[beeblebrox82]

The path of the valves do not intersect with the path of the pistons. On an interference engine, like both 2nd gen motors, when the timing belt/chain breaks the valves crash into the pistons, resulting in catastrophic damage. On a first gen, both just spin free and happy as a lark, reset the time and go on your way.


Most newer engines are interference.

[95intrepid99kid]

The only way I knew that mine was off timing was by the odd sound it was making, not to mention how poorly it was "running" When we did the TB/WP it was off by a tooth on the cam, NON INTERFERENCE FTW!!!!!

[intrepidjestyr]

Hell yeah that's awesome!

[beeblebrox82]

you say non interference FTW, but they are also less efficient and lower HP by nature. Lower compression, less volume moving through the valves.... inferior.

[94Beater]

Keep in mind that first gens are pretty good at taking light hits, I tend to think that second gens don't do as well in that department.

One day when all the 2.7s spin their bearings and the majority of the 3.2/3.5s crash their valves, the pendulum is going to swing back to the first gens.

Seriously though cars from either generation were equipped pretty well compared to a lot of new cars today. Simple things like the hood supports and hood lamp make a big difference. I don't see that nowadays on new cars.

[EagleESI]

Actually at the time the first Gen 3.5 was Chryslers Highest Compression engine they ever made at that time. 10.5:1 if I recall. Also the 3.3 is an interference engine, however 3.3 is the honey badger of the group and sees 100K as a joke. Maybe around 300K doing a timing chain may help but I have never heard of one breaking yet that was taken care of. Also, 3.3s were around since the late 80s in many cars including Race Cars built by Shelby and continued being use til mid 2000s when the pentastar replaced it.

[beeblebrox82]

the old 3.5 also makes 35 less horsepower and 29lb-ft of torque. The 3.3L was introduced in 1990, and makes ~90 less HP than the 2nd gen 3.5.... unless you let Carrol Shelby get a hold of it.


If I wanted a workhorse car to drive for miles and miles and miles... damn straight I'd get that honey badger motor, but other than that, gimmie a Gen2 3.5L any day of the week, even Thursday.

[DrDodge]

there is one of each in my drive way,, in my book,, they are all ok,,, even a 2.7

[YesImLDS]

The reason I believe you can't compare 1G to 2G is because of the time period differences they came out. Now this is hypothetical if they came out at the same time than we could accurately compare. I say this because 2G is newer and in most eyes that means they are better. We can't accurately go over the benefits of both because of this bias side of it. One might be better than the other in one perspective, but they opposing could be better in another aspect. All in all I say equal because I haven't driven a 1G or 2G and only a chrysler 300m which is the 2G equivalent, but with some extras.

[DjGreggieP]

The only problem with this is time and location. The age and care of the first gens will be their downfall.

If used as winter beaters in areas that salt the roads, there won't be much left of the body panels to take a hit.

And even the non interference engines can succumb to oil starvation / sludge if proper maintenance is not followed.

BUT the same can be said for second gens.

We have to remember that the general public does not love these cars as we do. To them they are a used POS (very few people ever WANT an LH as a vehicle) to get them from point A to B and they figure they only need to put gas into them until they have the money and or ability to move on to something better.

Time is against us gentlemen, eventually it will take all of our cars away so why bother wasting that time arguing over which is better. Go out, do an oil change, inspect for rust and keep the car happy for as long as you can and most importantly, enjoy it.

[95intrepid99kid]

I just know that as long as it runs, and has MOPAR somewhere in it's blood, I'll be just fine riding in it.

[95intrepid99kid]

Yes, and while the cars will no longer be with us, their memory will live on forever, their sound has been captured, there power, unmatchable. They may never work like new again, but who cares. Its always fun to take an old car that people think will never run again, and then prove them wrong. I love my LH to the point that I already have plans to drive my children home from the hospital for the first time in it, just as my parents did for me. The wonderful aroma that entered my extremely new nose, has kept me loving that car for almost 14 years now, and that will NOT change. I just can't learn enough about this car. LOL someone I know at school told me that they have a 2003 Police Interceptor Trep, and they can't believe that I was able to rattle off the amount of specifications I did . The fact that I am actually called "Intrepid" at school really says alot. Honestly, If I didn't have my Intrepid, I probably wouldn't be in as good of a place as I am now. Considering that there are plenty of problems at my school, I don't have the time to participate in the offending activities, because I am too busy with the car, and keeping my grades up.




Sorry for the long read, but I am in a good mood (listening to '90's Music)