Hi all,

About 15 or so years ago, I ran across a build thread where someone was building a '73 or '74 Dodge Dart drag car, powered by a Mitsubishi 2.0 liter Turbo four. Unfortunately, I don't remember the forum, and haven't been able to locate it. I've occasionally thought about swapping something like this into my '67 Barracuda. However, I really didn't like the idea of using a non-American engine in my car.

More recently, I got to wondering if it would be possible to use the Chrysler 2.4 liter SRT-4 DOHC Turbo engine instead? Currently, my car has a 225" slant six, with 904 Torqueflite. The main problem I envision would be in trying to adapt/mate the engine to the 904. I know a variation of this engine was used in the Jeep Wrangler, so that might not be a huge issue. But I'm also guessing that running 245 hp thru a 904 is probably not a good idea. So it might be smarter/easier to use a Jeep tranny?

How about rear end? I've done the '72-'75 front disc brake swap, so my car has an 8-1/4". Would that stand up to 245 hp, assuming I didn't abuse it too hard?

Anyway, just tossing the idea around right now. I've done some Googling, but am not turning up anything. Does anyone know if this has been tried or done by anyone? I'd appreciate any thoughts, pro or con. Thanks!

Roger

My thought on the matter is what is your goal with this project ? I think it would be an easier swap with a manual transmission like a T-5 bolted to a Quicktime bell because you will need some RPM's to get that 3000# car rolling with a small displacement engine. The other option is an early A-body 4 speed or an OD box with the 3.09 low gear. Is the plan for a fuel miser or just something different.
Gus

I'm interested in several things: better gas mileage, being able to drive it anywhere, better performance, in addition to something different. Do you really think this engine wouldn't easily move my car? A 2004 Dodge SRT4 weighs 2,900 lbs. A Chrysler PT Cruiser with this engine weighed 3,263 - 3,471 lbs. My only reluctance to using a manual transmission is that I'd rather not cut anything.

My 2006 Wrangler had the 2.4 with the Mercedes 6-speed and I liked it, but go no better than 20 MPG. I am not sure you can use the transverse mounted 2.4 turbo, but seems that it should work, exhaust might be interesting...

Couple of things- I think I know of the dart you speak of, was it gold? If so, that was a nasty machine.

I knew someone who did a "swap" in a wrangler. The 2.4 bolted right up to the standard 6 speed the jeep came with. He had someone cobble together a better exhaust manifold and when it worked, said it was great, but could not get the tune to take advantage of the turbo and still be streetable.

Also keep in mind, if your just going to do a "simple" swap, the pt engine setup and out put are different form the neons.
Good luck, this sounds like a fun project

Which 4 cylinder motor was Dodge putting in the later model Dakotas? The 4 cylinder Dakota was rear wheel drive. I know the earlier Dakotas used the 2.5 (2.2 family) but Dodge was still installing a 4 cylinder in around 2004, would have had to be something other then the 22 family, right? Gene

Possible to swap a 2.4 DOHC Turbo into A-body?

Why don't you be the person, fabricator, mechanic, that goes and does it, and write the book, take the videos, on how it's done?
Can do anything you wan't if your equipped with a full machine shop of tools, welders, and knows how to use them.
And all the money, and time to do the project.
They do it all the time on those Motortrend tv channels on cable tv.
Now it can be your turn.

A turbo 318 with 2.45 gears could get 20 mpg and turn an 11 second quarter mile.

Well, 20 mpg would be nearly double what I'm currently getting, so that would be great. And, I'm not positive, but I'm assuming the Wrangler engine is mounted longitudinally(?). And I believe I read that the normally aspirated 2.4 and the turbo used the same block.



Yes, I think it was either gold or beige. I did more googling and found it: FrankenDart. I'm still looking for the actual build thread, but here's some info on it.

In any case, I'm just starting to look into this, and kick around ideas. Odds are nothing will even come of it. Thanks so far for everyone's input.

a 999 style 904 would easily handle that 2.4, plus with the low first gearset it would pull out

245hp through a 904 is not an issue. You're project sounds like an interesting one that I'd love to follow.

A Slant can easily get 20+, why not fix it?

I do fully understand the "I want something different" thing.

In case anyone's interested, here's a link to pretty much the same swap I just ran across.

Sure it can be done. Shouldn't be all that tough of a swap to do. I could probably do it in my shop with a little help from my friends. One guy I work with has a turbo Subaru engine swapped into his early VW bug. That was a more difficult swap than what you're talking about.

Thanks. One thing I'm concerned about is running a 904 with this computer-controlled motor. On modern cars, so many things are tied together, and controlled by computer - do you envision any issues with a non-computer-controlled transmission?

All depends how you do it. If I was doing the swap I'd get rid of all of the OEM controls on the engine and use an aftermarket EFI computer such as a Holley system. I'm not sure I'd use a 904 trans with that engine though. Seems like you might want something with more speeds and maybe something that can be electronically controlled. Again, it just depends on what you're trying to accomplish. (And how much money you have)

So I followed the link for the Lancer build and I see the link ended without completion. was it another failed project, or was it ever finished and actually driven?

What year computer are you using? Instead of a 904, you could step up to the Liberty trans, or get a computer controlled re42 auto trans (the electric rear drive v6 or light duty v8 trans.) That sould get you up into the early 2000s computer. I also wonder if the newer stick trans computer would work OK without any input from the trans, the older stick trans computers didn't have any input from the trans. Gene

There used to be member here that had a 2.4 DOHC Turbo Colt with a 904.
He was selling adapter for around $350. but no longer posts here . You might try contacting Dynamic Racing Transmissions I remember they were selling his adapters.

Thanks for the ideas. Just exploring options at this point, a lot of this stuff is new to me. I'd also prefer to keep costs down, if possible (dream on!).



Yes, unfortunately, that thread just stops. I found the same guy on another forum, and that thread also stopped. I'm going to join one or both, just to see if I can track down the OP.

No idea on computer yet. Again, more good leads to follow up on.



Thanks. On the Lancer build thread above, there are a couple of links for adapter plates, including this one I believe.