Dodge FWD 3.8L V6 Interchange: Can it Swap with a RWD 3.8L V6?
The question of whether a front-wheel-drive (FWD) Dodge 3.8L V6 engine can be interchanged with a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) 3.8L V6 is a common one among car enthusiasts and mechanics. The short answer is: it's complicated, and generally not a straightforward swap. While both engines share the 3.8L displacement, significant differences exist that make a direct swap extremely difficult, if not impossible. Let's delve into the specifics.
What are the Key Differences Between FWD and RWD 3.8L V6 Dodges?
The most significant differences lie not just in the drivetrain but also in the engine's mounting points, accessory placement, and even the engine block itself, depending on the year and specific model.
-
Engine Mounts: FWD and RWD engines have vastly different mounting points on the chassis. The engine's orientation and the location of the mounting points are fundamentally different to accommodate the different drivetrain layouts. Simply bolting a RWD engine into a FWD chassis is not feasible.
-
Transmission: This is a major hurdle. A FWD transmission is designed to send power to the front wheels, while a RWD transmission sends power to the rear. These transmissions are not interchangeable. Adapting one to fit the other would require extensive custom fabrication and engineering, far beyond a simple swap.
-
Accessory Placement: While some accessories might be similar, the positioning of components like the alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor often differ between FWD and RWD versions. This means even if you could somehow fit the engine, routing all the accessories correctly would be a significant challenge.
-
Oil Pan and Sump: The oil pan design differs to accommodate the engine's position and the location of the transmission in the vehicle. A RWD oil pan simply won't fit into a FWD vehicle's chassis.
What about Specific Dodge Models and Years?
The complexity of a potential swap is further influenced by the specific Dodge models and years involved. Different generations of the 3.8L V6 engine had various internal components, making the challenge even more complex. Even seemingly minor variations across different model years can present significant obstacles.
Can I use parts from a RWD 3.8L V6 in my FWD 3.8L V6?
While a complete engine swap is impractical, some individual parts might be interchangeable. However, this needs careful verification. Always compare part numbers and consult a parts catalog or a qualified mechanic before attempting any such replacement.
Is there any way to make this swap work?
Theoretically, a highly skilled mechanic with extensive fabrication skills and resources could potentially adapt a RWD 3.8L V6 to fit a FWD chassis. However, this would be a highly complex and expensive undertaking, requiring custom engine mounts, a modified transmission setup, potentially custom driveshafts, and extensive re-routing of accessories. The cost and effort would likely far outweigh the benefits.
In conclusion, while both engines are 3.8L V6s, the differences stemming from the FWD and RWD configurations make a direct swap highly improbable and impractical. It is far more sensible to source a replacement FWD 3.8L V6 engine, or to rebuild your existing engine, if that’s a feasible option.
