2000 sunfire gt 2.4 engine swap

tidcab

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Hi, I am new here and new to the sunfire. I just purchased one for my son and we are fixing it for his 16th b'day.

My questions are:

Where can I find a deal on a decent engine? (I am in the north alabama area)
What years/models will interchange?
How difficult is the engine swap?

I appreciate all your help.
 
I would just rebuild the one you have.but if you don't have the insight of how to rebuild one then any auto part store should have 1...now say if you find the cheapest 1 at autozone then go to pepboys and they will match autozones price and discount it at 5%..1999-2002 are interchangable that includes the grand am, cavalier and alero..an engine swap is difficult if you don't have the right equipment..I would get a Haynes or chilton book which will tell you how to do it..I would get a rebuilt motor and tranny together to make it easier and less chance of the tranny going out.. plus you will need to get the flywheel turned if you don't get a new one with the new motor..
 
Thanks Roadrunner, I am on the hunt now and getting shutdown. (LKQ) showed to have one but site had not been updated. I will check with Auto parts store. My Father-in-law worked for GM training mechanics all over the US and has the facilities to do the work. I am not as skilled to tear into a motor, nor have the time. (I wish I did).

Thanks for your info and if you or anyone else has any leads, Please let me know.
 
being that your car is a 2000-2005 this makes putting the ecotec motor into the car vary easy. I'd suggest buying that motor if you can fined one, you wont regret it much beter motor. If you do this you will also need a rad, engine harness, mount and a bunch of under hood parts.
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I was told that a 2.4 was the only engine I could put in the car?
 
that would be the easiest, anything else and you need numerous other pieces to go with it.
 
Got the engine rebuilt and installed! Running good, but want some info from you guys. Everyone I have went to about this engine says things like they are junk, wont last no time once rebuilt, cut my losses......etc. I have a good gut feeling about the car but know they are a sensitive engine and easy to succomb to overheating quickly.
What are my best safegaurds against this? Good oil types and fluids (Dont have a ton of money) filters and such. I really appreciate it.
 
if you can go full synthetic use it otherwise any brand name conventional Valvoline, Castrol, Penzoil, etc. Filter wise go with AC Delco, Wix, K&N. You can get a lot of oil and filter info at this site

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/
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The quad motors have gotten a bad rap. The early ones had head gasket issues. If well maintained there is nothing wrong with them.
 
What viscosity oil do you guys recommend? The guy that built the motor put 10/30 in it?
 
Unless you are in a really cold climate where 5W30 is required I would stick with the 10W30.
 
Does it say on the oil fill cap?
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What viscosity oil do you guys recommend? The guy that built the motor put 10/30 in it?

5w-30 is good for a cold climate and not recommended for a lot of stop and go city driving. 10w-30 is good for a hot climate and is recommended for a lot of stop and go city driving. But if your at a loss of what viscosity of oil to use then stick with what the manufacturer recommends.

I have 5w-30 in my car because it tends to get pretty cold here in Winter and I'll probably put 10w-30 in at my next oil change.

http://www.ehow.com/about_6312890_motor-oil_-10w30-vs_-5w30.html
 
Thanks guys, I think I will stick with the 10/30. My Dad always said it was the best for this area (Alabama)
 
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