What are you working on?

I don't even pay attention anymore. My Mopar allegiance lies with the cars of the past. If I were going to buy a brand-new car tomorrow, I'd shoot myself in the kneecap to remind myself what a stupid idea that is. Then I'd go build something cheaper, more fun to drive, with better economy. Half of the "features" on new cars, I don't want.
 
True Doc...but this is "The Wife"...and she claims she needs all these creature comforts. But I constantly try and talk her into something much older...a hot rodded car from the 50's or older....hasn't bit yet, but think I'm getting close. ;)

I have not really noticed much oil consumption with the 3.5.
 
thrashingcows said:
I have not really noticed much oil consumption with the 3.5.
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I've got an '04 'trepid with the 3.5, had it for 4 trouble-free years. it has yet to need additional oil between changes. Like any other motor, could some people be having problems because of poor break-in techniques. :hmmm:
 
The original iron-block 214HP 3.5L is nearly impossible to kill. I nearly got one to put in my Conquest, but after careful measurements it was obvious it wasn't going to fit. I'd still love to have one to hot-rod, though. They're non-interference engines and built like a freakin' cannonball. 8-10PSI of boost and you're at 400HP no problem, with a smooth-as-glass, efficient engine when your foot's not in it. The only other issue was coming up with an adapter for a RWD transmission. With a custom ECM, I would bet there's 40 or more HP left in it in a boosted application. The later all-aluminum engines used hotter cams and more compression, but I'm not sure whether the cams will retrofit. With a hollowed-out factory converter and no exhaust afterwards, they sound absolutely awesome in the LH cars.

The later, all-aluminum engines are interference engines, though I've never heard of one crashing the valves.
 
Dr.Jass said:
The later, all-aluminum engines are interference engines, though I've never heard of one crashing the valves.
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That's because chains outlive rubber bands. :doh:

INRE to the early cast block/alum head 3.5's, strong motors they were, but as all other cast/alum combo motors never let it get hot. Changing head gaskets is a bitch. :(
 
Dr.Jass said:
I don't even pay attention anymore. My Mopar allegiance lies with the cars of the past. If I were going to buy a brand-new car tomorrow, I'd shoot myself in the kneecap to remind myself what a stupid idea that is. Then I'd go build something cheaper, more fun to drive, with better economy. Half of the "features" on new cars, I don't want.
Click to expand...

I agree completely! The Caravan is consuming oil at 1qt per 1500 miles or so. We had a freebie at the dealer so Trish asked them about it when she was there, and he said it was the "upper oil pan gasket" leaking. I checked it when I got home and saw barely any oil residue, they're full of shit, with that kind of loss there should be puddles somewhere! I've had it with the new crap, told her if we buy ANYTHING new it's gotta be diesel powered! Cummins of course. :D
 
68R/T said:
That's because chains outlive rubber bands. :doh:

INRE to the early cast block/alum head 3.5's, strong motors they were, but as all other cast/alum combo motors never let it get hot. Changing head gaskets is a bitch. :(
Click to expand...
All 3.5L engines were belt-driven, last I knew... and I've never sold a head gasket for a 3.5L, much less a head set.
 
thrashingcows said:
You could get a RWD adapter from a magnum, or charger could you not?
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The Magnum is the same bolt pattern as an LA; it does not bolt to the 3.5L. The 3.5 was an outgrowth/update of the Renault 3.0 used in the Eagle Premiere and the Dodge Monace (FWD) and does not share a bell pattern with any of the Chrysler four or eight-cylinder engines.
 
Is the RWD 3.5 the same as the FWD? They are all over the LX cars. I say, well I used to say they couldn't be too far off, but anymore who knows! Then again if the newer 3.5's or brand new 3.6's, dang I think they're too wide for the early A's, wouldn't you say 69, Doc, Stretch?

That would be a pretty sweet driver! 300+ horse, all aluminum V6 with a 5 or 6 spd manual or even the 5 spd auto in an early Dart or Valiant. Light weight, pretty evenly balanced corner carver. :hmmm:
 
The 2.7 and the 3.5 were/are available in both the FWD LH cars and RWD/AWD LX cars.


I'm not really looking forward in trying to re-time the father-in-laws '04 Cavalier 2.2 EcoTec this weekend in the garage, the timing chain tensioner kept losing oil pressure and then the chain would rattle and eventually skip, yet there is lots of oil pressure in the engine to be had. Apparently GM has had problems with the tensioners bleeding down and losing pressure, so the new updated one has a ratchet built into it now.

The timing isn't way off but it runs like shit and produces 0-5" of vacuum at idle and about 10" of vacuum at about 2500rpm. So naturally the fuel pressure regulator is non existent and it floods, stalls and generally runs like crapola. :doh:

Hopefully the valves are still straight. :helpme:
 
Okay, my week is officially in the crapper.

1. 2001 Porsche Carrera 4 with a sheared water pump pulley.

2. 1998 Ford F-150 4.2 with a bad bank 2 "intake manifold runner control sensor".

3. A 1986 Ford F-250 4X4 with a seized right side front axle slip joint. Getting parts has been a nightmare........

4. 1982 Dodge W150. Headlamp adjustment. Every adjuster is seized/broken. Dorman replacements are garbage. Might go with Ford adjusters...

And I leave for vacation Saturday. Maybe.
 
I got two Geo Metros from the father in law for free.

A mint condition blue 1992 Geo 2dr with 185,000kms and a damaged engine and a white 1993 Geo 2dr that is in rough shape but only has 120,000kms and a good running engine. Both have the 1L 3cyl engine and 5-speeds

Going to fix up the blue one and use it to commute to work.

Got the white one running and wil be pulling the engine soon to put it in the blue one.

2012-12-23154426.jpg


I have a Hurst pistol grip shifter from an early 70's console E-body that will probably find it's way into that Geo. :dance: :D
 
Cool acquisition-you'll save a shit ton on gas after you've driven it for a while. My 4 door geo prison is nowhere near as fuel efficient, and it has saved me a good bit already in the 3 months or so I've owned it.
 
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