LSJ Ecotec: Supercharger Vs Turbo // Behind The Builds

Al sheds some light on the age-old debate: Should you stick with the supercharger, or add a turbo to your LSJ-powered Ecotec?
ZZP is located in Wyoming, MI. We are the world’s largest supplier of aftermarket performance parts for 3800, Sonic/Cruze, Ecotec, and ATS platforms, providing industry-leading customer service and support.
Our staff of professionals has experienced knowledge in all the vehicle platforms we represent. ZZPerformance is dedicated to 100% customer satisfaction. We provide you with highly specific technical information, that can’t be found anywhere else.
Interested in modding your car? Check out our parts at zzperformance.com
Questions about modding? Email us at [e-mail]

[@MrGrey-no7sn]

I love it! Zzp is the best out there hands down!! We love the supports and knowledge you guys bring to the table

[@dxdean3ux]

I'm piecing together my own turbo kit for mine, but 90% of the parts are coming from you guys at ZZP 👌

[@DuneRiderLife]

You can trust zzp. The quality of their products and their willingness to help you out during your build is awesome.

[@MUDF7]

Need help

[@MUDF7]

How do I supercharge my Chevy

[@theofficiallilnova]

@@MUDF7 im too broke for that

[@wakamotorsports]

Solid video Al. Thank you.

[@benwp4179]

Thank you for addressing this in a video.

[@Conkadonk420]

Planning on using lsj ZZP parts for my b207 Saab build.

[@breakawaymotorsports]

I road race my Ariel Atom LSJ and the torque of the LSJ keeps me ahead of all the turbo cars,including the honda motor Atoms.Im moving to the Harrop and 400 HP so i can pull a better top speed. Thanks for all your help ZZ Performance!

[@Qyy0]

You have made my day dawg u have helped me sm

[@ZZPerformanceChannel]

Glad we could help!

[@chadoliver2966]

This video really helps a lot because most people think that more power or big power is always better. I actually just received my zzp supercharger kit this week. I really don't see myself going past a 3.1 pulley setup. My goal is to have good reliable power that isn't stressing my stock 2.4 engine internals to the max.

[@m.d.598]

That's close to what I'm doing/the way I'm thinking since it's still going to be a daily driver. An you'll still surprise some of the big name cars on the street, at least with my Cavalier it's 1000lbs lighter than most of them and that can make 250 do a lot more than they think. Also I have what I'll be doing on the Cobalt NA mod vid if your interested.

[@TheLuisa2011]

Curious. Did you install the m62 supercharger on the cavalier? I have an 03 and want to supercharge her but in the website it says its optional.

[@m.d.598]

@@TheLuisa2011 Both the transmission and motor are pretty much ready to go back in I've just had a he'll of a time getting the cams for it. The first company got and gave misinformation and delayed me by a few weeks and the second ones actually got made but UPS lost the exhaust cam so now I'm just waiting on the next batch to get my exhaust cam and then it should be together in a weekend or two. Also not sure what you mean by optional but it has to be a L61 or above 4cyl ecotec for the stuff to fit.

[@TheLuisa2011]

@@m.d.598 I see. And idk it says on the website of zzperformance that it's optional. But of course if you wanna super charge it why not go all out lol. Thanks tho just wanted some feed back since I plan to have fun with her soon

[@m.d.598]

@@TheLuisa2011 In the end GM actually made a bolt on SC kit for the Cavalier that made it pretty much a early/prototype Cobalt SS. As such if you feel like it/ you feel the engine is in pretty good shape, it can be an in car add on but you'll only make around 180HP to the wheels that way and I felt like it wasn't worth it like that as such. Also with it being a 17 year old car (only 87k miles mind you) I thought I might as well rebuild it and go all the way(internally at least). Though it looked like a 20k engine and tranny during tear down so it's not like it was necessary(still had the cross hatching on the cylinders). This is pretty much the build list "Mostly full rebuild of the trans (steel plates, bands, seals, washers, new/upgraded electronics, :OPT 4T40 kit with almost all the extras:, LSD kit) full engine rebuild kit, new valves(oem), forged rods, forged pistons, stage 2 cams, neutral balance shafts, rebuilt M62, SS intake, (ZZP super kit, 82 springs, #60 injectors, new rollers, updated lash adjusters), complete front suspension replacement, all new coilovers (KYB strut plus) and will be painting the engine bay, and everything attached to the engine more or less. Am expecting 250ish wheel HP." Now to warn you this is like 9k worth of just parts. If you just wanted to SC the stock engine that's only around 2k.

