Looks like I am going to end up with a spare 2.0 LSJ ecotec after I get done with my current project.
I have an idea for a use for it but want an automatic transmission:
I know I could use the 5L40-E from a solstice or sky. Does that require a separate transmission control computer?
The 5l40 was also used on some Cadillac CTS/STS/SRX the next generation was a 6l45 or a 6l50 for those Cadillac's any chance I could find a right combo of bellhousing to use that 6L50 for an ecotec?
Finally I also saw something on a different forum about Asian automatic's might be able to be used with an ecotec, which might make sense because the AR5 manual that the solstice uses is an Asian transmission.
Would a Volvo Asian automatic transmission work with an ecotec? Because I already have one of those as well.
I want to keep this low priced using junkyard parts if possible so I am not looking at any of the common ecotec adapter plates as those get pricey pretty quickly.
The Camaro uses an automatic with the 2.0 turbo Ecotec. I'm not well versed on Ecotecs, but they might be the same block.
The Ecotec has a unique bellhousing pattern. They could have used the generic "Metric" pattern that ALL OTHER TRANSVERSE ENGINES (except Quad 4 and High Feature V6) used, but nooooo....
I have not enough experience with Solstice/Sky to know if they have a separate TCM, if they do then it will almost certainly need to be connected to a GM ECM to get the necessary inputs via CAN.
Elsewise, some BMWs used 5L40s, I think (not certain) that MegaShift can control one of those. They may be different internally to where you would have to use BMW internals in a GM case. They were built in Austria, and I suspect that the valve body/solenoid setup may be different to suit BMW needs. Aisin transmissions, at least the front drives, tended to do that, I have no reason to think Hydramatic would not also do it. (Volvo 4T65s are different from Chevy 4T65s so there is precedence here)
And now I have a Bad Idea involving Volvo engines and 4T65s... thanks.
In reply to racerfink :
That is a good idea, I am going to have to look at that.
In reply to Pete. (l33t FS) :
Hmmm. So the transmission computer has to go through a factory ecu? Does the engine ecu have to match up with the same vehicle as the donor transmission?
ie the ecu I plan to use is a cobalt ss ecu from the supercharged years. Then I would like to use a Cadillac 6l50 transmission.
My thought was LSJ engine and ecu, solstice auto bellhousing, on the case? Or what ever the actual transmission body is called from a Cadillac STS.
In reply to Somebeach (Forum Supporter) :
I do not think an STS transmission of any flavor would bolt up.
I thought a lot of newish Cadillacs came with 272hp turbo ecos and and rwd automatic.
Why not just use that with the stock computers and hptuners?
According to wiki, that's the 6L45 from 2013-2019 ATS. Not sure if the "new" ecotec has the same bellhousing or not.
STM317
PowerDork
5/19/22 11:10 a.m.
This seems like any money you might save on this engine purchase would probably be offset by having to scrounge for parts and mix/match to get things to work. It's very possible that things like intake/exhaust or coolant lines would need to be modified to make the transition from transverse to longitudinal. It's likely faster, easier and cheaper to just get the full turbo EcoTec/6 speed auto and associated computers from a single donor like a Camaro or Cadillac.
In reply to Robbie (Forum Supporter) :
You are correct in that. Looks like a different bellhousing starting in 2013.
The reason I was thinking an sts or cts transmission might work is the other note from Wikipedia above that the gen 1 and gen 2 ecotec's share a bellhousing pattern with the LLT 6 cylinders. Which came in the 2008+ cts and maybe some sts.
In reply to STM317 :
You are probably correct on this. Just was hoping on the off chance that stars would align and I could do it without buying another donor car.
If I could get the transmission electronics figured out, it shouldn't be too bad to use a solstice 5l40. Because that was already set up longitude in the solstice and the lsj that I have is very similar in layout with stuff hanging off the back of the head as the lnf that came stock in the solstice gxp's.
solstice 5l40 on car-part.com are about $300-$500 and I already have the lsj.
ATS transmission are around the same price but the LTG engines are $1,600 to $3,000
