Engine Restore/Synthetic comb?

[Nick R]

I am in the process of acquiring a 1997 Chevy Cavalier. Base 2.2L Inline 4, 125,000 miles, and 3 speed Automatic, (rebuilt 4,000 miles ago). I am trying to regain some lost power, so I plan on simply replacing the spark plugs with some OE ACDelco Platinums, K&N Drop in filter (maybe a $45 RAM air from ebay, not decided), TV cable adjustment.

Now, I read about this "Engine Restore" stuff a while ago, and I have seen maybe success stories all over the place. I figured if there was anywhere to ask about it, it would be here. I have looked through at a few of the old threads about it on here, and I just have a few questions.... I have been told by MANY people that there is no way it can work, "it's all in their head" basically, so I ask... Can it, and does it really do what is advertised? I figure even if it doesn't do anything I'm only out $8 and an oil change.


Which brings me to my next question... What oil? I can't decide between the Valvoline SynPower, and the Valvoline MaxLife Synthetic Blend. Anyone know which one would be best for my application?

Last question. I plan on using seafoam into the vacuum lines, and in the fuel tanks. Any objections?

 

[bepperb]

Seafoam? Why not. Restore is probably a waste of money. I'd stay away from the K&N, but that's up to you. The small increase in power wouldn't justify the price, hassle of oiling and MAF deposit issues in my vehicles. Maybe the Cav has only a MAP sensor so you won't have those issues, I'm not sure.

Both oils are good.

My two cents, which are probably worth even less than that.

 

[Nick R]

I ask about restore because I've seen alot, even on here, of people saying it made a HUGE difference. As for the K&N wow, I've never really cared for anything but K&N before. They are the best IMO. I don't think they need oiled though.

 

[addyguy]

Good car. Drive an '02 myself with 128k miles on it, and same engine. New spark plugs and wires will often make a world of difference with these engines. Try these first, w/o any other changes, and you might find what you are looking for in restored 'power'.

Forget the K&N or 'RAM' air filter. These engines don't produce a lot of power, or rev hard to begin with, so your results won't be worth the cost. Just get a decent Fram or other paper filter.

As for oil and additives, unless you are burning a ton of oil, or do a compression test and find noticeable loss in the cylinders, the Restore additive won't really do you any good. If the engine is really worn, it may help, but you're going to have to drive it for a bit to find out. For now, just save your additive money, and use it towards a quality oil.

Valvoline Maxlife is an EXCELLENT oil, and will work well for this engine. Use the 5w30, change it every 5-7k miles, and this engine will run great. These engines are very, very easy on oil - I've gone 8-9k on conventional oil numerous times, and my last UOA was fine.

Seafoam in the vacumn lines may help. I don't think these engines carbon up much, BUT, I have had success with doing a 'water spray' de-carboning - detach the air intake hose, and mist water into it while revving the engine. It did make the engine smoother and quieter, and I got an amazing emmission test result a couple of weeks after doing it. I'll be doing ti again before my next test this October. Seafoam will work as well; I just took the cheap way out. Brake booster line is easy to reach in these cars.

Good luck with the car - love to hear about progress with them - can you keep us posted on how it goes getting it back up to snuff?

Addyguy

 

[Nick R]

Well because the prices on the spark plugs were 50cents apart, I've "convinced myself" (for the moment) That I want the NGK Iridium IX plugs. And I have driven the car a good amount, its my grandfatethers car so when we visit I drive around with him to do work and stuff. Doesn't the 02' use the Ecotec 2.2 though? It does use oil, thats why I'm looking at the Restore. Its about a quart/1000 miles. Heh, I should have mentioned he's agreed to pay for up to $100 in maintnence parts, so... I think I might go for the RAM Air. Its only $7 more than the K&N and replaces that awful intake hose. So yeah... I will look at the wires too. Thanks! And I Will

 

[Quest]

I'm with AddyGuy on this one.

OP-
This is not a high performance car to begin with so I won't bother putting all those good stuff into such a car (no offense). Rather save the mullahs for other things important if this car is to serve you as a basic mode of transportation.

no additives unless you are having seal leaks or oil burning issues.

Q.

 

[addyguy]

2002 was the first year for the Ecotec, you're right. But it was an optional engine for the 'uplevel' sedans, and standard on the Z24. Base sedans (most of them) had the '2200' SFI OHV I-4; which is actually slightly different than your '2.2' OHV engine - I think the post 2000 '2200''s had a different cylinder head. Power was about the same - older 2.2's are 120hp, newer '2200's 115hp, no real difference.

And I agree, getting a 'good' set of plugs/wires is a good move. I've got NGK's in mine now, but I need new plug wires.

If you're using 1 quart/1k miles, by all means ty the Restore - that's HEAVY oil consumption for this engine. Mine might use 1 quart in 7-8k miles. Hopefully, the Restore/Maxlife combo will help!

 

[Nick R]

Hopefully! I'm thinking I'm going to get the $27 Bosch Wireset from Autozone. The ACDelco ones are $60! I know Bosch Spark Plugs in GM vehicles = Bad. I'm hoping the wires work better, because otherwise its Duralast, Valucraft, or Autolite.

 

[greenaccord02]

I'd use maxlife, a paper air filter, a new PCV, some Autolite platinum plugs and a fresh set of house brand wires. If you're really going through a quart per thousand miles, I'd do an engine flush with gunk first, see what happens with the consumption after you fill with maxlife, then pour in the restore if you deem it necessary. I'd try to get the consumption a little more under control first before adding the restore, as I'd be concerned about it being diluted over the OCI.

