Ecotec Start Up in Baja Bug.

[@jorgemadrigal8780]

Congrats Doug!, all of your hard work finally payed off.

[@DougBugBuilder]

Thanks bud!

[@ChadLisonbee]

Congratulations dude!! It’s an amazing feeling when you get to see all your hard work come together. I just finished a three year project on my Supra. I’m loving your videos keep them coming!!!

[@DougBugBuilder]

Thanks man! I bet driving that Supra puts a big smile on your face.

[@ke6bnl]

just found you on the HHR site. My boy and I have built a few Ecotecs buggies and he has built many more since. The engine is so durable that I did get my wife an HHR because of the dependable motor. We built ours a few years back with the 2.2L but have put the 2.4 L in since. We run are engine at 10 degree and do put a little extra oil in the engine. The only problem we have had with the junkyard engines are injectors that are plugged up. glad yours went fine.

[@sheridanrambo2483]

Awsome!!! I have been excited to see the ecotec running.... that is a great milestone to pass, and a ton of work... good job man 😃

[@DougBugBuilder]

Thanks dude, you're right...... It was a great milestone. Thanks for the support.

[@slurpee27]

If you haven't already , wait 'till you drive it. The VW vs the ecotec is night and day . When ours was done , I could not get over both the torque and the high RPM pull ( almost 2stroke like). It would crawl up hills at low RPM, but also put you back in the seat when you got on the pipe. Congrats Doug.

[@jezraelflecha1633]

Hell yeah, bud. That was super motivational. I have a manx in the garage (transaxel, body and frame only) that needs a TON of work. I love seeing hardwork get rewarded. Congrats!

[@DougBugBuilder]

Thanks buddy! I love Manx's, be fun to work on one of those. Good luck on it.

[@jonathanharrison9497]

That’s awesome! You have you got it started!! I knew you would. It’s obvious you got a talent in this trade. Keep up the amazing work and progress!

[@DougBugBuilder]

Thanks man, very thoughtful comments!

[@IllusoryRedoubt]

Congratulations Doug, your methodical approach has served you well 👍🏻starting up first go is awesome. I can't wait to see the test flight 😎

[@DougBugBuilder]

I anticipated troubles, when it fired right up it caught me by surprise. A good surprise, lol.

[@IllusoryRedoubt]

Doug Bug, you were looking so nervous before kicking it over that I felt nervous for you when it started straight up I had a good chuckle. It had the tension of a Hollywood thriller hahaha. 😂

[@joell439]

Awesome. Just found your channel and have been binge watching this playlist. Congratulations. I’ve subscribed and am looking forward to seeing more. Joel.....

[@DougBugBuilder]

Joel L, It's good to have you on the team!

[@juanpalos3657]

Exellent work my friend your bug is Awsome . Must be a great feeling hearing it start up with no problems. Keep up the exellent work greatings from Mexico ....

[@DougBugBuilder]

Thanks Buddy! It felt awesome when she fired up and ran. Say hi to Mexico from me. ;-)

[@timvandermeulen7265]

Great to hear it run for the first time! Looking forward to the test drive almost as much as you!

[@DougBugBuilder]

Agreed, can't wait for a test drive!

[@stevenaudlee8123]

This is huge! Congrats brother! Get it on the road before it snows again!

[@DougBugBuilder]

It's HUMONGOUS! lol. Thanks Steve.

[@mrrhodes12000]

Congrats, great video series. Hope the ecotec Jeep project I got goes as flawlessly. Your videos have been great thanks for the content.

[@DougBugBuilder]

I hope your's starts up as easily as mine did. Take your time on the wiring, seems like that could be the biggest headache. Good Luck with the build.

[@D-L_Adventures]

Dude!! Your shit eating grin was missing when it started, all the hard work and effort and you had no big grin when it fired off. I usually have a big grin and giggle when I start a new engine, surprised you didn't but glad it worked first go around that is awesome. Have had fun watching your build keep sharing!

[@DougBugBuilder]

I think I was in shock, for some reason I thought it would race to high RPM so I was on edge. It took a little while to realize not only did it start right up but runs really well too. Hopefully the test drive will get a lot of shit eating grinns out of me. lol ;-)

[@Tonygue3978]

congrats. it awesome to follow your story and finally see it run.

[@DougBugBuilder]

Thanks bud, it helps knowing some of you guys are following along.

[@senditandliveit9536]

Can't wait to see the test drive 🖒. Congratulations!

[@DougBugBuilder]

Yeah man..mee too. I'll "Send it and live it" ;-)

[@Stashawek]

Congrats!! Great timing on the video I literally tried firing up a junkyard engine I cleaned and painted over the past two weeks or so. I got a fuel injector leak which (probably) is why it didn't fire up :/ Redoing the o-rings right now. So glad I found your series!!

[@DougBugBuilder]

Hopefully that is the issue. I know if you have much less than design pressure they won't really start. Good luck and be careful, nothing like leaking fuel around a hot engine. ;-)

[@michelevitarelli]

impressive! thanks for making and sharing these build videos.

[@DougBugBuilder]

Sure thing bud, thanks for your comments.

[@mikehammer4546]

I’ll bet you feel like a proud papa, great job, I’m sure you learning a lot. (We are too)

[@DougBugBuilder]

Thanks Mike, I'm learning sooo much.

[@michaelrhoades5876]

dude i am smiling a lot prep work done like you said ready for the next step

[@DougBugBuilder]

Thanks buddy.

[@jcl1201]

Nice job.. waiting patiently on the first drive 👍

[@DougBugBuilder]

I hear ya! Me too.

[@thedirtheretic2728]

I know a bunch went into this. Don’t be angry that the most I’m excited about was the exhaust note. That baffle worked great. Ecotecs have great power. I have a D2 midget with one on alcohol.

