I'm seriously thinking of buying this 1998 Z24 locally for $300. It's not pretty, but i intend to use it only for SCCA racing on weekends. He says the whole car is great except it needs the timing fixed. that sounded fishy becuase i'm under the impression 2.4's never need timing adjustments...don't they self time or something like that?

Anyone have any knowledge about that?

I personally think it has rod knock and really needs a motor. if that is the case how much are people paying for 2nd hand 2.4's these days?



"Formerly known as Jammit - JBO member since 1998" JBOM | CSS.net

If the timing belt ( if equipped with belts, i dont know belt or chain) jumps time and the motor is interference the pistons and valves will smash, so becareful buying that car.

A rod knock, will sound like someone is rapidly tapping a quarter on a wooden table




- 2004 Cavalier - 124k, owned since new

Sounds like a timing chain issue. If it is, plan on rebuilding the engine, or getting one used.

Price for a used one is all over the place.
I've seen them as cheap as $300-400 complete, and as much as $1000+ from a yard without any accessories.

There are some on ebay right now for $800-1000 with low mileage.

I just did the timing and waterpump on my 98z24. Took me about 6 hrs with a hoist and airtools. It isnt hard at all. Just intimidating. I bought a full timing chain kit (sliders, shoes, tensioner, chain, 2x cam sprockets, 1x crank sprocket) for $160 shipped. Cloyes is the brand. My girlfriends dad who is a Master Automotive Technition said that those kits should easily last 100k. The noise that you hear from your motor, if coming from the pulley (timing,right (always while in the car)) side then that is more than likely your timing. it would sound like a clicking noise, perhaps a loose chain sound....A running z24 motor will go from anywhere between 500-1200. If you do get another motor, you could always build the one that sounds like crap too!!!!

Hope that helps a lil.


-_98 Cavy Z24_-