The 2.4L Ecotec engine has been installed in various vehicles across Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick, Saturn, and Opel models. Understanding engine compatibility is essential for mechanics, car enthusiasts, and anyone considering an engine swap.
Below is a complete compatibility chart listing vehicles, model years, and trim levels compatible with the 2.4 Ecotec engine.
2.4 Ecotec Engine Compatibility Chart
| Vehicle Make | Model | Years | Engine Code | Transmission Compatibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet | Malibu | 2008–2012 | LAF | 4T65E/6T40 Automatic, 5-Speed Manual | Most common 2.4 Ecotec application |
| Chevrolet | Cobalt | 2005–2010 | LE5, LE9 | 5-Speed Manual, 4T65E Automatic | Early compact car use, LE5 mostly LS and LT trims |
| Chevrolet | HHR | 2006–2011 | LE5 | 4T65E Automatic | Wagon-style vehicle, LS/LT trims |
| Chevrolet | Equinox | 2005–2009 | LAF | 4T65E Automatic | SUV, transverse layout |
| Chevrolet | Malibu Maxx | 2008–2010 | LAF | 4T65E Automatic, 5-Speed Manual | Hatchback variant of Malibu |
| Chevrolet | Cobalt SS | 2008–2010 | LE5 | 5-Speed Manual, 4T65E Automatic | High-performance version, non-turbo only |
| Chevrolet | Cruze | 2011–2015 | LAF | 6-Speed Manual, 6T40 Automatic | Compact sedan, turbo versions vary |
| Chevrolet | Captiva Sport | 2012–2015 | LAF | 6-Speed Automatic | SUV, transverse mounting |
| Chevrolet | Tracker | 2005–2008 | LE5 | 5-Speed Manual | Early compact SUV use |
| Chevrolet | Impala | 2006–2011 | LAF | 4T65E Automatic | Full-size sedan option in some trims |
| Chevrolet | Venture | 2005–2007 | LAF | 4T65E Automatic | Minivan model in select markets |
| Pontiac | G6 | 2005–2010 | LE5, LAF | 4T65E Automatic, 5-Speed Manual | Early models LE5, later LAF |
| Pontiac | Solstice | 2006–2009 | LE5 | 5-Speed Manual | Roadster model |
| Pontiac | Torrent | 2006–2009 | LAF | 4T65E Automatic | Crossover SUV |
| Pontiac | G5 | 2007–2009 | LE5 | 4T65E Automatic, 5-Speed Manual | Economy-focused compact sedan |
| Pontiac | GXP | 2006–2009 | LE5 | 5-Speed Manual | Non-turbo swap only |
| Buick | Regal | 2008–2010 | LAF | 4T65E Automatic | Mid-size sedan |
| Buick | LaCrosse | 2008–2009 | LAF | 4T65E Automatic | LS and CX trims |
| Buick | Verano | 2012–2015 | LAF | 6-Speed Automatic | Sedan variant, North America |
| Buick | Rendezvous | 2004–2007 | LAF | 4T65E Automatic | Early SUV model |
| Saturn | Aura | 2007–2009 | LAF | 4T65E Automatic | Midsize sedan |
| Saturn | Ion | 2004–2007 | LE5 | 5-Speed Manual, 4T65E Automatic | Only certain trims use 2.4 Ecotec |
| Saturn | Vue | 2005–2007 | LAF | 4T65E Automatic | Early SUV application |
| Opel | Astra | 2004–2009 | LE5, LAF | Manual & Automatic options vary | European model, transverse engine |
| Opel | Vectra | 2005–2008 | LAF | Manual & Automatic | Transverse-mounted engine |
| Opel | Zafira | 2005–2009 | LAF | Manual & Automatic | Minivan model |
| Saab | 9-3 | 2008–2011 | LAF | 4T65E Automatic, 5-Speed Manual | GM platform-sharing, non-turbo 2.4L only |
| Saab | 9-5 | 2010–2011 | LAF | 6T40 Automatic | Mid-size sedan, only certain trims |
| Pontiac | Montana SV6 | 2005–2007 | LAF | 4T65E Automatic | Minivan application |
| Chevrolet | Epica | 2006–2008 | LAF | 5-Speed Manual, 4T65E Automatic | Export model |
| Saturn | Relay | 2005–2007 | LAF | 4T65E Automatic | Minivan, transverse engine |
| Chevrolet | Optra | 2005–2008 | LE5 | 5-Speed Manual, 4T65E Automatic | International compact sedan |
| Pontiac | Wave | 2005–2009 | LE5 | 4T65E Automatic, 5-Speed Manual | Exported subcompact sedan |
| Buick | Excelle | 2008–2010 | LAF | 5-Speed Manual, 4T65E Automatic | Chinese-market compact sedan |
Note:
1. Engine Codes:
- LE5/LE9: Found in early 2.4L applications, primarily in compact cars like Cobalt, Solstice, and Ion.
