What year motors can I use to replace mine?

Tiny
EDWEEZY21
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 SATURN SL2
  • 260,000 MILES
My 1999 Saturn SL2 DOHC 1.9L with a manual transmission broke down because the alternator bracket thats part of the block ripped right off of the car. I brought it to a welding shop and they couldn't fix it and I was told that I need a new motor. What year motors for the SL2 would I be able to use in my 1999?
Thursday, August 23rd, 2012 AT 1:38 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Staurn used that motor a lot in its years. Call a junk yard as they will be able to tell you this info.

Roy
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Thursday, August 23rd, 2012 AT 2:03 PM
Tiny
EDWEEZY21
  • MEMBER
  • 92 POSTS
Ok thanks. I wanted to have an idea before I called them that way I wasn't limited to looking at 1 year model but if they should know already then that helps me out. Thanks.
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Thursday, August 23rd, 2012 AT 2:17 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
They have an interchange book that we don't have access to.
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Thursday, August 23rd, 2012 AT 2:18 PM
Tiny
EDWEEZY21
  • MEMBER
  • 92 POSTS
O ok I never knew that. Thats good to know. Thanks again.
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Thursday, August 23rd, 2012 AT 2:36 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Just to add to this one there going to tell you its just a one year engine. The block pistons crank etc will work 1999-2002 twin cam. Also the single cam 1999-2002 is the same except the single cam doesn't have the windage the twin cam has. Which is bolted right under the crank which you could swap under your motor.I found a saturn factory remanufactored short block for my 1999 saturn sl2 which was a single cam one which I had to swap the windage tray from my old motor. Then I had my head rebuilt new timing chain kit oil pump etc. The short block was bored over with over sized pistions and rings to solve any oil consumption issues. If your intrested in the short block the place does ship. Also the reason the 1999 twin cam is one year is because in 1999 they narrowed the head. Then in 2000-2002 they changed from a alumuim intake manifold to a plastic one.
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Thursday, August 23rd, 2012 AT 4:38 PM
Tiny
EDWEEZY21
  • MEMBER
  • 92 POSTS
I only have about $400 so it all depends on the price. I just need my car to run. I'm not picky. I found a junkyard thats selling the motor for around $300. And I'm not exactly sure what you mean by the windage. Whatever you recommend saturntech9 I'm all ears. You've helped me in the past with this same car and its always come out great because of you.
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Thursday, August 23rd, 2012 AT 9:28 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
If you are expecting to replace a motor with anything decent/reliable for $400, I'm afraid you are in for a big shock on that. That's a $2000 job at most shops.
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Thursday, August 23rd, 2012 AT 9:33 PM
Tiny
EDWEEZY21
  • MEMBER
  • 92 POSTS
I can do the work myself. I'm a newly graduated mechanic. I don't know everything nor am I certified for anything except HVAC but I can replace a motor. I'm not worried about labor costs since I can do it myself.
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Thursday, August 23rd, 2012 AT 9:41 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
That budget your not short blocking it with the saturn short blocks. So what year engine and mikeage for 300?
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Friday, August 24th, 2012 AT 1:44 AM
Tiny
EDWEEZY21
  • MEMBER
  • 92 POSTS
Yea thats what I figured haha but its a 99 motor with around 160,000 miles. Thats 100,000 less than my motor now. What should I check on the newer motor before I drop it in? Any seals or gaskets I should replace. Im probably gonna replace the clutch and components while I'm at it.
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Thursday, August 30th, 2012 AT 11:58 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
I would replace the front seal and probably do a timing chain kit on it.A valve cover gasket also and why not a water pump if it looks like it has been changed. Also a thermostat and coolant temp sensor. Raditor hoses if yours are swollen or feel weak. Pop off the valve cover of the engine and see if there is any slack in the timing chain between the two cam sprockets. Also inspect the cam teeth for broken or worn teeth. Let me know what you find also a belt if it looks worn.
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Friday, August 31st, 2012 AT 1:27 AM
Tiny
EDWEEZY21
  • MEMBER
  • 92 POSTS
Ok so after me putting all my effort into finding a new motor, the guy I bought it from said hes having his friend fabricate a new bracket to weld on. It involved removing the motor but it didn't cost me a penny. Thank you for all of your insights and I will always be using this site for your expert opinions. Thanks again.
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Saturday, September 8th, 2012 AT 11:43 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Your welcome that's what were here for. Glad to hear you it worked out for you.
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Sunday, September 9th, 2012 AT 1:07 AM

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