GM Family II engine
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The Family II is a straight-4 piston engine that was originally developed by Opel in late 1970s for use in the Opel Ascona B and Opel Kadett D. Over time, the engine block has evolved to include many modern features such as DOHC and fuel injection. Many General Motors subsidiaries, including Holden, GM do Brasil and recently GM Powertrain have adopted this design. It is also starting to be used in hot rods as an engine swap.
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The older, naturally-aspirated 16-valve version of the 2.0 L(1998 cc) cast iron block engine is the successor to the OHC-engines and a predecessor to the 16-valve Ecotec-line of engines. OHC-derived block with 86 mm bore & stroke and a Cosworth-developed DOHC cylinder head (Cosworth Project KB). Cylinder heads were manufactured by Cosworth and Kolbenschmidt. In general, the heads from this engine family are supposed to flow appreciablу better than most Ecotec heads. Power output is rated at 110 kW (150 hp) @ 6000 rpm and 196 N·m @ 4600 rpm (C20XE) or 156 hp (20XE). Russian car manufacturer AutoVAZ also used the C20XE in a limited-edition sports version of its Lada 110 model.
This engine is used in:
- Opel Kadett GSi
- Opel Vectra 2000
- Opel Vectra GT 16V
- Opel Calibra 16V
- Opel Astra GSi
- Opel Astra Irmscher caravan
- Lada 110
The first engine Opel branded as Ecotec, a mass-market successor to the C20XE with a Lotus-developed cylinder head. The new cylinder head had a smaller valve angle compared to the older C20XE, which was supposed to give more torque in the lower revs. It is a 1998 cc naturally aspirated engine with 16 valves and belt driven double overhead camshafts (DOHC). 86 mm bore and stroke in cast iron OHC-derived cylinder block and aluminium cylinder head. X20XEV was equipped with exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) to reduce nitrous oxide emissions and air injection reactor (AIR) to speed up the warming up of the catalytic converter and to reduce unburnt hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. Power 100 kW / 136 hp.
This engine was used in:
- Opel Calibra 94-
- Opel Vectra 94-
- Opel Astra 94-
- Opel Omega 94-
The Ecotec name was adopted in 2000 for the new generation of Family II engines. The name was already used for the Opel Family 1 and Family 0 ranges. GM intends this new Ecotec to become its global 4-cylinder.
The Ecotec Family II is a modern chain-driven DOHC 4-valve design with an aluminum block and head (L850 for 86mm bore applications, and L880 for 88mm bore), designed for displacements from 1.8 to 2.4 L. It was developed by an international team of engineers and technicians from Opel's International Technical Development Center in Rüsselsheim, Germany, GM Powertrain in Pontiac, Michigan, and Saab in Trollhättan, Sweden. Much of the development work on this project was carried out by Lotus Engineering, Hethel, United Kingdom. The engine uses aluminum pistons and cast iron cylinder liners. Vibration is reduced with twin balance shafts.
The current Ecotec line is manufactured in Tonawanda, New York, Kaiserslautern, Germany, and (for Saturn) in Spring Hill, Tennessee.
Opel/Vauxhall offers a turbocharged version of the 2.0 L(1998 cc) Ecotec (the Z20LET) in a cast iron block; it features 86 mm (3.39 in) bore and stroke, 9.5:1 compression, 200 hp (147 kW) and 195 ft·lbf (265 N·m) of torque.
This engine is used in:
Pontiac will offer a Gasoline direct injection version (redubbed Spark Ignition Direct Injection) for use in the 2007 Solstice GXP. Displacement is 2.0 L (1998 cc) with an 86 mm (3.38 in) bore and stroke. Compression is 9.2:1, delivering 260 hp (194 kW) and 260 ft·lbf (353 N·m) of torque. The "Gen II" block is similar to the 2.4 L and also features VVT technology.
Unique LNF features[1] include:
- a twin-scroll turbocharger
- Gasoline direct injection
- Variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust
- Sodium-filled valves
- Oil-cooled low-friction cast pistons
This engine is used in:
- 2007 Opel GT
- 2007 Solstice GXP
- 2007 Saturn Sky Red Line
- 2008 Chevy HHR SS
- 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS
A high-end direct injection version of the 2.2 L Ecotec is available for:
The basic Family II architecture was substantially reengineered in 2000, becoming the Ecotec 2.2, model L61 (or L42 for the CNG version). First appearing in the 2000 Saturn LS1, the L61 spread throughout North American GM products, displacing the Quad 4 and its descendents.