- LAF: Later 2.4L variant used in mid-size cars and crossovers like Malibu, Regal, and Equinox. LAF engines typically have improved emissions controls and updated fuel management systems.
2. Transmission Matching:
- Automatic transmissions often include the 4T65E, 6T40, and 6T50, depending on vehicle year and trim.
- Manual transmissions are mostly 5-speed units, compatible with LE5 engines. Some later LAF engines in performance trims may allow 6-speed manuals.
3. Common Swaps:
- Malibu LAF engines are frequently swapped into other mid-size GM vehicles due to bolt-on compatibility.
- LE5 engines from Cobalt or Solstice are sometimes installed in older Saturn Ion or Pontiac G5 models.
4. Turbocharged Versions:
- Certain Cobalt SS and Solstice GXP models had turbocharged variants. Only non-turbo LE5/LAF engines are compatible with standard swaps. Turbo models require additional ECU and transmission considerations.
5. Geographical Variants:
- Opel models in Europe often share engine designs but may have differences in ECU programming or emissions setups. Always verify local regulations before swapping engines.
Related Chevy Engine Swap Compatibility Chart(For All Engine Types)
Tips for Engine Swaps
- Check Engine Mounts: Most 2.4 Ecotec engines are transverse-mounted. Swaps between compatible vehicles are straightforward but may require custom mounts in non-GM cars.
- ECU Compatibility: Ensure the ECU matches the engine. LE5 and LAF ECUs are not interchangeable without reprogramming.
- Transmission Bellhousing: Verify that the engine’s bellhousing pattern matches the target vehicle’s transmission. LAF engines often pair with 4T65E or 6-speed automatic transmissions.
- Cooling System: Radiator and hoses may need to be adjusted for vehicle-specific routing.
- Fuel System: Fuel pump and injectors must support engine demand, especially if moving from a compact car to a mid-size sedan.
Related LS Engine Swap Compatibility Chart(For All Models)
Why Choose the 2.4 Ecotec Engine?
- Reliability: The 2.4 Ecotec is known for robust construction, making it ideal for both daily driving and mild performance upgrades.
- Fuel Efficiency: With modern fuel injection and variable valve timing, the engine offers good fuel economy across all compatible vehicles.
- Parts Availability: Being a popular engine, replacement parts are easy to source in the US and globally.
- Upgrade Potential: The engine can support forced induction, performance cams, and exhaust upgrades for enthusiasts.
Related Nissan Altima Engine Swap Compatibility Chart(All Models Years)
Final words
The 2.4 Ecotec engine remains a versatile and widely compatible engine across multiple GM models, from compact sedans to mid-size SUVs. Whether you are looking to swap engines, replace a worn unit, or upgrade for performance, understanding the compatibility chart is essential. Always double-check engine codes, transmission types, and ECU configurations before performing a swap. By following the guidelines above, you can ensure a smooth, reliable, and efficient engine installation.
