• Chevrolet retooled the Cavalier Z24 to make the 2.8-liter, 6-cylinder standard. The engine uses several systems that require different fluids, such as engine oil, transmission oil and coolant. Replace these fluids according to factory recommendations. Deviating from factory recommendations on the capacities can cause damage to your vehicle.
  
  

Oil and Transmission

• The 2.8-liter engine calls for 4.1 quarts of SAE 5w30 engine oil. Using an oil additive of any type requires reducing the capacity by the amount of additive you put into the engine. The manual transmission needs 4.5 pints of syncromesh transmission fluid SAE 5w30 while the automatic uses 6.1 pints of multi-vehicle automatic transmission fluid (ATF). Always check the transmission fluid level with the vehicle running and at an operating temperature before adding fluid.
  
  

Radiator

• Chevrolet placed no restrictions on the type of fluids to be used in the coolant system. A mixture of 1 part coolant to 1 part water is sufficient. The coolant system takes 11.1 quarts for a total fill. Add 8 quarts with the vehicle turned off. Add the remaining 3 quarts after starting the vehicle so that the fluid can run through the entire system. Never check the fluid levels in the radiator while the engine is hot.
  
  

Hydraulic Systems

• The three main hydraulic systems are the power steering, brakes and clutch. These systems use reservoirs marked with "Full" and "Add" lines to indicate how much fluid is needed. Use standard power steering fluid and DOT-3 fluid for the brake and clutch. Clean the caps of the reservoirs before opening. Dirt and debris can clog the systems, requiring a pressure bleeder to rectify.