5speed4

I just got a 2006 2LT 5-spd and I have to say I love this engine.
On my morning commute I have a long, steep hill to climb and the 2.4L handles that hill almost like it's not there. I don't even have to take it out of 5th gear. Mind you, this is at 6500 ft up to 7300 ft elevation, so my torque/power is reduced (relative to sea level) by more than 20%.

For comparison, I had a base model 2004 Pontiac Grand Am which had the 2.2L 5-spd (same engine/tranny as the 2006-2008 HHRs, I believe) and weighs at least 200 lbs less than my loaded HHR and I always had to downshift to at least 4th (sometimes 3rd if I had a slow driver ahead of me).

Another vehicle I had for comparison is a 2005 Chevy Colorado 5-spd 3.5L (5-cyl). Again, I always had to downshift on that hill. Granted, it was a 4WD, ext-cab so it weighed about 3900 lbs and had taller tires, but still, 3.5L is almost 50% bigger than 2.4L.

The only other manual-tranny vehicle that could handle that hill like the 2.4L was a TDi Jetta (turbo-diesel 1.9L)...until the turbo went out, then it was dogggggggg slllllloooooowwwww.

Anyway. Just thought I'd pay homage to a great engine.

2010SilverIceSS

The whole Ecotec engine series is a great lineup. Great power for their size. They also return pretty good fuel economy as well. Can't forget the LSJ and LNF. If they had put out a little more displacement, I think more people would opt for them. I just wish the FI Ecotec's had a little more displacement and in a better rwd platform. I love the LNF but I don't want a two seater roadster. If they could design a little longer stroke and bore with a new block design, it could be used in more midsize and some fullsize platforms. I'd like to see a version of the LNF near 2.8-3 liters. Torque would surpass 300lbs easily in stock form. Being a old school person, I believe off idle torque is more important than high rpm horsepower. That was one of the reasons, I got rid of my SS. I didn't get any "seat of the pants" feel before 2800 rpms. I rarely need to go past 5000+ rpm unless I'm doing a run. After 2800 rpms, it took off pretty good.


Dave

5speed4

I know exactly what you mean. Even with the 6.0L LS2 in my Trailblazer SS, GM tuned it so that the torque doesn't really kick in fully till higher rpms. It's got 390 HP and 400 lb-ft TQ from the factory, but I'd gladly give up about 40 of those horsepower to move the torque-peak down lower in the rpms. I love that off-idle torque that makes you feel like shouting, "I'm the king of the world".

5speed4

Has anyone else noticed the "turbo" feel of the 2.4? Right around 2000 rpm,
the engine seems to suddenly get a kick. Is that the VVT kicking in? On a related topic, does anyone have the torque/hp curves for the 2.4L Ecotec
for our cars?

5speed4

Found one on the inter-web. This is listed for the 2006 Cobalt 2.4L which should be
essentially the same as the HHR. The curve definitely shows an increase in slope
right near 2000 rpm, so that's probably what I'm feeling.

JoeR

The VVT doesn't "kick in". It is always active.

What you're feeling is the effect of PE Delay (Power Enrichment Delay) that keeps the Air Fuel Ration at stoic for a few seconds. That helps with emissions and fuel economy tests but makes the car feel sluggish when you step on it.

5speed4

Okay. I didn't know if it was something like Honda's V-TEC

Thanks, that's good info. I'm actually more interested in hypermiling than I am power, so I can put up with the sluggishness for better economy.

LewiSS

That "dead" feeling on the V8 Chevy's is the torque limiting in the programming to protect the drive train from damage. I had a 2006 Z71 with the L33 (5.3 aluminum block) and it had the same issue - felt like a 4 cylinder off the line. Too bad, because that "327" is a really great motor. They need to put it in a price leader 'vette and bring back the "327 Corvette" for those of us who like the true small blocks. But they sell every 'vette they can make now, so there's no incentive to do that.

joeypete

I LOVE the 2.4. I had it in my Saturn Aura and was very impressed with it's power. I have the 2.2 in my HHR, but being a 2011 it has been tuned and upgraded to the max and honestly it performs quite well. I haven't had any issues at all with power. I drove both when I bought mine and I didn't notice much difference between the two, aside from a deeper growl from the 2.4. Ecotecs are awesome.