[ncfrc]

I just picked up a 2002 RT with only 115,000 miles on it.
It runs good but just doesn't have the power that I expected.
The rpm's seem to run a couple hundred less than my ES at 70 mph.


We also have a 2002 ES with 196,000 miles on it.
It has much better acceleration from 0-60.

Now this power difference is not 0-60 with foot to the floor , I'd say
at more normal driving.

The RT also downshifts when coming into a long hill at 65 , where the
ES does not.

Any suggestions or comments ??

[beeblebrox82]

So your ES was originally a 2.7L? Did you leave the original transmission? Did you change the final drive in said transmission? I'm pretty sure the answers are yep, yep and nope.

Put a set of 2.7L (or 300m Special) final drive gears on your RT and they'll behave the same.

[Dirdy]

Check over and tune it up. I could never get my ex to figure that one out. My old 99 base 2.7 is a hell of a lot faster than her 01 R/T with a 3.5. Then she finally had someone change the plugs and oil.

[SRT6INTREPID]

A tune up never hurt. A new air filter, oil change and set of plugs can make a significant difference.

But if beeble is hitting the right note and you're running different final drive gears, that'll be your answer.

[2ToneR/T]

115,000 miles u say.....hmmmm....well my 2000' R/T blew her engine at 116,000....lol....so I wouldn't be pressing it for Camaro SS speeds...lol....baby her till it goes!!!

[2ToneR/T]

but seriously.....before my motor died a year ago it had 116K on it....the new motor I got was from a 2004....same 3.5 HO...only had 46000 miles on it......but much better feel, better sound, better power and reminds me of when I first got my R/T in 2002 with 46000 miles on her....times takes its toll on 3.5's.....plugs, oil, K&N FIPK intake kit.....it'll definitely help.....perhaps run some SEAFOAM thru the different area, fuel, intake, oil.....it definitely helped my old engine Seafoaming it.....till it blew up that is...lol..

[CaptainMorgan]

It's all about how you take care of it. My 3.2 with 102k on it runs better than ever. I decided to have a bit of fun today on the way home and stomped on the gas a few times (no snow on the ground where I did this). Tons of torque steer, quick response, and spinning tires.

I seafoam my oil every few changes and use Mobil 1 every time. I'll do the intake when I'm ready to change plugs again.

[ncfrc]

No ,No , No , factory 3.5 with stock tranny gears

Did the RT come with a lower gear ratio " number " ?

[ncfrc]

I'll admitt that this thread may be a little premature as I've serviced all the fluids
but have not changed the plugs or air filter yet.

[ncfrc]

I hear ya ,,, we've owned many an Intrepid.
This is a very clean no rust southern car but I always question
the use a car gets that has a slap stick shifter.

[ncfrc]

It runs smooth and will be my wifes daily driver so it's really not a big deal.
I just remember driving an 03 SXT with a slap stick and it was very impressive.
Even though I never changed the tranny in the ES , maybe the stock tranny
was replaced with a 2.7 tranny sometime before me.

[ncfrc]

A little off the subject of this car but did a 04 Intrepid Police pkg with 3.5
engine come with the lower gears " higher number " ?
I have one of those from a car we parted out.

[ncfrc]

Proper Maintainance is not most peoples priority when it comes to a vehicle.
We've only bought one Intrepid that when I took the oil filler cap off the inside
was spotless , clean , well maintained. Most are all dark with oil varnish.

[beeblebrox82]

no, I guess I miss-read your siggy, looked like you'd done a swap.

[ncfrc]

Yes , in the SE , still in progress . I probably wouldn't do again.