87 caravan engine swap

[davids78bronco]

I just received a free 87, with the 2.2L, non-turbo, and 5spd trans. I'm trying to find out if I can drop in a V6, and if I can, which V6 can I use?

[Dodgevanman]

I believe 87 was the first year for the 3.0L V6, but I'm not sure if it will bolt up to your 5spd, or if it would handle the power increase.

[davids78bronco]

I believe 87 was the first year for the 3.0L V6,
Now this is promising...
but I'm not sure if it will bolt up to your 5spd, or if it would handle the power increase.
But this isn't...

I can't imagine the trans having any difficulty handling the V6, if it can handle a turbo'ed 2.2L. (ya'll seen that video, of the caravan smokin the vette, in the quarter mile, right? I'm not trying to duplicate that, but you know that van was turbo'ed, and who knows what else was done to it) Seems I'll be having alot of research time, at my local dodge dealer, and see if I can peruse thru their books

If, in fact, 87 was the first year for the 3.0L, then I might try to find an upgraded clutch kit, and hope the trans itself holds together

Welp, here's to hopin :cheers:

[Dodgevanman]

But you said your van is the non-turbo model. I'm not 100% sure, but I would imagine the clutch is different and the internals of the transmission are upgraded in the turbo models.

Also the the manual transmission you have may not even bolt up to the V6. I don't think the V6 vans were available with manual transmissions.

There are many other factors to consider when putting a larger engine into a vehicle.

Cooling system, brakes, suspension, engine computer, etc.

[davids78bronco]

Oh yeah, I completely understand the Domino Effect, and while I was HOPING I could drop in a V6, your point about the manual trans possibly not being able to bolt to the V6 is a valid one. SO, the possibility of finding a complete, wrecked donor is becoming more of a realization

ha, now I'm wondering how well a newer interior would fit in the van - seats and dash, mostly... but that's for later

[Dodgevanman]

Yep, if you really want a V6, find a donor and pull every thing...subframe and all. Don't forget the harness and ECM too.

Well, 1984-1993 mini-vans had basically the same body style, so some interior stuff would work

[McClane]

I believe the tranny for the 2.2 and the mitsu v6 are different, so as mentioned by other members, if you can find a donor van pull everything, including the motor mounts.

But, from personal experience, I've had nothing but headaches with mitsu engines built for chrysler vehicles, so I'm just wondering why you would want to drop a mitsu engine when the 2.2L is much more bullet proof (aside from wanting abit more power).

I believe 86 was the first year chrysler started using the mitsu 3L v6 in their vans ? I remember the first gen. caravans had the over/under headlights, but 86 they switched the headlights to one single larger headlight, and that is when they put in a v6.

[davids78bronco]

But, from personal experience, I've had nothing but headaches with mitsu engines built for chrysler vehicles,
I've been thinking about this too

so I'm just wondering why you would want to drop a mitsu engine when the 2.2L is much more bullet proof (aside from wanting abit more power).
That's about it - more power. However, since this is sounding more and more like too much of a project than I'm wanting to take on (I've got three others already), I spose it'll just have to stay stock


Thanks for the tips and insight guys

[Indiana Red]

(ya'll seen that video, of the caravan smokin the vette, in the quarter mile, right?

Link? :)