1987 Chevrolet Cavalier RS Coupe 2.0 OHV I4

Summary:

Quick and agile, yet economical and reliable

Faults:

Needed a new rack & pinion - would stall when the wheels were turned at idle.

Blew a radiator leaving a nice trail of antifreeze all over the parking lot.

Required a new heater core.

Replaced an ignition coil - drove with 3 cylinder car for a week.

General Comments:

Nice looking car.

Likes to eat Honda's for breakfast.

Pretty quick for a 4 cylinder.

Is a Z-24 look alike with ground effects, Z 24 grille and a spoiler.

Deep tints on the windows.

800 watt stereo system.

Halogen fog lights.

Custom vinyl decals.

Equipped with a car alarm.

P215-60-R14 tires with aluminum rims makes the car handle sweet.

Perfect body - never seen winter.

All in all - it turns heads - who thought an old Cavalier could look this good.

Whether looking for economical transportation or something a little different to soup up, I'd recommend this car to you.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th October, 2001

16th May 2003, 08:51

I was wondering what you have done to the engine? I just have an after market intake in mine, and noticed a big difference in performance. Did you do anything to it, or do you know where I can find parts to make this car into the ultimate sleeper? You can email me at www.ikeethedwarf@yahoomail.com.

1987 Chevrolet Cavalier Z-24 CL 2.8 MPFI

Summary:

A sub-compact capable of retaining performance and reliability

Faults:

The digital instrument cluster does not illuminate when I flick the parking lights to on.

Sometimes the power door locks do not engage.

The oil pressure gauge is erratic when the engine is running.

General Comments:

Overall the Z24 has been a fun and reliable car.

I love the V6 fuel injected engine and the simplicity of the 5-speed transmission.

I have since restored this Z-24 to showroom new levels and expect to get another 218,000 miles out of it.

The 1987 model year just feels faster, more solid and more exciting than the current models that Chevrolet has to offer for the Cavalier lineup.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th April, 2001

26th May 2003, 20:56

You need to change the digital cluster; same thing happened to me. I went to a junk yard and found one, and all my lights work again. Common problem I was told.

I'm bringing my Z24 up to showroom finish. I bought the car for $100, and it's in great shape. Only has 116,000 on it, and runs like a bear.

Well if you need anything else, I would be glad to help out... trippend@aol.com

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1987 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 2.8 V6 FI

Summary:

A well rounded performance car.

Faults:

Radiator loves to make holes.

Transmission was ruined when it dropped 2nd gear.

Inside digital display broke so when I turn on the parking lights, the display goes out. Crossed wire somewhere, but impossible to find.

Parking lights do not come on anymore.

Burns bulbs faster than anything.

General Comments:

This car is very quick and very powerful. It's exhaust sound (stock) sounds very good.

Off the line this car will beat a 1999 Mustang GT, but will not beat it in top end. If you love to squeal tires, this Cavalier is the way to go. You'll waste new Cavaliers as well as 1988+ Z24s.

Plus, this car is a complete classic as they only made this style for one year! Nice arse hood scoops if you can find the stock ones. They are much better than the cruddy hood scoops on 1988+ Z24s.

The digital display is nice as long as it will work. :)

Comes stock with A/C as well.

Not much else I can say except hard to find performance parts, so do some makeshift ones. A dryer vent and a K&N Air filter added 25 HP and adds about a foot thick of smoke from the tires. AND THAT'S WITH AN AUTOMATIC WITH NO EXTRA REVS!

Gotta love the impression it gives. :)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th February, 2001

17th Dec 2009, 22:54

Seriously a sleeper. People see these Cavaliers and expect a slow-moving rust bucket, but the V6 Z24 models are something else. I drove a black one, '88 I think with the 2.8, digi-dash, and 5-speed MANUAL tranny, and holy smokes that little thing could move! Loved the looks on peoples faces. My friend only wanted 1200 for it, which was a steal, but I didn't have the money. Wish I did.

18th Dec 2009, 14:14

"Off the line this car will beat a 1999 Mustang GT"

I thought we were past these claims from Cavalier owners. So a 120 hp V-6 with an AT beats a 260 hp V-8? The Mustang does 0-60 in less than 6 seconds. The Cavalier does it in like 9 for that year. I had a '90 Z-24 with a 5 speed and the larger 3.1 litre engine and it wouldn't even beat a 5.0 Mustang off the line never mind a '99 Mustang. 0-60 was around 8 seconds with the 3.1. I used to race my cousin with his 5.0. I could stay with him barely until about 30 and the rest was history! That was with speed shifting and all out flooring it through the first 4 gears.

It really was a tough car for sure though and I drove it much harder than anything else I have ever had including my own two 5.0 Mustangs. It was pretty quick for a 140 hp car too but no where near the likes of any V-8 car I came up against. I wished it were true but it just wasn't. I'm not sure where these claims keep popping up from. Most of the time Mustang owners will toy with you and make you think you beat them. I know I used to do that. Or the Mustang owner flat out can't drive. I have seen that too. Doesn't make the car slower than yours though, unfortunately.

1987 Chevrolet Cavalier RS Conv 2.8 V6

Faults:

Replaced water pump at 150k miles.

General Comments:

I've owned about 20 cars and this is the only one I'd consider buying again (pre-88).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st February, 1999