Hi, I'm new here. I'm looking at getting a 2001-2006 Stratus for an everyday car, and although the 2.4 4 banger would probably suffice, I'm kind of hard headed and want the 2.7 V6 for the extra power.

And I have read a lot about the sludge problems the 2.7 has.

Let me start by saying I have a lot of experience in builing Chrysler engines. Slant Sixes, all the small and big block V8's of the 60's and 70's, 2.2 and 2.5 Turbo engines, the 6G72 3.0 Mitsubishi / Chrysler V6, and 904, 727, and 413 automatic transmissions too. I have read, researched, and done successful rebuilds on all of these.

So buying a Stratus and pulling the 2.7 for a total overhaul is not too hard for me to do.

After the research, here are some ideas I have for improving its reliability based on what I've read:

1. A whole new Mopar brand timing chain set, guides, tensioner, oil pump and water pump.

2. New PCV valve and change it regularly, I think 30,000 miles is the number I have seen the most.

3. Tear down the short block and have a machine shop totally clean it out. I have read some things about the oil passages being too small, so I could have them drill all the oil passages a couple sizes larger.

4. Add the external oil cooler from the police package cars, which would also increase oil capacity. And run only full synthetic oil.

I have read about the later 2.7's getting a larger size oil pan, because Chrysler was stupid and made the original pan small to save consumers a whole frickin' quart of oil at oil changes. Is the oil pan from later 2.7's larger, and would it be a direct bolt-on in a Stratus?

I have read somewhere that the high speed cooling fan doesn't turn on until 230 degrees. WTF are these "engineers" thinking? Half melting down the engine for slightly better emissions is NOT worth it!
I don't give a rat's *** about emissions. I will install one of those aftermarket adjustable temperature switches from Advance Auto Parts, and a 180-195 degree thermostat, and my 2.7 will never get over 200 degrees if I have anything to say about it!

OR, as an alternative to save a lot of cost and aggravation, should I just find a Stratus with a 2.4, clean the engine bay, change the oil, put in a new timing belt, and head on off down the highway?

I'd like to have the 2.7, but I don't even want to think about what Mopar would charge for new parts.

 

Or save a lot both ways and find one that's been taken care of and just continue to take care of it. My buddys 01 RT sedan 2.7 5-speed is almost at 200k and it's never needed anything outside normal maintenance.

From what I've found researching they supposively solved the issues from 04 on, but my experience maintenance is the biggest issue.

There is a guy up here who builds/rebuilds 2.7s for around 1500 if you take him the motor.