2001 chevy cavalier 2.2 "build"

I'm trying to make my 2001 cavalier a little faster. It's got the 2.2 ohv (the base model motor) let's try and make it fun.

We had quite a bit of fun with our 97 2.2 Cavalier coupe.  We found lowering springs on Ebay, put on some decent tires, and an Addco rear sway bar.  Cut off the stock muffler and put on a Thrush Turbo muffler for some sound.  Was a blast for almost no cash

In reply to cfvwtuner :

ill look into that sway bar, that car definitely needs one.

You'll want to decide at the outset if your goal is to get the most out of the 2.2 or get the most power for your money into the Cavalier. Something like a 3.9 V6 can go for cheap although it's a bit of work to install. While adding mods to the 2.2 could either fit a goal of a little more power for a little money and effort, or a goal of specifically pushing a motor with little aftermarket to its limits. But you'll want a clear goal from the start.

I will echo MadScientist and say have a set plan. On my intrepid I got 'cheap' exhaust work done enough times I could have paid for the fancy custom work and muffler it has now much much sooner had I made a proper plan of what my end goal was going to be. 

I very rarely see these cars anymore. There was one with a period correct aftermarket bodykit locally last year but I haven't seen it in a long time now. 

There are cast iron log turbo manifolds for the 2.2 Cavalier on ebay. Maybe cheap turbo kit?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/373948753463?fits=Year%3A2001%7CModel%3ACavalier&hash=item5711152637:g:kIYAAOSw9ItiGD9k&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA0Myx6ItqnISg5liHJfZpt9Bs3iyq1JVe8PRV0h41Nlq%2B9Hvj9RjVCyym3%2BuNxAqtLkJB7dgcBQn3ozo0xteulr5qy0VBPkDkhOaYLHv66s1OhlCgYqoysFLJcyDLl5NVj9%2BgigG4iniRvaBxG6c%2BnOG7MB0S2PAyOMKgeI2jwB3SXBO3Evwm%2Fi9UcYvd7uNNBtyeD%2FfQyzEXaDIzeAMIh3vuMbjTA53Z7OTH%2FA0WEK0XqpIP6TFWdL0EKHu40i%2BBwLtbVErSC4yWTfWo3KNDZe8%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR4a0hv7NYg

Got new wheels today

I had thought about swapping a V6 into mine, but it was such a reliable car I couldn't see going through the work for a commuter. The turbo idea is intriguing though.  It never gave me any trouble except all the salt and the time it  took on sea water after hurricane Sandy ate through the floors and lower quarter panels. 

From memory it came with a 52mm throttle body, maybe smaller. See if you can find a 56mm that fits.

At some point there was a switch in rocket ratio from 1.6 to 1.5, or the other way. If you can take advantage of that move and put in the 1.6's in if you havr the 1.5's that would help. Free up that exhaust

got the wheels installed today.

Add boost until it explodes.  Buy junkyard 2.2 for $200 to replace it and turn down the boost until you get a combo that doesn't explode

The LN2 engine is not really worth it IMO.  They are an excellent appliance, but they have weak pistons.  Turning up the power can cause them to fall apart.  Rod/stroke ratio is poopy.  

LM performance has some go-fast goodies for your LN2, but by the time you spend $2000 going from 110 hp to 150 hp, your money is better spent on a $500 V6 swap.

I plan on hitting some junkyards the weekend. Im looking for the sway bar off the z24, which is the only model that had one. 

That thing looks like it's in great shape!

I like the v6 idea. Especially if it's supercharged.

boost is the only way to make a cavalier faster

In reply to iansane :

thank you. Someday ill do a v6 swap, drive it for a few more years first.

figure I should ask this before the year is over, what are some suspension mods yall would recommend for my cav.

Check out H&R springs. I have had good experience with them.

I have also heard good things about Eibach springs.

Both should lower the vehicle a bit and have a decent spring rate to go with the reduction in ride height. I don't think either will 'slam' the car, but when I did fresh struts and H&R springs on my car, it was 1.25" lower fresh off the hoist and later settled to about 1.5" after a year or so. 

Watch for Beretta and Corsica for a rear bar, they may fit, but not 100% sure. Convertible Cav/Sunfire should have a strut tower bar you can use. The 03-05  Cavailer LS sport may have a rear sway bar too.

DjGreggieP said:

Check out H&R springs. I have had good experience with them.

I have also heard good things about Eibach springs.

Both should lower the vehicle a bit and have a decent spring rate to go with the reduction in ride height. I don't think either will 'slam' the car, but when I did fresh struts and H&R springs on my car, it was 1.25" lower fresh off the hoist and later settled to about 1.5" after a year or so. 

Don't forget a good strut/shock to go with springs. I'm a fan of Koni's. That'll help control that stiffer spring rate.