Project: Chevette Turbocharged Ecotec...

[dafabricata]

dfabricata...a very interesting project indeed. I'm about an hour from Ann Arbor, I'd love to come out and see this thing as you get closer. From the posts I've read it seems you're in a bit of a situation in regards to transplanting the Ecotech drivetrain. If you want I can put you in touch with a guy here at GM that is involved with GM's performance engines, he might be able to help you with that and I know he'd be quite intrigued by your project.

I think what's most interesting about this project is that we're getting to see "what might have been" had GM played their cards correctly in the 1980's. The Ecotech drivetrain, suspension upgrades, and refinements to the car's fit and finish are all indicative of how we build cars today.

If you can help me in ANY way, I would be greatful!
I need to get my hands on a wiring harness to make the engine run.
As things move further along, you'd be welcome to come check it out!

[brrymnvette]

Call Speartech no the wiring harness. They can make it exactly what you need and none of the other crap you don't.

[JohnLClark]

I have to say that this a nice project. It has given me some ideas about swapping a ecotec into a corvair. I will be watching this to see how it turns out. I have read that lightly modified turbo ecos can make 300hp easy. With the light weight of that Chevette and engine combo, that should be a real quick ride.

[Nate K]

If it's anything like earlier ecotecs, what you'll need is the body control module and ignition switch, as well as the associated wiring. It's an anti-theft thing, and unfortunately it's over a comm bus instead of being a simple analog or digital input.

You are right the passlock sensor will cause the car not to start. The ecm will also look for all the other modules that are in the car like the SDM or EBCM even the IPC. Somehow that part of the ECM will need to be disabled.

[West Texas Z]

Man, those CF light covers look sick. Anymore pics of that? What else to plan to plan to wrap in CF?

[dafabricata]

Thanks! Those are about the best pics of the headlight buckets I have right now. I plan to probably do carbon fiber on the rear view mirror, tail panel between the taillights, a few interior pieces, and the maybe the lower front valance.....I changed my mind on the hood for now. I don't want to go overboard and have it look too outta place.
I tried to get my torpedo heater working in the garage but it won't stay lit!!!....it's been pretty cold and its only gonna get worse. Luckily my basement is pretty big and will allow some projects to be carried out inside. I have a lot more planning to do before I start the chassis and cage....and a lot more parts to buy!....damn...
As for the wiring situation.....I guess I just gotta try and find a totaled 08 Solstice GXP, buy the wiring harness and ALL other components or buy it from the dealership.
AGAIN, ANYONE HEAR OF AN '08 SOLSTICE GXP in a Salvage Yard or being parted out.....PLEASE LET ME KNOW!!!

[brn agn]

Have you checked this place out yet?

http://www.solsticeforum.com/forum/s...ghlight=parted

They may not have what you need, but it sounds like you can put your name on a waiting list.

[ROACHZ28]

I owned a 79 4 door Chevette back in 84/85. There was even a Chevette Club where I grew up in Flint(MI). Those guys had their cars all pimped out with wire wheels,white wall tires,tinted windows and killer stereo systems. I saw a silver 2 door with a supercharged v6 at the Woodward Dream Cruise this summer. I noticed your floor boards were rusted out. Chevettes were famous for that. I had a big hole in mine also. I hated driving that car in the rain.Well good luck to you sir. Looking forward to seeing you cruising the Detroit area next summer.

[OHCbird]

The other issues you'll run into:
1. DBW- drive by wire. All gen 2 Ecotecs are DBW now. It can be programmed out if you switch or modify the TB.

2. The CAN protocol , and the way it requires interaction with the BCM (stuff like gas cap venting, speed sensors, etc). Speartech and a few others can defeat some of this for you. In the interest of time and effort, I'd stick with the factory ECM- the DI engines run slightly different fuel/spark corrections. I have yet to see an aftemarket controller on an Eco DI (on the street, at least).

3. If you can, the IRS out of a Solstice could be made to work; you can upgrade the center 'chunk' by using a CTS-V or GTO diff.

On a good note, I know of a GXP that is making 445rwhp already; he's finishing up a kit for release. You'll have no problems getting 300hp out of that- easy day!