[@DougBugBuilder]

It had a much better tone than I expected. Curious to see how it sounds cruising with some rpm and load. I'm not angry, lol, at least it had something for you. ;-) I'm stoked to see how the power feels. Thanks for the comment.

[@starpuss]

Looking good!!!

[@DougBugBuilder]

Thank you.

[@DKG505]

That’s great! I remember starting my 4G63 on a stand before I swapped it into my 1989 Mitsubishi mighty max😆 I don’t know if your a fan of Mitsubishi but the 4g63 is a great power plant as well. In my opinion after running it in my little pickup up they can really put down some power and can take the abuse off road. Base power was about 195HP but with a few aftermarket parts and the right tuning you could easily make 300hp-400hp , and for a 4 cylinder I think that’s pretty good power to weight ratio 👌

[@DougBugBuilder]

That is some good power out of a 4 cylinder. Thanks for the info and comment.

[@michelevitarelli]

of coarse it started. you aced it! sounds great.

[@codyreed834]

I am trying to do the same thing, have the motor installed. I am looking to see how you do the wiring harness and exactly what I need to make it run.

[@mke723]

Awesome!! Good job getting to this point.

[@DougBugBuilder]

Thanks!

[@offgrid_inf]

You rock dude !!!! awesome job

[@DougBugBuilder]

Thanks bud!

[@Crewsy]

Your home built exhaust sounds really good.

[@DougBugBuilder]

Thanks, it surprised me some. Curious to hear how it sounds going down the road.

[@TheEZGZ]

Running that factory fuel tank is a good thing if it gives you the range your after. Factory stuff work and if you do need parts it's a lot easier to find when your away from home. Don't ask me how I know this. hehehe Any room up front for it?

[@DougBugBuilder]

There is room up front for a tank, but not for this factory tank. I'm still grinding my brain to figure out this tank situation. Hoping something comes to me soon. Don't even know yet if I'm using stock components or aftermarket. Good to hear from you bud.

[@socalscwb]

can you add links for the oil pressure sending unit fitting.

[@charliehollis5614]

What fittings did you use on the block for the oil pressure adapter was it a m16x1.5 to 1/4”

[@DougBugBuilder]

I looked through my files I was hoping I could tell you exactly. But I couldn't find it. Honestly I think it was 12x1.75 on the metric side. And I think the adapter I used was made by Autometer. But I might be wrong, sorry.

[@digitalventuremovement7680]

doug... how much did it cost to get the enine in your bug and up and running? i have a sandrail im looking to do the same thing to!

[@DougBugBuilder]

Let's see.... If I remember correctly it came in about 2,200 total. Ecotec was $225.00 Transaxle adptr $500.oo ECM reflash $350.00 Then add in wiring, fuel pumps, fittings, radiator, exhaust, etc to add to the total.

[@thisoldjunk5752]

Congrats!

[@DougBugBuilder]

Thanks bud.

[@EnfieldJoe]

Awesome engine swap!

[@DougBugBuilder]

Thanks!

[@tonybush2]

I like the sound of that home built exhaust. One question is.. does the ecotec ecm need a speed signal input? If so have you giving any thoughts on how you will get one?

[@DougBugBuilder]

Funny you ask that. Before I did this a lot of internet searches pointed to needing a VSS. So when I was talking with Alpha Fab that was one of my questions. I don't know the programming level of it but basically you don't need the VSS the Alpha program does not need it. I think they just do away with the idle fuel map. Not really sure though.

[@tonybush2]

Doug Bug that's cool, I don't remember what you are running for a Speedo, but I just received my speedhut GPS speedometer / tach and it works awesome. Little spendy but good customer support I hear.

[@DougBugBuilder]

Tony, In the center of my dash I have a GPS unit for dirt bikes that marks trails and such. It has a speedo and some other gauges on it. I might one day go the route you went as I like those a little better.

[@floydhenderson2248]

Aw man that thing sounds good! I wanna build one, but in Missouri they are all rusted out.

[@DougBugBuilder]

Well mine was from Florida and was really rusted. At this point the only part left of the original is the shell of the body. So there's hope. lol.

[@technicaldifficulties2522]

What if i put a STI muffler on my baja? (1600dp) would i get that STI sound? Been enjoying your journey with this!!

[@DougBugBuilder]

My guess would be no. I think the signature STI noise is largely because of unequal header tubes. I've had friends put equal length headers on an STI and it completely changes the tone. That's just a guess though. Could be worth a try.

[@fabienmattar]

Dont stop to publicate yours videos of this baja bug. Mané a video on the trais!!!

[@DougBugBuilder]

Thanks Bud!

[@timothymarshall2722]

hey doug is there anyway you could send me the template for the rear a arms and rear spindle on your bug ill pay for it.

[@paulringholz7932]

Sounds Good

[@DougBugBuilder]

Thanks!

[@matthewwright6017]

Hey this is Matt with Forsaken Society where are you located. Love the videos I'm getting ready to swap to ecotec.

[@DougBugBuilder]

Hey Matt, I'm about 45 minutes South of Denver Colorado. Hit me up if you have any questions/concerns about the swap. Love your IG BTW, I get's lots of ideas seeing all the different Bajas.

[@juanbarturen2726]

I feel excited like if I had built it.come on. Show some EMOTIONS!😀😛🤪

[@DougBugBuilder]

I agree, I don't know why I was so stone cold there. 🤦‍♂️😁

[@juanbarturen2726]

Time to celebrate.ill bring the beer

[@DougBugBuilder]

Done! 🍺

[@bigtslider]

Is the fuel cell temporary? Haha nice bug

[@DougBugBuilder]

Yes, that fuel cell was really just to get it running and test things out. It now has a custom aluminum fuel cell that I made and is properly mounted.