I'm looking at getting a Z24, but this would be my first time having a 2.4 Quad. I've had the 2.2 Tonawada and the 2.2 Ecotec but never the 2.4. With that being said, how reliable are the 2.4 engines? What are common trouble stops to look for and things of the sort when buying a Z24?
Ive heard stories that the 2.4 were less reliable than the 2.2 and vice versa. Of course with stories, they almost never tend to be spot on with reliability (we all know how the Cavalier gets knocked down on its reliability)
BTW the Z24 I'm looking at is a 2002 Automatic (DC driving does not equate to happy shifting... or shifting beyond 2nd for that matter) power windows and locks, sunroof, with 102,000. They want $2500 which I consider a good price.
Any info on Z24s are appreciated.
Im happy with my 2000 2.4, Ive had a friend with a 98 Z24 and he had problems with strut mounts, tranny, water pump, and had something with it running rough that never did get fixed, he replaced injectors, fpr, all the ignition parts, pcm retuned, etc....
The 00-02 2.4s got better struts mounts, better 5spd tranny, and from in the library, it states the differances, it lloks like it got a differant water pump, removed egr, and few other things, not sure if the 00-02 cavaliers are better then the 96-99 but I know Im happy with mine. You are looking at an auto anyways and just asked about the engine but thought I would give you my 2 cents on them, I was actually looking for a ecotec but they were all more than I wanted to spend, I got my Z24 with 170000km for 2400
2000 Cavalier Z24 5spd - Intake, Dynomax muffler, Hawk Pads, Powerslot rotors, Sportlines/Koni reds, Neon Coil, MSD 8.5 Wires - **SOLD**
2014 Kia Forte Koup SX 6spd - 1.6L Turbo - My new car
2015 Kia Sorento EX V6 AWD - Wifes Car
It's a hit or miss with 2.4s mine has 195.*** miles and runs like a champ.
2001 Z-24, 5 speed, all original motor, 2nd trans, I have 356,000 miles on it now, has a few bolt-ons. Anyone who lives in Illinois is welcome to come and check her out sometime to verify..
Most LD9s die from low oil levels. If you maintain it, and keep oil in it it lasts a long time.
PRND321 Till I DIE
Old Motor: 160whp & 152ft/lbs, 1/4 Mile 15.4 @88.2
M45 + LD9 + 4T40-E, GO GO GO
I have one with over 200K (wrecked the car last year) and my DD has just a hair under 150K. I would not hesitate to buy a car with a high mile 2.4 if I knew 100% it was properly taken care of.
-Z Yaaaa- wrote:2.2 tonawada?
Believe thats a term for the old engine that came in the1.8/2.0/2.2 size.
1994 Saturn SL2 Home Coming Edition: backup car
2002 Chevy Cavalier LS Sport Coupe: In a Junk Yard
1995 Mazda Miata R-package Class=STR
Sponsored by:
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just buy the 2.4 maintain it and your laughing I have had a few HIGH mileage LD9 engine in my time. just keep eye on oil levels for first few oil changes and you will know. 2.4 is just as reliable as the eco, and even though some had bad luck some had great luck, take care of it it will take care of you
"As I lay rubber down the street, I pray for traction I can keep, but if I spin and begin to slide, please dear God protect my ride." -Amen
Leafy wrote:-Z Yaaaa- wrote:2.2 tonawanda?
Believe thats a term for the old engine that came in the1.8/2.0/2.2 size.
More specifically, where it was built. The Tonawanda plant in NY. Although, I didnt know it was produced there.
To add to my post, The S10 2.2 was produced there. But not the FWD LN2 iirc.
thats why the 2.4 in my vert is knocking and hammering like a bastard, girl i bought it from drove it with little to no oil, honestly, its like every other engine out there, if you look after it, dont beat the piss out of i continuously, itll normally last a good long time
Mike wrote:Leafy wrote:-Z Yaaaa- wrote:2.2 tonawanda?
Believe thats a term for the old engine that came in the1.8/2.0/2.2 size.
More specifically, where it was built. The Tonawanda plant in NY. Although, I didnt know it was produced there.
