The Intrepid Project

[Intrepidation]

Time to update this:

Stock Specs

* Year: 2000

* Steel Blue Pearlcoat paint

* 2 Tone interior

* Infinity I sound system

* DRLs

* 2.7L V6

* 173,000 miles when I bought it

Mods so far

* Added exhuast tip

* Added Dodge licensee plate brackets

* Added Dodge leather steering wheel cover

* Engine Conversion at 196,200 miles from 2.7 to 3.5HO with 122k on it.

* Custom painted 3.5 plenum.

* Replaced gray vinyl arm rest with dark slate 300M leather arm rest

* Replaced gray cloth seats and with dark slate 300M leather seats, gained 40/60 folding rear seat.

* Replaced original 300M rear arm rest with one that has cupholders

* Replaced three of the four door weatherstrips

* Replaced the aux power jack

* Replaced stock gauges with Concorde gauge cluster

* Installed chrome door handles

* Installed chrome switches

* Installed Automatic light sensor and switch

* Replaced vinyl shifter with leather shifter

* Replaced leather shifter with chrome shifter

* Upgraded to 18" Mille Miglia Uno 18"x7.5" wheels. Wrapped in Michelin Pilot Alpine rubber

* Removed dealer sticker

* Installed OTIC

* Installed auto dimming mirror

* Replaced seat memory switch so now the memory works

Future Mods

* Fix the trunk light

* Get the center speaker to work

* Upgrade the sound system to Infinity II

* Get the body panels to line up properly

* Reapply the 3.5HO badge

* Replace gray carpet that has a hole in it with black carpet from a 300M

* Get black floor mats

* Change the interior color scheme to a custom Agate on Taupe scheme

* Replace the dash with one that inst cracked

* Upgrade to ATC

* Get a RB1

* Get a CD Changer

* Replace Evaporator Core

* Get a new a/c compressor

* Get a cold air intake

* Install true duals

* Upgrade the brakes (next time I do them)

* Have the windows tinted

* Have a one-off front bumper of my own design made

* Have the car repainted Deep Water Blue Pearl

* Get Caliber SRT4 wheels

* Gets some new exterior badging

* Realign rear door trim

* Possibly replace driver's door (but I may just stick with this one and have the dents fixed when it gets repainted...dunno yet)

* Autostick

* Considering a OEM spoiler

* Considering Spyder headlights

[Satty]

It now costs $60 according to their site. . Oh well, ten bucks more isn't the end of the world if I get what I want.

If yoiu want to make it a sure thing, take the Grand Marquis out a week or so before and rear-end a bunch of 300ms and Concords.

[Intrepidation]

[Intrepidation]

Way down the rode I'd like to put dual exhaust on it, maybe a cold air intake, and eventually repaint it in a deeper shade of blue.

[CMG]

Do you have a local Craigslist Dodgefan?

I hope your evap coil is easy to swap, I know a few I've seen in late model cars have been a bit on the PITA side.....

[Intrepidation]

Yeah I do, nothing good yet for what I need has turned up. As far as Evap Core, I have to look it over, but sadly it's a very common problem with LH cars.

[Intrepidation]

So, I may have located a potential donor from one of the junkyards. It's a `01 300M with 107,000 miles on it. It was in a front end collision which damaged teh radiator but doesn't appear to have damaged the engine. They started it up for me, and it sounded good...but I need to hear what one in top running order sounds liek to I can compare.

I'm going to go back tomorrow and have them do a compression test. If it checks out, they're willing to sell me it, the brain, wiring harness, and accessories and such for about $900

The same car also had chrome window switches, which I took out but forgot my debit card at home so I have to get them tomorrow. They should brighten up the cabin nicely.

I discovered something really cool (to me).

For one year only (2001) there was a special edition 300M that featured a shift knob with a chrome insert. I think it looks fantastic. However they only made this edition 300M for a few months and it is the only car to have it.

Needless to say it's highly sought after. There's only one on eBay. The chrome is scratched up and the leather is worn but it's current bid is $193 with three days left!

