A friend of mine has 2.4 Stratus engine that he would sell me. He says it runs strong. But what I am wondering is would the Stratus engine fit in the Shadow with some mods. He would install it for me.
PS How cool would that be to have a 2.4 in a Shadow!

 

nobody would think that is cool?

 

Engine swaps are either really complicated or very straightforward - there doesn't seem to be a middle ground. In my case, it was straightforward, since the engines were externally the same and I knew what I was getting into.

Some considerations:

1. Transmission. Will it bolt up to the engine? Can it take the extra power you're going to give it?
2. Fuel system. Can your existing fuel pump provide enough gas?
3. PCM. You'll have to replace it with one for your engine, possibly.
4. Wiring. This can be a nightmare. Your engine controls have to plug in somewhere.
5. EPA regs. Are they strict about emissions in your state? An engine swap can be a no-no for the Feds.
6. Exhaust. Plan on re-routing your exhaust system to hook up to the manifold, if it's not in the exact same place as the original.

Often, after careful consideration, you come to the conclusion that it's really not worth the expen$e to do the swap. Just take whatever amount of money you think it's going to cost, triple it, and you might come close to the true cost.

You probably love that car but is it really a big deal to swap in a 2.4L? Take the money you would have spent on the swap (see above) and perform some mods on the existing engine, or maybe a performance rebuild. Your car will be more reliable and you'll be just as fast, if you do it right.

Eric

{edited for spelling}

 

I have been contemplating buying a Dodge crate engine for my '98 Ram 1500 4x4. I'm looking to get over 400 hp and want to be able to finally have a vehicle that I can customize. Would it be better to get a "performance rebuild" than to buy a long block? Currently, I have 118,000 on my stock 360.

 

That's a good question, and the answer will depend on your skills and availability of tools, or even if there's a reputable shop that can do the buildup for you. Often it's best to just buy a turnkey package from a reputable performance engine builder.

In my case, I have limited experience building an engine from parts and with no garage and a gravel driveway...well, you get the picture. I bought my engine, just a stockish rebuild and had someone dump it in for me, with some additional parts to my specification and other parts from the old engine, like accessories.

What's your situation in this regard? Got the time, space and tools to do it yourself? You might save some money that way. Then again, you could screw it up and have to eat your mistake.

Eric

 

If I were in your position, I'd consider getting a 360 crate engine that Chrysler makes. They make 380 hp & 410 ft-lbs of torque stock for around $4000. You could probably get some easy mods that will give you the 400 hp that you desire for your truck.

 

The transmission would probably match-up with minor adjustments because I know they used a three-speed in the Caravan with the 2.4L during the late 90s. I really don't know much else about it. I think they have a similar block.