[Black94ES]

Hi all, I just got some bad news, my crank bearings are toast, so my engine's going to die sooner than later. There's no telling how long. It's gonna cost $3000 - $4000 to rebuild the engine.

I need your guy's help to find out if the 300M H.O. 3.5L will fit in a 1st gen, if it does do I just need the engine and the computer? From what i've found the H.O. engine will cost just as much as a rebuild.

Any info you guy's can give will help, I just pray it doesn't blow any time soon.

 

[Black94ES]

One thing I forgot to ask, will a 1st gen tranny be able to take the extra HP from the 3.5L H.O.? or do I need to get another tranny as well.

 

[brun064]

The 1st gen and 2nd gen 3.5 are almost the same, exept for aluminum block on the 2nd. The tranny is the same 42LE, but some antifoam and and a tranny cooler couldn't hurt. You would also have to get a 300M TCM and BCM along with the PCM, it would hard, but could be worth. You might just try rebuilding a 3.5L with shaved heads and ported intake. Maybe a new cam too. Good luck.

 

[blkbute]

Originally posted by brun064:
The 1st gen and 2nd gen 3.5 are almost the same, exept for aluminum block on the 2nd. The tranny is the same 42LE, but some antifoam and and a tranny cooler couldn't hurt. You would also have to get a 300M TCM and BCM along with the PCM, it would hard, but could be worth. You might just try rebuilding a 3.5L with shaved heads and ported intake. Maybe a new cam too. Good luck.

that is prob the best way to do things. cheaper forsure and less hastle.

 

[SoBL94]

I'm almost positive (you should check allpar.com to make sure) that the first gen has the A604 tranny while the 2nd gen has the 42LE tranny. I know they're almost identical, but the reliability record of the 42LE is much better. A lot of the parts that were external on the 604 are now internal, and a lot of design kinks were worked out.

 

[Black94ES]

What does the BCM do?

 

[Black94ES]

I just had the brilliant idea of just calling up the parts deparment at my local dealership and asking for an engine, and it worked.

I got 5 options (All in Canadian $$$)

1. $2400 I get the engine (brand new from factory), 1year/20,000km warranty but it comes with no oil pan, oil pump, and some other stuff.

2. $2800 Complete engine (brand new from factory) 1year/20,000km warranty

3. $5000 Complete engine (brand new from factory) 3year/60,000km warranty

4. I get the 300M H.O. 3.5L, only problem is for a brand new one: NO NEW MODEL chrysler engine comes assembled, you get the parts from chrysler and build it your self. (Definitely not going with this option)

5. Rebuild existing motor for $3000 - $4000

Note, the warranty covers everything except labour unless I get it installed at chrysler. In other words if I get the engine put in some where else, chrysler will not cover labour costs if the engine blows up and has to be swapped. If it's done at Chrysler everything's included.

What do you guy's think should I spend $2200 for an extra two year warranty? This doesn't include labour to install it.

 

[Lafrad]

is that the 300M engine? or a replacement 3.5L?

 

[brun064]

the 42LE is built off the 604 tranny. The 604 is for FWD car with horizontal engines. They used the 604 and adapted it to go with a north south - FWD set up. Chrysler did fix alot or problems with the 42LE in the 2nd gen, but the 97 LHs also share the same fixes, thats why the infamous "D-Ring" seal recall isn't for the '97 MY.

 

[MoparPerformance]

First gen is similar, I think that engine swap would be cool but I'm thinking it could be really difficult.


Later guys

 

[mlfca]

Buy a new car!

 

[Black94ES]

Those price quotes are for 1st gen engines, the 300M engines don't come assembled, you have to put them together.

My parents are considering a new car, I'm going for the 2002 Altima, Stillen's got some performance parts coming out soon. It's a whole lot easier to upgrade then our cars.

I read in the General 1st Gen forum that someone actually got his crank bearing replaced and he did it him self for $1000?? Does any one know if it can be done that cheap?

If it could, I don't understand why my mechanic did recommend fixing the engine now, instead of waiting for it to fail.

 

[Djnrg]

He Probably needs a new Big Screen T.V. or something!!!

 

[Black94ES]

lol

 

[brun064]

1st gen has the 42LE tranny. The 604 was used for horizontal engines.
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