Engine Reliability

[decyphex]

I have seen some people say that the 3.1 was a good engine. Is the 2.0 in the 1992 sunbirds a good one? How reliable have they proven themselves to be? Where are the block coolant drainage plugs (if any?) too?

[QuasarCav]

It's not too bad of an engine.

Keep in mind it's not the same as the 2.0 TBI in the Cavaliers. Your engine is a OHC 2.0 with fuel injection, makes about 110hp and probably gets some good fuel economy. As long as you keep on top of maintenence than I cant see a problem with you getting at least 300k out of it. Head gaskets might be a problem, If they haven't been changed then expect to do that once in the life of the engine.

The 3.1 is pretty reliable and gets some decent MPG for a V6, It has some flaws and the top end will leave you looking for more.

[decyphex]

whats the HP on the TBI in the cav? Right now my valve cover gasket leaks but the head gasket, seems to be OK.

[QuasarCav]

valve cover gasket is a piece of cake, change it quick so your engine bay doesn't get all grimy.


I think the 89 TBI's had about 90-100hp
The newer MPFI 2.2's got up to 130hp

The 3.1 is 140hp 185tq. for a newer one and 180tq for an older one.

[decyphex]

whats the stock HP rating of the 1.8 or whatever it is in the 2003 vibe (non GT) the 4 IL

[QuasarCav]

140hp, It's a completly different engine, I think it's toyota's 1.8 that they use in the celica.

[decyphex]

I was just wondering, because I know someone with one and he told me it was 174HP and I didn't think soO!!

[QuasarCav]

The higher level one is.

[decyphex]

no.. he has the reg vibe.. with the 4 cyl in it.

[RiceCake]

The vibe uses the Corolla engine in it:)

[QuasarCav]

Originally posted by RiceCake
The vibe uses the Corolla engine in it:)


And the Vibe Gt uses the Celica Gt-s engine right?

good ol' 1500rpm's of usable power.

[decyphex]

I agree, that is quite a nice engine. I am kinda fond of the Acura RSX type-s. I recently found that I like it ALOT!