What years of the Z24 are interchangeable?

[D21Driver]

The Z24i in my trusty '89 Hardbody has over 300k on it now and I would like to find a spare engine to rebuild and swap in. I haven't been able to find a Z24i for an '89, does anyone know what years the Z24's are interchangeable? Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge on this subject.

[D21Driver]

I know this sounds like a really simple question. I have a decent knowledge of my own truck, it's just that my '89 is the only D21 I have ever worked on and it would be good to know if there are any differences other than fuel systems between years. If anyone could give me some advice on what will work best I would really appreciate it. And if anyone in the triad area of NC has a Z24 suitable for rebuilding or in usable condition please let me know. Thanks!

[KA24ET_D21]

if its a older engine and carburated then you'll need to reduce fuel press. to 2-3psi. and the injected z24 have electronic ingnition if i remember right. the engine in your current d21 isn't usable in a re-build?

[D21Driver]

Thank you for your reply. My truck is an '89 with the throttle body injected Z24i which I bought new. My engine can be rebuilt. To minimize downtime I would like to acquire a spare Z24i so that i can take my time rebuilding it and then just swap engines. I know the 2.4 liter came as the Z24 and the Z24i. I'm trying to figure out if I can use any Z24 or if there are specific years I should look for to replace my '89 engine. For some reason '89's are hard to find. I have the factory shop manual for my truck and while I may have a question here and there I am confident that if I work carefully and take my time I can do a good job. I could just buy a new vehicle but I am really fond of this little truck and I would get a great deal of personal satisfaction out of refurbishing it myself. Again, thank you for taking the time to reply.

[KA24ET_D21]

the bottom end should be the same. say you get a carb z24. slap that thing in with no prob because it dosnt have the electronics the injected version does. and take time rebuilding it. or save up money and swap in a ka24e

[D21Driver]

Actually the electronics on my Z24i have been rock solid these past 20 some years so i am intending to continue using that system. Carburetors are beautiful devices too so nothing against going the Weber route if I felt like that suited my needs the best. I'm really just wanting to do the best quality rebuild that I can and put everything back stock. Sounds like any Z24 bottom end will do then if I use the existing head, intake, tbi, etc. Hopefully I can locate one, this is my only vehicle and downtime is an issue so I want to keep that to a minimum. Thank you for taking the time to reply, I do appreciate it.