'04 SRT-4 engine in an '88 Caravan build
I finally landed a SRT-4 engine. It was turned in as a core to an import junk yard I use to work at. The manager knew I was looking for one. He set it aside and called me. I tore it down and inside is flawless. I got the block magna fluxed and the head pressure checked and both are okay. From what I can tell they never changed there oil because it was black. The top of the pistons were coated with thick gooey carbon so either the oil rings stop doing their job or the turbo was letting oil in the intake track. Either way I score an $800 motor for $250.
After the parts washer:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...4/DSCF0041.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...4/DSCF0051.jpg
After a little love:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...4/DSCF0060.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...4/DSCF0062.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...DSCF0059-1.jpg
Number four rod and number five main bearings:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...4/DSCF0057.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...4/DSCF0056.jpg
Number four rod and number five main bearing journals:
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...DSCF0054-2.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...DSCF0053-1.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...DSCF0052-1.jpg
I plan on using an automatic transmission. Either from a 2.4 Caravan or a Neon. Preferably from a Caravan. I'm hoping the Caravan trans with have stronger internals. If not I have an A/T out of a '88 T-I Daytona that cooked the front clutch I can rob the beefier internals from.
I'm going to keep the stock '89 SMEC I have in it now. My 'puter is socketed and I just got an Ostrich.
I'm not sure what I'm going to do for an exhaust or intake manifold. I heard the SRT intakes hit the auto tranny so I might go with the 2.4 Caravan intake.
While I was waiting for for the block to get back I cleaned up the valve cover. It was in an engine compartment fire. I was afraid of getting glass bead stuck in the baffles so I had to remove them. I ground down the peaned over aluminum, removed the sheet metal, drilled and taped new holes.
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...4/DSCF0064.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...4/DSCF0078.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...4/DSCF0063.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...4/DSCF0066.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...4/DSCF0068.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...4/DSCF0069.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...4/DSCF0072.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...4/DSCF0075.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...4/DSCF0079.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...4/DSCF0080.jpg
I’m in the process of porting the head. More to come.
A.J.
Re: '04 SRT-4 engine in an '88 Caravan build
Wow looks really good!
Glad to see you are moving forward with the project.
Re: '04 SRT-4 engine in an '88 Caravan build
Re: '04 SRT-4 engine in an '88 Caravan build
What, its not done yet????;)
Re: '04 SRT-4 engine in an '88 Caravan build
So is this going into the van you already have, or a new one?
Re: '04 SRT-4 engine in an '88 Caravan build
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Vigo
So is this going into the van you already have, or a new one?
Ya it's going in the van that's in my avatar. I'm going to assemble/fabricate as much as I can out of the van to cut down on down time. The only thing that's going to hang me up is the front engine mount.
A.J.
Re: '04 SRT-4 engine in an '88 Caravan build
Re: '04 SRT-4 engine in an '88 Caravan build
Quote:
Originally Posted by
A.J.
Ya it's going in the van that's in my avatar. I'm going to assemble/fabricate as much as I can out of the van to cut down on down time. The only thing that's going to hang me up is the front engine mount.
A.J.
I am hoping to do this someday with my van! Post lots of pics please!
On the front mount I have seen a bunch of guys use the stock mount with an extra plate welded on to cover the extra bolt holes. Check out the swap section there are a bunch of pics with a few diff ideas
Re: '04 SRT-4 engine in an '88 Caravan build
Nice project, your going to love 16 valves, :amen:
Neon and 2.4 van trans internals are the same.
Re: '04 SRT-4 engine in an '88 Caravan build
whats the purpose of removing the baffle then attaching it with screws?
Re: '04 SRT-4 engine in an '88 Caravan build
Quote:
Originally Posted by
1BADVAN
whats the purpose of removing the baffle then attaching it with screws?
To clean out the shi*t. He sand blasted it, if he didn't take off the baffle, that sand would get into the oil and BOOM. I bet that baffle was plugged up with carbon too.
Per AJ-
Quote:
While I was waiting for for the block to get back I cleaned up the valve cover. It was in an engine compartment fire. I was afraid of getting glass bead stuck in the baffles so I had to remove them. I ground down the peaned over aluminum, removed the sheet metal, drilled and taped new holes.
Re: '04 SRT-4 engine in an '88 Caravan build
Quote:
Originally Posted by
1BADVAN
I am hoping to do this someday with my van! Post lots of pics please!
On the front mount I have seen a bunch of guys use the stock mount with an extra plate welded on to cover the extra bolt holes. Check out the swap section there are a bunch of pics with a few diff ideas
I plan on taking lots of pictures once things get rolling. I'm also going to do an item list, what I used and off of what. And a price list of what I spent.
Most of the front mounts people have made were with the 2.4 and the 568 trans. They have to deal with one of the holes not lining up. I'm not going to have that issue. I'm sure I'm not going to have a problem making this mount (have you seen some of my other fabricates stuff?) I just have to wait until the engine/trans is in the van to mock it up.
I'm working on the exhaust manifold right now. I'm going to be using my T3 Garret with the Chrysler flange.
I'm on hold with porting the head. I have a junk 2001 PT head that I want to cut through the intake and exhaust ports to see how much meat I have to remove so I don't window a runner.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
turbovanman
Nice project, your going to love 16 valves, :amen:
Neon and 2.4 van trans internals are the same.