Unlike its notably harsh predecessor, the L61 was designed for smoothness. dual in-block balance shafts were integral to the design, and all accessories were mounted directly to the engine block to reduce vibration. The oil filter was cast into the block with a removable cover and replaceable paper element.
Displacement is 2.2 l (2189 cc) with an 86 mm (3.38 in) bore and 94.6 mm (3.72 in) stroke. Compression is 9.5:1 or 10:1, delivering 135 to 143 hp (101 to 107 kW) and 142 to 152 ft·lbf (193 to 206 N·m) of torque. The Ecotec line is manufactured in Tonawanda, New York, Kaiserslautern, Germany, and (for Saturn) in Spring Hill, Tennessee. The L61-powered Saturn ION replaced the Saturn-powered Saturn S-Series.
There are a few variations to the standard L61. The new Chevrolet Malibu uses a version with electronic throttle control and a special unitized exhaust manifold and catalytic converter. The 2003 Saturn L-Series has a high output version with higher (10:1) compression and more aggressive camshaft. The Malibu and Saturn versions also use return-less fuel injection.
In 2007 the L61 was upgraded with a second generation cylinder case, Coil on plug ignition, 58x crankshaft position sensing and a 32-bit computer.
The 2.2 L Ecotec is used in the following cars:
| Year(s) | Model | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000-2002 | Saturn L-Series | 135 hp @ 5200 RPM | 142 ft·lbf @ 4400 RPM |
| 2001-2005 | Vauxhall VX220/Opel Speedster | 147 hp @ 5800 RPM | 150 ft·lbf @ 4000 RPM |
| 2002-2007 | Saturn VUE | 143 hp @ 5600 RPM | 152 ft·lbf @ 4000 RPM |
| 2002-2005 | Chevrolet Cavalier | 140 hp @ 5600 RPM (148 latest tune) | 150 ft·lbf @ 4000 RPM (155 latest tune) |
| 2002-2004 | Oldsmobile Alero | 140 hp @ 5600 RPM | 150 ft·lbf @ 4000 RPM |
| 2002-2005 | Pontiac Grand Am | 140 hp @ 5600 RPM | 150 ft·lbf @ 4000 RPM |
| 2002-2005 | Pontiac Sunfire | 140 hp @ 5600 RPM | 150 ft·lbf @ 4000 RPM |
| 2003-2005 | Saturn L-Series (high output) | ||
| 2003-2007 | Saturn ION | 140 hp @ 5600 RPM | 145 ft·lbf @ 4000 RPM |
| 2004 | Chevrolet Classic | 144 hp @ 5600 RPM | 155 ft·lbf @ 4000 RPM |
| 2005-2006 | Chevrolet Cobalt | 145 hp @ 5600 RPM | 155 ft·lbf @ 4000 RPM |
| 2007-present | Chevrolet Cobalt | 148 hp @ 5600 RPM | 152 ft·lbf @ 4200 RPM |
| 2005-present | Pontiac G5/Pursuit | 145 hp @ 5600 RPM | 155 ft·lbf @ 4000 RPM |
| 2006 | Chevrolet HHR | 143 hp @ 5600 RPM | 150 ft·lbf @ 4000 RPM |
| 2007-present | Chevrolet HHR | 149 hp @ 5600 RPM | 152 ft·lbf @ 4000 RPM |
| Opel/Vauxhall/Holden Astra | ft·lbf | ||
| Opel/Vauxhall/Holden Vectra | ft·lbf | ||
| Opel/Vauxhall/Holden Zafira/Subaru Traviq | ft·lbf |
Following the GM-Fiat agreement, the 2.2 L engine is also used in
The Ecotec 2.2, model L42 is the CNG version of the Ecotec 2.2. It delivers 129 hp (96 kW) and 129 ft·lbf (175 N·m).
The LSJ is a de-stroked (to 86 mm) version of the L61 Ecotec with an Eaton M62 Roots-type supercharger and air-to-liquid intercooler. It is rated at 205 hp@5600RPM and 200 ft·lbf@4400RPM with a compression ratio of 9.5:1 and a 6250 RPM redline. With the end of the Chevy Cobalt SS and Saturn Ion Red Line, The LSJ will no longer be available in a production car after 2007.