[@fuse8052]

I have the TVS1320 I got from you guys among other parts. 325hp to the wheels. I'd rather not blow 3rd gear out when the boost spike hits on a turbo car. BTW , your tunes are great! I had low IATs with the TVS. I recommend that to any LSJ owner.

[@hitmixhyepock9405]

I got the zzp lsj stage 3(2.8), dual pass and the intake manifold spacer, it all went together great. No problems, just need a new bpv now lol.

[@scottgibson6036]

Okay I'm new to this so would you mind me asking what the zcp stage 3... I'm working with a 2.0

[@scottgibson6036]

And I'm sorry I've been pulled in for you for years but I just had fun resume supercharged so I'm looking to making it a turbo now

[@logannixon231]

I just bought a 2010 lnf love the car I’m working through some issues from previous owner

[@carmencompagneapexcaporals1241]

Nice it help alot!

[@grimreamer2512]

I've got an LSJ with a 2.8" pulley setup. Honestly I think it is the perfect balance of fun and functionality. It's been a solid daily driver that gets amazing highway milage. Aside from my exhaust leaking, GM garbage parking brake design, and cancer on the driver's side door, she is perfect. I got dynoed at 255whp with 91 gas, and I find that perfect. I can fuel up anywhere and have fun driving in and out of the city. LSJ's are really underrated.

[@srtjerome2902]

im running a 2.9 pulley but i have 42lb injectors so redline is still stock 6450, i plan on going on 60lb injectors and getting retune with higher redline. Im in CA nd only have 91 gas here. Ive heard not too pulley down too much on 91 gas so i think ill stick with the 2.9 pulley on the car.

[@grimreamer2512]

@@srtjerome2902 I'm in Canada as well, the gas choices aren't too great. Most are cut with ethanol. Shell is the only one I know that isn't, so that's what I used for tuning. I highly recommend the 60# injectors, the car runs pretty smooth with it. You might also want to grab a second GM Stage 2 belt to have for spare parts, they are getting hard to come by.

[@srtjerome2902]

@@grimreamer2512 Thanks, ill look into getting a belt, do u run a GM stage 2 belt with the 2.8 pulley? Who did your tuning? i got my car recently and the previous owner had sent out the ECU to be flashed so it pretty much has a canned tune.

[@grimreamer2512]

@@srtjerome2902 The belt will fit really tight. I had a hell of a time putting it on. GM, I'm their infinite wisdom, made the tensioner regular thread, so every time you try to push it down you undo the bolt. HUGE PITA lol. I got my dyno tune at Lakeview Auto in Calgary. Long story short, a friend's brother fried my ECM while doing the clutch so I had to buy a new one (expensive lesson learned). I had all tge upgrades to drop to 2.8 so I decided to throw extra money at the money pit lol. Funny thing was that the ECM was reprogrammed with a canned GM Stage 2 tune on a Malibu ECM. It ran like garbage until I got it tuned. Now she's going strong. I just replaced the up and downstream O2s and ran some redline fuel injector cleaner through her, and now she's smooth as silk idling. No CEL anymore either. Not bad for an 07 cobalt with almost 200kkm

[@srtjerome2902]

@@grimreamer2512 Im in CA (California) not Canada. The previous owner put an adjustable zzp tensioner on the car that he said was reverse threaded or something?? The car runs alright, but I plan on ditching the 42lb injectors for 60lbs and getting a retune through ZZP with the 7200rpm redline since i dont have access to a dyno tuner in my area.

[@josegarsa4177]

what kit from zzp preformance will work on my 4door 2.2 2009 chevy cobalt 4 cylinder

[@paulmcdonald3570]

Not the engine that I am building but very good info. I am looking to build my LNF 2.0 turbo. Installing in a rear wheel drive 70 Opel Gt. Strictly Drag racing. Looking for as you say a modular system. Can you get me pointed in the right direction of ZZP components in a stage modular kit? As you guys know as you reach a certain hp level your wanting to move to the next. It has a fab Ford 9” competition engineering rear end with four link set up.

