Cobalt SS Supercharged on Bi-Fuel?

[xravenwingsx]

I am a driver of a CNG shuttle bus in SLC for my day job, and though I've noticed some harsh starts and a few minor difficulties with the CNG system such as leaks and it keeps dying every time you put it in gear or touch the accelerator until it's completely warmed up; I am tired of paying nearly 3.70 per gallon for premium fuel, and am more than impressed with the low fuel cost of CNG and its abundance in Utah, but would need to keep the gasoline feature for cross-country drives. The engine I have is a supercharged Ecotec 2.0L LSJ I-4 equipped with GM Performance Parts Stage 2 on 16psi of boost (approx 250whp). Not sure what compression ratio I'm at with the supercharger--or what the motor will handle. Maybe someone more automotively inclined could help.

Is it even possible with a factory supercharged engine? Is there a kit available? Has it even been attempted with a supercharged car? How much would I be looking at in cost?

Would I be better selling off my car for book value and getting a severely used factory-equipped CNG vehicle (Cavalier, Civic GX etc)? I don't really want a different vehicle because I love my car, it's paid off, and it has extremely low miles--but if it's not doable with a SC car, then I really don't have a choice, because gasoline prices are breaking my bank, so to speak because of the commute distance to work.

[neongreen]

Re: Cobalt SS Supercharged on Bi-Fuel?

The engine could run CNG without issues, in fact, IMHO, forced induction is ideal for CNG.
The feds seem to be the problem in this case. It's not about whether or not it could be done, it's about whether or not uncle sam and his beauracracy want to allow it.

[xravenwingsx]

Re: Cobalt SS Supercharged on Bi-Fuel?

Yeah, that would make sense--the Fed has so much red tape it'd probably take years to sort out, and I don't want the paperwork hassle----so, if anyone has a LEGAL CNG/bifuel vehicle for trade for my Cobalt SS Stage 2, drop me a PM! Car is worth approx 15k and is owned by me (I paid cash for it a few years ago when I had money), I seriously would trade straight across for a Civic GX or CNG Cavalier in good running condition. It's set up for autocross and daily commuting, but would also make a good drag car in the Rocky Mountain Ecotec Sport Compact Series at RMR. My friend Connor's car who is slower than mine is consistently pulling 2nd and 3rd place with drag slicks.


Realllllly tired of 3.80 a gallon. I seriously can't afford to drive my own car anymore. I'm having to skimp on my food diet just to afford to drive to work.

[xravenwingsx]

Re: Cobalt SS Supercharged on Bi-Fuel?

good news--I am trying to set up a deal with a member in Utah who is getting a black P71 Interceptor Crown Vic that has been converted to bi-fuel.

Tons of room, lots of guts, and CNG-capable. Hope the deal works out!

[cnghal]

Re: Cobalt SS Supercharged on Bi-Fuel?

Let me know if the deal goes south.
We bought a 2006 2.2L Ecotec engine and tranny for use as a prototype/dyno mule. I was hoping to do a conversion for the Cobalt/HHR engines once I get my dyno test cell set up at my shop. I'm courious to see if I can tweek the ECU enough with HP Tuners VCM Suite software. They say that year is supported. Conversion could be as simple as a new fuel rail system and a long week of tweeking on the dyno. The Cobalt/HHR would make and excellent fleet replacement for the Cavalier and the SS wouldn't suck for buzzing to the corner for a pack of smokes!
What do you think?

[xravenwingsx]

Re: Cobalt SS Supercharged on Bi-Fuel?

Deal hasn't gone south quite yet, but it's been about a week and I'm still waiting on a definitive answer from the guy--if all else fails, I'm totally in on the Ecotec thing. Send me a PM and I'll get ya my contact info.

Congrats on picking up the LSJ engine--how hard was it to acquire?

[cnghal]

Re: Cobalt SS Supercharged on Bi-Fuel?

About 60k miles on engine and tranny and stole it for $300.00

[xravenwingsx]

Re: Cobalt SS Supercharged on Bi-Fuel?

300? holy crap, that IS a steal!!!! Have you attempted anything on it with HPT/CNG yet, or are you still looking for a car to stuff the motor into?

[cnghal]

Re: Cobalt SS Supercharged on Bi-Fuel?

I may be moving to a much larger facility and am waiting till I get my engine dyno test cell built. I have a 1600hp water brake engine dyno and an ec emissions chassis dyno with a 5 gas analyzer so I can beat on it with a tack hammer instead of a sledge hammer.
I was actually thinking of putting the engine/tranny in a mid/rear engine kit car when I'm done. A real carshow stopper.

[xravenwingsx]

Re: Cobalt SS Supercharged on Bi-Fuel?

Heard from the dealer--sounds like I have a deal with the P71 Interceptor. If everything goes well, hopefully I'll have it in a few weeks maximum. with premium fuel at $4.00 +, I could really use it.

You know, on cobaltss.net, there's a guy in Canada doing a Cobalt RWD conversion, 700+ hp twin turbo.

[xravenwingsx]

Re: Cobalt SS Supercharged on Bi-Fuel?

BTW--anyone got a street address for CNG Utah? Been wanting to drop by and check out my future bi-fuel P71 Interceptor Crown Vic.