Chev Cavalier engine 2.2 vs 24

MOM NEEDS HELP

MEMBER
1924 CHEVROLET CAVALIER

OK, be gentle with me guys, I know nothing about cars.

My son has picked out a 1999 Chev Cavalier Z24 with 114, 00 miles. It's a 2.4 DOHC. He is not very mechanincally inclined, so I'd like to get something reliable or at least that we can get someone to work on. I was just told today the 2.4's run great when they are running, but they tend to have problems with the head gaskets and the timing chains and that they are a bugger to work on.
So, looking ahead, my question is, is the 2.2 better than the 2.4? And if the 2.2 is a better/more reliable engine, can we swap the engine and trannie from a 2.2 into the Z24 if need be? Will the trannie match up or will you need to swap the trannie and the engine both? Will the 2.2 motor and trannie match up with the drive train in the Z24?
He just fell in love with this car and doesn't want a plain jane Cavalier. What do I do?

Thanks for any input
Marsha

1 Reply

E40WATER12

MECHANIC
522 POSTS

Well I am a happy owner of 01 cavalier Ive got 2.2L auto, Its my second new cavalier car, I had 2000 2.2L 5 spd also, was a very great car, 2.2L engines are pretty good motors, And easier to work, 2.4L are good as well, But alot of man labors to fix parts, They also have alot of performance parts for the 2.4L motors, For me I am not into racing, But my car is pretty decent, For the cars power, Its been very relieble. Only thing that sells the Z24 is the aftermarket rims & body kit. I will inclose a pic of a nice looking 2.2L car