I'd find a low-mile junk yard engine and install it (or have it
installed). Junk yards usually give a 3-4 month type of warranty.
Typical labor cost is about $600 plus the cost of the engine.

My recommendation is to check the following web site for a member near
you. You'll be less likely to have a situation where the shop and junk
yard owner can't seem to remember you when you go back.

Automotive Engine Rebuilders Association:
    http://www.aera.org/member.aspx

Earlier Toy 2.4L engines have problems with the intake manifold. I
think it was a noise/vibration problem that owners got free intake
manifolds installed. So the intake manifold wasn't very healthy to
begin with.

On Jan 30, 7:52 pm, smilyte...@yahoo.com wrote:

First of all, before making any decisions, you'll have to find out estimates
on replacement engines plus installation.   Don't go off half cocked in any
direction.

IF the car is in good/great shape, I would get a junkyard engine and put it
in.
Rebuilding the engine isn't worth it in the labor costs.
A camery has a high resale value, so the base car is worth the repair.
However, having a chain shop do the entire thing could cost in the 2-3000
range. They buy the engine from the junk yard and mark the price up, then
add labor. Your best bet is buying the motor yourself and striking a deal
with a mom and pop shop for a set price for the exchange.
If you live in the west coast and you want more help, let me know.
Fix the car!