The LSJ was on the Ward's 10 Best Engines list for 2006.
This engine is used in:
| Year(s) | Model | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004-2007 | Saturn ION Red Line | 205 hp | 200 ft·lbf |
| 2005-2007 | Chevrolet Cobalt SS Supercharged Coupe | 205 hp | 200 ft·lbf |
The LE5 is a larger 2.4 L (2384 cc) version of the Ecotec. Both the 88 mm bore and 98 mm stroke are larger, and Variable Valve Timing on the intake and exhaust improve low-end torque. Compression is 10.4:1. Power is 164-177 hp (123-132 kW) and torque is 159-170 ft·lbf (215-230 N·m). The engine uses a reinforced "Gen II" block.
| Year(s) | Model | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006-present | Chevrolet Cobalt | 173 hp @ 6200 RPM | 163 ft·lbf @ 4800 RPM |
| 2006-present | Chevrolet HHR | 175 hp | 165 ft·lbf |
| 2006-present | Pontiac G5/Pursuit | 171 hp @ 5800 RPM | 167 ft·lbf @ 4500 RPM |
| 2006-present | Pontiac G6 | 169 hp @ 6300 RPM | 162 ft·lbf @ 4500 RPM |
| 2006-present | Pontiac Solstice | 173 hp @ 5800 RPM | 164 ft·lbf @ 4500 RPM |
| 2006-present | Saturn Sky | 173 hp @ 5800 RPM | 166 ft·lbf @ 4800 RPM |
| 2006-2007 | Saturn ION | 175 hp @ 6200 RPM | 164 ft·lbf @ 4800 RPM |
| 2007-present | Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid | 164 hp @ 6400 RPM | 159 ft·lbf @ 5000 RPM |
| 2007-present | Saturn VUE Green Line Hybrid | 170 hp @ 6300 RPM | 160 ft·lbf @ 4500 RPM |
| 2008-present | Saturn Aura | 169 hp | 162 ft·lbf |
| 2008-present | Chevrolet Malibu | 169 hp | 162 ft·lbf |
| 2008-present | Saturn VUE | 169 hp @ 6200 RPM | 161 ft·lbf @ 5100 RPM |
The LE5 is also used in the following overseas models:
- 2006 GM Taiwan Buick LaCrosse
- 2006 Shanghai GM Buick LaCrosse
Holden makes various Family II engines for GM India and GM Daewoo at its Melbourne plant. Variations include displacements from 1.6 L. to 2.4 L. Unlike the Ecotec engines, the block is made of iron.
This is the 2.0L (1998cc) variant of the engines, featuring 86mm bore and 88mm stroke. Power is 119hp (89kW) @ 5400rpm and torque is 126ft·lbf (171N·m).
The engine has been used on following vehicles:
- 1.6 L - Daewoo Kalos, Daewoo Gentra, Chevrolet Aveo
- 1.8 L - Chevrolet Lacetti, Chevrolet Nubira, Chevrolet Rezzo
- C24SE, *2.4 L SOHC - Isuzu Rodeo
- 2.4 L DOHC - Chevrolet Captiva, Opel Antara
GM do Brazil specializes in SOHC, alcohol-powered and FlexPower (alcohol +petrol powered) engines.
- C18YE - 1.8 L ethanol
- C20SEL - 2.0 L DOHC
- C20SE - 2.0 L FlexPower
- C24SE - 2.4 L FlexPower
- X24SE - 2.4 L DOHC 16V FlexPower
In 2004 a 2.0L MultiPower engine was made available which could use alcohol + petrol and NGV aimed at the taxis market.
A 2.0L FlexPower engine is available for the current Chevrolet Astra and Vectra. The 2006 Chevrolet Vectra also received a 2.4L 16V FlexPower engine which was the first flex-fuel engine above 2.0L in the world.[1]
In late 2005 Brammo Motorsports struck a deal with GM for a Supercharged 2.0L Ecotec for their Ariel Atom. The engine came in various ratings from 205 to 300HP. Jay Leno received the very first Atom for commercial sale in the US by Brammo.
- Larry Webster. "Getting Rid of the H-Word". Car and Driver (May 2000): 93.
- ^ Big Power, Small Package. AutoWeek. Retrieved on April 4, 2006.