometer at the gas pedal measures pedal angle and sends a signal to the Throttle Actuation Controller (TAC) and the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), which then direct an electric motor to open the throttle at the appropriate rate. ETC delivers a number of benefits to the customer. It uses several data sources, including the transmission's shift patterns and traction at the drive wheels, in determining how far to open the throttle. ETC delivers outstanding throttle response and greater reliability than a mechanical connection, which typically uses a cable that wears and requires adjustment. Cruise control electronics are integrated in the throttle, further improving reliability and simplifying engine assembly.
The Malibu Ecotec 2.2-also features an electrically operated power steering pump, rather than a hydraulic pump driven by a camshaft gear. A cam-driven pump is the most efficient hydraulic system available, but the electric pump goes one better. Because the pump is operated by electricity from the vehicle’s charging system, there is no parasitic power loss running the power steering system. Fuel economy and performance are improved.
The Malibu Ecotec 2.2 is also distinguished from many North American applications by its returnless fuel-injection system. The sequential fuel injection in all L61s is essentially the same up to the Multec II fuel injectors, but most have a return line that manages fuel pressure by bleeding off excess fuel and returning it to the gas tank. The Malibu Ecotec 2.2 has no return line. It uses a mechanical pressure regulator to manage fuel pressure. The returnless system greatly reduces potential fuel evaporation because it transports the minimum amount of fuel required and limits churning in the gas tank. As a result, the Malibu Ecotec 2.2 surpasses all government evaporative emissions standards.
The Ecotec 2.2 will be the base engine in the 2004 Malibu; GM Powertrain’s new High-Value3.5-liter (LX9) V6 will be offered as an option. The Ecotec 2.2 will be the only engine offered in the Malibu Classic, which continues in 2004 as one of North America’s best-selling fleet automobiles. The Malibu Classic engine is identical to variants used in the Chevrolet Cavalier, Oldsmobile Alero and Pontiac Grand Am and Sunfire. It has mechanical throttle control, hydraulic power steering and fuel injection with return lines.
FUEL-PULSE DAMPENER FOR RETURNLESS FUEL INJECTION
Ecotec 2.2s with returnless fuel injection (those in the Chevrolet Malibu, Saturn ION and Saturn VUE) now have a fuel-pulse dampener installed in the fuel-line between the gas tank and the engine. The dampener is essentially a diaphragm that softens pulses or waves in the fuel line as fuel travels from the tank to the injectors. The dampener virtually eliminates a slight pulsing sound previously generated in the fuel lines and improves overall noise, vibration and harshness control.
MORE EFFICIENT CATALYTIC CONVERTERS IN UNDER-FLOOR APPLICATIONS
Ecotec 2.2s in the Chevrolet Cavalier and Malibu Classic, the Oldsmobile Alero, and the Pontiac Grand Am and Sunfire have a new catalytic converter. The converter’s size and volume do not change. The difference lies in the mix of precious metals used in the catalyst’s “brick.’’
A combination of metals such as platinum, palladium and rhodium in the converter’s catalytic substrate create the chemical reaction the turns exhaust emissions into oxygen and water vapor. For 2004 Ecotec 2.2s with under-floor converters, the combination has been reformulated using more of the more common varieties of these metals and less of the rarest types. The metal reformulation means equal or improved catalytic converter performance with a reduction in the overall quantity of precious metals and a significant reduction in cost.
2003 Improvements
-New Fuel rail
-Reinforced block
Ecotec 2.2 capable of operating on compressed natural gas (RPO L42). Available in the Chevrolet Cavalier, this bi-fuel engine runs on either gasoline or CNG and switches seamlessly for one fuel to the other. CNG is the L42’s primary fuel, and it uses CNG as long as there is sufficient pressure in the storage tank. If pressure drops below a prescribed level, the L42 automatically switches to gasoline operation without driver intervention.
2002 Improvement done over the Saturn's L-series' Ecotec
-Cylinder head casting revisions
-Common oil pan for all applications
-Purge valve relocated for Saturn L-Series
-Engine block bosses
-Revised thermostat housing
-Starter
-New common Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
-Heated rear oxygen (02) sensor
-Engine block heater
-Higher compression 9.5:1 to 10.0:1
Thanks to Mr.Goodwrench-G.T. for the post :)
