Engine Swaps

[Jeremy]

I have a 97 SL SOHC. I was wondering if it was possible to drop in a DOHC engine.
Also i was wondering about possible tubo or Supercharger kits.

[Richard]

You can do a swap, but you'll need more than just an engine. You'll also need a dual cam transmission and computer. I believe that Joeybags can put together all you need to do the swap.

<a href="http://www.saturnusedparts.com" target="_blank"><!--auto-->http://www.saturnusedparts.com</a><!--auto-->

[SCTT]

Hell if you are swapping engines why don't you consider the 2.2L 138HP 150TQ? It gets the Opel Speedster to 60 in 5.3-5.7 seconds with a
better breathing exhaust naturally aspirated. Get a turbo/super on it and holy .... you will be spanking V8's left and right at the track.
MySaturn is coming out with a SC, Knight has a turbo, ATS? has a turbo, you could take a turbo and adapt it. I think the SC has by far the
best reputation though. I am not sure about the other two. Has anyone heard?
Dayle

[Richard]

Sure, if money is no object then go ahead and throw a small block Chevy in your Saturn, strap on a huge roots supercharger, some aggressive cams, port/polish, and you've got a 9 second quarter mile machine. But, since money is an object, I think putting anything other than an S series Saturn engine in a Saturn would require too much work and too much money. You'd have to modify motor mounts, transmission, maybe lengthen/widen the engine compartment, who knows? 138 hp is not going to get you a 5.3 sec 0-60 time unless you strip about 700 lbs from your car and mate the engine to a close ratio six speed. 138 hp can be had out of the DOHC with only bolt-ons.

There are no turbo or sc "kits." Any forced induction is going to be a custom job, which means a custom welded manifold (for a turbo), or a custom mounting bracket and spindle for a SC. You'd have to modify your fuel system, extra injectors and maybe an inline fuel pump. You'd also <b>need</b> and intercooler and would have to find a place for it and its piping. I can't believe anyone would turbofy a car that is not made to handle boost without using an intercooler (but they're doing it!). Don't forget to make sure the hood still shuts with the added "hump" on the engine. Supplemental fuel/timing control would also be required if you want high boost levels. This can be had with the use of the Apexi Super AFC and the MSD Dis2 ignition respectively. Expect to pay $3,000 for a new turbo setup and $2,000-$2,500 for a supercharger. Don't forget the gauges either, fuel pressure, air/fuel mix, boost level.

[N2orocks]

I can't help but notice the negative tone, Richard. Are you really that guy who dosen't have a modified car and thinks that cars (or Saturns) should not be modified, and then go ahead and talk s#!t about those who do it? It kinda sounds that way. Thanks. P.S. Have you ever been in a Saturn with Turbo, Supercharger,or N2o? What is your experiance with "hopped-up" Saturns. I'll bet you would percieve an increase in performance in one of these aforementioned forced induction setups! Thanks Tom

[Doug_E_95_SL2]

I have the same reaction that Richard had. The whole street performance thing is either all show, or it's dangerous.

It's all show if you don't use it. it's dangerous if you do.

If you drive around D.C. (especially on Friday night) you'll see hundreds of testosterone poisoned young guys screaming around the highways. They are *always* driving cheap hopped up 4-cylinders with big chrome tires and oversized exhausts.

I used to work in an emergency room. At the same time my brother was on the rescue squad as an EMT. We say too many young guys coming in after a stupid crash, with stupid injuries.

If you want to drive fast, do it on a track.

I don't think Richard was being negative. I think he was being incredulous.

[Jon94SoLo2]

I think you both missed it. It sounds to me like Richard is just trying to put, if even a littl caustically, the notion of an engine swap in perspective. Basically, if you're going through all the trouble of swapping a twin cam into an SL, including the requisite PCM, harnesses and potentially the transmission, then why not go all out?

Why do these discussions always have to end on such emotional notes?

Jon

[Richard]

The point that I was trying to make was that its not easy to "bolt on" a turbo or supercharger to a Saturn engine. Many people I see here think its just like changing spark plugs...its not. My post was kept simple for a reason, I'm not talking down to anyone or anything, just stating the facts.

N20, why don't you re-read my post and tell me what was incorrect or misleading about it? Oh, nothing? Then quit bashing everything I say. Just because you didn't like what I had to say in another thread doesn't give you the right to nit-pick at my posts. You add nothing to this message forum. You need to step down off your pedistal, you think because you have a Nos'd Saturn that you are the know all/do all Saturn God. You're a fake. Anyone can bolt on a nitrous kit in a weekend, its not hard. I have seen nitrous installations go into many cars. Everything from a 40hp shot to 200hp on a Chevelle.

