Interference Engine?

[Gillto]

Hello, my sister has a '99 2.7L Intrepid. The other day her timing chain broke and smashed a hole into the valve cover. I was just wondering if this particular engine is an interference engine or not, so I do not have to waste my time with compression tests and what not checking for belt valves. Thanks

[AWP9521]

Yes, the 2.7 is an interference engine. Virtually any engine with 4 Valves per cylinder will be an interference engine.

[Gillto]

Thanks for the reply. Guess it is time to pray and get out the compressor.

[wafrederick]

You might look into a 2.7 to 3.2/3.5 conversion.The 3.2/3.5 fits in with no problems.The the 3.2 and 3.5 are the better engines and outrun the 2.7.All the valves bend when the timing chain breaks on a 2.7.Get a donor car instead of the kit.Advantage with the donor car:You have all the parts on hand

[Gillto]

I would get a donor car, but I just do not have room at the moment, my neons right now are in my garage. What all would be require for the conversion? Is it the same tranny, also, would the engine harness plug into the dash harness okay, or is it year specific? I know I would need the computer for the new engine. Anything else?

[wafrederick]

The front of exhaust is longer,the 3.2/3.5 throttle cable is longer.The 2.7 computer will work with the 3.2/3.5.If you talk to an auto salvage yard about getting a donor car with a 3.2/3.5 that has been wrecked,a concorde,LHS,300M and intrepid.The book(hollander)says the 2.7transmission will not work with the 3.2/3.5( the gear ratio),the transmission will probally work,the hollander might be wrong on this.You need the power steering pump,a/c lines,Radatior and a/c condensor(the 3.2 and 3.5 have oil lines going to the radatior),heater hoses,a/c compressor and the computer if you need it just in case the 3.2/3.5 will not run with the 2.7 computer.The engine wiring harness plugs into the engine computer and not into the dash.I say about 1998-2004 for the years.I have done 2 or 3 2.7 to 3.2/3.5 conversions ands you will notice a power increase with the 2.7 to 3.2/3.5 conversion.