For gits and shiggles, I chose a 2000 Cavalier Z24. OK, lets compare here...
2000 Chevrolet Cavalier Specifications as Tested
2.4L DOHC engine
Horse Power: 150 @ 5600
Torque: 155 @ 4400
Curb Weight: 2676lbs
2001 Saturn SC2 Specifications as Tested
1.9-liter DOHC engine
Horse Power: 124 @ 5600 rpm
Torque: 122 @ 4800 rpm
Curb Weight: 2,463 lbs
So realisically, if you put a stock 2.4 into a Saturn, you're going to experience a horsepower gain of 26, and a torque gain of 33 ft lbs at 400 rpm's sooner. And not to mention, a weight loss of over 200lbs as well. That would probably put you in the low, low 15's stock, possibly very high 14's with a 5-speed and a very good driver.
Can it be done??? Well with enough time and money, anything is possible. If money were no option, you could buy a Saurn, and then rip everything out, do the same with the Cavalier, and then, start using that thing we like to call a brain. Start picturing how you're going to fab the mounts, intertwine the electronics, and make everything fit.
The easiest way to fab the mounts is look at the overall dimensions of the 2 engines, hold the differing engine mounts together, and then figure out a way to get the two together, adjusting for difference in engine lengths, of course. This will be the hardest part of the whole job, getting the engine/transaxle lined up and centered correctly will not be an easy task
The electronics, probably just use everything from the Cavalier, and swap it in. The light pigtails, door jamb switches, ect, would probably be easy to splice the two harnesses together at the pigtails. You can get kinda creative too. For instance, the Cavaler has 1 taillight bulb per side. I'm not sure about the Saturn, but if it has 2, just splice into the factory harness and wire in parallel. You'll have to get a heavy-duty flasher, or else your bulbs will blink really really fast, due to the overall lower resistance of the circuit. You'll probably have to splice to make the wires longer/shorter as the need arises also, just use butt connectors and heat shrink wrap, and you'll be set. For the guages, if you could find a way to splice the 2 systems together, I.E. use the Saturn guages with the Cavalier electronics, that would be ideal. Seeing as how everything is electronic nowadays, it might be easier to just graft the Cavalier guages into the Saturn. But who knows, seeing as how it's GM, they might just be plug and play, but don't count on it.
As far as driveline, I'd imagine that the Saturn is narrower. It'd be your best bet to use the Cavalier axles. You'd probably have to get the CV axles remade to a custom length (there are companies that do this). Where the splined shafts go into the front wheel bearings, it's very possible that they are the same dimensions, but if different, you'll have to do some wheel bearing/spindle modification. Remember, the suspension is the most important part of your car. If the spindle breaks while you're cruising down the road, you could be in some serious $#!T, so be careful!!! The afformentioned CV axle companies might be able to make you a plug and play set of axles, but it'll cost ya.
Once you get all of the electronics squared away, and the engine/transmission combo in and running, you MIGHT have to get coil spring boosters for the front, to compensate for the extra weight. Not knowing the difference in the two engines weights, I don't know if this is necessary, you'd have to find out on your own. Although, I'm sure the 2.4 driveline will be a bit heavier.
Is it possible?? Of course. Is it worth it??? That's up to you. Keep in mind that once it's in and running, you have alot more aftermarket stuff available for the 2.4, so 150HP and 155 flt lbs of tourque is not the stopping point. And if you keep it looking stock, it'd be one hell of a sleeper.
Have fun!!! (BTW, looking up all the specs and typing this took almost 45 minutes, so you owe me!!!
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Currently #4 in Ecotec Forced Induction horsepower ratings. 505.8 WHP 414WTQ!!!
Currently 3rd quickest Ecotec on the .org - 10.949 @ 131.50 MPH!!!
