Chrysler Repair: 3.0 caravan engine interchange, preset parameters, manifold engine

Question
Will a 92-95 3.0 caravan engine interchange in a 96 caravan with a 3.0?

Answer
Hi Samuel,
I would believe that mechanically the interchange would be acceptable. The issue I would be concerned about is the wiring of all the engine controls and sensors. Between 93-5 and 96 the basic framework of on-board diagnotics changed to a new generation (OBD-I vs OBD-II). So the harnesses in your '96 chassis may not be wired to accept all the plugs/sockets of the '92-5 engine if you are buying one that comes as a total package. However, if you are speaking of using a "core" of a '92-5 engine and instead reusing all the sensors/actuators/manifolds/modules from your old engine on the earilier core, that will probably work. I would verify just in case that there were no differences in the transmission/engine mating and the manifold/engine matings, perhaps at a dealership or at an engine rebuilder. There could be some minor subtle differences that could be worked out. I haven't checked about engine internal differences which also might affect the preset parameters of operation of two dufferent timeframe engine controls (compression ratio, valve timing, things like that). So I would encourage you to look further into the subject before making the jump. Is there a signigicant difference if you buy the earlier option as compared to a '96?
Roland