Ecotec in Bug, rough mockup pics...
 

Just to give anyone who is interested an idea of how big the Eco is, and how it fits in a Beetle engine bay.

http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL267/.../170381132.jpg

http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL267/.../170381120.jpg

http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL267/.../170381093.jpg

http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL267/.../170381161.jpg

http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL267/.../170381112.jpg

http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL267/.../170381173.jpg

http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL267/.../170381181.jpg

Nice pictures. That doesn't look like a bad fit, but it would be tough to fit a deck lid around it. Comes really far into the rear apron.

Even if it was IRS, I doubt it would move forward very much. :)

You sure we can't convert you to Subaru? Looks like a huge wing or big standoffs is the only way it'll get close to fitting...

Rich

Ahhh, but it will be IRS... :D

Sorry Rich, I wanna see this Eco thing through. It's too long, and too tall, but I think I can get around these challenges and still build something nice. I've got some ideas but a whole lot of time yet before I can start to put them together.



Jeff-

Hmmz is that the same Ecotecs that is in the later GSI of Opel (Fauxhall)?? Because they don't have an good name over here. The older 2 litres (with cosworth heads) makes more power.

Wiebrand

Not sure if it is exactly the same. What kind of problems do they have there?

Here, it is a very strong engine to build into horsepower. Stock rods good to 350hp, stock crank good to 500hp. Stock oiling good to 750hp.
Many import race teams claim it to be very durable.


Jeff-

How much does that thing weigh compared to the STi motor? I'm still not so sure about all that weight hangin' off the a$$ end, but it IS kinda cool!

Jason

Supposed to be in the 275 range, not really sure cuz it doesn't feel that heavy moving it around :shrug: .


Jeff-

Jeff,
Do you plan on putting the radiator in the front or do you have another location in mind?

Mike

Front mount.
I've had all the fun I can stand trying to get the rear mount in my bus to cool. Absolutely senseless to try that crap again. I have read and seen pics where it has worked flawlessly for others but I will not do it again. Spent most of the day yesterday and am about to head out there again today, re-re-re-doing some of the cooling setup on the bus. Maybe I need one of those pro drag snorkles on the roof? :eek: :rolleyes:

http://pic9.picturetrail.com/VOL267/.../171304243.jpg

Anybody good with photoshop??:D

Jeff-

I am a mechanic for GM , and this engine is big in alot of their smaller cars (Cobalt/Pursuit/Ion , Soltice/Sky , G6/Malibu , Sunfire/Cavalier , etc.) . I have to admit , this is a good engine , with very little actual problems . It is not a very high horsepower engine in stock form , though (about 150hp for the 2.2 , 177hp for the 2.4 , and over 200hp for the 2.0 supercharged) . Personally , I agree with Ricola , a Subaru engine probably would be a better choice for fit and for hp output , but its your car . I hope it all works out for you . Axl .

Not really big problems or so, but just less horsepower in stock form than the older ones.

Wiebrand

I'm doing a suby myself. And I really like how much less that ecotec hangs down vs the subaru. I don't think any of us are trying for super big hp numbers. The stock forms of all the water cooled engines we're using is more than enough power for our little cars. I like the ecotec myself. I'd use it if I could get one for a good deal. :cool:

One more thing, my bad for stating the obvious about the deck lid not fitting. After I posted it I was like,"hmm, that's not totaly obvious." I'm going to post a suggestion on Volksdent's brake thread next. :rolleyes:

I saw somthing on here mentioning relocating the transaxle forward. How far out of alignment is safe with a CV type setup? I would imagine keeping everythink on the axle centerline would be optimal but as long as the cv is not at too extreme of an offset the only down side might be a bit shorter service life of the CV? I always look at those Baja cars with the long trailing arms and extreme angles on the axles and if they can make it work there it should be doable.