Well I just bought a 1995 caravan with the bad 3.0L motor for 500. Has a fresh rebuilt transmission and brand new tires. motor blew a head gasket, which I have found after disassembly. I have made the decision to just put a used motor in it and just drive it till the wheels fall off literally. So the body has 200k. I am wanting to know which motors I could swap into this van with ease. I have heard not so good things about the 3.0L. I may end up going back with it though just to make things easy.

Long story short
Question 1. What motors can I swap into this van easily that would be better than the model it currently has.

Question 2. Is it better to go back with what it came with?

Question 3. Where can I find a good used motor? Budget is about 500.

Thanks

 

I would stay with the 3.0 engine, it really is a good motor. The only problem that motor gave was the valve guides.

 

Our 88 3.0L had 208,000 miles on it before I scrapped it. The engine was still running great but the other things that had gone wrong were going to cost more than the van was worth. If you decide to repair the engine you have, be sure to do the water pump and timing belt at the same time if you aren't sure if they've been done within the last 50-60,000 miles. They are such a pain to do by themselves that you might as well do them while you have the heads off.

 

Very solid motors, just not much hp stock, loads of torque, and they take a ton of abuse (189k of sheer pounding on mine and it's never had to be opened).

 

Would a 96 3.0 swap over to the 95 caravan easily. Is there anything crazy I would have to do seems like the same motor.

 

How much does it usually run to rebuild these motors? Would any of you feel comfortable if you were rebuilding a block with 200k miles on it. Would I have to have anything done to the heads?

 

At worst it would have to be bored. You should be able to get a good used 3.0 cheap. The 96 motor should be a direct drop in.

Question is why are you wanting to rebuild one? And what is wrong that it needs to be rebuilt?

 

I went the rebuild route and found that both heads are cracked. Where is a good place to buy replacements? Thanks

 

You check check with the local part store and see if they sell reman heads. Or a machine shop.