1998 sunfire 2.4 quad engine

[borderqueen]

I love my little sunfire but I found out yesterday I've "spun a rod bearing". It's a high milage car about 130000 but I've found out it's gonna be very expensive to replace. Thinking about a salvaged engine instead of a rebuilt. How many miles before the tranny goes? Any suggestions? Just trying to get as many opinions as I can so I can make an informed decision!
Addendum: As I read through some of the other posts, I wonder if my engine diagnosis is correct as I was told it was a rod or a lifter and I see from some of you all, it doesn't even have a lifter. It started making a flap flap noise (don't you love the way some women describe car noises, I can tell the mechanics can hardly keep a straight face) that accelerated with speed, slowed down when it shifted and then suddenly it sounded like a disel truck. I haven't driven it since then.

[gmcarguy]

2.4 engine sound like it is toast. I would look for a used engine from a reputable company with less than 100,000 miles on it. should be ok for a while. Should be able to pick on up for about $750 us

Trans in sunfires (AT's are very good 150,000 to 200 miles, MT's are CRAP)

[scooshybut]

I have a 1995 Sunfire and it makes the most horrible knocking noise, I thought it was going to blow up. I've taken it to a couple of different mechanics and they all tell me the same thing.....All 2.2's and 2.4's make that noise and it's nothing. If it makes you feel any better mine has about 165,000 miles on it and still goes.

[TeNeX]

btw, yes, AT's in Sunfires are very good indeed, yet MT's are only crap if you drive like Crap. Just a footnote.

Originally Posted by gmcarguy

2.4 engine sound like it is toast. I would look for a used engine from a reputable company with less than 100,000 miles on it. should be ok for a while. Should be able to pick on up for about $750 us

Trans in sunfires (AT's are very good 150,000 to 200 miles, MT's are CRAP)

[C_Sephiroth]

If the normal Trans Fluid changes are done on the Manual Trans they are really good. Also if the right Fluid is used. NOT AT fluid. NOT normal Gear oil. They normaly use Syncromesh transfluid.

[borderqueen]

Well, the little car is in the shop getting a salvaged engine put in. Hope it gets me a few more miles and something to trade in. Thanks to everyone for responding! ps: the tranny has been fine except when i drove the car down thru a creek bottom and a burried post tore up the pan!

[scooshybut]

If you don't mind me asking how much did you pay for your new motor? I found a place here in Ohio that has a ton of 2.2L's and they want $350 for them. Is that good? If so I'm buying one

[borderqueen]

I did an internet search for the 2.4, got three responses. Prices ranged $1300, $1200 and $675. I got the $675 and the mechanic that put it in for me said some of the things had been taken off so he had to switch stuff over.

[hockeyone]

I you don't mind me asking how mutch are you being charged to put in a new motor. I blew up my motor in my '99 Convertable and found a used one with 28,000 miles on it for $850. And one place told me it would cost $1000 to put in and another told me $400. $600 diffrence??????????

[borderqueen]

It ended up costing $1135.00. My initial quote was $750.00 but they said the salvaged engine came without some of they stuff so it took more time to harvest from the original engine and put on the new one.

[riverat440]

I can't figure out why someone would say the 2.4 has no lifters. I hope you don't take to much advice from them!