2003 GC SE 3.3 engine swap

So I was in the parts store this morning just killing time and I met a guy who has a 2003 Grand Caravan SE that needs an engine swap. I get to talking and this guys story just made me feel like I had to help. 5 kids, hard life, and a mini-van with a blown motor. So what did I do?........ Offered my help at no cost. (What I hope someone would do for me if I needed the help.) He has never done anything more than an oil change and was buying a Haynes manual to help him do this in his front yard. I offered my garage, my tools and my hands, free of charge. Now my problem is that I've never put a motor in a Grand Caravan. A few trucks, a few cars, and lots of tractors....... but no mini-vans.

I have all the tools, have the time and I'm willing to help him, but I think I'm in need of some guidance here. The old motor is still in the vehicle, so any tips or advice on the how-to's of a motor swap in this vehicle would be very much appreciated.

What did I get myself into?

A motor swap is a motor swap is a motor swap is a motor swap. If you've done a FWD engine job before you have the skills. THe best advice I have is to make sure you get an EGR motor if that is what is currently in the van since there are no provisions to mount an EGR valve on a factory delete engine. ALso remember that it is easiest to drop the motor out through the bottom.

The old and new are both EGR motors. I have done a few fwd swaps, but never a mini. I know about dropping the motor down through the bottom, I guess I was just looking for any tips on things unique to this vehicle. Little things that you pick up after doing a few of them. You know, the "little things" that can be really irritating. Things that make you wish you had done them differently after you're done. This isn't an old Chevy half-ton that you can pull a 350 out of and put one back in the same day and still have time to mow the grass. (I sure miss those days.....)

Thanks

I hear you there. I haven't done many of these, but I can't think of anything specific other than the straightforward procedures. Good luck!

the motor can come out from the top also...

the motor can come out from the top also...


Would you mind elaborating........... Per Chrysler, the best and easiest method is to drop the motor and trans as an assembly out the bottom. I would be very interested to know how it would come out from the top easily.

Thanks,
Mike

While I feel it COULD be pulled out from the top, it would take alot more disassembly of the accessories and balancer and such. I don't think it even makes sense to try and pull it out through the top when it would be less work to do it out the bottom.

I don't think it even makes sense to try and pull it out through the top when it would be less work to do it out the bottom.


My point exactly. I was just curious what this person was going to say. Why disassemble a motor before installing it when it can be installed almost complete? I suppose if you were pulling it for a rebuild it might not make a difference, but for a swap........... bottom's the key, imho.