1988 cutlass ciera ls

[teban49]

My wife owns this model and the engine froze up. It's not in bad shape otherwise. Mechanic says it's a 2.0 L the VIN number is 2G3AJ51R3J9366800. He has tried to find an engine in a scrapyard and nothing yet... it's been several months. Says the engine seems to be rare. Does anyone know what other makes (e.g., Buick) or other model years would have the same or interchangeable engine that is in this car; am trying to look online before we sell it for parts or scrap it. Lots of 2.6 L engines are online, never seen this size. Thanks for any help, a new member.

[joe_padavano]

Originally Posted by teban49

My wife owns this model and the engine froze up. It's not in bad shape otherwise. Mechanic says it's a 2.0 L the VIN number is 2G3AJ51R3J9366800. He has tried to find an engine in a scrapyard and nothing yet... it's been several months. Says the engine seems to be rare. Does anyone know what other makes (e.g., Buick) or other model years would have the same or interchangeable engine that is in this car; am trying to look online before we sell it for parts or scrap it. Lots of 2.6 L engines are online, never seen this size. Thanks for any help, a new member.

Start by finding another mechanic. The letter R in the eighth position of the VIN shows that this car came with the 2.5 liter pushrod four cylinder, often known as the "Iron Duke" motor. This engine was used in millions of GM cars, including the Pontiac Fiero, Olds Calais, Pontiac Grand Am, etc, etc.

In over a decade of production, the Ciera was NEVER built with a 2.0L motor.