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Thread: What the hell engine do I have????

  1. #1
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    What the hell engine do I have????

    I have an 87 CSX that I bought a few months. It had been sitting, so it had a few issues like a broken brake line, the front engine seals were leaking, etc. The car ran good even with the issues, and I was under the impression that it is a worked 87 2.2. Well, I have been busy with work lately, so I took the car to my local shop to have the leaky main and cam seals replaced. I told the guy it was an 87 2.2, but when he ordered the seals for an 87 they weren't the right ones. He worked for Dodge back in da day, so he looked into it and ordered the seals for an 88 and up 2.5, and they worked fine. Now, I'm trying to figure out what the hell I have in the car...the front seals for an 88 tall block 2.5 and 2.2-2.5 common block are the same, so this doesn't clear it up. I've heard the 2.5 tall block is an odd ball, but I guess I can't count any thing out. Is there a way to I.D. and engine by external features or markings while the engine is in the car?

    Thanks

  2. #2
    See me ride out of the sunset... Turbo Mopar Staff BadAssPerformance's Avatar
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    Re: What the hell engine do I have????

    For turbo blocks...

    How many bolts holding the crank (v-belt) pulley to the crank timing belt sprocket?

    1984-87 = 4 bolts
    1988+ = 5 bolts

    If 5-bolts, does the block have a diamond shaped fuel pump block off plate on the block between the distributor and water pump housing?

    1984-88 = block off plate
    1989+ = no block off plate or hole (common block did not get used on carb applications)

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  3. #3
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    Re: What the hell engine do I have????

    JT that is the most simple and accurate way I have ever seen it described. Way to utilize the KISS method.
    KO, 86 T&C Turbo II 89 Daytona Shelby 84 Stingray SVB165SS

  4. #4
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    Re: What the hell engine do I have????

    Thx JT. That is so simple I can even understand it. lol Hopefully I'll be able to get to the car this weekend and figure this mystery out.

  5. #5
    Moderator Turbo Mopar Staff Vigo's Avatar
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    Re: What the hell engine do I have????

    Correct me if im wrong but if it's a 5bolt crank pulley and has a fuel pump blockoff plate, then the easiest way to tell 2.2 from 2.5 would be the shape of the oil pan, followed by measuring from the top of the trans to the bottom of the head, right?

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  6. #6
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    Re: What the hell engine do I have????

    5 bolt pulley and fuel pump block off plate is 88 only. If it has a square tooth timing belt it's a 2.2 and a round tooth would be a tall deck 2.5. This is for 88 only.

  7. #7
    Moderator Turbo Mopar Staff Vigo's Avatar
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    Re: What the hell engine do I have????

    Tall blocks were 86-88 and all had 5bolt crank pulley and blockoff plate. Pretty sure my old 86 tall block 2.5 also had a round tooth belt.

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  8. #8
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    Re: What the hell engine do I have????

    Oh I didn't know that all 2.5 tall decks were 5 bolt, just thought they were the same as the 2.2 as far as what got the 4 or 5 bolt crank pulley.

  9. #9
    Supporting Member Turbo Mopar Contributor jonnymopar's Avatar
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    Re: What the hell engine do I have????

    Don't forget water pumps!

    up to 88: ribbed pulley, belt goes around it
    89+: smooth pulley, belt goes behind it

    Haha, I love this stuff. Reminds me of the old days!!

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  10. #10
    Supporting Member Turbo Mopar Contributor supercrackerbox's Avatar
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    Re: What the hell engine do I have????

    Water pumps and accessories can be changed though.

  11. #11
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    Re: What the hell engine do I have????

    There were also replacement engines from MOPAR that were CB's, but had the block-off plate so they could be used in all applications. I have a friend that had one, and I've seen a few others.

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