[@lsjionredlinesupercharged2049]

I have a ion redline i have a simple question that is I want a down pipe but I hate the the exhaust note stock is nice but will the down pipe give that nasty raspy sound.

[@MGK1992]

So how about the TVS 1900? How much power can it make?

[@Qyy0]

so question if i have a 02 sunfire and the ecu cant be tuned can i do a 3800 series swap with the ecu and be able to then turbo it? or am i wrong ?

[@93sl2]

any guidance on using this platform for a Nissan S chassis?

[@a2js2]

If you was gonna go the route of the Turbo would you start out with a boosted engine or would you start out with an na car?

[@josefgordon7712]

LoL, 500 hp fwd, you guys are nuts. Love it

[@yung-megafone]

Torque steer is amazing isn't it

[@CaptainRudy4021]

Wait until you hear about their 900hp monster

[@tdb19872]

Wait till he learns about the 7 second, 1,900 horsepower, FWD, 2.2l Pro FWD drag cars.... FWD stopled being any real disadvantage a very long time ago now and has many benefits over RWD.

[@josefgordon7712]

@@tdb19872 I was talking more along the lines of street cars

[@supremekane7158]

Hi I’m debating on which one I should get I’ve wanted a cobalt for so long and I’ve noticed that the prices have dropped and I decide to purchase one I have a hyundai kona n and a Subaru BRZ

[@jamman7344]

I want both

[@natesilva3232]

I have a 06 hhr lt .. I wanted to go supercharged cause so many daily drivers had em in the ol days . Chrysler Lebaron had a supercharger, Buick, and some others.. So i figured why not add one to hhr lt ...im not gonna race but the extra power just to run some laps at a track or something ..or just a more exciting road trip state to state .. Like i dont have any experience in newer models or racing ..i just like the torque and not really worried about top speed.. Like i to cruise but then someone would say keep it stock. I ran a few laps on my fwy at 80 mph and thats at half cause it tops at 120mph and its just weird the feel from the front end drive. Idk help suggestions ideas??

[@yourmomshouse5138]

So would you necessarily say it’s better to start from a supercharger then make the transition or would it be better just to go straight in to the entry level turbo kit?

[@scottgibson6036]

Hello hello did you by chance end of starting Leaf a supercharger and converting Turbo? If so what kind of horsepower might even getting and would you acting and whatever Kate you want with? I haven't 05 would supercharger but would really like to have the upgrade made because I have a 2.0 engine which is super supported to do the sand makes from what I've read the best of the possible engines you can make partying together Cobalts But then I wouldn't get the no shift clutch auction it comes with the turbo and I can just put a sunroof in the one that I have so I am thinking of getting this going in the years that come turbo already I'm really really torn

[@Speakertweaker-tp4em]

I have a 07 ion 2.2l N/A with 265000 km or 164000 miles all cylinders 150-155 psi range would you recommend against the m62 supercharger cause of the mileage or should I be fine?

[@buutyeater4438]

Would this fit a Saab 9-3?

[@sinner7947]

Really does suck for us with the 06 and older ls. Just wish you guys made an ecu that can be tuned and swapped into those cars. I’m jelly of sc guys.

[@gagewechsler-sautter8045]

What about a twin charger kit?

[@ttroygotknife]

You guys need to save the Saab 9-3 community.

[@kirbyswarp]

But it isn't dead?

[@brightonback8733]

@@kirbyswarp not even close. We just really don't have options when it comes to building them.

[@tdb19872]

@@brightonback8733 don't they use 2.0 ecotec's? How is there no support?

[@S_wing_Z]

what if i use that same entry level kit stage 2 with the Z54 but install it along with my 05 ss (supercharged) so i want to twincharge it would that work out or bypass the hp cap?

[@tdb19872]

Yes you can do it, just have to find someone willing to tune it.

[@evandahl7731]

I’m deciding between getting a 05-07 w a turbo swap or just a 08-10 tuned looking to get around 300-350 hp which is better?