[PurdueGuy]

So, I may have located a potential donor from one of the junkyards. It's a `01 300M with 107,000 miles on it. It was in a front end collision which damaged teh radiator but doesn't appear to have damaged the engine. They started it up for me, and it sounded good...but I need to hear what one in top running order sounds liek to I can compare.

I'm going to go back tomorrow and have them do a compression test. If it checks out, they're willing to sell me it, the brain, wiring harness, and accessories and such for about $900

The same car also had chrome window switches, which I took out but forgot my debit card at home so I have to get them tomorrow. They should brighten up the cabin nicely.

I discovered something really cool (to me).

For one year only (2001) there was a special edition 300M that featured a shift knob with a chrome insert. I think it looks fantastic. However they only made this edition 300M for a few months and it is the only car to have it.

Needless to say it's highly sought after. There's only one on eBay. The chrome is scratched up and the leather is worn but it's current bid is $193 with three days left!

Have you looked at aftermarket gear selectors? A lot of them are ricey, but some are classy. At the prices those 300m selectors are going for, if I found one, I'd be tempted to sell it instead of keep it (that is, if I were looking for one in the first place... I might have to try to remember to keep an eye out! lol)

[Intrepidation]

Have you looked at aftermarket gear selectors? A lot of them are ricey, but some are classy. At the prices those 300m selectors are going for, if I found one, I'd be tempted to sell it instead of keep it (that is, if I were looking for one in the first place... I might have to try to remember to keep an eye out! lol)

I agree...as much as I like it I think the resale vcalue is just too high to pass up.

I like this one by MOMO...seems tasteful.

[Intrepidation]

Big news

It's looking very likely that I will be acquiring a 107,000 mile 3.5 V6 from an `01 300M.

They did a compression test on it for me and all 6 cylinders showed 100 psi. Oil pan's good. No white milky oil. I need to look it over with my check list and carefully inspect it some more. However assuming it checks out, they'll sell it to me for $900

I've got myself a Colorado to do the transport work, so I can give a writeup on that too.

[G. David Felt]

Big news

It's looking very likely that I will be acquiring a 107,000 mile 3.5 V6 from an `01 300M.

They did a compression test on it for me and all 6 cylinders showed 100 psi. Oil pan's good. No white milky oil. I need to look it over with my check list and carefully inspect it some more. However assuming it checks out, they'll sell it to me for $900

I've got myself a Colorado to do the transport work, so I can give a writeup on that too.

:sign0200: Way to goo, I hope it all works out for you, that would be an awesome engine in your car.

[FAPTurbo]

That sounds awesome DF! You're gonna have a really one-of-a-kind Intrepid.

[Oracle of Delphi]

So, I may have located a potential donor from one of the junkyards. It's a `01 300M with 107,000 miles on it. It was in a front end collision which damaged teh radiator but doesn't appear to have damaged the engine. They started it up for me, and it sounded good...but I need to hear what one in top running order sounds liek to I can compare.

I'm going to go back tomorrow and have them do a compression test. If it checks out, they're willing to sell me it, the brain, wiring harness, and accessories and such for about $900

The same car also had chrome window switches, which I took out but forgot my debit card at home so I have to get them tomorrow. They should brighten up the cabin nicely.

I discovered something really cool (to me).

For one year only (2001) there was a special edition 300M that featured a shift knob with a chrome insert. I think it looks fantastic. However they only made this edition 300M for a few months and it is the only car to have it.

Needless to say it's highly sought after. There's only one on eBay. The chrome is scratched up and the leather is worn but it's current bid is $193 with three days left!

It does look good. By the way I didn't know a body could contort that way to take a pic ...

[Intrepidation]

I wish I had one of them! But I'm not about to pay $200+ for a shifter.

[Intrepidation]

I have to say, these little chrome pieces really brighten up the interior.

[Oracle of Delphi]

I have to say, these little chrome pieces really brighten up the interior.

I agree, makes it pop and it looks nicer ...

[deftonesfan867]

Big news

It's looking very likely that I will be acquiring a 107,000 mile 3.5 V6 from an `01 300M.

