ecotec or alloytec

[fuzzy2308]

in your opinion whitch is better over all

for being reliable
and
powerfull

[pip78]

not sure what the difference is......i know the ecotec are in the commodores, but what is alloytec? sorry if it sounds like a stupid question

[fuzzy2308]

not sure what the difference is......i know the ecotec are in the commodores, but what is alloytec? sorry if it sounds like a stupid question

ecotec in vs to vy.. alloytec in vz to ???

[pip78]

ecotec in vs to vy.. alloytec in vz to ???

ahhhhhh ok cheers for that

[Philthy]

I regularly drive a VS (ecotec) and a VZ calais (alloytec190) and the VZ is heaps smoother, and definately feels more powerful as well, although the ecotec feels better down low in the revs (which could be because the car is so light).
Never had a serious problem with either engine, but I would assume the newer alloytec would be more reliable and it is obviously more powerful
I vote alloytec overall, although I have never driven the 175kw version

[fuzzy2308]

im suprieded that the ecos are ahead

is the ve alloytec annoy one know, im off to find out

[Cursed CX8]

after getting out of the vs and into the ve the power of the 195kw donk was evident from the beginning, it was responsive and torquey down low and really pulled hard from 2200rpm and continued to wind its way to up to 5500rpm which is where the needle would launch to 6500rpm where it meets peak power.
The 6 speed manual available with the high output engine delivers a sporty and direct feel, especially given its heavy dual mass clutch setup and short ratio low gears. The 5 speed transmission was less than exciting, its slightly taller ratios still allowed good acceleration and effortless overtaking, the sports style active select is slow to react and gives the car a lethargic feel when driven hard.
The omega 4sp case is more refined version of the same gearboxed used all the way from the VN. Its tried and tested.
The induction roar of the alloytec is not so much a rumble but an asthmatic pur and a 2400 onwards wheeze that makes the car sound like its building a tiny amount of boost...only to disappoint. For a capacity of 3.6lt the power house does well to move the heavy vz/ve with such ease and fuel economy.

The ecotec behaves like one would expect an Aussie engine to perform, with its good low down torque and mid range tuning, it makes any car feel larger and faster than it really is capable off. With much of its power available from low revs it made hard launches and respectable speed figures, making the ecotec powered cars a cheap option for younger drivers who wanted reliability, torque, and the availability of cheap parts without the need for 5lt status.
The heads of the ecotec are left with alot of casting flash which when milled and flowed respond well to breathing mods.
The ecotec was available with the choice of either manual or auto. The auto's have become cheap to rebuild over the years, which is a good thing because given ever and moderate drive are prone to exploding after 150,000kms. The manual was originally the T5, but was later upgraded to the Getrag box. Both are expensive to repair, but the Getrag box will require attention on a more regular basis.
The Sounds of the ecotec is deep and meaty, not as deep as the 5lt, but alot deeper and more defined than the alloytec engine.

It really depends on what your after, if you want a smooth, effortless drive with plenty of power in reserve for when you hit the hills or for when your getting yourself out of trouble then the alloytec is for you. But if the price of the newer cars is out of reach then you wont go past a vx-vy. They are around with as little of 60,000kms for less than $12000.

......
Cheers CC

[Ozzie]

for me, the ecotech is more reliable
the alloytech was more powerful

but my alloytech was rebuilt and my ecotech has done 265XXX.

so its ecotech for me

[SAV_117]

i like the ecotec

[fuzzy2308]

i like the ecotec

any reason or u just like it cause u own one?

[padman]

ecotech is more reliable, my 98 VT, but dads vz has the guts

[excalibur]

i like the alloytec for the power

[nick3110]

ecotec, due to me being biased :P..

[EvoVIIIJDM]

i wouldnt say either are powerful. I had an alloytec for a year, 190 version 6 spd and it was a good motor once it was up and going.

[Travy]

recently went from a VY to VZ the alloytec is far nicer to drive than the ecotec with out question.

[f1tzy]

ive never driven an ecotec but i wouldnt buy another alloytec to save my life

[wingwang99]

Ecotec, only because i love mine and haven't driven an alloytec

[BullittSV6]

I drive a VT sometimes at work and its a lot less refined than my SV6, however, that might have something to do with the VT being not well looked after for two or three years until I was appointed caretaker this year and got it serviced etc.

But my mates that have driven and been in both notice the Alloytec's smoothness compared to the ecotech and its definately got more grunt.

The Alloytec is better than the Ecotec but the Ford 4.0L inline 6 trumps it...bring on direct injection!

[fuzzy2308]

ive never driven an ecotec but i wouldnt buy another alloytec to save my life

ny reason?

[savage1987]

haven't owned either, parents and sister have 3 ecotecs... I voted alloytec because of the newer technology present. End of story. These motors are yet to really prove themselves.


EDIT:
Years later, they haven't proven themselves at all IMO, if I could change my vote it would be Ecotec for sure.

[f1tzy]

ny reason?

its completely gutless unless you rev the tits off it and the fly by wire throttle is ****ing stupid in the manual. Its too slow to react and it makes it 10 times worse when the air con is on. and the stock clutch is as strong as a piece of toilet paper

[6 shooter]

Ecotec. because i prefer the 3.8s and theres nothing wrong with a pushrod motor unlike most people think. why need four cams when one can still make the car fast
plus the chick who sold my mate his vr said that she prefered the torque of the 3.8 rather than the new 3.6

[redcv6]

Shampoo is better

[VT SERIES II]

the fact that all the ecotecs are older than all alloytecs should come into play???

If I bought a newer version of anything I would expect better performance simply because its newer....

The real test would be to have a new eco and new alloy against each other....just a thought.

I have an ecotec and my work car was vz alloy....
I found the alloytec a bit stiffer in everyway possible. Wasnt really all that different in power either....not for me....

I like my eco....

[BRG_38L]

WHY didnt you put a choice for the vn-vr owners out there
when you say 3.8L you are talkin bout the motor that holden recalled when first developed because ma and pa smith were droppin sets off the lights at half throttle so the added a bellmouth s2 and a legend was born

as i have sed for years the ecotech is crap and as far as the alloytec
goes

!!!THERE IS NO REPLACEMENT FOR DISPLACEMENT!!!