The engine spun a bearing, so I am planning on changing the motor. This is a 2007 and the local offers are pretty slim, it seems that most people have older engines... Are the short blocks the same? What are the differences between years? I am thinking to maybe rebuild my engine (crank, pistons w/ rods, bearings) rather that buy the whole thing. I rebuilt a few engines in my life, and this one seems as basic as it can be. This is a 2007 Grand Caravan SXT with 3.8 engine. Also, I read that the best way to remove the engine is through the top, after removing wipers/aux etc, is this still accurate? Thanks in advance.

 

I recommend you do just rebuild this engine. It really is the easiest engine to work on nowaday. Yes, you remove engine thru the top. Altho you might have to remove Alternator, compressor, Crank pulley etc... for better cleareance.

 

I want to rebuild it, I was just curious if there are any differences in the hardware between the early years and this one. I guess it's easier to find parts/short block for earlier engines, and as far as I know, the 3.8 looks the same since they started with it. I know the later connecting rods are not using bolts/nuts and they are the cracked ones rather than the old style machined ones, but any other differences. Some people are saying that the new con rods are actually not as good as the old ones??? Any advice with the internals is welcome.

 

They changed the Piston Design, I believe the weight were shaved, and Rings sits higher toward the top now.

 

I found here a cmplete engine with low miles from an earlier model (2003 I think) that looks really good and it's cheap enough that I won't have to rebuild mine. But the interchange says this engine won't work on 07. Does anybody know the differences? I can change manifolds or sensors from mine if needed, I just wanted to make sure it's not too invasive the surgery. Thanks