The four-cylinder powerplants in the GM J-body cars are reasonably peppy from the factory, but of course there's plenty of room for improvement. Aftermarket support for these engines does exist, though not quite to the extent the imports enjoy. Most upgrades available for these cars are relatively simple, such as intake systems, exhaust systems, and headers.
Still, worthwhile horsepower gains can be had even through these simple modifications. Plus, for those willing to ante up for some serious horsepower gains, the aftermarket does produce some truly nifty forced induction and nitrous setups, along with the necessary strengthened engine internals to accommodate the added power.
Overall, the optional 2.4 liter (2.3 liters in 1995), 150-hp engine has a lot more performance potential than the base 2.2-liter engine. Not only does it have 30 more horsepower than the base engine, but there are far more upgrades available. The base 2.2-liter engine is an ancient pushrod design, and it simply doesn't have much potential compared to the more modern 2.4-liter engine, which features modern twin overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder.
RKSport cat-back exhaust With applications fitting the '95-'01 Cavalier, for 2.2L, 2.3L and 2.4L. Three different muffler styles to choose from. For more info, call (800) 214-8030 or visit www.rksport.com.
Iceman cool-air intakes With applications for the '96-'01 Cavalier, 2.4L engine only. For more info, call (909) 875-1600 or visit www.ice-man.com.
Injen intake With applications for the '96-'01 Cavalier, 2.4L engine only. For more info, call (909) 839-0706 or visit www.injen.com.
Weapon-R intake With applications for the '96-'01 Cavalier, 2.2L and 2.4L engines only. Call (650) 992-9669 or visit www.weapon-r.com.
RS Motorsports intake With applications for the '96-'01 Cavalier, 2.2L and 2.4L engines only. Call (905) 671-9998 or visit www.rsmracing.com.
Pacesetter Air F/X intakeWith applications for the '96-'99 Cavalier, 2.4L engine only. For more info, call (304) 788-5391 or visit www.howellautomotive.com.
Chassis Craft Turbo With applications for the '96-'01 Cavalier, 2.2L engine only. For more info, call (904) 276-9720 or check out www.chassiscraft.com.
Unorthodox Racing pulley. With applications for the '95-'01 Cavalier, 2.4L engine only. For more info, call (631) 253-4909 or stop by www.unorthodoxracing.com.
Mantapart cam timing gears With applications for the '95-'01 Cavalier, all engines. For more info, call (330) 549-3188 or visit www.mantapart.com.
IgnitionsMSD Ignitions With applications for the '95-'01 Cavalier, all engines. For more info, call (915) 857-5200 or visit www.msdignition.com.
Electromotive Ignitions With applications for the '95-'01 Cavalier, all engines. For more info, call (330) 549-3188 or log on at www.mantapart.com.
Plug WiresMagnecor With applications for the '95-'01 Cavalier, 2.2-liter engine only. For more info, call (248) 669-6688; www.magnecor.com.
Pacesetter With applications for the '96-'01 Cavalier, 2.4L engine only. Call (602) 266-1964 or visit www.pacesetterexhaust.com.
Mantapart custom manifolds With applications for the '95-'01 Cavalier, all engines. For more info, call (330) 549-3188 or visit www.mantapart.com.
Throttle BodyRS Motorsports 59mm bored throttle body With applications for the '96-'01 Cavalier, 2.2- and 2.4-liter engines only. For more info, call (905) 671-9998 or visit www.rsmracing.com.
Mantapart 60mm bored throttle body With applications for the '95-'01 Cavalier, all engines. For more info, call (330) 549-3188 or visit www.mantapart.com.
RS Motorsports With applications for the '96-'01 Cavalier, 2.4-liter engine only. For more info, call (905) 671-9998; visit www.rsmracing.com.
Mantapart cams With applications for the '95-'01 Cavalier, all engines. For more info, call (330) 549-3188 or check out www.mantapart.com.
RKSport upper/lower motor mounts With applications for the '95-'01 Cavalier, all engines. For more info, call (800) 214-8030 or check out www.rksport.com.
RKSport fuel injectorsWith applications for the '95-'01 Cavalier, all engines. For more info, call (800) 214-8030 or check out www.rksport.com.
Advanced Clutch TechnologyXtreme Clutch With applications for the '96-'01 Cavalier, 2.4-liter engine only. For more info, call (661) 947-7791 or visit www.advancedclutch.com.
Jet Chips With applications for the '96-'01 Cavalier, 2.4-liter engine only. For more info, call (877) 808-3700 or visit www.jetchip.com.
JE Pistons With applications for the '95-'01 Cavalier, all engines. These are custom made and must be sent in with specifications for engine. Call (714) 898-9763 or visit www.jepiston.com.
RKSport/Nitrous Express With applications for the '95-'01 Cavalier, all engines. For more info, call (800) 214-8030 or check out www.rksport.com.
NOS With applications for the '95-'01 Cavalier, all engines. For more info, call (714) 546-0592 or visit www.holley.com.
ZEX nitrous system With applications for the '95-'01 Cavalier, all engines. For more info, call (888) 542-3626 or visit www.mmrusa.com.