1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2.4L TWINCAM DOHC from North America

Summary:

Sleeping import-fighter daily driver

Faults:

A/C stopped working at around 60,000 miles, it all leaked out from a line overnight for no apparent reason.

Passenger side window began to go out at around 60,000 miles.

Rebuilt the motor at 68,000 miles (read story below)

General Comments:

Well I got the car in 2003 with 35,000 miles on it, which was very low for the year. Everything worked perfectly, clutch was stiff, motor was WAY stronger than I expected, only thing I didn't really like was the stereo (very cheap) and how much different it felt to drive. My previous car was a 1995 firebird, so I may be biased.

Well at 40,000 miles the poor little Z24 was just not happy enough with low 15 second passes through the quarter mile, so I began plans for a turbo set up. By 45,000 miles I was happily boosting 8psi through the 2.4L engine, bone stock minus fuel mods. This is where I killed it. I was boosted up until the day I retired the engine, and I was not nice. At higher boost I was able to get 232 horsepower at the wheel out of the thing, waaay more than I ever expected. This car could beat my firebird. But the engine couldn't take it, and developed a really bad knock in cylinder 1.

I am rebuilding this car, because I just love it. I love the styling of the Z24, I love the way the motor makes power (the 2.4L, not the 2.2L). It took a huge beating from me and just wouldn't die. To tell the truth, the knocking began when I blew a oil line off and ran the motor almost 400 miles on a quart of oil, but even with a bad knock, the motor lasted almost 15,000 miles with lots of constant pounding.

If I had a choice, however, I would get a new one with the Ecotec engine. Those motors are indestructible. Only thing better about the 2.4 is the low end power, it feels like a V6 (and has more power than lots of them too).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th September, 2005

1998 Chevrolet Cavalier std coupe 2.2 from North America

Summary:

Fun to drive even with $3.00 gas

Faults:

Who ever owned the car before me installed a new back window when the previous one was cracked. However, they had some one rig it the old fashion way with tar. I never noticed until two months ago my back glass flew off my car going 70mph on the highway.

Other than that no problems. The car itself looks and runs great.

Oh yeah it cost me $200 to install a new back glass the right way.

General Comments:

Very quick 4-banger

0-60mph in 8.7sec.

Inexpensive, sporty, fuel efficent

What else could you ask for for $3,000.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th September, 2005

12th Sep 2005, 11:09

According to tests, the under 10sec. 0-60 times are for the

Sunfire GT's and the Z24's. Regular version of these cars for 1995-2002 had 2.2litres and

115HP, propelling theses wanna be sports coupes to 60 MPH in 10.80sec's. The last time I checked, it was not considered fast. Even a full sized "Family Car" like the Buick Lesabre with the 3.8 litre 205 HP car is a lot faster.

19th Jul 2006, 21:34

These cars are kinda fast with the base engine, running at 120 HP and 135 torque.

That DOES make it go from 0-60 in about 9 seconds, and considering the gas mileage it gets with the old 4 banger, it's a smart choice now a days!!

BTW from 98 until 2002 the base 2.2 liter only made 115 HP. GM sacrificed 5 HP to make the engine run smoother under hard throttle. Which in my opinion is kinda dumb considering that car needs all the power it can get!

Glad I got a 96 with 120 HP ;)

26th Oct 2006, 21:12

Yeah that's nice, munch on how fast it is. Its never gonna be as fast as you want it to be, or whats the need, cuz you want to race? Then get a real race car gees, so many toddlers.

Now how about some other realistic facts like fuel economy or quality built etc.?

In reply to 19th Jul 2006, 21:34

13th Dec 2011, 11:51

Yeah, and your year is the problem year with the head gaskets leaking externally, and the torque converter clutch solenoid failing. Good luck.