[stoopid]

I'm looking for some input/advice.

As some may recall I recently traded in my 2LS for a 2015 Regal 2.0T . It's actually really peppy (despite the snarky disposition of some members here). Motortrend had it in the low 6 seconds 0-60 which impressed me enough on paper to try and end up buying. I never go to the track so the mushier handling is just fine, and even then it still handles really well. I've been tossing it around a bit in the 2300 miles I've put on it thus far.

On to the point of the thread - I suspected I would end up tuning the car, as the tunes available from Trifecta boast some big increases. Unfortunately in doing my homework I came across a thread on the Cadillac ATS forum regarding a couple very serious problems with the LTG 2.0T (same engine as in the Regal and optional for the Malibu). One is for (supposedly) faulty pistons, the other a manufacturing defect (bearing) on a very small percentage of engines, causing them to fail within the first few thousand miles.

I'm trying to make sense of these issues. The ATS forum is flooded with piston failures, and yet the malibu and buick forums are quiet (no widespread reported issues). The ATS owners even note this in their own thread (why does it appear they are the only ones using this engine experiencing the issue?).

To tune or not to tune, that is now the question. I'd hate to lose out on a relatively significant bump in performance (the transmission tune would be very welcome, as would better throttle response, in addition to the increased power). But I don't want to hasten the death of my engine either.

Anyone with more knowledge on this subject? I know we have some serious car guys that are members here...

This might be of greater concern to the Camaro community if they end up putting the 2.0T engine in the Gen6.

[Firefighter]

I have no knowledge of the subject, but if I were to hazard a guess I would think the ATS guys are pushing their car's more. I almost got an ATS That motor. That said I'm in to see what is said.

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[Bizaro]

I'm not a big fan of small engines getting turboed but I think you could tune 50-70hp safely after that you will need to upgrade engine internals for prolonged reliability. I think piston failures people are talking about has more to do with quality control more than anything. Just remember once you tune you're on your own no more warranty

[SSJ455]

I tuned my 2013 GS and I haven't had any issues. I don't beat it but when I put my foot down it takes off. I also didn't get an overly aggressive tune, so I didn't have to upgrade the exhaust or the tranny or the turbo. I think if you were going to race it or were trying to get the most out of the 2.0 then maybe you'd have to do some upgrades.

[ssrs2lt]

I had 2011 2.0t yep ended up being a lemon due to engine .. I had the standard..

[Number 3]

They recalled my wife's ATS to recalibrate likely due to this issue.

[RenegadeSS]

GM had a recall done on the ecotec line because of the block failures they had. They went from expanding foam to sand casting, and it worked out well. As far as internals, my LDK block is holding pretty well. Honestly if you have any other questions I suggest contacting the guys over at ZZ performance. They are wizards with the ecotec platform. I actually bought my LDK block from them, and never had any issues. Here is the motor you have. http://shop.zzperformance.com/store/...ong-Block.aspx

[stoopid]

Originally Posted by RenegadeSS

GM had a recall done on the ecotec line because of the block failures they had. They went from expanding foam to sand casting, and it worked out well. As far as internals, my LDK block is holding pretty well. Honestly if you have any other questions I suggest contacting the guys over at ZZ performance. They are wizards with the ecotec platform. I actually bought my LDK block from them, and never had any issues. Here is the motor you have. http://shop.zzperformance.com/store/...ong-Block.aspx

Dropped them a line, thanks for the idea.

[stoopid]

Replied!

We’re aware, we’re testing various solutions.
We’ve had the failure 2 or 3 times on our own test vehicles.
It doesn’t seem to be soley about tuning tho. even some stock vehicles have had failures.

[Destructo09]

Sounds like I would leave that stock, you certainly don't want to pay for a new motor if it goes belly up.

[ZiG]

Yeah at least put some more mileage on it first.. as soon as you tune, you lose all engine, transmission, emissions and drivability warranty.