Yup. The nameless engine.... Im not sure what the 2.2 that came in the Cavalier is based off of but from what Ive been told, it's known as the "GM 122" engine, the "Tonawanda" engine (which I misspelled thanks to mobile... btw we should get tapatalk on here), the Vortec (in the trucks), and the "2200 MPFI". I always called it the Tonawanda because it's easier and most people know what engine it refers to. Not sure if both RWD and FWD engines were built in the same plant, but it is what it is. All I know is that the engine is reliable, a bit noisy but it gets the job done.
As far as the car I looked at, wasn't worth it. Needed suspension work and the interior looked like someone tried to eat the plastics... Literally there were chunks of the dash missing.
I am still looking for something with an Ecotec or a LD9... maybe a J maybe an N.
well the 2.2 in 95+ cars is the ln2.
1994 Saturn SL2 Home Coming Edition: backup car
2002 Chevy Cavalier LS Sport Coupe: In a Junk Yard
1995 Mazda Miata R-package Class=STR
Sponsored by:
Kronos Performance
WPI Class of '12 Mechanical Engineering
WPI SAE Risk and Sustainability Management Officer
my sister has a 2002 Z24 on its sec motor. first one blew the bottom end. Now this one the head gasket is leaking. When we tried to find a motor to replace the first one every junk yard we called told us good luck all the 2.4L motors they has were bad. (that should tell you something about the motor) we ended up finding one with 88K on it out of a grand am. that motor is now the one with the head gasket leaking. We have 3 2200 ohv motors in are family right now one is pushing 200k the other 2 have about 130K all run like there brand new and not any issues with them.
I had a 2000 z24 from 20k to 70k with no problems. Also had a 98 malibu with the 2.4L LD9 ran great had around 180,000 when i let it go. The only issues i had were the o rings on the injectors needed to be replaced and a motor mount. The trans went id say thats the weak point, for the automatics anyway.
Most motors last as long if they are kept and not beat on. My 97 has 140k now runes fine, The only thing that went bad was a cracked fuel line. (But Fords Triton Engines suck! )
I'm swapping the 5 speed out of my GT with a newer one, because it only works in first. but the engine is running strong at 170 k the only thing that sucks is the ac compressor siezes up somtimes. Accessories are really no problem to change out in these engines. Its off the road for the winter and will return to the roads in the spring...
187,600 miles on my 98z, I have owned it since 102k, and I have beat the crap out of it, redlining it every gear every day, and runs strong still, but I also put Mobil 1 synthetic every 3-4k and make sure I fill the dipstick up to the letter f where it says full
I have a 2001 2.4 with 134k on it. Has around 200 track passes, and making more power than your average 2.4.
FU Tuning
-Z Yaaaa- wrote:^^^ ur car was well taken care of its whole life. i wouldnt be surprised if it could last 400,000 with you keepign up on the maintenance. 
its boosted still too, yes?
The red one is boosted but only has 68k
Just take care of the engine...I have a 2000 Z24 convertible.. bottom end went around 60k... bought it went it had around 52k.. right now has around 75k and runs strong.. I burns around 1qt. of oil every 1.5k-3k miles. but i also have a valve cover leak...i just keep refilling it with synthetic oil. and do an oil change every 5k-8k miles.
I loved my 2.4 when I had it, and when I sold the engine, it was put into another car for a commuter and lasted another boat of km's before it was traded in, I seen the car again here not too too long ago, still running like a champ... But I have to say I love my 3.4 better in my Cav! But I had nothing but good things with my 2.4 - granted I married a mechanic, so all my maintenance, and my 3.4 install are fairly awesome and accurate!
2 kids, 2 cars
'02 Sunfire with a 2.4 and 160,000 / '96 Cav 2.2 with 166,000 / Both have auto trannys
Don't know if I could pick one over the other. Both seem to be pretty solid motors.
As far as reliability goes, I've had good luck with both, just wish the 2.2 had a little more pep.
Speaking from experience and advice from friends, I make sure the kids keep an eye on the engine temp constantly.
Rather spend $10 and some time on a thermostat than buy a head for either motor.
As far as I know, that's their only weak spot