They did a compression test on it for me and all 6 cylinders showed 100 psi. Oil pan's good. No white milky oil. I need to look it over with my check list and carefully inspect it some more. However assuming it checks out, they'll sell it to me for $900

I've got myself a Colorado to do the transport work, so I can give a writeup on that too.

That's awesome Kimura. If you need help with the install.......

find someone else I live 5 hours away

[Intrepidation]

They're crappy pictures but here's the engine:

I went back and looked it over. No damage to the front of the engine from the accident, no milky oil or white particles on the cap or in the tube. Bare metal in the tube. Everything is there. I'm going for it.

I just need to get some time (and some help if possible) disconnecting everything before I have them drop it.

[Camino LS6]

Very cool.

Old school hotrodding applied to new iron - I like it.

[Intrepidation]

I went there today and disconnected the wiring, ac hoses, and other bits I'd need.

I found a problem though. It seems there is damage to the pulleys on the lower end of teh engine. One of them broke from the force of the impact. I discovered this after I had disconnected most of the parts and had things out of the way.

I haven't quite given up on it yet. I told them to pull it anyway to see what it looks like, and they have a bad engine sitting in the yard they can put the parts on from if the damage isn't severe.

I hope it isn't, since I heard the engine run myself and it sounded great.

[Intrepidation]

And now it's mine.

Just need to get the truck to go get it Friday morning.

[G. David Felt]

SWEET We will be waiting for the pics of the swap. Then you can do a full review of just how bad ass it is to drive.

[Intrepidation]

SWEET We will be waiting for the pics of the swap. Then you can do a full review of just how bad ass it is to drive.

Tomorrow's the big day! I pick it up at 10am.

I just have to make sure they either already got these, or I get the power steering reservoir and a/c lines myself.

Also need to get a 3.2/3.5 radiator since I need the oil cooler and I'm not paying $100+ for a new one. (spending smarter dave. :wink:)

In less exciting news, I got 2 of the chrome door handles on today. they look very spiffy!

[Intrepidation]

[Sixty8panther]

"Intrepid 2.0" ???? So now you're going for the 2.0 liter Neon motor swap???? :AH-HA_wink:

[Intrepidation]

I've never seen a rear engined Canyon before. Is that what you traded the Intrepid in for?

Special performance mod. The 4 tires and 2 heavy duty straps are key to making it work.

It also sounds better.

[Intrepidation]

"Intrepid 2.0" ???? So now you're going for the 2.0 liter Neon motor swap???? :AH-HA_wink:

I was going to make a joke about some buzzbomber Honda engine but then I realized 2.0 liters is too big for a Honda engine.

[A Horse With No Name]

Very cool.

Old school hotrodding applied to new iron - I like it.

+1

Chris

[A Horse With No Name]

I was going to make a joke about some buzzbomber Honda engine but then I realized 2.0 liters is too big for a Honda engine.

The Intrepid is about eleventy billion times better looking than the TL and the TSX also....

Keep US POSTED!

Chris

[Intrepidation]

Will do

[MyerShift]

Awesome! Can't wait to catch the updates!

[Blake Noble]

DF, I'm sending your door switches out in the mail tomorrow. Sorry about the delay, I haven't had much time to get some things I needed to get done in order.

Edited May 4, 2009 by YellowJacket894

[Intrepidation]

Finally, at long last, progress. Engine's out. Need to get some parts before the new ones goes in.

[A Horse With No Name]

You may want to clean and paint the motor bay while it's empty. Sounds like you plan on keeping this car forever, and little details like a nice underhood detail are things you'll love for a long time to come.

Pulling for this thing to get back on the road. What I really need is for you to briung this to one of our buckeye Miata Club autocrosses with that 3.5. We have a guy named Duke who brings a Pontiac GP GT to them, and it would bve nice to have an other midsize FWD car to give him a real run for his Money.

Better yet would be you and GM4life, he could run the IMPY and we'd have two midsize/fullsize cars to run against the Pontiac...

