Lebaron (k car project)

[blindfolded]

Hello,
I have a 1993 lebaron that i got for cheap, it has very low mileage.I was wondering if there is any hope for it. Can its gas mileage improve? From what i understand the current mileage it gets is 20-28. Is there anyone out there that has done a project like this? Is it worth spending the time and effort in a car like this?
-Michael-
I also have a 2001 camaro 3.8

[Frank Lee]

I'd roll it. I have a '89 Dynasty project waiting in the wings. I think it deserves a 5-speed.

[Christ]

Look for parts from a LeBaron GTC. Or, for that matter, anything w/ GTC in the name. Hell, basically anything with a turbo. There was a Turbo Caravan at the time that came equipped with 5 speed as well, but it's not likely you'll find one for cheap.

There is a 2.2 liter engine that you can swap in (if your LB doesn't already have it.) On top of that, you can use the boost parts and ECU from any turbo car that had a 2.2. (Daytona Shelby, Caravan, several others) with minor re-wiring. The reason I keep mentioning boost, is that it will help you get the most out of your low-RPM driving if you get a properly sized turbo. (Don't waste your time rebuilding the OEM one, it was designed for mid-range performance.)

Dodge, much like Honda, had a reputation for reusing their parts in several iterations... therefore, with some mechanical ability, just about any small dodge engine can be put in. Several 6 cylinder engines could also be used, but that is outside the "performance" aspect that we're specifically looking for on this forum.

Welcome to EcoModder! Now get a wrench... LOL.

[zjrog]

It would be very helpful to know what engine and trans you have in the J body... 93 would likely be a 3.0 V6, and either a 4 speed auto or a more rare, 5 speed manual. The J body Lebaron broke from the K car mold when it was introduced in 1987. While it shares suspension components and powertrains with MOST of the Chrysler FWD lineup, the chassis were significantly different. But yes, they have their roots in the K car, which was a very versatile platform.

To clarify, Chrysler used the same motors in many lines. But there are specific generations to be aware of. Donovan's Dodge Garage has TONS of info on all Chrysler turbo engines.

If you wish to switch to a 4 banger, any 92-93 Shadow or Daytona should provide what you want, the 2.5 liter 4 banger, has a smallish turbo, great for spooling up at the low end, but runs out of juice at higher RPMs. A very common swap is to use the turbo off the earlier 2.2 engines. The turbo vans were from the factory in 89-90, both Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager. Be aware that there was an impedence change in the injector drivers between 91 and 92 model Chryslers.

The 93 Lebaron is a slippery shape. Is it the coupe or the ragtop?

[Christ]

One of my ex's had a LeBaron GTC... it came w/ the 4 cylinder turbo... erm.. wait. It came with a 4 cylinder engine with 3 pistons and a turbo. It ran this way for about 32,000 miles before she got it. The woman I bought it from said it seemed to lack power for having a turbo. I did the usual before buying it... Compression check netted interesting results. 0 Compression on piston 3.

We bought the car for $500, with nothing really wrong with it, other than that one thing. The woman had taken the car to a dealer "lord knows how many times" and none of them could diagnose the problem. After owning it for 10 or so years, and 35000 or so miles, I got hold of it. It was laughable to say the least. I couldn't believe it, but there had never been a piston or rod or bearings in #3... the OEM hone was still present.

I guess you never know what to expect LOL.

[Frank Lee]

So the motor oil didn't turn into gasoline and vaporize all outta there?

[Christ]

I have no idea what happened to it before we got to it. I know the oil smelled like gas, I know the bearings were shot all-around when I pulled the motor apart. I had some idea that there was a giant hole in a piston, which was quite the possibility. But she claimed that it always had felt sluggish... then again, she was comparing it to a Hemi 'Cuda and a 440 Charger. Whatever experience she had with turbo cars, I couldn't figure, but she actually said "it should have more power, for being a turbo."

I asked for service records, but she didn't keep them, so I couldn't confirm oil changes or anything like that. She always said she had the oil changed at 2k miles (b/c her dad said so, back in 1902 or something.)

Of course, I'm assuming that it hadn't been rebuilt at some point based on what I saw when I took it apart. I doubt someone rebuilt it for me to find it the way I did. LOL.

Especially considering the considerable wear everywhere except the #3 cylinder.

[bhazard]

Thats a crazy story.

Anyway, I would think a 4cyl swap would be pretty painful in a later lebaron, only the V6 was available after a certain point in the early 90's. Im sure the wiring and such is a great deal different.

Those cars are also pretty heavy.

The Shadow does 'okay' on gas for what it is I guess. The 3sp auto doesnt help, I know that. The best we have ever got was 30mpg on a 310 mile interstate trip. 28 is about the best normal driving, babying it. I think I wanna look at replacing the car soon though, with something a little better on gas. The car also has a lot of annoyances that you would expect from a $200 car as well.