EcoTec Tuning
02-04-2010, 07:43 AM
#1
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Join Date: 01-21-2010
Location: The Middie OHIO
Posts: 1,700
EcoTec Tuning
So I've had my HHR almost two weeks now and I'm getting the urge to mess with it. I have kind of a noob question about EcoTec...can it be tuned to produce more performance? My buddy has a 99 Prelude with some work done to it and he had it tuned after installing an Apexi Neo and it picked up a noticible amount of performance (granted he also has CAI, headers, full exhaust, etc).
Now I know that Chevy's EcoTec and Honda's VTech are two different things, but how different are they? Adding a piggy back ecu to an HHR with a version of variable valve timing shouldn't be any different than the Honda boys, should it?
Now I know that Chevy's EcoTec and Honda's VTech are two different things, but how different are they? Adding a piggy back ecu to an HHR with a version of variable valve timing shouldn't be any different than the Honda boys, should it?
03-24-2010, 08:11 PM
#4
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Join Date: 07-13-2009
Location: NC
Posts: 414
Really, I found that there is not much you can do to a 2.4 EcoTech unless you want to spend BIG money with a full-up build of the internals. You'll probably need forced induction too. In other words, not much bolt-on is going to do you much good. Look at it this way, you already have a relatively big displacement four, with 4 valves per cylinder, dual overhead cams, variable valve timing, computer controlled fuel injection. Not much more to add. If it was a V-8 it would be around 350 hp. Not shabby. I have seen some numbers on Chevy's GMPP boosted drag cars and salt flats racers quoting 750 to 1,000 hp for short bursts. I doubt they live long at that level, and they cost BIG money.
All that said, the things you can readily do are add a header, freer flowing exhaust (usually adds loudness), a good intake that is enclosed and breathes outside air (I like my GMPP), and then a TriFecta tune. They seem to be the leader in EcoTech tuning, and I have heard no complaints about them. I am guessing that the header, exhaust and intake may give you 10 hp combined (I am guessing, and that is a big maybe). The tune on top maybe would add another 5 to 10 hp?? So you are looking at what, maybe 190 hp or so? In any event, running premium in the 2.4 is a given if you want power.
I hope this helps. God Bless, Marc
All that said, the things you can readily do are add a header, freer flowing exhaust (usually adds loudness), a good intake that is enclosed and breathes outside air (I like my GMPP), and then a TriFecta tune. They seem to be the leader in EcoTech tuning, and I have heard no complaints about them. I am guessing that the header, exhaust and intake may give you 10 hp combined (I am guessing, and that is a big maybe). The tune on top maybe would add another 5 to 10 hp?? So you are looking at what, maybe 190 hp or so? In any event, running premium in the 2.4 is a given if you want power.
I hope this helps. God Bless, Marc
03-24-2010, 08:42 PM
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: 03-26-2009
Location: Colorado
Posts: 191
Really, I found that there is not much you can do to a 2.4 EcoTech unless you want to spend BIG money with a full-up build of the internals. You'll probably need forced induction too. In other words, not much bolt-on is going to do you much good. Look at it this way, you already have a relatively big displacement four, with 4 valves per cylinder, dual overhead cams, variable valve timing, computer controlled fuel injection. Not much more to add. If it was a V-8 it would be around 350 hp. Not shabby. I have seen some numbers on Chevy's GMPP boosted drag cars and salt flats racers quoting 750 to 1,000 hp for short bursts. I doubt they live long at that level, and they cost BIG money.
All that said, the things you can readily do are add a header, freer flowing exhaust (usually adds loudness), a good intake that is enclosed and breathes outside air (I like my GMPP), and then a TriFecta tune. They seem to be the leader in EcoTech tuning, and I have heard no complaints about them. I am guessing that the header, exhaust and intake may give you 10 hp combined (I am guessing, and that is a big maybe). The tune on top maybe would add another 5 to 10 hp?? So you are looking at what, maybe 190 hp or so? In any event, running premium in the 2.4 is a given if you want power.
I hope this helps. God Bless, Marc
All that said, the things you can readily do are add a header, freer flowing exhaust (usually adds loudness), a good intake that is enclosed and breathes outside air (I like my GMPP), and then a TriFecta tune. They seem to be the leader in EcoTech tuning, and I have heard no complaints about them. I am guessing that the header, exhaust and intake may give you 10 hp combined (I am guessing, and that is a big maybe). The tune on top maybe would add another 5 to 10 hp?? So you are looking at what, maybe 190 hp or so? In any event, running premium in the 2.4 is a given if you want power.
I hope this helps. God Bless, Marc
03-24-2010, 08:49 PM
#6
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Join Date: 06-04-2008
Location: Toledo, OH
Posts: 1,882
its very true if you want to exceed getting more than 20 or so hp over stock plan to spend some big money. 2-3k for a turbo about 2k for a supercharger swap. or nitrous being the cheapest but not reccomended for unexperienced.
03-25-2010, 08:39 AM
#9
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Thread Starter
Join Date: 01-21-2010
Location: The Middie OHIO
Posts: 1,700
I've pretty much moved on from this idea...this car is my daily and if I really wanted to make some serious power, I'd either trade it for an SS and hop that up or get something with a bigger motor. Was more of a "can it be done" and "would it be beneficial" question. Thanks for the input on this guys, it is much appreciated as always.
Heh, heh. God Bless, Marc
