[Crash Override]

Hi from a recent owner of a Dodge Intrepid 2.7 (currently, and yes, I know) ES.
About the car -
Likes -
Comfortable, power, most things, Autostick.
Dislikes - 2.7 engine, musty smell from air con system.

The story behind the car - it blew an engine and was bought for an undisclosed sum by my wife's parents who promptly paid more than the book value of the car to have another 2.7 fitted. They then gave the car to my wife. 2500 miles later the timing tensioner on the replacement lump went goodbye and the vehicle went back to the garage (Who had thoughtfully put a 12 months parts and labor wty on the used engine) a month later and it's headed back with a nice knock from the top end. (They gave a warranty, they can't complain when I use it) Not sure on the oil change prices since it's yet to make it as far as one. (I had them change the oil with the timing gear)

Since owning it (4 months and counting) we've changed 1 tire, have another to change, upgraded the radio to a DVD head unit, replaced the Power steering pump and an O2 sensor, replaced the rear rotors and pads also fitted all new dash bulbs (gauges and heater controls) and both sun visor clips. Also rewired the trunk release and light. Next on the books is an OTIS install (today probably) along with the illuminated sun visors, auto dip mirror etc.

[CaptainMorgan]

You got a raw deal (not literally in financial terms-just unlucky). 99% of ES' came with the 3.2L engine.

[Crash Override]

I know, and if it had been up to me the replacement engine wouldn't have been a 2.7.
The Intrepid was intended by my wife's parents to replace her escort which is a 93.
In comparison, the Escort over 4 years has needed - 2 tires, 4 suspension sway bar links, 1 exhaust and a new brake master cylinder. The sum of which cost less than the O2 sensor, tire and PS pump on the intrepid.

[cdmccul]

Welcome aboard!

I like your writing style. When does the current warranty expire?

Sounds like you have a pretty good grasp of mods here, great to see someone doing this.

[YesImLDS]

When I saw Likes: and nothing to the right of it I was like "well then..." then I saw the likes underneath it.

Also Welcome! Hopefully you can find some useful information here!

[Crash Override]

The warranty expires in May. To be honest I'm hoping something fatal happens to the engine before that so that I can say to them 'Why not fit a 3.2 / 3.5 instead, I'll even pay for the parts needed to convert as long as you cover the engine' however the engineer in me even made sure that at the first sign of the timing death rattle I shut the car down and had it towed to them. In retrospect I would have been better letting it die, however, since the chain was complete and the engine could be started they were able to verify the oil level in the engine and were unable to avoid their own warranty repair.

Incidentally CDMCCUL - I'm going to say you made the post from an Apple iPhone or iPad?

[cdmccul]

HAhahahahah, I posted from an Android device, yes... I corrected my mistake, thanks!

[beeblebrox82]

welcome!! can't really count new tires and brake work against the cost of a used car. Wearable items. Wonder where the shop is getting these engines from. yeesh!

[DjGreggieP]

Welcome!! Have to say I like the name, that was an awesome movie!!

Hopefully you can come across a 3.2 or 3.5 to get swapped in there and be relatively trouble free!!

[Crash Override]

When the engine expires (hopefully in warranty) I'll push for a 3.2 or 3.5 install to replace it. Picked up the OTIS system today from a 2000 intrepid 3.2 ES at a local U-Pull, got it complete with full wiring harness, auto dim mirror and both illuminated visors for $35. Shame the Infinity audio install had been trashed (speakers smashed) as that would have been a nice upgrade. However I'm happy with the OTIS system, hopefully it was a decent price.

[cdmccul]

I'd say it probably was a good price... Congrats!

[Crash Override]

Next is to install it. Shouldn't be a problem compared to some of the mod work I've done on vehicles before. I once installed a Dell desktop PC (small form factor) into a Nissan complete with a touchscreen, hookup into the vehicle ECU, sound system etc, also fitted 2001 Nissan Primera P11-144 dashboard, climate control etc into a 1997 model of the same car (144 changes were made) along with a cruise control (had to interface the wheel controls from a QX into the cruise control system, which wasn't directly compatible), designed central locking systems for vehicles that didn't have them (no cheap 4 door locking kit was available at the time) etc. This should be simple in comparison.

Just in 2 minds at the moment.. Do I go back and get the roof liner so I don't have to cut the existing one, or not...

[el_charal]

And the other 1%?

[DrDodge]

cut the headliner,, outline the otis on it, and cut about 1/4 inch inside the line

[CaptainMorgan]

I should clarify, for 98-01 it was either the 3.2 or a small number still got a 2.7 in the ES from the factory. I'm not sure if that still happened later when the 3.2 was subbed for the 3.5 non high output version.