Which years engine will fit

My son's Cav has a loud noise from rear cam housing...so I want to replace the engine as there is metal dusting in the oil. Question is which years will fit.. 96 to up to what year will work as a drop in ..with no mods to make fit and will hook up to wiring harness..also will it have to be just a Chevy motor or will the buick ..Pontiac...oldsmobile engines fit also


Here is the specs..
1996 Cav Z24
5Speed 2.4 Quad4 engine Vin #T


Thanks

Al

all 2.4L (LD9) from 96-98 will fit his car. you may be able to get one from a 99, but in mid year 99 they changed some things around on the 2.4l. So any engine in a 96-98 car (grand am, malibu, cavi, sunfire, and so on.)