<blockquote><hr>Are you really that guy who dosen't have a modified car and thinks that cars (or Saturns) should not be modified, and then go ahead and talk s#!<hr></blockquote>

I don't know where that came from either. My car is only 4 months old, under factory warranty. I'm paying out my arse to go to college right now...to the tune of 14 grand a year. I'm sure you know modifying Saturns is a very expensive hobby. I never said I was against modifying a Saturn. I just gave the facts straight-up.

I'll accept <b>constructive</b> criticism, but this bashing has got to stop. Unless you have relevant, factual information to post that is clear, concise and <b>to the point</b> then shut the hell up.

[XP8TRIOT]

Jeremy, I've asked a similar question about my 94SC1 and an engine/fuel injection switch. The responce I got was it's basically more worth your time and $$$ to sell and buy the SL2. I've seen a few people on this and other boards with the turbo set-up, but as Richard points out it takes a great bit of know how to pull off and maintaine; not to mention more $$$. So perhaps, save some cash by keeping your car. Maybe spend a little money having fun with what you got, and get a better set up next time around. That's my suggestion to you.

Richard and N2o, Both of yous back off from each other.
Richard I respect your comments on this board and have learned a couple things from you. Based on previous advice and posts I pegged you for an anti-modifiyer myself. Maybe SCTT has the knowledge to do the stuff he suggested maybe not. Either way, such mods would definately require research which would most likely lead Jeremy to the same facts you mentioned minus the negative tone. N2o is obviously pro-modifications, how do you expect him to respond.

N2o, how bout you just put in your 2 cents without firing back at people directly. (You can fire back at me know no harm no foul.) Who cares whether or not Richard modifies or not. There are valid points to both stock and modifications. People can sort through both side without the bashing. I'm sure your N2o does rock, but if there's some downsides to these kind of mods maybe people like me wanna hear about them. That doesn't mean you need to fire back at someone who points out facts or opinions.

Party on.

[SCDYNE]

:) I take the comment about the S/C Kit not being a bolt-on to heart! :)
I'm not personally offended, but I do hear what he's saying. Instead of getting mad, I'll just get even! Want to know how? By offering a product that even he would say "Damn that is bolt-on." I know that the term bolt-on is used as a sales pitch to hide the details of such an undertaking, but I honestly believe that, when complete, any kit should be bolt-on.

Doing an engine swap is far from a bolt-on mod. There are only a small few that have even done the SOHC to DOHC mod and even fewer that have done the 1.9L to other swap. I have a bit of expierence with engine swaps and remember the year that the law changed from anything goes to only 1.5 years either side of the original engine. Best one ever was putting the IROC engine in a Jeep, which was featured in 4 wheeler Magazine in 1994 as 4 wheeler of the year. Even before OBD-II was out the electronics for that was a nightmare and we even had a harness built for it and used the GM IROC PCM.
I think that the biggest problem with swapping engines is the lack of knowledge for the exact application. It would be one hell of a fun job, and make you feel like $1,000,000 bucks when you completed it, but it would cost more than just finding a new car.
I was faced with this last month when I ran across the 1995 SC2 my sister picked up for $2500. I'll probably do something with it for her to show up her boyfriends Si hatchback with JRSC in it, but it will be less expensive than starting with an SL and going to L61 engine.
The L61 may not be a direct bolt up to the 1.9L tranny, which would require some major thinking and engineering.

[N2orocks]

N2o,<blockquote><hr>You add nothing to this message forum.<hr></blockquote> does anyone agree with this? besides Richard. I have fun with this message board and I do contribute a great deal. It must suck to be at the butt of one of my tantrums. But it happens and you have handled it like a pro. I'll stop nit picking your posts Richard. Good day!

[wei_]

Drats, I was seriously going to try and get a 1st gen Satty and throw the LS1/L100 tranny and engine at it.
- Wei

[Jeremy]

SCTT,
How hard would it be to get that opel speedster engine into my car?

[Jeremy]

Anyone,
How much work would it take to put a twin cam out of a 97 SL2 into my SL?

[Abe95SC2]

Jeremy:

Unless you can get a good solid engine, trnny, computer out of a car that has been rear ended or sideswiped, I would forget about it. It is a major PITA to do the swap unless you have all that stuff ready to bolt in and even then it is no picnic.

The Opel speedster engine? Forget about it. You would spend thousands trying to get it right.

Hey Adam: Ever done a Small blck Chevy into a Z-car? LOTSA FUN!!! &gt;:)