PontiacBonnevilleClub.com

Meet Sunny my newest Pontiac!

On our way back from the impound yard after tearfully bidding goodbye to the Burg we passed a local lot and had to stop to look at a boxing week sale.

Just too hard to resist.

I will not drive the Bullet in the rain and salt.

Laura loves it!!




2002 with 90,000 km (56,000 miles) with some minor scratches but everything else is in excellent condition. New tires and brakes. Owned by the OK Tire dealer.
2.2L Ecotec, 4 speed Auto, pwr locks, A/C, Cruise control (not that I will ever use it), manual windows..........and only took $50 to fill the tank from empty!
115 hp pulling 2600 lbs should maitain good fuel economy.

Definitely makes us feel better after the disasterous boxing day Burg incident!












Tomorrow we'll find out how much the difference will be between the SunFire and the Jeep salvage value.

Turbo that eco-tec!!!!

Not spending any more than is absolutely necessary on it.

Bought some new wipers and installed them already.
The Burgs floor mats are also installed.

It just had an oil change and the transmission oil was changed last year with new struts.

Just gonna drive it.

Just gonna drive it.

Yah, right, Paul.

yay!

Ya right John.

I learned my lesson with the Burg.
I am anticipating taking quite a beating when I find out how much I'm gonna get back from all my hard work and expense the last few months.

Look at my SSEi. Do you really think I would get anywhere near what it's really worth if it's written off by a branch that falls on the roof...........or a flourescent light fixture?

When one needs cheap basic transportation that they don't care about, a Sunfire is hard to beat. Run it hard and it'll keep on ticking!

Are you sure it has the Ecotec? I always thought that started in 2003 with the front and rear fascia refresh.

Yes, it's a 2.2 L L4 L61 Ecotec


That year they also installed a 2.4L L4 LD9 which was not an Ecotec

Edit....they must have upgraded it. The one I have is only 115 hp @ 5000 rpm and 135 ft-lbs at 9:1 compression and the owners manual and valve cover says EcoTec.

Internet Specs:
Type: 2.2L L4
Displacement: 2189cc
Compression Ratio: 10.0:1
Valve Configuration: Dual overhead cams
Assembly Line: Tonawanda, NY
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic roller finger followers
Bore x Stroke: 86 x 94.6 mm
Firing Order: 1-3-4-2
Fuel System: Sequential fuel system
Fuel Shutoff: 6500 rpm
Horsepower: 135 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque: 142 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Cylinder Block: Lost-foam cast aluminum
Cylinder Head: Lost-foam cast aluminum
Intake Manifold: Composite
Exhaust Manifold: High-silicon molybdenum cast nodular iron
Lower Crankcase: Cast aluminum
Camshaft: Cast iron
Connecting Rods: Forged powder metal
Crankshaft: Cast nodular iron

I'm learning............


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

Now that I look closer.....the manual lists two 2.2L engine options, the L61 Ecotec VIN Code F and the LN2 VIN Code 4

I think I have the Code 4.
I'll have to check the VIN
3B2JB52432Sxxxxxx
Not sure how to decifer this VIN

Not a bad buy, should be a good gas-miser.

Punch the VIN in on CompNine, see what it throws at you.

FWIW, I had a dog named Sunny...

Looks like a nice find for a year round daily driver!

I may have missed it, but what did it cost to pick up this little guy?

Paul, honest question. I fully understand not driving in salt, but rain? Do you have acid rain problems where you are? I guess I don't get it.

2000Silverbullet wrote: Now that I look closer.....the manual lists two 2.2L engine options, the L61 Ecotec VIN Code F and the LN2 VIN Code 4

I think I have the Code 4.
I'll have to check the VIN
3B2JB52432Sxxxxxx
Not sure how to decifer this VIN

Just plop the VIN into compnine, or even check the RPO sheet. Unless I am missing something?

I'm thinkin' the eighth VIN character is the engine code, so....looks like you have the LN2.

Found this page for GM VIN codes:

http://service.gm.com/dealerworld/vincards/

clicked on 2002 model year to get here:

http://service.gm.com/dealerworld/vinca ... card02.pdf

Applying it to your VIN: 3B2JB52432Sxxxxxx gives:

3 = Mexico Built
B = ?
2 = Pontiac
J/B = Sunfire (carline/series)
5 = 4-door sedan (body style)
2 = manual belts w/ front L & R airbags (restraint code)
4 = LN2 2.2L L4 SFI used by Chev. and Pontiac (engine type)
3 = (check digit)
2 = 2002 (model year)
S = Ramos Arizpe Mexico (plant)
xxxxxx = (production sequence number)

It's a nice looking car. I'll bet it gives great gas mileage.

It's easy to tell which engine you have in these... Ecotec says "Ecotec" on the valve cover, pushrod 2.2 says 2200 SFI. Either way, both engines are both uber reliable, even if the pushrod 2.2 is a little loud.

even if the pushrod 2.2 is a little loud.

LOL, I can't even hear this engine! Remember the other cars I drive are Uber loud.

Thanks for the VIN info Bill.

As for cost............well the normal retail price is $5,100. US (Motortrend) Trade in value $3,500 US
In Canada it's quite a bit more as many can attest.

This one was excellently maintained and serviced regularly by the dealer who owned it.
It is low mileage too at 91,000 km. Nothing available in this town tops it.
I could probably have done a little better travelling to another city but the cost of doing that didn't make sense.

$4,500

I am about to do battle with the insurance adjuster in hopes that the difference will only cost me $500

Stay tuned to find out how well it goes.........

Hmmmm, it's frosty this morning so the Burg will be disguised by the white stuff. The adjuster will not get good pictures.
Question.....should I take my computer in with the pics or print of inkjet 8x11's of the best shots...??

If you can, print them out, but also burn them onto a DVD. Adjusters usually like the extra help in difficult situations. Be aware though, your "extra help" may convince them to write the Jeep off.

At this point I WANT them to write it off and give me $4,000 credit for it !!

.....to minimize what I have left to pay for the SunFire!

The SunFire has the Jeep plates on it now. So far including insurance I've only paid $150 for Sunny.


I used to have a Canary named Sunny. It was my other Bird. LOL

I pulled the wheels off of the SunFire over the weekend and discovered the grizzly sight of worn out brakes front and rear and a broken exhaust flex connector.

Brought it back to the dealer fuming.

Today they are replacing the complete front and rear brakes, replacing the flex, installing new plugs, oil & filter change, new O2 sensor and replacing a burnt out light.


Did I say I haven't paid for it yet.