Can I swap out hemi 2.6 from k car ----> 01 Caravan?

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by James D, Feb 24, 2008.

  1. James D

    James D Guest

    The first generation Voyager and Caravan was offered with a Mitsubishi built
    "Hemi 2.6", originally used as an optional powerplant for in the Dodge Aries
    K and Plymouth Reliant K in 1981. The 2.2 liter 4 was standard equipment on
    both sets of vehicles.

    The demons have possessed me into considering swapping out my 01 Caravan
    powerplant with a k car 2.6 engine. Everybody thinks I am crazy, but I
    would like to throw my situation out into an open forum and receive honest
    feedback.

    My reasons for entertaining this thought are twofold: First, I suspect the
    4 cylinder engine will generate superior fuel efficiency as it is rated at
    <100 bhp, but I am not absolutely certain. Second, I've always wanted a
    Chrysler with a hemi since I was a child,. I grew up dreaming of owning a
    Charger 426 hemi, and in later years have been drooling over the hemi
    equipped Dodge Ram pickups and the new hemi Charger. Basically, I want to
    be able to go into a bar someday and while shooting the breeze, mention
    "Yeah, my minivan has a hemi!"

    Do you guys think this is the best route for me to take in fulfilling my
    hemi dream?



    I
     
    James D, Feb 24, 2008
    #1
  2. if you have a wirefeed welder and a cut off wheel anything is possible if the
    time and pocketbook allows
    forget the 2.6 it's crap and use the real hemi
     
    mr.som ting wong, Feb 24, 2008
    #2
  3. James D

    Joe Pfeiffer Guest

    No, it's somewhere near the worst. The Mitsu engine is a terrible
    design.
     
    Joe Pfeiffer, Feb 25, 2008
    #3
  4. James D

    Steve Guest

    Put down the crack pipe and STEP AWAY from the van....
    Honestly: its a horrible idea.
    But it wouldn't bolt up to the transmission, wouldn't work with the
    electronics, wouldn't pass emissions, and would be grossly underpowered
    even if you forged ahead and swapped in a whole K-car drivetrain,
    un-tuniable un-reliable plastic Mikuni carburetor and all.

    Second, I've always wanted a
    The Mitsushitti 2.6 isn't a Hemi. Its a steaming pile of crap. They
    revised the cylinder head casting almost every year on that junk heap,
    and NEVER managed to keep it from cracking. When the 3.0 Mistushitti v6
    came out, the same thing happened except it was valve guides and
    excessive oil consumption- NEVER completely cured in 10+ years of
    trying. Mitsubishi is virtually out of the automotive industry for a
    VERY good reason. They never have built an engine that was worth a cow
    patty.
     
    Steve, Feb 25, 2008
    #4
  5. James D

    who Guest

    That Mitsubishi 4cyl 2.6L was a very poor engine.
    They were noted for leaving a smoke trail.
    I believe the much better Chrysler 2.5L 4 cyl was the follow on.
     
    who, Feb 25, 2008
    #5
  6. Hi!
    A real Hemi? Wouldn't that be a V8? (In a Caravan?!!)

    Oh wow, look out.

    I would skip the 2.6 idea, though. I have one that runs well (after much
    carburetor diddling) in an '84 Reliant but it recently sprung an oil leak
    from points unknown. The power output is underwhelming--I've held the engine
    at WOT going down the highway and just watched patiently while it sped up.

    William
     
    William R. Walsh, Feb 26, 2008
    #6
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