Since I will be buying one of these cars (if they produce it without ruining it), I would like to read up on the ecotec and find out what kind of Aftermarket is available for them.

So, if you know of any good Ecotec performance sites, how about posting some links for me and the rest of the interested people in here.

Thank You

http://www.gmtunertour.com/index.asp?section={B68C6DE5-7C8D-45FD-A31A-43554F06010A}

All FWD Drag applications right now, some of which will apply. Look for even more in the next year.

I found this out on the web. I wonder if this is close to the same mill that the general will put in the Solstice? At least the SC motor will have a lot of miles on it before we get it.

2004 ION Red Line Overview
November 3, 2003
With a snarl in its exhaust note, an imposing stance from its racetrack-tuned suspension, and the immediate rush of its Ecotec 2.0-liter supercharged, 205 horsepower engine, the 2004 ION Red Line has a character like nothing else to come out of Saturn. Affirming its intention to create expressive performance-tuned vehicles, Saturn is displaying the ION Red Line at the 2003 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.

"The 2004 ION Red Line will introduce Saturn to sport compact enthusiasts," said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn vice president for sales, service and marketing. "We have pulled no punches with the ION Red Line. It's a serious performance vehicle."

Production of the ION Red Line is scheduled to begin in early 2004.

"Performance-tuned vehicles are an important component of Saturn’s expanding portfolio," said Lajdziak. "Saturn vehicles inspire fun while driving. And while the ION Red Line delivers a unique driving experience, it does so in different ways."

Highlights of the ION Red Line include:


2.0-liter, supercharged and intercooled version of the Ecotec four-cylinder engine
Five-speed transmission with increased torque capacity, close ratio gearing and short-throw shifter
Equal-length half shafts
High-flow, performance-tuned exhaust and air induction system
Large, four-wheel disc brakes (with standard ABS)
Racetrack-bred suspension tuning, including revised springs, shocks, bushings and stabilizer bars
17 x 7 inch, five-spoke forged alloy wheels
Dunlop P215/45R-17 Sport SP9000 performance tires
10-mm lower ride height
Unique front and rear fascias, rocker moldings and a family of available rear wings
Recaro performance front seats, four-spoke steering wheel and performance pedals
"The supercharger provides instant response and a dramatic feeling of performance when you're behind the wheel," said Doug Parks, ION chief engineer. "But the Red Line is not simply an ION with more power. From its visual features, such as the aggressive wheels, to components you can’t see, like the equal-length drive shafts that are used to limit torque steer, it's a comprehensive package developed to recast the entire car in a performance mold."

In addition to outstanding performance, the ION Red Line features a technologically-packed powertrain, including the supercharger, an air-to-water intercooler and the use of electronic throttle control (ETC). ETC utilizes an electronic signal, rather than a traditional cable between the gas pedal and engine, for immediate throttle response. "ION Red Line is a street car that is also at home on the racetrack," said Parks. "Customers have told us that ride-and-handling is their favorite attribute of ION; with the Red Line we’ve built on that strength."

Inspired by the "tuner" cars popularized in Southern California, ION Red Line was developed with assistance from the GM Performance Division, an in-house center designed to explore potential enthusiast-oriented versions of production models. "The ION Red Line was designed for enthusiasts seeking a ready performance vehicle," said John Heinricy, GM Performance Division director. "The base ION was systematically enhanced to deliver uncompromising performance, function and style – traits that will make it extremely competitive in the sport compact market."

Engine, Cooling, and Exhaust

An Eaton helical Roots supercharger was selected because of the immediacy of its horsepower delivery and its relative ease of implementation. Engineers also added an air-to-water intercooler to reduce the temperature of air entering the engine. This cooler air enhances the effectiveness of the supercharger. In the Red Line, the supercharger and intercooler system produces a maximum boost level of 12 pounds. "The supercharger provides instant power," said Tracy Thueme, ION Red Line program engineering manager. "Coupling the supercharger with an air-to-water intercooler was a simple, effective way to build even more horsepower."

Engineers did not simply add a supercharger and intercooler to the existing ION 2.2L Ecotec engine. The Red Line engine is a special 2.0L Ecotec engine, built with a high-strength steel crankshaft, oil-cooled lower-compression pistons, sodium-filled exhaust valves and other components necessary to handle the unique requirements of a supercharged application. A high-flow air intake and a high-flow exhaust manifold are tuned to move air quickly through the engine. Along with the new engine, the vehicle’s cooling system is upgraded with a larger radiator core and larger cooling fans.

When it came to exhaust, engineers maintained the "move air quickly" ideal with a 2.25-inch exhaust system that incorporates a low restriction catalytic converter and low restriction muffler. The system lowers backpressure from the engine, enhancing the performance of the supercharged engine and giving the ION Red Line a distinct note from its large, chromed exhaust tip.

What would be gained in hp if a cold air box, a new chip and exhaust were put on the car????

I would guess that you would gain about 10hp maybe 15 if there is a bad design in the stock intake/ exhaust.

Hello people,

I have some url's about ECOTEC engines upgrades but they are in the UK or in Germany.

EDS-Motorsport (http://www.eds-motorsport.de/indexenglisch.htm)
These guysare from Germany and know what they are doing... they have been tweaking GM engines for years now and they can get the best out of an engine. They are for Opel/Vauxhall cars, but I think some of these engines also live under the hood of some US GM cars as I also have an ECOTEC engine on my ASTRA. The code for mine is Z20LET (2liter, 4 cyl, KKK turbo).

REGAL Motorsport (http://www.regal-shop.co.uk/)
These are in the UK and are basically the business partners of EDS-Motorsport.

I hope this can answer some of your questions...

Later,

Luis