Auto Parts: 1999 Olds Alero, olds alero, malibu 99

Question
Hello,
I have a 99 Alero, 130K mi, 2.4L 4cyl.  I recently (shame on me) ruined the engine (Ran it out of oil).  My question is what years of the 2.4L will work in my car, as I am looking for a decent used one.  A mechanic friend of mine told me it would probably be easier and cheaper to find a decent used and swap as to trying to fix.  Thank you for your help.   Brad

Answer
Hi Brad,

If you ran it w/o oil, your mechanic friend is not steering you wrong.

Interchange on your engine is a bit tricky, I'll explain.

3003224A
----------- A ----------
ALERO 99 2.4L (VIN T, 4-146)
CAVALIER 99 2.4L (VIN T, 4-146)
GRAND AM 99 2.4L (VIN T, 4-146), w/o EGR; (opt "RC9")
MALIBU 99 2.4L (4-146, VIN T)
SUNFIRE 99 2.4L (VIN T, 4-146)
----------- B -----------
ALERO 00-01 2.4L (VIN T, 4-146)
CAVALIER 00-02 2.4L (VIN T, 4-146)
GRAND AM 00-01 2.4L (VIN T, 4-146)
SUNFIRE 00-02 2.4L (VIN T, 4-146)
-*/-*/-*/-*/-*/-*/-*/-*/-*/-*/-*/-*/-*/-*/-*/
NOTES
-*/-*/-*/-*/-*/-*/-*/-*/-*/-*/-*/-*/-*/-*/-*/
Oldsmobile 2.4L (4-146).
VIN "T", option LD9.
|A| & |B| interchange by changing intake manifold.
**********************************************************

Ok, so the exact interchange, the engine that will exactly fit into and function in your car is the 'A' interchange given above however, for a wider option in purchasing your engine, you can purchase a unit from the 'B' interchange as long as the intake manifold on your engine is still good and usable. Your mechanic friend should have no problems retro-fitting your intake onto a newer motor.

I hope this helps.

Looking for a reputable service technician? My advice on finding a good technician is: Steer clear of the dealership and 'chain' stores like Firestone, Sears, Pep Boys, Monro Muffler/Brake, Midas, etc. as they usually only employ ONE ASE Certified Tech just so they can say they do and chances are, that guy is the asst. manager or manager and is not in the store to diagnose/repair vehicles anyway. Find a service location in the link below or get some names out of the yellow-pages and do a drive-by. Garages that employ ASE Certified Technicians will be marked with the 'Blue-Seal' insignia. If unsure about whether a place employs Certified Techs, just ask to see their credentials. ALL ASE Certified Technicians will be PROUD to show and display their certificate(s).

Thanks for the question, I hope this information was helpful to you.
Fred
Knucklebusters Used Auto & Truck Parts, Inc.
www.knucklebusters.us
570-453-0910
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