[zman1969]

P/T Chevette - almost sounds like a oxymoron really. but i have to say i like your ideas, motivation and being different, looks like your on your way with a neet deal and a super sleeper! , back in the day there were a few V-8 vegas running around and it was easy to tell the rest you ignored . i like what i see + keep going!!

[deuce_454]

hmm, i wouldnt mess about with an OEM harness, id take the plunge and install an aftermarket ECM.. there are some that are DBW compatible, but if one were to switch to a cable TB it really isnt a biggie installing an aftermarket EFI, bigstuff3, tec3, autronic, mefi and so on are all good bets.. and if you plan on upping the boost and output id call them a nessecity rather than an option...

i have only worked with an electromotibe tec3 myself (its what i have on the 32 roadster) but it is my impression that for a turbo 4 application, the autronic is hard to beat.. cheaper options include VEMS, and megasquirt... the first being the obvious choice in my view..

[68Formula]

hmm, i wouldnt mess about with an OEM harness, id take the plunge and install an aftermarket ECM.. there are some that are DBW compatible, but if one were to switch to a cable TB it really isnt a biggie installing an aftermarket EFI, bigstuff3, tec3, autronic, mefi and so on are all good bets.. and if you plan on upping the boost and output id call them a nessecity rather than an option...

It is a biggie actually. This is a Direct Injection engine. The injectors require a PCM special drivers to open against the 2200psi fuel pressure and there is a feedback control strategy for the high pressure pump. These are just a couple items, there is probably a lot more to it.

[Nate K]

It is a biggie actually. This is a Direct Injection engine. The injectors require a PCM special drivers to open against the 2200psi fuel pressure and there is a feedback control strategy for the high pressure pump. These are just a couple items, there is probably a lot more to it.

The ecotec also has variable valvetrain I dont know if any of the aftermarket systems have the ability to work the cams. Spectre has a saturn sky that I think has their aftermarket controler in it I would contact them.

http://www.spectreperformance.com/#HOME

[OHCbird]

The cam phasers are controlled uing metered oil pressure via a pwm signal. I'm using the DFI's PWM output to play with the exhaust cam phasing.

With the advent of the tuning software that is available now, I'd say stick with the factory ECM & harness. It's lot easier to eliminate systems than it is to adapt or build them!

[nastynavy]

I love the idea. Complete sleeper! I think the motor choice is fitting as well considering the Chevette was the small car back then. The best part is it is an older one with the better looking front end as well.

[gmchevolds]

Yes! Yes! Yes!

[Chewy72ss]

MORE PICS!!!!!

Great concept. I have a buddy who is buildin' a Chevette w/ a 4.3. (Tryin' to convince him to steal the motor setup from a Syclone/Typhoon.)

But, SICK ride man...keep it up, and like I said earlier....MORE PICS!!

[Code Red]

updates????

[The01Cav]

I really want to see some progress on this. Seems like you have left us hanging!

[dafabricata]

I've been super busy trying to get caught up with a ton of crap. Life has a way of stepping in and forcing things to be prioritized. BUT, I have completed almost all the tasks that were weighing me down and feel that many days and nights will be spent in the garage playing catch-up with the Ecovette. A lot of the things I have been doing will indirectly help with build of this car. My garage and basement are now in better shape than ever and all my **** is SUPER organized. It's a good feeling to know that everything has a storage space and all the loose hardware and cars parts and EVERYTHING else is taken care of. I even sold the engine and trans and the seats from the car. The stock bull$hit of coarse. I have a problem with seeing usefulness in stuff that most people wouldn't think twice about throwing out. It has been like this for years and I am the guy people call when they do think twice about tossing it. Fortunately I am not to the point of my neighbor, but we do think alike in the respect of keeping some things around. I had to purge and toss a bunch of crap and sell things on ebay that have been sitting around. I was just feeling a little overwhelmed and had to take the time to do it before I could feel good and concentrate more on the car. I'm sure many of you can understand.....TOO MANY PROJECTS! Oh well.
I just recieved a new heater for the garage and that will definetly help in staying motivated in the garage. My house is really old (built in the 20's and still has the original single pane glass. Needless to say, it doesn't retain heat worth crap! I keep it 52-53 degrees in the winter and spend a lot of time in my room, which is the only warm room in the house due to the heat-sensing fan on the heat register. BLA-BLA-BLA----ANYWAY---the heat is a good motivating factor.

I'll update soon.....

Heres a new pic...