[@joeespinoza6995]

LSJ swap . It is more reliable and better performance , you can probably buy one for cheap and add the kit . You would be spending less most lnf are over 4 grand I’d say you would be spending 5 grand total and beat almost every car you face . I have a stage 3 Super charged set up and to be honest I’ll loose 2 races out of 10 . I have beaten srt 8 Jeep’s and such running on e 85

[@andrewtaylor2634]

Dont get me wrong. I love my colbalt. But I really miss my 2.4 cavalier. Bored, cammed, and turbo. But I learned the hard way. They are not a road trip type engine, it over heated, blew a head gasket, and stretched the timing chain. I loved that car.

[@racerd9669]

One thing you did not talk about is spool up, this is so misunderstood. I have an LNF in a Pontiac Fiero with the stock turbo, but 3in down pipe no mufflers, Cams, Ported head, water to air intercooler, no balance shafts, V8 Throttle body. MegaSquirt MS3x system. And when we program the Boost control even to 85%, on the data logs. It goes to 29 Lbs of boost in .0002 of a second. You will never see a blower boost that fast.

[@martinochoa1489]

I got a cobalt SS supercharger 2.0 do y’all know what mods i could put to reach 300+ hp? Lmk please I need help

[@PhillyDee215]

Sweet😉

[@gerardomadera139]

Quick question I have a lnf and I want to get to mid 400 in the next couple years as I save up, it I want to do boost by gear to not blow my tires off in 2nd and 3rd is boost by gear possible?

[@armcclure]

Yes. The stock pcm can limit some in 2nd, or you can run full bbg with the Cortex.

[@gerardomadera139]

@@armcclure thank you very much

[@lsjionredlinesupercharged2049]

My lsj ion redline will remain relatively stock.

[@michaelmilligan7291]

Could the turbo kit fit 2011 buick regal 2.4

[@susano7135]

I'm partial to superchargers simply because of the low end torque. The LSJ pulls harder at a lower rpm than any normal displacement 4 banger has any right to, and I love it for that. Any gear, any rpm, any road grade, mash on the throttle and watch it go!

[@stevenmccauley254]

I have both an 07 LSJ that is modified as far it can go with the stock engine & M62, with meth injection & also an 09 LNF that's LHU swapped with everything that can be done on a stock engine & K04. It has meth injection as well. The LSJ is by far more fun to drive on the street. Even though the LNF will absolutely spank the LSJ, the supercharger is just more fun. In my opinion if you have an LSJ, unless you're really wanting to "drag race" with all out power, I'd stick with the blower. Eventually this LSJ is getting a TVS if I can find one. Now that they're discontinued that might be problematic. To me that would make it the ultimate street car. I agree though on driving one of these. Eventually you have to ask yourself how far you really want to go or step up to a rear wheel drive platform for practicality reasons. FWD just with a tuned stock LNF produces retarded torque steer that can become old really quickly.

[@garneylester8530]

Can I take the supercharger off the cobalt ss 2.0 and put it on my 03 2.2 ecotec? And what size pulley would I need

[@ZZPerformanceChannel]

Send us an email at [e-mail] and we can help you with that.

[@Ray00069]

ARMSTRONG BABY!!

[@Copperworks.]

hey, I want to put the LSI turbo Entry Level swap kit on my car its a 02 pontiac grand am it has the same engine would that kit work for it and if so where can I buy the kit?

[@ZZPerformanceChannel]

We have never used our ELTK on a Grand Am, nor do we plan to. You could likely make many of the components work, however you will likely need some custom fabrication and have to figure out tuning on your own.

[@rustybeatty6567]

Belt drive force aired induction systems have one major problem and that is belt slip especially at high RPM's and when the engine bay is hot it gets worse because the belt is stretched almost past it's usability and voltage drops are more likely because the belt tensioner pulley or pulleys can't overcome it because their maxed out but turbocharger system doesn't have this problem what so ever because the exhaust drives the turbo.

[@tdb19872]

Except LSJ guy's don't actually have this theoretical problem. At least the ones who use the correct belt/pulley/tensioner combination

[@jorgef.morales3038]

Does you have a supercharger kit that fits on a 2.4 ecotec for Pontiac G6?

