So I've gotta 2.2L ecotec attached to an electronically controlled throttle. Shopping for aftermarket parts for the thing is giving me some frustration issues. First things first, I'm looking for an aftermarket header and exhaust. Then I'm looking at an adjustable fuel pump regulator for 'em, an upgraded timing chip, along with a throttle body spacer and intake(I've already picked the Secret weapon-r intake. it's the only intake made for my car). A little down the road I'm gonna be looking at an aftermarket camshaft and heads along w/ the other internal upgrades. Eventually, we'll also consider a turbo setup and aftermarket suspension (for an 05 chevy malibu). So this is what I've got under control:

TBS
Intake
Fuel pump regulator
Upgraded ECM


So my post is questioning:

-what kind of camshaft ought I go with and where can I get one
-as well as the heads
-Brand suggestions for aftermarket suspension to fit an 05 malibu
-Turbo brand suggestion and setup suggestions


And GM performance supports VERY little for the 2.2L ecotec

One, Throttle body spacers are crap. You wont see or feel any gain for them. A fuel pressure regulator won't do squat either. What would you do with it? turn the fuel pressure up? The injectors will still shoot the same amount of fuel in. If you were to get bigger injectors than all you would be doing is spending more cash on gas because the car won't be more powerful at all. Don't get a chip. Find someone to do a flash or get HPTuners and make sure your car is supported. If you need someone to tune I can give you a base tune to work off of.

Camshafts, no idea
Port and Polish the stock heads and do a 3angle valve job. it's not an LS1.
I don't know of anyone who makes a turbo kit for the Malibu. It will have to be a custom one off. Garrett is the god of turbo chargers. a GT28R would do nicely

phwew. that was a load of good information. Do you have a name in mind for the head work?

And I'm gonna see about the HPTuners.

Who's this Garrett guy?

sorry to butt in (irrelevant but my name is Garrett lol), but "Garrett" is a very widely used manufacturer of turbochargers.

http://www.turbobygarrett.com/turbobygarrett/products/turbochargers.html

Garrett is a company, and head work? just find someone who builds race engines around you

Camshaft: Comp Cams stage 1 (any higher and you're likely going to throw a code). At this point, you'd have to decide if you will go nitrous, forced induction, or stay naturally aspirated. It's critical to match the cam grind to your intended use.

TB spacers: useless

FPR (Fuel Pressure Regulator): Only 2002 Ecotecs had a return-line fuel system. You have a returnless single fuel line system. Other then costing you a fortune to convert, it's pointless. Get an inline fuel pump, you'll be good up to 300hp, with other supporting mods, of course.

Tune: We're sorta blessed in that we can use HP Tuners on GM vehicles, the Ecotec engine being one of the supported ones. You can actually own a professional tuning device for $600, as opposed to two or three thousand for a stand-alone ECU. That combined with a $400 high-end wideband Air/Fuel ratio monitor is all that's really needed.

Suspension: I believe you can get AGX Adjustables, match them with Road Magnet springs. One of the better setups without killing your bank OR your back. Just don't forget the camber-correction kits (and NOT the ones off of Ebay ;)).

Make sure your brake setup is good for the intended setup. In just about all cases, Hawk Pads on slotted rotors are a great upgrade and more then sufficient.

Exhaust: Go find a shop locally that has a mandrel bending machine. Get them to custom-bend you a setup with a Magnaflow exhaust and resonator.

Internals: ARP head studs and bolts; Eagle rods, pistons, connecting rings, crank; Comp Cams camshaft; etc.


By the way, GM most definitely highly supports the 2.2 Eco: They've got a book describing step-by-step how to get to 400HP legally!