I wanted to do the 2.4 head/2.5 block hybrid but with the location of the A/C compressor, I couldn't figure out that hurtle and I'm not going without here in AZ. Also I wanted to get away from the 2.2/2.5 block. The 2.4 just seems like a better updated design and I like the flat oil pan gasket surface.
As far as the difference in the Neon and Caravan 413's, I was pretty sure I was going to have to swap over the beefed up '88 turbo internals I have into it. But what about the the differential ratio. I was thinking the Caravan would be closer to what I need seeing that it's going into a van.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
turbovanman
I bet that baffle was plugged up with carbon too.
Per AJ-
You can see a bunch of carbon in one of the pictures.
A.J.
Re: '04 SRT-4 engine in an '88 Caravan build
Quote:
Originally Posted by
A.J.
As far as the difference in the Neon and Caravan 413's, I was pretty sure I was going to have to swap over the beefed up '88 turbo internals I have into it. But what about the the differential ratio. I was thinking the Caravan would be closer to what I need seeing that it's going into a van.
Neon and later van have the HD internals and they also have the bigger diff bearing. They still need some tender loving but they are stout.
Ratio, you'd have to run the part number on the side to figure out what gears you have. Also, you'll now have LU, :amen:
Re: '04 SRT-4 engine in an '88 Caravan build
Quote:
Originally Posted by
turbovanman
Neon and later van have the HD internals and they also have the bigger diff bearing. They still need some tender loving but they are stout.
Ratio, you'd have to run the part number on the side to figure out what gears you have. Also, you'll now have LU, :amen:
So if they have HD internals what's going to need this tender loving you speak of? And what about the 31th that's bolted to the little 2.0 SOHC? Is it the same as what's bolted to the 2.4?
YES LU! I'm looking forward to a little better then the 18 m.p.g. I'm getting now.
A.J.
Re: '04 SRT-4 engine in an '88 Caravan build
Quote:
Originally Posted by
A.J.
So if they have HD internals what's going to need this tender loving you speak of? And what about the 31th that's bolted to the little 2.0 SOHC? Is it the same as what's bolted to the 2.4?
YES LU! I'm looking forward to a little better then the 18 m.p.g. I'm getting now.
A.J.
All the later 31TH's have the extra clutch packs and larger diff bearings. They still need the HD rear strut rod, governor fix, tighten clutch packs, valve body mods, accumlator removed, higher line pressure, weld pinions etc. I sell a rear drum that uses a needle bearing, the stockers get chewed up using the stock thrust washer. Also get a 2000+ Neon TC, it already has bearings inside.
http://www.turbo-mopar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3180
At least you get 18 mpg, :(
Re: '04 SRT-4 engine in an '88 Caravan build
yea my van got maybe 18 on a good day with its a-413, its much better since i put the 520 in it, still not REAL good though, maybe 22-24 at times.
Re: '04 SRT-4 engine in an '88 Caravan build
Quote:
Originally Posted by
turbovanman
All the later 31TH's have the extra clutch packs and larger diff bearings. They still need the HD rear strut rod, governor fix, tighten clutch packs, valve body mods, accumlator removed, higher line pressure, weld pinions etc. I sell a rear drum that uses a needle bearing, the stockers get chewed up using the stock thrust washer. Also get a 2000+ Neon TC, it already has bearings inside.
http://www.turbo-mopar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3180
At least you get 18 mpg, :(
I haven't done any of these mods to the trans I got out of an '89 T-I Daytona and haven't had any problems. That's what's currently in my van. I've done some reading on those sites you linked to. Other than the governor (from what I understand the stock one sucks) I don't really see why I need to do any of these. If you have some time could you explain why each of these should be done.
Thanks for the tip on the 2000 Neon converter. Is it safe to assume that if I get a 2000 + Neon trans it'll have the converter I need or should I just buy one to make sure?
I'm only getting 18 because I'm not using my A/C right now. It'll drop down to 16 m.p.g. come 90* + temps.
A.J.
Re: '04 SRT-4 engine in an '88 Caravan build
Quote:
Originally Posted by
A.J.
I haven't done any of these mods to the trans I got out of an '89 T-I Daytona and haven't had any problems. That's what's currently in my van. I've done some reading on those sites you linked to. Other than the governor (from what I understand the stock one sucks) I don't really see why I need to do any of these. If you have some time could you explain why each of these should be done.
Thanks for the tip on the 2000 Neon converter. Is it safe to assume that if I get a 2000 + Neon trans it'll have the converter I need or should I just buy one to make sure?
I'm only getting 18 because I'm not using my A/C right now. It'll drop down to 16 m.p.g. come 90* + temps.
A.J.
You should always buy a new converter anyway's but yeah, any 2000 and up is ok.
As for the trans, Carl's link pretty well sums up why you need each mod and remember, you now have a 16 valve, more torque and power. If you need a breakdown of each mod, I'll do one up.
Re: '04 SRT-4 engine in an '88 Caravan build
Quote:
Originally Posted by
turbovanman
You should always buy a new converter anyway's but yeah, any 2000 and up is ok.
As for the trans, Carl's link pretty well sums up why you need each mod and remember, you now have a 16 valve, more torque and power. If you need a breakdown of each mod, I'll do one up.
I'll read it over again. I'll PM you any questions I have so this thread doesn't turn into a mainly transmission discussion and post the mods I do.
A.J.
Re: '04 SRT-4 engine in an '88 Caravan build
The newer 31TH for the Neons and vans (I believe '96 and newer) also have an extra pinion gear in the carrier as well for extra strength.