[@thomasdaniel5718]

Use the same as the 2.0 only difference is bore and stroke me and a friend put this kit on a 2.2 cavalier and pissed off a dude with a subi😂

[@moonman3309]

@@thomasdaniel5718 Been thinking about doing exactly that, did the cavalier last? 😂

[@thomasdaniel5718]

Till it was crashed some ass-wipe ran a light and totalled it

[@hitmixhyepock9405]

Whoop whoop

[@RynosRacing]

At the end of the say we all in ss gang

[@tdb19872]

Heil

[@nikkocavalier8479]

I have a LSJ 2007 whit a turbo swap and F40 trans...

[@michaellocklear6396]

Thanks for the info my car looks just like the car blowing its tires off (Except Silver) 2009 Cobalt SS Sedan I need to find some lower control arms the rubber in mine are messed up. Also need some cosmetic stuff for my shifter.

[@tdb19872]

Both can be found in 10 seconds.

[@michaellocklear6396]

@@tdb19872 Cool i saw the Bushings on the ZZP web site just need to find some one with a press here in Ga but the my shifter knob and Leather boot is a different story i have checked with the dealer they want to sell me a whole new shifter for $200+ 🤑

[@tdb19872]

@@michaellocklear6396 They aren't the easiest thing in the world to change. I usually just do the entire arm. Shift boots are out there, just don't go to the stealership for one

[@michaellocklear6396]

@@tdb19872 Amen on that one they all about the moneyz I'm trying to save what little I have. while keeping my car running till things get better then maybe mod it.

[@tdb19872]

@@michaellocklear6396 I feel ya my freind, make sure you get the sleeves out of the arm and have a seriuod press to get the new ones in and you're golden.

[@cartersalhus7603]

What about pro charger

[@GNelke]

Whats cheaper for a LAP engine?

[@6.0monster.]

how hard is it to superchagre my sunfire?

[@ZZPerformanceChannel]

Depends on what your plans are for your build. Reach out to us at [e-mail] and we can help you out.

[@deandreissadasf460]

so i have a 09 ls and i really wanna put a little turbo in it, how much money you think it would be, im not trying to spend a arm and a leg

[@ZZPerformanceChannel]

We actually have a bolt on turbo kit here: zzperformance.com/collections/ecotec/products/2-2-2-4l-turbo-kit

[@deandreissadasf460]

@@ZZPerformanceChannel another thing, my cobalt has 164,369 miles on it right now, you think it could blow?

[@deandreissadasf460]

@@ZZPerformanceChannel i know the ecotechs cant push a lot of boost

[@iluvcakes19]

Problem is I like supercharger more than turbo right now. Only want around 320hp (crank) out of my supercharger. I think that is possible, right?

[@Marcmustang]

Yes

[@ronalddaron5362]

Never was stages till fast and the furs

[@ShaunDeleon]

Can anyone tell me how to fix the stupid problem that happens every now and then. The wonky hard shift dinging sounds and power steering light. That come on mine I got the code p0700 once then it went away.

[@ShaunDeleon]

And every time this happens I plug in my scan tool then no codes are shown. It's really odd.

[@ZZPerformanceChannel]

Hey Shaun, send us a message at [e-mail] with your issue and we can help you out.

[@nickcampagna8190]

Any thoughts on a twin-charged setup on an LSJ? There aren’t too many people that have videos on this type of build...

[@buffalophil3630]

Because it's not really beneficial

[@jonf2009]

A small shot of nitrous for low end grunt is what most of us 2.4 solstice owners end up with (all 3 of us that care about speed). It solves the low end power issue till your past 3k and producing boost.

[@showmaster0377]

I need to learn how to drive I guess because I’m slow at stop lights with my m62 😅😅

[@benitocisneros699]

I got one question would the 300 hp mods beat a Clamaro V6

[@ZammianX]

stock cobalt ss would gap a v6 camaro if you shift right

[@jeremytaylor4322]

Lmao I beat a couple of them in 2 bone stock redlines

[@EvanAxer]

Which is better? The Direct Injection LSJ or the Port Injection ?

