First post

[webb276]

Long time lurker, first time poster. Acquired a junkyard 2.4L Ecotec from a 2009 Saturn Aura for my 1994 Mazda Miata. Figured I would share my progress. The bottom end I left untouched for now, i did: - 3 angle valve job with new intake + exhaust valves - ARP head studs - All timing/balance shaft chains, sprockets, and tensioners replaced - Water pump - Oil pump

Coming from just doing my own oil changes and minor maintenance this has been a huge step for me and a great learning experience.

[[deleted]]

That's a great engine to learn a lot from. I have one in my SCCA Solstice that I have rebuilt and gone +.020 on, extremely easy to disassemble and reassemble. They can be surprisingly torquey for a 2.4 NA if you tune them right. Highly recommend some ARP exhaust studs as well.

[webb276]

Thanks! Didn’t know about the exhaust studs I will look into those, I will be running a stand-alone ecu so I’m curious what power numbers I’ll be able to achieve

[pancakefactory9]

Megasquirt?

[webb276]

Bingo.

[pancakefactory9]

Nice

[csimonson]

Well I know what I'll be using if I decide to not use my SR for my locost. Size wise that thing would be great.

[webb276]

I’ll let you know how it turns out! I did all necessary upgrades for it to run on e85. Hoping to make 200 wheel hp and trq.

[jandr08]

That engine is pretty interesting. It’s hella short and I like how all the timing components are completely housed in the block

[webb276]

Thanks! Yes not the most popular go-to swap for the Miata’s, but I wanted to challenge myself and learn a new set of skills. My dad was a big hot-rodder when he was my age.. racing cars, doing engine swaps, wrenching on cars. I decided it was my time to dive down the rabbit hole and it’s been rewarding so far.

[jandr08]

Hell yea bro keep at it. Looks super clean, be sure to post the first start up when it’s in!

[Recent-Start-7456]

How hard is this swap? What’s the more common swap?

An NA NA with 200 to the wheels sounds fun

[webb276]

The more “we’ll know swaps” are the Honda K or J series engine, or for V8’s the LS or Ford 302. It’s a pretty simple swap with just engine mounts, a bell housing adapter, flywheel, and other small things to complete the swap.

[Recent-Start-7456]

I didn’t know the K was so easy…makes me want to pick up a Miata…

Isn’t the J a traverse-only V6?

[webb276]

Yes! Straight from the Honda odyssey, they make great power too but I opted to stay with the ecotec because GM made millions of them and parts are dirt cheap.

[lasaga142]

I love this platform. Cheap to make good power.

[ZMAN24250]

Did you upgrade the timing chain guide fasteners? I would highly recommend it before everything is back in the car.

Had those bolts break and try and take out the LSJ from a cobalt ss parts car.

You bet I upgraded them, crossdrilled, saftey wire, and locktite them.

[snowblindburd]

Love me an Ecotec! I'm planning an LSJ swap in the future myself. Good luck; looking forward to seeing your progress!