Hey, things have come to a point where I might be able to get a 3rd gen in the next couple months. Problem is, I dont have a clue about the newer engine and tranny combos. I know the 2.2 isnt great, and the only experience Ive had with the 2.4 wasnt great. If yall were in the market, for a 3rd gen, say 96-00, what would yall look for? I know I want a stick, but as far as engines go... I just dont know. When was the last year for the V6s and were they worth a @!#$ anyway? Gimme yalls input guys.

Oh, and YES I wanna mod the engine and body.


I plan on living forever... so far so good

The last year of V6's was the second gen cars.... so 1994.

95 had a Quad 4 or 2.2L

96-97 had a 2.4L or 2.2L

98-02 had a 2.4L or 2200 (redesigned 2.2L)

mid-02 and up had the 2.2L Ecotec.


I'd say the 00+ cars were better for 5 speeds... based on the Getrag trans they use, as opposed to the 95-99 which used a Isuzu-designed but GM-built (read: cheap) transmission. So, if you could get a 2000+ Z24... you're good to go. But if you don't like 2.4's.... well... take the less-powerful-out-of-the-factory 2.2L...

If you're going to swap motors.... buy whatever's cheapest. otherwise, find something with the drivetrain you want and mod the body the way you want it.



If I had to buy another J-body... I'd probably go with a 95 5-speed... swap in a Quad 4 HO from a Beretta or other such car... do the W41 swap... and have a mega-sleeper.... N/A for a cheap price...

But then youre still gonna have the isuzu tranny... just how bad are they? and what kind of mods are available for the 2.2? are there enough out there to make decent power, ie boost, bolt ons? and its not that I dont like the 2.4s, but we rebuilt one at a shop i used to work at, and never could get the lifter tick out of it and thats always bothered me.


I plan on living forever... so far so good

sorry to double post... but thanks for your input btw... lol


I plan on living forever... so far so good