 

[Nick R]

Well heres my current overall plan. Like I said my grandfather is paying for this so I'm going to do what I can.

Spark Plugs: NGK G-Power Platinum (Recommended by NGK)
Wireset: Bosch OE Style Wireset
Air Filter: K&N Panel OR Paper Panel
Oil: Valvoline MaxLife 10w30 with "Restore"
Fuel Additive: Seafoam (also run through vacuum lines)
Headlights: Sylvania Xtravision Low-Beam Bulbs (Headlights on these cars are awful)

 

[addyguy]

Sounds good. Another option for the filter, that isn't quite so expensive as a K&N, is an 'oiled' paper element. Fram sells them - they're called 'Platinum' up here, forget what they're called down there.....check the Fram website...

 

[Nick R]

Oiled paper element sounds like it would have very poor flow characteristics, haha... Thats why I'm looking at the K&N. Its a foam element.

 

[addyguy]

Don't know enough about them (oiled paper elements)...don't get a lot of discussion around here. Plain paper elements are the air filter of choice recommended usually on this board.

Lot of debate over K&N filters and how much dirt they let in. Not many here like them. Personally, I don't think over the life of an engine it will cause a failure. I just don't think they give enough (if any) of a 'performance boost' to justify the outrageous prices they charge for them. I'd really just stick with a paper element - it will do a great job.

 

[Nick R]

See I don't understand that arugment. The reason paper filters have poorer airflow is only the bottom of the fins, on the intake side pulls air through. But foam filters I believe have the same filtration, just everywhere. But I'll probably end up going for a paper filter simply because of the price for now.

 

[daves87rs]

Originally Posted By: rudolphna
Well heres my current overall plan. Like I said my grandfather is paying for this so I'm going to do what I can.

Spark Plugs: NGK G-Power Platinum (Recommended by NGK)
Wireset: Bosch OE Style Wireset
Air Filter: K&N Panel OR Paper Panel
Oil: Valvoline MaxLife 10w30 with "Restore"
Fuel Additive: Seafoam (also run through vacuum lines)
Headlights: Sylvania Xtravision Low-Beam Bulbs (Headlights on these cars are awful)



Not bad...but after many Cavaliers (I've owned a few), I can offer a few sugestions. With the old 2.2:


Do not use restore-I've actually seen it shorten the life of that engine. A co worker had a 98, and he had many issues after using restore. I think quite a bit depends on the shape of the engine. Tried it in a friend's winter beater buick- didn't help at all.....waste of money, which could be spent on other things..


Stick with paper-K&N won't benefit on this engine unless you have an intake.


Seafoam- good stuff!


Maxlife-

Plugs/wires- stick with AC Delco/house brand. NGK might be a bit "much" for Cav. Delco/house ones will last longer too.

Headlights-

Make sure you replace the PCV and the o2 sensor-those will help a lot too...

 

[addyguy]

Originally Posted By: rudolphna
See I don't understand that arugment. The reason paper filters have poorer airflow is only the bottom of the fins, on the intake side pulls air through. But foam filters I believe have the same filtration, just everywhere. But I'll probably end up going for a paper filter simply because of the price for now.


If you're referring to my questioning of the amount of power a K&N gives, it has very little to do with the filter of material.

If you just put a panel K&N filter into a stock airbox, the engine still has to deal with breathing restrictions caused by the airbox/intake design. Believe me, a stock Cavalier air box is NOT designed for performance!

Now, if you remove the airbox, and put in a full cone-style air filter on a custom intake tube, you WILL see a small power gain, b/c you will let the engine breath easier.

But, keep in mind, this is a very mild, 2.2-litre, OHV, 'economy' engine. Its not built/designed to rev hard or make massive power to begin with, so at most, you get a 3-6 hp boost on a somewhat 'wheezy' 2-valve engine with 120 hp. With proper intake kits costing somewhere around $200-$300, its just not worth it.

 

[ZZman]

I think the Maxlife would work well.
I have used Restore and had good results with it.

 

[Nick R]

Wheezy is the word for it. *Sigh* I wish I had the Ecotec but oh well. Guess I'll stick with easy things. Plugs and restore and seafoam.

 

[Jason2007]

To clear up some posts on this engine. First off, the 2.2 OHV does not have a mass air meter or PCV valve. You can get a Spectre or Fram AirHog filter for alot less than a K&N and you will never have to replace it again. Second, the NGK Platinums are quite a bit cheaper than the OEM Delco Platinums that are made by NGK. My Gf's 02 Cav has NGK plats in them and there is no difference in performance versus the Delco's, except the NGK's were half as much.

 

[daves87rs]

Originally Posted By: Jason2007
To clear up some posts on this engine. First off, the 2.2 OHV does not have a mass air meter or PCV valve. You can get a Spectre or Fram AirHog filter for alot less than a K&N and you will never have to replace it again. Second, the NGK Platinums are quite a bit cheaper than the OEM Delco Platinums that are made by NGK. My Gf's 02 Cav has NGK plats in them and there is no difference in performance versus the Delco's, except the NGK's were half as much.



Are you sure about the PCV? I could have swore...I might be off by the year. Getting old sucks.

As for the NGKs, I was was talking the regular ones, not the plats. I really don't see a need for plats, JMO. Guess I'm a little out of the loop with who makes what...