upOnGamE

Just curious why GM didn't pursue this motor at an eariler stage in the 4 banger game?

LG0
The High-Output 2.3 L LG0 version produced 180 hp (134 kW) from 1990 to 1992, and 175 hp (130 kW) in 1993 and 1994. Major changes included a higher volume intake manifold, and more aggressive camshafts.

Applications:

1990-1991 Oldsmobile 442
1990-1993 Chevrolet Beretta GTZ, 180 hp (134 kW)
1994 Chevrolet Beretta Z26, 170 hp (127 kW)
1989-1994 Pontiac Grand Am
1989-1991 Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais and Supreme
1992-1994 Oldsmobile Achieva SC

WEB SITE INFO
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_Quad-4_engine

1BadPig

I wonder if the SAAB 2.3L Turbo (250 hp) was based on this engine?

bdubsee

That's the old Quad-4. it put up some impressive (for the time) numbers but it was thrashy and unrefined. Many early models had major reliability issues.

Snoopy

I need to go back and think about this, but....

I believe this was GM's first attempt at a mass produced/production, multi valve, over head cam engine. I also believe this engine was developed after GM purchased Lotus Engineering (I thinks it was Enginnering, but it was the unit responsible for the design and development of their engines) and was developed using their experience and technology. In most cases, in was notorious for problems, was not balanced well and, as such, was rather rough running. It was one of the caes where, if you had a good one....you had a good one, otherwise !!!!!

I did see GM do some remarkable performance modifications, to this engine, that never made it to market. One was a land speed record for its class, which was held by Mercedes. I believe it was in the area of 267 mph. The custom vehicle body was very low, when driven at the higher speeds. The design allowed some of the "turbulance" to be pulled through the vehicle, which "sucked" the car to within an inch or so, of the ground.

I might have some pictures somewhere....

SandyBeach

It could be because GM had the 2.5L. I believe they called it the "Iron Duke" and sold it in the Sunbird and similar GM cars. I ordered an '82 Firebird with that engine and it turned out to be more powerful than the 2.8L V-6 they offered. Yes, I was hoping for better gas mileage than the V-8 offered.

I did own an '86 Isuzu Trooper with the 2.3L engine. It ran great even considering the poor aerodynamics of that model year and lack of window tinting to keep it cooler inside. It ran well in the heat of Florida and cold, wet environment of Iceland. My husband got it in the divorce with 90K miles and drove it for several more years. Never needed any repairs!

Snoopy

Ahhh, the ol' Iron Duke. That's a tale in itself. GM made a lot of money from that engine....but eventually wound up "eating" it. It was notoriously in need of repairs, depending on the year and model of vehicle (just a hint...first year Fiero and a ugly design U.S. Mail delivery route truck, that GM had to return some money back to The Uncle).

As for the 2.3 Trooper...as I said...if you had a good one, it was a good one.

Desert Coyote

Being in the parts business I can tell you some tales about both of those engines, 2.3 and 2.5.

First off, 2.3. It was an okay engine for its time, but once they break, they usually break BIG TIME, and are a pain in the bahookie to work on. They're even a pain to find parts for ... anyone who ever looked for a water outlet gasket for this engine can tell you this. (Typical water outlet gaskets, for those not in the know, are round or football shaped, or they're o-rings, because they go around the thermostat. The gasket for the 2.3 was a big square monstrosity that attached a block which *contained* the thermostat to the engine block)

The Iron Duke was not *entirely* eaten by GM. It found a fairly decent second life as a marine engine for midsized fishing boats.

Snoopy

Good analysis...Coyote

Actually, the 2.5 Iron Duke, I believe, was "kind of" resurrected from the marine market and the South American market. It was used primarily for what GM considered their "savior", at the time....the GM "X" cars. Which almost everything today, evolved from.

Had an I/O boat in Michigan with the Duke...that was 1968. Anyone who visited Brazil, Argentina, etc. in the early 70's can tell you about driving Chevvies, there. Oil leaking mother, is what it was.

The joint contract with Grumman on the mail vehicle's....GM did 100's of millions of dollars in repairs for free. RTV, properly applied, saved a bunch of people and GM.

Desert Coyote

Almost forgot, for a while the Iron Duke was restyled for direct ignition and called the "Tech-4", in contrast to the 2.3 "Quad-4." Nobody was fooled.

You also called to mind one of those joint contracts that GM does right now, which is probably the only thing keeping an engine alive currently. Here at Tonawanda, the 8.1L V8 for large trucks is built by hand because there's only one real customer for it: U-Haul. Nobody wants this big of a gas hog in a standard truck right now ... I think they have trouble even selling them to fleets ... with the sole exception of U-Haul using it for moving trucks.

Snoopy

You got me on that one. Remember the name...can't remember the particulars. Was that when they started the TBI units....about 82-83???