[@ZZPerformanceChannel]

Better is definitely a subjective term when it comes to types of injection. A port injected system is much easier to upgrade fuel injectors and a fuel pump when more fuel is needed, however the LNF DI system can go quite far in it's stock form. DI generally produces more torque and doesn't have the drawbacks of trying to run larger injectors on a stock PCM.

[@EvanAxer]

@@ZZPerformanceChannel ok so in stock form how much performance can you get from the LNF vs the LSJ ?

[@newkid11100]

Can you put that big turbo kit on a 2.4 ss

[@ZZPerformanceChannel]

Your best bet would be to just go with our 2.4 turbo kit! That'll be a bolt on application to your set up. Check it out here: zzperformance.com/products/2-2-2-4l-turbo-kit?_pos=1&_sid=a58adfa78&_ss=r

[@mturner221]

@@ZZPerformanceChannel i have a 06 2.4 SS and i want to get the turbo kit, but it comes with the stock lnf turbo. Id like to get the 2.4 turbo kit but with the zfr turbo instead. I dont see that as an option on the website?

[@RandyAtcitty]

I just like the supercharger sounds …like them challengers & chargers

[@xXR3BORNXx]

Why has no one ever try a twin-charged setup on the lsj for the m62 supercharger has a clutch pulley kind of like what a AC compressor would have where the supercharger compresses Air at low RPM then the turbo takes over at the higher RPM

[@hitmixhyepock9405]

ZZP Here is a question. What would you recommend as a solution for the dreaded "rev hang" from removing the throttle body? I unhooked the battery for 5 minutes with the key on(which helped some), and its been about 200 miles and it still hangs enough where it doesnt slow down when in higher rpms on the highway. It used to do the loud bangs and pops when I let off and the throttle closed fast, now its closing slowly. Do you guys have any at home tricks to fix this?

[@ZZPerformanceChannel]

Send us a message at [e-mail] and we can help you out.

[@hitmixhyepock9405]

@@ZZPerformanceChannel sweet

[@buffalophil3630]

@@hitmixhyepock9405 what did they say it was????

[@brxttz]

thats me featured on that 0:39 comment thread LMFAO

[@blow0me]

you say 890hp.....what block ? short motor ? LSJ etc are open deck design ?

[@ZZPerformanceChannel]

It was a girdled Gen 3 LHU/LDK with our forged rods and pistons. Our girdle changes them to a closed deck. If you have time, run through this thread, it's where all of the progress was documented back in the day. www.cobaltss.net/forums/2-0l-lsj-performance-tech-47/zzp-did-what-246595/

[@thedud3210]

Trying to get 200 hp without a turbo or supercharger. What are some suggestions. At 160 with k&n Intake, ls throttle body and an exhaust with a muffler delete. Also have some shit stage one chip. Planning one getting the stage one ecu from you guys but wondering if I will be able to get 200 without altering your tune

[@ZZPerformanceChannel]

Send us an email at [e-mail] and we can give you some suggestions.

[@Siviqs]

why not both :D

[@creator1246]

Stick with my super. Got it.

[@ER-ru6qp]

Turbo all day

[@AllJSeries]

2.2 on my channel with mods

[@jared4670]

Pity there wasnt a twin charged setup in the kix for having the best of both worlds.

[@randomtask9643]

They're rated to eat 100 octane fuel on GM tuning(s). This negates your babble about the intercooler setups. I swapped my IC out for a Subaru STi replacement unit. That ended that issue.

[@tdb19872]

Lol, what are you attempting to say?

[@sharpie1958]

Give me a call. Roderick Sharp

[@sharpie1958]

I’ve got a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GT. Do you have the basic kit for this vehicle? Not supercharged.

[@ZZPerformanceChannel]

Hi Roderick! We actually have a whole video on basic mods for your 3800. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaHdloBnrbhniqs

[@codyprice0295]

If you’re here trying to make your Chevrolet Cobalt faster or cooler, GIVE UP. Sincerely, your local GM mechanic.

[@srtjerome2902]

go away, leave us alone

[@codyprice0295]

Not what you’ll be saying immediately after “customer states”

[@tdb19872]

Sounds like you just repurposed the instructions your doctor keros giving you about staying out of the gay bar when you come in for STD treatments.

[@Desertjoe789]

Everyone knows turbos are better than super chargers.