I have a 2002 Cavalier 2.2L non-ecotec engine and I would like to add some mods to the engine but I am not exactly sure what to put on it. I would like to get as much out of it as possible and also cheep would be good as well

If anyone can tell me what’s the best things to put on it for price and performance wise and where to get them it would be a great help.

Thanks

Sorry its a manual transmition if that makes a diferance as-well .... Sorry Girl lol

Copying this from another post I made:

Theres not a lot of cheap ways to go with the 2.2 OHV that yield a huge gain in power. Intake and exhaust wont help a ton since the 2.2 head ports are a huge bottle neck from what Im told. Your best bet for a good base will be a mild top end build with a port and polish, upgraded valvetrain, and a cam. Otherwise you need to start looking into a turbo or a motor swap.

V6 swaps wont gain you a ton of HP. The 3400 has 50 more hp but about 100 more ft/lbs of torque. That swap requires a lot of wiring know how which Im not convinced you have the ability for. The 3800 is probably the best v6 swap due to the aftermarket support and power potential but its of a different V6 family so it requires a custom subframe among a few other things.

You can swap in a 2.4 LD9 from a Z24 or GT Sunfire (among a few other non J cars). Its probably the most straight forward as motor swaps go since the motor was designed to go in a J-body.

Also you can swap in a 2.2 Ecotec. Which if youre car is older than 2000 it requires a full rewire of the entire car to a 2000+ J-Body. If your car is a 2000-2002. There is a Sticky in the 3rd gen forum for a how-to. I dont know much about this swap since I have a 99.


Basically search around the performance section. There's about a million different threads with 2200 build lists.

go to the performance forum and read the faqs. but i will give you some basics.

1. intake-ebay
2. exhaust-piping, cat, muffler, header, resonator, all should b aftermarket and it's not gonna b cheep srry.
3. short throw shifter
4. motor mounts/tranny mounts
after those mods, if u have questions make a thread, but please, read the faqs, they have alot of info that u can use.

oh and btw welcome to the org!

^
wtf, I agree with all that jazz, your gonna need it, and yes it's a good start, But if you want max gain, find yourself another 2.2 block, bulletproof and and turbo it

I know I know keep it simple.

do ignition, intake, well your at it too.



i have posted this list many many times but of course people dont know how to use the search button and this topic is asked damn near daily. MODS PLEASE STICKY THIS THREAD!!!!!!!!!! credit goes to SunfighterGT for the list. everyone feel free to add to it a u see fit. this list is in no way all inclusive but should give people some ideas for a custom turbo kit. thanx for looking.

The GENERAL list for a turbo'd J is this:

Turbo (generally a T3 or T3/T4 will do)
Wastegate (Internal or external)
Manifold
Turbo downpipe Flange
Bolts for turbo and downpipe flange
Downpipe
Braided oil lines with fittings
2.5" Pipe for charge pipes
Connectors and clamps for pipes
BOV and flange
FMU (I'd go cartech adjustable personally)
Bigger Injectors (if you plan to run over 6lbs of boost)
Inline/In tank pump
Boost controller (I'd go Greddy Profec)
MSD-DIS 2 (To turn back timing if you want anything over 6bs really)
TB Plenum
Lots of misc vaccum hose
Rubber Fuel lines for FPR
Oil and oil filter (for the obvious reason)
Gaskets
Gasket sealer
Air filter
Intercooler (optional, but worth it)
Some spare metal brackets for custom mounting the Intercooler
Misc bolts (self tapping), and Nut/bolt combos
Gauge pod
Boost Gauge, EGT gauge (optional but smart to have one)
(If you have a profec boost controller the boost gauge is unnecessary as its built in)


Tools:
A good toolset capable of taking the manifold off
Knife for mild cutting
Sawzall if you plan to cut your own charge pipes
File (in case you need to cut anything and don't want a sharp edge)
Dremel tool (You never know when you need to make room for things, although a good blade and a file will do the same job, but slower)
Drill (To mount your I/C and tap your firewall bolts)
Wire cutters/splicers
Oil Catch Pan

4-5 cases of beer, a weeks worth of time, and a lot of willing and capable friends.

LOTS AND LOTS of patience.

As mentioned, before you start the install, make sure you have a couple of hundred bucks and an extra car so you can run around and get all the extra crap you didn't think about the first time around. Problems arise that we don't all plan for.

Never plan that you'll "be done in time to hit the track friday night"... a turbo install is not something you rush, but something that CAN be done over a weekend by knowledgable person. I say give yourself a week because you never know what problems you'll run into.

Also, the last thing on your list to save some $$$ for and DO NOT SKIMP ON IT is a dynotune with a wideband 02 sensor hooked up.

The dynotune is of unparalleld importance when trying to get a turbo car set up right.

Good luck. This is what I've pieced together over the span of about 3 weeks of learning about turbos and how to install them. I'm not far off, I don't think.


That's straight from Redd214

Perf list good start for a build, Before you turbo though build your engine, That way when you wanna throw a bigger turbo at it your engine is still ready to take it.






Fast life, I live, big cars, big cribs, speedin
I'm speedin, I can't stop it's all I know
From a youngin I was taught get doe
I'm speedin, speedin, I'm speedin

Putting on exhaust and an intake will gain you maybe 5 hp and a noisy ass car. Thats about it. The stock 2200 head needs to be opened up to breath better before you get any gains.