The engine is just about garbage, and I'm looking at upgrading it and the tranny (i.e. 3.3L, 3.5L, or 3.8L), I would like to have an engine and tranny that can handle a turbo at 10-20 psi, and a nitrous system...probably looking at 400-500hp when all is said and done. Can I do this in stages? i.e. I would like to just replace the engine and tranny for now...then can I add a turbo?
if so, how do i find an engine and tranny combo that will fit under my hood with no body or hood modifications, and that i'll not have to change too much other stuff?
McClane
02-05-2005, 09:50 AM
Go to Donovan's garage :
http://www.thedodgegarage.com/
On the sidebar, there is a link to the 3L engine, specs, and mods. I've never heard of anyone adding a turbo to the 3L (correct me if I'm wrong). On the other hand, the older Caravans with turbos (2.2, 2.5) you can mod, as there are a few aftermarket goodies out there for it.
According to the website above, the programming for the 3L does not allow much play for any kind of mods, the air/fuel mixture is quite tight.
lancelot
02-05-2005, 12:05 PM
what about getting into a bigger engine? i.e. 3.3, 3.5, or 3.8L? any of those have turbos? that will fit in my engine bay?
McClane
02-07-2005, 10:59 AM
The 3.5 won't fit without major front engine bay restructuring, it is a fwd engine but mounted like a rwd.
I've never heard of anyone transplanting a 3.3/3.8, but I'm sure it could be done. Just make sure you grab everything from the donor vehicle, including tranny, wiring, ecm, fuel lines, ... You may have to fab your own engine mounts.
Unfortunately, there is no 3.3/3.8 turbos, but there is another dodgetalk member that posted a thread regarding aftermarktet turbos not too long ago. You may want to contact him.
If you really want a turbo, I'd look into the older Caravans. They had turbos and you can mod them pretty good.
McClane
02-07-2005, 11:01 AM
Here is the thread for the turbos for the 3.3/3.8 :
He says it is for the 2001 model year, but if you can get a donor engine from that same year, I'm sure you can make it fit.
lancelot
02-09-2005, 11:39 AM
I have e-mailed Scott, and will be awaiting his reply in regards to turboing up a 3.3L or a 3.8L engine...what is involved, and how much it will cost...
McClane
02-09-2005, 05:40 PM
I have e-mailed Scott, and will be awaiting his reply in regards to turboing up a 3.3L or a 3.8L engine...what is involved, and how much it will cost...
I think he gave a cost in the thread, I believe around $2000 cdn. Sounds like a cool project ! :rck:
BrokeDadof3
03-11-2005, 01:34 PM
I've seen his insane turbo van on several different sites and wondered why there hadn't been any recent updates. If you follow that link there is a remembrance to him on his page, he passed away in January at 50.
Sounds like he was a great family man and friend. FAR less important, but I would have to say that those of use crazy enough to want to hot-rod obscure (at least in the performance world) FWD Mopar products lost a pioneer.
MqtMatt
03-12-2005, 07:48 PM
Lancelot....is your old tranny any good? My tranny is pretty much gone on my 91 3.0 caravan and id love to get ahold of yours! :help:
lancelot
07-31-2005, 10:55 AM
Do you have the 3 speed w/overdrive? I've heard that it's garbage. My brother owns the 1992 w/3.3 ltr. and 3spd w/overdrive, and his tranny acts funky. I just have the 3 speed. The tranny is solid. I've never done any work on it. I've been told that the slight clunking noise when shifting from park is caused from a warn engine/tranny mount. The clunk is barely noticeable, I'm just anal (I really hate noises).
I've also mounted some stereo equipment...man this thing has plenty of room. But now, I'm thinking that I'll head on over to the classic car area. I'm gonna sell off the minivan, and get myself into a classic car (maybe a vega, got one offered to me with a 350 under the hood and a T350 tranny, and the guy only wants $1k CAD for it!?, and it runs!).
So, if you're interested, the whole van is for sale! (with or without the stereo equipment). The equipment can be viewed at http://www.geocities.com/dlancelot
