Nvizn

I have a 2007 HHR, 2.2 liter, with low compression in cylinder one. The typical situation, skipping at idle.

I'm looking around for engines and notice the separation of engines listed for fitment, between the '06-'08 and the '09-'11. I find lower mileage on the newer models. Bottom line, will the engine fit without modification? Is there any differences?

firemangeorge

Those newer ones are the flex fuel engines with VVT. Your 2007 wasn't built for that, so no, it won't work.

Nvizn

Thanks for the response. What specifically, varies with the block?

Accordingly to Wikipedia, it appears they're all the Ecotech L61 I4.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_HHR


To add to this conversation, compatibility with the 2.4 liter?

Dbeluscak

Let's get this straight. Anything is possible given the time and the money. We've got an LS1 panel going on here!

Seeing as how the newer engines are vvt. You'd need AT LEAST the ecm+wiring harness from the donor vehicle. I'd stick around your platform if you're not confident in "making" it work.

I'm interested in a similar project except I have an 08 SS turbo motor to rebuild, looking for a donor car + ecm...

black Tara

Flex fuel didn't come out until 09 if memory serves me right.
also go to zzp

LawDog88

You might want to talk to someone named Jerry Kinney over at Bad News Racing. He's got a Flex Fuel Conversion kit I think. Worth asking about, if you really wanted to go that route.

donbrew

The engine will "fit" into the engine compartment. I think that's the answer you are looking for. There is a lot of information on this site on the subject, seems like it comes up at least monthly.

The computers will not like it. Any money you save by getting an older engine will be absorbed by new computers and programming and new harnesses etc. It's the VVT that makes it FlexFuel and is the main difference.

firemangeorge

Read this: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_Ecotec_engine#L61
(scroll down about 2/3 of the page to the LE8 listed)

The L61 changed to the LE8 in 2009 for the flex fuel era.

Oldblue

your low compression issue is most likely a head gasket, which you would be replacing if you used the 09 block with your 07 head, so you'd be no further ahead!

Nvizn

Head gasket? Do you think? I haven't noticed any evidence of water in the oil.

While I was testing the compression, I did what was suggested to determine the cause. I added oil down into cylinder one, which increased the compression from around 90psi, to the normal, 170'ish. The documentation I found, said this should mean the cylinder wall is scarred.

Here's the thread used to diagnose.

Check Engine Light P0300 Misfire At Idle- 2.2L And 2.4L