What are the best are worst GM engines you have ever owned. The HHR is the first GM product I have personally owned but so far the 2.4 Ecotec has been great.

 

hmm worst would have to be what ever 4 cylinder motor was in my 91 Cavalier it was dog slow and blew head gaskets way to often. best will be the 350 small block i bought from GM performance to put in my Camaro.

 

Just about all V8 GM pushrod motors are very reliable, most can run 200,000-300,000 miles with little or no issues. Almost bullet broof so to speak.

The ecotec is prooving to be just as reliable.

 

A GM engine will run badly longer than most engines will run period.

 

3.4 V6 that was in the Grand Am,Alero it loved LIM's.

 

Whatever was in my 72 Vega GT. An oil burner, underpowered, aluminum/cast iron block. Replaced under warrenty.

The Fiero 2.5L four was about as bad, poor connecting rods, undersized oil pan leading to blowing engines, replaced under warrenty. Ruined the cars sales by 1985.

 

Theworst:75 chevy Monza (basically a Reskinned Vega rustbucket) with the 2300CC aluminum block engine that blew a head gasket at 35k mi.

The best: 1996 Formula Firebird LT1 - I miss her but not the fuel economy. I'd still have her if I had room in the driveway/garage.

 

Best: Small block Chevrolet V8 as introduced by Ed Cole et. al. Set the world standard.

Worst: Probably the 3.0 V6 from the 80's. Undersized main bearings and oil issues made it a recipe for seizing up without warning. Instant scrap. No one ever rebuilt one. Best forgotten.

On the horizon...Only time will tell, but the Ecotec 4 and LS type V8s have the potential for classic status. My money's on the Ecotec, as I believe in our current energy environment, V8s will be relegated to specialty status, whereas the Ecotec will continue to power millions of vehicles as the SB did in the 50's and 60's.

 

This would be the worst GM motor I have had the pleasure of owning. I actully had a 3.1 in a Grand Prix, and the in-laws still have a 3.4 in a venture minivan. They definitely eat the LIMs.

Best? So far the 2.0 LNF

 

Whatever GM put in the Impalas from 2000-2005...from what I understand those things always had head gasket issues.... Probably the one reason I went with a Vue with a Honda 3.5L engine in it at the time

The Ecotec and its reputation sold me on the HHR. Hope the other guts of this thing lasts as long as the engine.



Goose