In my experience the 1.9L is a little tougher than the 2.1L wbx. I
personally have never seen a 1.9L with a rod through the case, but I
have seen several 2.1L engines with holes in the case. In my own case I
had an '85 GL with 205,000 original miles on the original  1.9L engine.
Used a little oil, but otherwise strong. On my 88 GL the 2.1L engine
blew around 89,000 miles. One of the reasons for the apparent weakness
in the 2.1L is the rod end bolts on factory engines were stretch type
bolts and the rod end tended to go oval in time, thus allowing a loss of
oil pressure, after which the engine would seize and throw a rod through
the case. This didn't happen on 19.L engines.  I think most good shops
eliminate the stretch bolts in modern rebuilds, but I would surely
follow up on it if any major engine work was done.

Regards,

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

Geo & Kathleen Hahn wrote:
> Ronald Michaels wrote:
>
>> Would anyone care to compare the 1.9 engine to the stock 2.1 engine
>> and to the GoWesty 2.2 engine, and to any other rebuilding options.
>> I could use the hill climbing power here in East Tennessee.  Long
>> life is useful as well.
>>
>
> Ron --
>
> A couple of months ago I replaced my 1.9L with the GoWesty rebuild that
> takes the same block out to 2.2L.  Noticeably more power, still get good
> gas mileage (low 20s).  I live at 7,000' but I'm just 16 miles outside
> of a city that is about 2,200' and my PO Box is at 8,200' so anywhere I
> go begins and ends with a 'hill'.  Never really struggled before but
> it's even better now.
>
> Way to soon to comment on long term results -- took one short trip
> (~1000 miles) and everything seemed perfect.  Will take a longer trip
> next month with some drives above 12,000' so we'll see how that goes.
>
> Geo H
>
>
>
> --
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