Tech Question
Dave Karp, Haskell, NJ, 1991 Dodge Spirit 2.5
Fixing up a a ’91 Dodge Spirit that was left to my son whenmy Mom died. Its 2.5 EFI auto, I am putting on a set of Shelby “clamshell”wheels getting some 205 60 15 tires on it, new struts, got a nice takeoutradio at Carlisle. Not looking to take down Jimmy Addison’s Silver bullet,but would like to get a little more out of the 2.5. it is pretty anemic.
I do think the “cat” is clogged so I will start there. I also noticed this carhas burned oil since new. A quart to 800 miles (dealer at the time called itnormal) we got nowhere with Chrysler, I have had others with the same issueas well. I was told that they were made with the rings were lined up duringassembly. There was always oil in the breather leading me to think “blowby”. Mopar even had out a replacement aluminum valve cover to help this andI did that as well.
Anyway my question comes down to this: I would like tohave the car at least where it is not an out right dog, and maybe correctthe oil burning issue If I had to put a number on it, Id like to see it ableto run mid 16s and I would be tickled. Cheap and simple would be best it’s ateens 1st car. My list of to do on the engine is
1)Head gasket… Leaksoil
2 )Timing belt… 20 years on 1 belt is long enough.
a)Tensioner
b)Water pump
c)A/C belt and sepentine
d)hoses
3)try whatever the ever wise Mopar Guru suggests
Dave,
The engine is quite undervalved and almost beyond help without positivemanifold pressure. The TBI is just horrendous for HP. I think I’d punch outthe cat, change any ribbed air inlet hoses to straight, and just drive it.
Try a restrictor in the PCV line for the oil consumption problem.
There was a Mexican SMPI 2.5L version which was a lot better (tuned intake,etc.), also the US FFV version was similar to the south-of-the-border model.
Having a super-dog for a teen’s first ride really isn’t a bad thing.
Rick
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