Chris

[A Horse With No Name]

...oh, and when you get done with that the local pick-n-pull ahd a couple really clean Shadow body shells, if you feel like another project...

One was green and one was red, IIRC. Also had a light blue one but IIRC it got crushed....

Chris

[Intrepidation]

You may want to clean and paint the motor bay while it's empty. Sounds like you plan on keeping this car forever, and little details like a nice underhood detail are things you'll love for a long time to come.

Pulling for this thing to get back on the road. What I really need is for you to briung this to one of our buckeye Miata Club autocrosses with that 3.5. We have a guy named Duke who brings a Pontiac GP GT to them, and it would bve nice to have an other midsize FWD car to give him a real run for his Money.

Better yet would be you and GM4life, he could run the IMPY and we'd have two midsize/fullsize cars to run against the Pontiac...

Chris

It's a full size car, just. :wink:

I can't wait to finally get it done. I have a special treat for it when it comes home (besides the new engine).

[Intrepidation]

Shouldn't have to worry about hoses since, all of them will be new. Picked up the stuff I needed from NAPA this morning (filters and heater hose) and the rest is on order from the dealer. The engine bay will be cleaned since it's easy to get at, and maybe...just maybe next week it'll be done.

[Camino LS6]

Progress!

I like it.

Pics?

[Intrepidation]

Progress!

I like it.

Pics?

None yet, I'll try to get some.

[!!!TED!!!]

Awesome. Clean that bay good. Give the 3.5 a nice new home lol.

And, pics plz!

[Intrepidation]

A few quick pics:

Current Status: Timing belt/tensioner/waterpump are in!

Have to got o the junkard because as it turns out, the retards gave me motor mounts for a 2.7 and not a 3.5, as well as the wrong dipstick. I'm also gonna try and get the oil and trans cooler lines.

If I can get that stuff today the 3.5 should be in it's new home tonight!

Which means it may even be done by tomorrow...

[A Horse With No Name]

Done tomorrow would be wayy to cool. Since you are cleaning up the motor bay...please just tell me some suspension work is in the works. It's a great handling car anyways, and I would love to know what some tweaking would do to it.

Chris

[A Horse With No Name]

Also, DF and I ahve been working together on another motor swap project.

Details can be found HERE:

http://jalopnik.com/5306929/frankensnake-u...powered-mustang

J/K...and good luck with the Intrepid DF...

Chris

[Camino LS6]

The engine bay looks pretty good!

Interesting to see one of these without an engine - it gives me a new perspective on the LH cars.

Edited July 3, 2009 by Camino LS6

[Intrepidation]

The engine bay looks pretty good!

Interesting to see one of these without an engine - it gives me a new perspective on the LH cars.

Kinda looks like an RWD setup huh? At least in therms of the engine/transmission/exhaust going the "right" way.

I've never seen on without an engine that wasn't mangled.

Got the proper motor mounts, a/c idler pulley, dipstick/tube and power steering reservoir and mounting bracket.

Couldn't find any lines that weren't cut in the yard so they'll have to be new ones.

He said it's enough to get working and the motor should be in by the end of the night.

Then it's just a matter of waiting for the Mopar parts (so Monday) to (hopefully) finish it up.

[Intrepidation]

NO!

[A Horse With No Name]

...hey, it's a four door car, so all four doors could go lambo...

And I know an Integra that could give up its wing...

Chris

[Intrepidation]

That it, you're banned.

...hey, it's a four door car, so all four doors could go lambo...

And I know an Integra that could give up its wing...

Chris

It can keep them. Thanks anyway

[A Horse With No Name]

Seriously, though...I would love to see that thing with the 3.5 Swap on summer tires with some suspension work.

It could be the perfect touring car...better handling than most modern Luxury cars (at 200k, it probably still is anyways) good looking, unique, et al.

This to me is the saddest part of the whole Daimer deal. Chryco had great road feel in their cars before the whole Daimler thing, esp. LH and Neon.

Chris

[CMG]

Congrats for a hard job well on it's way to being done Dodgefan! Looks great!