So, I own and love my 85 T1 LeBaron as you all know, but it was a purchase out of necessity and without a huge deal of research (which was a first for me). I needed a 2nd vehicle to save miles on my SRT-4 with 164k no issues 400hp e1 + e85, and wanted it to be an Orginal Turbo Mopar. Since moving to CO I have been getting 38mpg hwy with the SRT-4 which is astonishing, and frankly hard for most to believe, but it's a fact that the higher in elevation I go the better I get. So, I expected somewhere in the range of 30 or perhaps just under with a 2.2T and the best I have gotten is 24 with the incorrect 8* of ignition timing. (Will update what I am getting now that I am at 13-14*).
Little did I know the differences with the T1's vs later & more easy to upgrade models, also I did not know or even think that the 3-spd Auto could rob me of so much MPG and HP JOY... Regardless, this 61k original mile 2.2T is amazing and now running tip-top thanks to you guys at 14psi via STG2 LM from FWDperformance, fixed timing, replaced parts, etc.
BUT, I now have the opportunity to purchase a glorious 1898 Dodge Caravan 2.5T with... yes... the 5spd manual transmission! This is exactly what I had wanted for traveling, sleeping, and hauling photography gear while having a turbo-blast.
Some of you may have seen it, the Van is located in Montana and I have been speaking with the owner and came to a great price. He sounds honest and knowledgeable, but of course one can never truly tell. This would be a heck of a trip for me to go test it out and hopefully take home, so I am trying to learn as much as possible this time.
1989 Dodge Caravan 2.5T 5-spd Info:
"1989 Dodge Caravan with the 2.5L 4 cylinder factory turbo and a 5 speed manual transmission. Yes, a 5 speed manual so no worries of a failed automatic as is so common in vans. Van is in good shape inside and outside. All glass is good, all windows operate as they should even the power windows in the back of the van. Van is equipped with A/C that works wonderfully, cruise control that works flawlessly, heat that will cook you out of it, tilt wheel, tachometer, rear window wiper, washer (nozzle broke on washer, not sure how but it is. Still squirts though.), rear window defroster,power rear door release, power rear side windows, manual front windows, manual window on slider door as well as drivers solid side. Radio works and has a casette deck but I've never tried it.
2 sets of tires (winter and summer) both with good tread and on their own wheels so no swapping rims each season, new front struts last summer, newer timing belt and water pump, new thermostat, new spark plugs less than 6 months ago, 2 new headlight bulbs last week, oil change less than 100mi ago, clutch is solid and tight leading me to believe someone replaced it at some time. Everything works and functions as it should on this van.
Interior is in good shape with no rips or tears on the seats. All seats have firm cushioning still so no sideways lean or hole in lower back area. 2 sets of rear seats. One is the large middle row that goes all the way across for a comfortable 3 passenger seat making a 5 passenger vehicle with a good amount of cargo room behind the second seat. The other seats are the 2 passenger middle seat and 3 passenger rear seat for a total seating of 7 with less room for groceries, cargo, etc. I have 4 kids and this van has worked great for us. The only reason I'm selling is I finally got my truck back together for towing our camper and so this makes 4 vehicles for us.
Coming summer this is a great vehicle that is reliable (even with 185K on it I would drive it anywhere), comfortable, and the A/C works also. I get a consistant 18mpg in town with it and low-mid 20 on the highway. Even with the 4 cylinder this has no problem doing 75-80 down the road comfortably.
Here's the but: The title is in my name and I have it, unlike so many things showing up on for sale sights lately with no title. So, the Motor Vehicle Department has the title noted as "Totaled" NOT SALVAGE, there is a big difference. The big difference is you DO NOT have to have any inspection done or title bonding or anything as you would with a salvage title. It is just listed that way so you cannot get full coverage auto insurance and so a buyer will know it was in an accident. I will include a picture of why they listed it as totaled. In December of 2013 I was rear ended by a 2012 Toyota Echo. The Echo did not fare so well and there was minimal damage to the van. The rear bumper was bent (no structural damage), and the rear door recived a small dent in the lower right side. I bet the dent could be pushed out it is so minimal but I never bothered because it had no effect on anything. My main concern was the possibility of exhaust leaking into the van endangering myself or my kids. I had it checked out at a body shop and all is good, no leaks. Yeah! The body shop estimated the damage at higher than what the insurance company thought it was worth so therefore they totaled it. I have been driving it every day before and since and there is NOTHING wrong with it. It handles great, it tracks great, no uneven tire wear or anything. I just think the body shop didn't want to mess with it as they quoted the bumper at $350 and the rear door at over $800. That's nuts as A-1 Johnsons has these rear bumpers in perfect shape for $50 but I never bothered and the rear door is just fine. No leaks and opens and closes tight with the key and the power release button."
My questions are:
1) Which trans did this 89 Turbo-Caravan come with, the almighty 555? What should I look for when test driving it to be wrong? What mileage can I hope for at elevation if I get 38 in my SRT-4 between 70-80mph?
2) What benefits does the 2.5T have over the 2.2T?
3) Is this 2.5T a T1 engine, with essentially the same poor log-suck through intake manifold as my 85 T1 LeBaron?
4) Would this 2.5T 5spd be more fun and easier to make faster than my current 2.2T 85 Auto?
5) Essentially I would like a nice reliable 13.9 from either the Van or the LeBaron with MINIMAL work. I simply don't have the time to track down entire TII swaps and install them, nor the funds for at least a year... I would, however, be more than happy to throw upgrades at a Turbo-Van since that is what I originally wanted and still desire.
6) Does this 2.5 has the undesirable Mitsu turbo, that I would ultimately want/need to replace with a garret? And If I do replace, it needs to be a garret T2, then I would need T2 everything else?
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How about this relatively high idle?
12.57@104 :O) 
Originally Posted by Reaper1
You wont regret it. I probably had 50 TM's before my first turbo Mini, since then its practically my favorite driver. I've camped in Woody, Slept in Woody, raced in Woody. Hauled 8 people each with their own seatbelt, what more could you want
Check out the "show off your Mini" thread for lots of upgrade ideas...
