I have an 03 intrepid that needs an engine. It's got a 2.7 double overhead cam. I found one in a 99 but was looking to find out if they can interchange from year to year. Will the 99 engine go into the 03 car. What parts need to be changed from year to year or is this even possible.

Kenny B

Only answer I have is that any good junkyard will have an interchange manual that will tell you what fits what.

As far as the sensors and such there is no manual for interchanges on theose. You'ld have to look at each one's connection and swap for your old motor as needed.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

The Intrepid's electronics on the engine were redesigned in 2002, so a 2002-2004 engine is susposed to be a bolt in deal. It MIGHT be possible to swap in an older engine if enough parts were changed....but I have NO idea how many parts would have to be swapped out. This kind of swap can be VERY difficult if the older intake manifold, cylinder heads, etc. will not accept the newer electronic components!

The 2002 and newer 2.7 are considerably better than the older 2.7 engines. There were a BUNCH of improvements made to the 2.7 during 2001 and 2002. (improved engine electronics, larger oil passages, improved timing chain tensioner, the catalytic converters were moved away from the oil pan to solve the oil "cooking" problems, etc.)

Personally, with the 2.7's reputation, I'd be a bit concerned with swapping in a used engine of unknown origin. The 2002 and newer 2.7's hold up semi-well when maintained, but these engines REQUIRE regular and somewhat expensive maintenance. For example, if the water pump is not changed BEFORE it fails, it can dump coolant in the crankcase and destroy the engine. Unfortunatly, changing the water pump & timing chain on these engines can easily cost $1500 at a garage.

As an alternative to a used engine, Jasper's rebuilt engines now have a 100,000 mile warranty. I've not read the fine print, but it sounds good. The Jasper engine I priced cost less than the discount part store's engine with only a 12,000 mile warranty!

I've read that it's possible to swap a 3.5 into the 2.7 cars. The 3.5 has a much better track record than the 2.7 engine. This swap is not real difficult according to reports, but it does require some extra parts from the donor car.

There is some information on the 2.7 - 3.5 conversion over on DodgeIntrepid.net There is a guy over there who has written a book on how to make this conversion. It's sold on ebay.

If you were to make the 2.7 to 3.5 swap, you should look into the emission control laws in your area. In some instances, to be 100% completely smog legal, the donor engine must be the same year or newer than the car. And in some cases, if the donor engine is newer, the car must meet the testing standards for the year of the engine. In other words, if you swap a 2004 engine into a 2003 car, the 2003 car may be required to meet 2004 emission standards.