MaxxMaster

Hey guys.
I'm completely new to this forum, and looking for car parts.

I have a 2002 Saturn LW-200 (hence, why i posted as an ION)

I'm trying to find an after market header/down pipe. I'm on my 3rd one in about 14 months, and it's getting annoying. Something allowing a bit more flow would be nice, but i'm looking for more longevity than performance.

My mechanic (also a good friend) told me that the rest of the system is stainless and should be good to go... true?

As a side question with an unrelated topic, what's the lifetime expectancy on my ecotec 2.2? it only has about 155 on it now. I'm aware that there would be countless variables, I'm just looking for a ballpark range.

Thanks in advance!!

MaxxMaster

Somebody must at least be able to lead me in the right direction.
I'm new to anything in the world of Saturn parts...

Anyone?

Ssicarman

Limited amount of anything for the L-series. If you have the V-6 then I suspect that there is nothing ofr performance. For the 2.2LT four then you may have better luck if you can find something for the rest of the GM 2.2 family. Problem is that a lot of it will not be a direct fit.

__________________
A lousy day in Paradise is still a day in Paradise.

sw2cam

He has one of then thar IONW200's theys is rare

MaxxMaster

Right, sw2cam.

The L-series were coded when they came out, L(w)200's were the ecotec 2.2, and L(w)300's were the v6.
They eventually made them all as 300's, and auto transmissions only.

anyway. If i'm running an Ecotec 2.2, would taht mean i could use engine parts from a cobalt, or other ecotec 2.2 engines in the GM family?

I found this header, they say it will fit my ION (LW200), or a cobalt...
PaceSetter Header for Cobalt and ION
True?

Thanks in advance.

sw2cam

Really no kidding they were named LS-1's LS-2's and L100, L200, and L300's and the "W" meant it was a wagon.......... we would have never known. Thanks for giving this never known "code". It may fit the engine but will it fit the body, I guess your going to have to do a test fit.

MaxxMaster

Well, i'm not sure quite how they do it...
I know the the "L" signifies it's supposed to be the luxury series or ION's...
(yeah saturn... haven't ya heard? People are trading in their beamers for this one! =P)
and the "W" in mine signified it's a wagon.

I assume the L100/L1 would have been an older model or a different type?
I'm going to get the header eventually and i'll keep you guys posted...

Does anyone know how much of the ECOTEC 2.2 parts are direct-fit to the cobalt/saturn?

They have a turbocharged 200-something HP engine for the cobalt SS from FACTORY, even if i never go turbo, it gives me hope for my saturn.

Also, knowing it's being used in the cobalt series and in the sunfires/Maybe cavaliers... if i break it... parts will be easier to find, and upgrades will be around... >=D

sw2cam

Now LS stood for luxury series ............. thats a good one. The ION has a 2.0L supercharged engine in the Redline, and the ION also came with a 2.4L engine and that header fits the 2.2L ION engine.

MaxxMaster

I have the 2.2L ecotec, so i'm hoping i'll be good. the header is currently on it's way!

OC1

The Saturn L200 was basically a failed car (did not sell and was eliminated). It was basically a good car based I believe on the Opel Vectra. It runs well, it is comfortable and it is the greatest stealth car made, no one notices it.

To improve the preformance I believe the main issue you must face is the transmission. The 5 SP manual F23 Getrag transmission fitted to the L61 2.2 ecotec has a max torque rating of 150 ft lb at the engine. The 2003 Saturn L200 is rated (manuf specs) at 145 ft lb. Any major modifications of the engine resulting in a lot more of HP or torque may fry the transmission, if the application of power is sustained. Of course the transmissions are very conservatively rated as to their max sustainable limits and you may find (or at least I hope so) that using the higher power bands in a street setting (not sustained like in racing) will not destroy the transmission, but IT MAY DO SO. This is not a good outcome after spending good money in hardware and a lot of sweat working on the car.

Modifications may be directed to the suspension, brakes, steering, and to a very mild degree the engine. The engine itself can be gutted and made to push over 300 HP but to take that you will need a new transmission. The ecotec is a very good engine with fine design features and can take a lot of upgrading.

I would suggest limiting the engine modifications to a cold air intake, and the manifolds (sold by crateenginedepot.com). Both intake and exhaust maniforlds are sold in kits requiring little modification if any, and are just to be bolted in. Both of these pieces are based on the higher output LN5 engine (2.4 VVT), they breathe better and if used with a big bore throttle body (also bolt in, saturnmotorsports.com) and Siemems LSJ injectors will get you well over the tranny's limit without cracking open the valve cover. Anyway that is the theory, I have yet to do any of the engine work.

I am planning to do my upgrade in steps, initally the suspension (lowered springs, better struts, keep in mind that an adjustable control arm is needed to align the rear otherwise you will have a bad geometry and kill the rear tires and the ride), then better rotors with ceramic pads, then the engine. I assume it will take about a year or more to do all of this.

The question is why do it? If you want speed you might as well get a Cobalt SS right off the lot (before the pipeline dries out). The Saturn L200 is a bigger, more comfortable car that fits me well, and that is why I intend to do this.