[Crow EnvyMe]

I was wondering what kind of modifications can this motor handle without chaniging internals? Can you boost it if so how much, and would it be a good idea to? I have a 05 cobalt lt and the head gasket blew on me and it doesn't even have 100k on the odometer yet only like 80k... i wanna rebuild it and make it faster but dont know if its going to be worth it or not

 

[1966tbird]

The 05-05 2.2 lower can only handle about 250 hp before the rods let go. Now this is a wasted spark engine and you will have fits finding ANYBODY with a tune for the ECU and any engine mods.
You may be better off just returning it back to stock and looking at a 2007-2010 or later transplant complete with the entire engine wiring harness, sensors, and ECM and bonding it with your BCM and TCM if you have an automatic,
for around $3k ish, one could find a very very low mileage 2018-2023 Malibu Premium 2.0L turbo pumping out 250hp stock the will drop right into a little Cobalt. With a little exhaust modification (intake on the firewall side, exhaust & turbo next to radiator) coupling the exhaust to a Cobalts exhaust is not a large technical chalange. Complete with the original 2.0L turbo’s ECM very little tuning will be necessary. However, these engines are known to deliver 350hp in Cameros…..from the factory!
mind you Cameros are RWD and not FWD like the Cobalt or Malibu Premier.

 

[Crow EnvyMe]

The motor is stock i haven't done anything to it, it has a blown head gasket so i gotta pull the motor so i was just seeing what my options were

 

[1966tbird]

For me, it was just not cost effective. I found a brand new, in the crate, 2007-2008, L61 2.2L engine for $1500 delivered….in Dallas. Now this would bolt up to an 05-06 but the ECU to ECM and a n elite engine harness is required.. VS ~$200 gasket set, $200 timing chain and guid set. Then $100 to the machine shop to true the head and check / resurface the valves as necessary….mind you, not a complete head overhaul. Then 1 day tears down, 1-2week delay time and a frill flush of oil and coolant, then 1/2 day ro reassemble….if no other problems found. This is $1000-$1500 labor bill for an engine that was expected to be replaced between 100k-150k miles…..80k is not a fresh engine.

for me, I would have almost $1000 in parts so that I would not have a come back. Now add the $1000-$1500 in labor….very few shops can afford to just throw a head gasket at an engine like This.

 

[Crow EnvyMe]

So your telling me that the crate would be a better option? it still drives as soon as i found coolant in the oil i parked it so when i get a spot in the garage cleaned out i can pull it in there with out having to push it lol and if you can could you possibly send me some links to where i can the find l61 and the harness?

 

[Crow EnvyMe]

Call me crazy but i was gonna look into a kswap i herd those motors can handle a bit of power with its internals

 

[1966tbird]

Check eBay, your local auto salvage yards, and or your favorite GM online parts like GM parts giant or
gmpartsdirect…there are quite a list a simple search will tell you very much.
As far as more info, a quick/short subscription to a place such as alldatadiy can also provide a whole host of valuable data both generic and very specific to the 2005-2006 and 2007-2008 and the 2009-2010 Cobalts…..

 

[Crow EnvyMe]

Ok thanks man you helped a lot in this really appreciate your information ill look into all of that!