Learn me: GM EcoTec 2.0

I've been in the market for a "nice" daily driver appliance and remembered about the existence of the Buick Regal TourX. It's definitely a bit of an oddball, but I like the styling (mostly), the size fits my needs, it's comfortable/well-equipped, and they have depreciated their way into my price bracket.

My only concern is that I've never owned a new(er) GM product and don't know anything about the 2.0 ecotec. It seems that the engine and drivetrain get good reviews from the media, but I'm wondering about real world experiences that people have had with it. Any major issues to watch out for? Are they generally reliable?

Generally reliable and good without changing internal components when modded up to around 400 bhp.  Left stock, they should last as long as any modern engine.

I still think about what my lightly modded LNF (375 bhp) in my Solstice would be like dropped into one of my old MGs.....

In reply to artur1808 :

I test drove a TourX and would still love to get one. They feel quick, really quick, and the interior is shockingly spacious.

I obviously don't have long term experience with the drivetrain, but other than MY13 (first year), i haven't been able to see any reason not to absolutely want something with an LTG.

I drove one and they seem nice, it was too expensive for me (~$38k) so I didn't get one.  I did see some of them had gone through multiple engines but I think that's something that you would find out before the warranty expires.

Is that the Ecotech engine model that has the water pump driven by the cam chain, and requires massive amounts of disassembly to get to it, or am I confused with another engine in this family?

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/build-projects-and-project-cars/scca-emod-mgb-gt-v12-build/26822/page1/

This is a long read, but go to the end and start there(go backwards)  for a very different/interesting Ecotec journey ......which I'll eventually pursue with my 1973 B/GT (daily driver).

I sold my Cobalt SS turbo with 250,000 miles on it and it didn't use a drop of oil.  I did replace the turbo and timing chains at about 200,000 miles.

I sourced an LNF/ RWD 5 speed (Sky/Solstice) for a recent project and love it.  It's super docile and predicable if you stay out of the boost, but once boosted, that torque is a sweet, sweet thing to feel.  Lots of fun out of just 2 liters.  Drinks premium and gets VERY good mpg ...if you can keep your foot out of it, but why would you?  :-)

--ccrunner

Are these essentially the later model Saab engines?  Might be able to get a sport combi for low money and have something close.  We have a 2010 9-3ss had if for 10 years and it has been flawless.  140k now on it.

The only frequent issue I see on the LTG engine is that the brake vacuum pump on the back of the exhaust cam will occasionally internally explode. Sometimes they just blow up and you have little brake assist. Other times, they jam up and break the back off the camshaft or jump timing or damage the camshaft actuator.