I have a 2000 Sunfire GT Convertible, It has 112,000 miles on it, In the past year I have rebuilt the transmission, replaced the timingchain and waterpump, New tires, and just a couple weeks ago i had a new top installed. Just the other day i was driving it and noticed a slight tapping noise from the engine, before I could get it home the tap turned into a loud knock. I have been told it is probably spun a rod bearing which these engines are prone to do after 110,000 miles... I am out of work and cannot really afford to put much more into this car. Should I..
1. Go ahead hand have a rebuil;t engine installed ($4000)
2. Have a Used engine with a 3 year unlimited mileage warranty installed ($2500)
3. Sell it for whatever I can get for it , and what should I be able to get out of this car? the body is in perfect shape, the interior is almost like new, alll acessories work fine.
Any help anyone could give me would be greatly appreciated..
Thanks
Tim
Looking for a Job In Northeast Tennessee....
By the way it is the 2.4 quad 4 motor...
Looking for a Job In Northeast Tennessee....
I take it you're not mechanically abled... because you could probably stuff the newer Ecotec under the hood, for around $1000 if you could do the work yourself. The labour cost is what is killing you with that 2.4L. Ecotecs are a dime a dozen, at least around here they are. And putting one of those in a 2000 is much easier than a 98 (which is what I did).
John Lenko wrote:I take it you're not mechanically abled... because you could probably stuff the newer Ecotec under the hood, for around $1000 if you could do the work yourself. The labour cost is what is killing you with that 2.4L. Ecotecs are a dime a dozen, at least around here they are. And putting one of those in a 2000 is much easier than a 98 (which is what I did).
I thought about that, If I had someplace to do the swap I could do it myself, My problem is i have no garage, and my driveway is not a good place to work. It gives me something to consider though. Thanks
Looking for a Job In Northeast Tennessee....
well if you part it out or try to sell it, i'd be interested in a few things (depending on condition) doors and sides possibly exhaust if stock.....
but you're keeping it, i would get the used engine at 2500 bones.... if you're already debating whether or not to get rid of it, your fire may run out shortly after dumping 4k+ on rebuilding the engine. decide if you want to keep it for a while or for just a bit longer...
I don't think those doors would work for you... he's got a convertible, you have a coupe listed in your profile.
If I had cash... I'd take that 'vert off your hands... the 2000 model year was the last year... and Sunfires seem to be hard to come by for that year. If only yours was a 5 speed... it would be ultra rare
If you're really set on paying a shop to do it... ask them how much to put the Ecotec motor in. If you find an 03-05 Ecotec from a J-body... with the transmission.. at a wrecking yard, get a price... then ask the shop how much to put it in. They have to change the rad too... but the axles and everything else are the same. The wiring harness changes from the big plug at the firewall... and the Passlock will need to be relearned, but that takes half an hour.
I suspect you'll be able to find a much lower mileage, much cheaper swap to a Ecotec (with transmission!) than you would a low mileage 2.4L engine on its own.... if your pricing and stock out there is anything like it is here. Ecos can be had for $300 any time.... I did a whole car swap for $800.
Hey.. even better idea... see if you can hook up with a local J-body group. Maybe someone has a shop you can do the work at. Maybe make a big meet out of it. Of course, you'll have to bribe them with beer and pizza
John.
ah... didnt realize it was a vert. would still be interested in the rest as well as hood potentially
well you do decide to sell it i would be very interested i live in southeast tennessee...
