Chrysler 2.7 V6 into an MJ

[mrmel2you]

I just got a great deal on a 2.7 V6 with automatic trans (in a 2010 Chrysler 300) bought the car for $200. Has only 37,000 miles on it, one owner, been hit hard from the rear, still drives. Engine and trans are both perfect, look and run like new and the engine has a lot of grunt. Has anyone put a 2.7 into an MJ before? Engine looks awfully tiny in the 300, but also looks a bit on the tall side (being so narrow). Only bought the car as a parts car, bought my wife a 2010 two years ago (twin to this one) just in case anything happened to hers :) Really like the idea of having this engine and trans in The Beast if it's possible and feasible. At least I have all wiring harnesses and ECM for it, can always upgrade my fuel pump :)

 

[Zebvance]

isnt that a front wheel drive car and the engine sits sideways?

[mrmel2you]

No, it's rwd, 4 speed auto w/ overdrive :)  Big 4 dr sedan

[gogmorgo]

No, it's a front-engine rear-drive. Same basic car as the Charger.

 

I think there were AWD versions if you want to hang onto your 4x4 (if you have), but the 2wd trans likely won't bolt up to a tcase. Assuming everything fit (pull out a tape measure) I'd be curious to see the swap happen regardless. I'd expect you'd need custom motor mounts and trans crossmember, and probably some driveshaft fudgery as well. Basic fab work that shouldn't be too much trouble for someone with average skill. I expect you'll be looking at decent performance and vastly improved MPG.

[Zebvance]

depending on the width the engine might fit but might run into problems clearing headers.

[mikekaz1]

id be more curious on getting the gauge cluster to cooperate then anything

[mrmel2you]

Would keep the MJ 2wd, but the 2.7 is just way too wide.  maxes out almost 25 inches head to head. Too wide at the bottom also, wider than the control arms on the MJ. Oh well, at least I'll have a ton of spare parts for the wife's car now, LOL :)  Will park it out behind the shed under the lean-to and cover it up, and part it out later on :)  Really need to back out and finish pulling the head off the 2.5 in the MJ and figure out why the #3 cylinder is dead.

 

Thanks for all the input fellas and Happy Trails to everyone, Papa Mel :)

[benjy_26]

Most DOHC engines are WIDE. Too bad it didn't fit.

[dasbulliwagen]

I'm  a Chrysler dealer tech, and there is NO way I would EVER put a 2.7 in a beloved vehicle of mine, even if it were free. It is a worse engine than the 2.8 V6 that came in the 86 Comanches. That engine should never have been put into the 300 or the Charger as it is too small for the platform. They suffer from running hot, sludging up, and letting the water pump leak into the crankcase. That being said, there is much demand for used 2.7's for people that want to fix their cars that were equipped with them (because they don't last very long). I'm betting you could get $1000 for the engine by itself to someone who needs one. Sell it, and buy yourself a complete 4.0 XJ donor vehicle and swap it all over. Youll be much happier in the long run.

[mrmel2you]

We must be one of the lucky one's, as far as the 2.7 supposedly being such a bad engine.  Wife's 300 (2010 Touring) has 46,000 miles on it, with no problems whatsoever.  Has plenty of power, keeps up with the best of 'em on the highway. Handles great, runs great, super great on mpg, could not want a better car. We live in Topeka, Ks. and our grandkids live in Oskaloosa, Ia., about a 4 1/2 hour trip. We gas up here, go there and drive around for the weekend and back home, mind you now we are driving with the ac on, cruising 75-80mph from there to KC, Mo. and home----round trip on only 3/4 tank of gas. Regular maintenance, oil changes, tuneup, belts, filters (air and cabin) tire rotations/wheel balance etc... The car is a real joy to have and drive (and the looks from others on the road---priceless) guess it helps when it's black and minimal chrome---it's a real head turner :)

[HOrnbrod]

2010 model w. 46K miles? Typo?

[DirtyComanche]

2010 model w. 46K miles? Typo?

 

Sounds about right for light driving.  I wouldn't be bragging if something lasted that long though.

 

 

My '11 JK only has 23000km on it.  I'm not bragging about JK longevity based on my personal testing. :rotf:  

[mikekaz1]

I have 90333mi on my 2014 293cu.in :yes:

[Incommando]

I'm a Chrysler dealer tech, and there is NO way I would EVER put a 2.7 in a beloved vehicle of mine, even if it were free. It is a worse engine than the 2.8 V6 that came in the 86 Comanches. That engine should never have been put into the 300 or the Charger as it is too small for the platform. They suffer from running hot, sludging up, and letting the water pump leak into the crankcase. That being said, there is much demand for used 2.7's for people that want to fix their cars that were equipped with them (because they don't last very long). I'm betting you could get $1000 for the engine by itself to someone who needs one. Sell it, and buy yourself a complete 4.0 XJ donor vehicle and swap it all over. Youll be much happier in the long run.

Hijack : what are some of the "running hot" issues. Replaced the water pump/ thermostat and t-chains at 137k and now it over heats

[dasbulliwagen]

They are just a hot running engine. That leaves no buffer for overheating issues that might come up that and they are very sensitive to a lack or maintenance which is where the sludging up issues come from combined with hot running. Its just a poor design with poor longevity.