In 2002, John took on a new challenge: sport compact racing. He fielded a GM ECOTEC 4-cylinder GMC Sonoma and later a Chevy Cavalier in the NHRA Summit Sport Compact Drag Racing Series. In his first year racing in this series, he won one national event and had two runner-up finishes. The Cavalier was powered by a turbocharged Ecotec 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine that was capable of quarter-mile speeds in excess of 187 mph.
I check back on my old Fiero forums from time to time to see if they’ve made much progress on this swap. If it ever gets as easy/cheap as some of the other swaps there’s a good chance I’d do it.
I hate when people do this shit to grand ams and then proceed to think its the greatest thing. There are a few that roll around localy with cans bodykits ebay halo eyes etc
Here is a good read on the gm ecotec program… much of it can be applied to any 4 cyl build. Lots of good technical info on what goes into a big power 4 cyl: