Aveo with Ecotec project - HELP!

[whiteraven]

My Aveo broke its timing belt and at least bent the valves... So at minimum it needs a rebuild, at max its toast.

Well, this is an opportunity to do one of two things, swap in an Ecotec, or junk the car. The swap will cost me, but how much? The other won't get me much money, and I'll have to buy a car VERY soon (30 mile commute to and from work daily).

So is there anyone in Phoenix, Arizona area who would be willing to help me? Got an Ecotec/Getrag powertrain for an '03+ to get rid of cheap? Able to do the swap itself for me? I have a very tight budget, but will try to do whatever I can to show my appreciation for the time and help.

[thehunterooo]

check to see if you just need valves, if so rebuild/buy new head and your done

[petrified.rabbit]

you want the aveo ecotec or another ecotec?

[whiteraven]

I want to go with the Cavalier/Cobalt Ecotec since its a cheaper engine, better displacement, and lighter. I was hoping someone has made a motor mount swap kit for this swap? Anyone got any news to make this easier on me? I got NO mechanic skills and would have to pay someone to do it for me.

Also, anyone in the Mesa/Phoenix Arizona area that would be willing to help me out??

[petrified.rabbit]

the easiest way would be to keep the mounts on the cobalt, provided they width is usable, and make new tops to the rails out of plate steel with the correct pattern/placements for the mounts and weld/reinforce them in.

I personally would go with the 1.8 out of the cruze, price is similar, it will go in easier, and the performance etc is close to that of the ecotec in the cavalier and cobalt.. if your talking about the 2.2 anyhow.

[faithjr]

Hey whiteraven what year is your aveo. I'm in the middle of an 05 rebuild and my engine looks like the terminator got loose in it. So I too am contemplating an engine swap but I'm gonna see about the rebuild first

[whiteraven]

Mine is a 2004, with just over 40,000 mikes before the timing belt went.


Wish I had the ability to rebuild or do a swap my self, but I don't.

[faithjr]

I've spent many years tearing through older circa 60's engines so this is new territory for me. My last build was for my 69 firebird 400 four speed. four barrel 750 holley, 12/1 compression, crane cams, quick somebody pinch me. anyway what I'm sayin is with time patience, practise (oh and about 30k worth of tools and a nice garage with a lift) you could do it!! most of the time its even fun. Hey I used to live in phoenix I was the Network Admin for Maryvale Hospital. I loved it out there I saw. some awesome junk yards with cars, old cars, that weren't rusted heaps. Some day I'd like to return. NY is... well if you like taxes... its a good place to live.