Since 2001, the most commonly reported problem on CarComplaints.com has been engine failures or timing chain problems with Chrysler’s 2.7l engine, all caused by oil sludge. The oil sludge is produced by an apparent design defect with the 2.7-liter engine.

Details and advice about the engine oil sludge defect with Chrysler’s 2.7L V6 engine made from 1998 – 2002.

The information about the Dodge Intrepid 2.7L V6 engine failure / oil sludge / timing chain problem.
Dodge Intrepid Oil Sludge Engine Failure and the Dodge Intrepid 2.7-liter V6 engine May, 2005

However if you decide to fix your blown 2.7L V6 engine, do not put in another defective 2.7L engine. Find a mechanic to swap up to a 3.2/3.5L engine instead. Here’s why:

• The 3.2/3.5L engine doesn’t have the design defect that causes oil sludge to form in the 2.7L V6.
• The 3.2/3.5L engines are less expensive than the 2.7L, sometimes by $1,000 or more.
• The 2.7L to 3.x swap is fairly straightforward & does not require any custom parts or other major components be replaced.

Some companies sell “fixed” 2.7L V6 replacement engines that supposedly have been modified to fix the oil sludge defect. We have not heard back from enough owners who have gone this route to be able to form an educated opinion on this method. Usually though, the cost of the modified 2.7L engine is prohibitive.

The 2.7 to 3.2 swap is pretty easy and straight forward.

#1) Air cleaner, use the one from the 2.7.

#2) Power steering pump. Make sure you get the one that goes on the finder well.

#3) Oil cooler lines. get a 3.2 radiator or get an aftermarket oil cooler or plug the lines.

#4) A/C. make sure you get the bracket the A/C mounts on the upper part or the passenger side of the 2.7 was on the bottom. The old compressor will work you just have to bend the lines a little. It is really easy to do, so no need to break the A/C lines open. Do not unhook the A/C line when pulling the old motor, just move the compressor aside.

#5) New pulley for the A/C. You do not need to do this right away the pulley belt for the A/C only runs the A/C, so this can be something that can be done later.

#6) Throttle cable. cable is shorter. $25.00 at the dealer. Easy to install.

#7) Motor mounts. The passenger side is the same, driver side is different then the 2.7. In fact the motor mounts are the same on both side for the 3.2/3.5. Same part number.

#8) Cut the exhaust pipe 2 inches… This was the only real pain. What was done was to drop the whole system down off the engine… From the Cat to the first muffler there are two clamps were you can break lose the pipe…The first one is right after the O2 sensor behind the Cat… It is right after where the pipe bends down in front of the frame. Break the pipe lose and bring the cat and the small section of pipe out of the car… Do this when the engine is out. Cut 2.5 inches of from the pipe just after the O2 sensor, and before the pipe bend… Leave some room to put on a sleeve to rejoin the pipe… Rejoin the pieces you have cut and install them back into the car… Do this to both sides. You can install the system on the driver side with out cutting the pipe but it will be a little to long were the first muffler is installed… The pass side will not work with out cutting the pipe. it is to long and will not make it over the lower part of the frame and fire wall were the pipe bends down under the car..

#9) Radiator hoses, Change upper and lower. Has to be ordered, so get them in advance.

#10) Everything else matched up and was pretty straight forward. I changed the timing belt and water pump when the 3.2 was out. It was very easy and will save a lot of headaches in the future.

This is a very easy swap. Just take your time and go buy a manual and do it step by step and you should be fine.

GotEngines.com supplies both the 3.2L and 3.5 L Chrysler engines. You can buy engines such as these at affordable prices. By swapping engines, you will benefit in the long run. For more information, Call us @ 1-888-344-8044 and speak to an expert about this particular engine replacement process.