Ecotec le5 Turbo 2.4 Build (Page 1/28)
4thfiero JUL 10, 06:08 PM
Hey guys, thought i'd send a pic your way...currently I have a shop in my city throwing in a brand new 2.4l le5 ecotec with a custom turbo kit into my 88 gt Fiero. I used Roger thelin's kit to mount the engine, and Alpha fab's engine and ecu to run it. Makes the whole ecotec swap WAY easier. I will continue to post pics and updates. So far here is a pic of the engine with the intercooler mock up out of the car. I will also point a link to the kit i got through Alpha fab. Incase anyone else wishes to attempt an ecotec swap. Below is a list of parts and mods about the swap.

Here's the engine:

http://cdn.shopify.com/s/fi...024.jpg?v=1399992850

Here's Alpha fab's stage 3 turn key kit I got:

http://www.alphafabindustri...ne-turbo-kit-package

- Brand new Ecotec LE5 2.4l Turbo
- gm F23 Tranny with Quaife LSD differential from white head performance
- Using Fiero axles
- Southbend Stage 4 clutch from ZZP performance with Fidenza lightweight flywheel
- Roger Thelin's ecotec kit
- Alpha fab's Stage 3 turn key turbo package

[This message has been edited by 4thfiero (edited 07-10-2014).]

KaijuSenso JUL 10, 11:31 PM
Looking forward to seeing it run!
4thfiero JUL 11, 01:14 AM
Me too...lol
akademikjeanius JUL 11, 02:30 AM
THIS

IS

AWESOME!!


Following thread with hella interest!!
Will JUL 11, 09:35 AM
I'd been wondering if anyone was ever going to do an Ecotec swap the easy way.
4thfiero JUL 11, 11:05 AM
The "easy" way is the expensive way...lol...probably ran me about 10-12k with all parts and labor. But the cool thing about Alpha fab's kit is there stand alone ecu and wiring...you dont have to "rats nest" the wiring of the Fiero together with a cobalt harness for example. Alpha fab's harness is clean, labeled, easy to use and install. The only wires you have to run to the car itself are the tach, oil pressure, and water. Easy easy. You still retain the fiero ecu to run everything else on the Fiero end is my understanding (havnt gotten that far in the swap yet)

So far the motor and tranny have been mounted to the subframe, and the subframe has been installed back in the car, currently they are working on assembling my intercooler setup and wiring...they also need to weld in my new DBW gas pedal. The reason we are doing that is because with the ECU tuning we did and turbo setup, it will have way better throttle response and the ECU was easier to tune with DBW. you can get this kit and still use the stock Fiero DBC system? but your limited on tuning and I think they have to use a different ecu. So in short, less power. Im hoping the swap will be finished and the car fully dyno tuned late next week.

Another interesting thing is WHY they use the 2.4 LE5. certain years are boost ready with semi forged internals, and the VVT!!! Take the bigger displacement engine (compared to the 2.0 which doesnt have VVT) Using a turbo setup with VVT makes the engine have almost a full 100% volumetric efficiency. More power with better gas mileage. Best of both worlds.
BillS JUL 14, 05:49 PM
Might be better and cheaper to just buy an LNF motor complete plus the Alpha ECM for $900. Shouldn't set you back more than about $4,000 plus a few bucks for the mounts and maybe IC from Alpha.

I think they are a bit optimistic on their projected numbers, BTW, but mid 300s at the crank are easily doable. With the LNF, much more is available, from around 350 bhp with a tune to 500 with different turbo and stronger bottom end.
thesameguy JUL 14, 07:30 PM
But the LNF makes is direct injection, whereas the LE5 is port injection, no?
4thfiero JUL 16, 04:19 PM
Update:

So looks like the turbo and ic mock up is not fitting correctly...turbo wants to hit the trunk bulkhead...and the IC is too big to fit under one of the decklid vent area's...so things need to be moved and relocated. in the process of figuring that out. I'll know by the end of the day.


I had asked and considered the LNF, and yes it is direct injection and LE5 is port injected. And alpha would have done that if i really wanted too, however the LNF blocks are more expensive, harder to find, they dont have VVT, they dont have as much low end torque and the tuning for direct injection is MUCH harder that the LE5. With the LE5 you have WAY more options for tuning and you get near 100% volumetric efficiency with the turbo and VVT combined...you cant get that with the LNF. I originally called them asking for an LNF setup...but after talking with Shawn there, he convinced me to go with there LE5...(which is impressive to me bcc im stubborn with what i want lol) but what he said made sense and i researched everything he told me. The LE5 blocks they use, (i think 2006-2008??) have semi forged internals so there boost ready, MUCH cheaper and easier to get...bigger displacement with VVT for better fuel economy and better power with LOTS more room for tuning. If you check the ecotec forums you will see guys with the lnf or lsj engines doing swaps to the LE5 and turboing them.

Alpha fab has there stage 3 kit that can get you to 650 hp on pump gas!

I am planning on upgrading the internals in the future when i move to 650 hp (in a few years)

Long story short, LE5 is the cheapest and easiest way to get awesome reliable HP out of an ecotec while managing your fuel consumption.
Will JUL 16, 04:28 PM

quote
Originally posted by 4thfiero:

however the LNF blocks... they dont have VVT,



You got sold a load of hogwash.


quote
Originally posted by 4thfiero:
the tuning for direct injection is MUCH harder that the LE5.



Translation: The guy who sold you the hogwash is lousy at tuning DI engines.


quote
Originally posted by 4thfiero:
With the LE5 you get near 100% volumetric efficiency with the turbo and VVT combined...you cant get that with the LNF.



More hogwash.


quote
Originally posted by 4thfiero:
The LE5 blocks they use, (i think 2006-2008??) have semi forged internals



They use the same hypereutectic pistons and powdered metal connecting rods as the rest of GM's lineup.

[This message has been edited by Will (edited 07-16-2014).]