85lebaront2

I was actually referred here through another IB forum, Ford-Trucks. I also have at least one Mopar product, my wife's '05 T&C. My little "toy" got totaled by a now no longer cousin, a Mercedes-Benz ML320 in Feb 2009. My screen name should give a hint, it was a 1985 LeBaron Mark Cross convertible. It came with the 2.6L Mitsubishi with feedback carburetor. After it developed the common head cracks in 3 of 4 cylinders, it was time to do something.

I had planned on building up a 2.2L T2 engine and had acquired a powertrain from a 1987 T1 LeBaron sedan. It was covered with oil, so I decided to freshen it up. Imagine my surprise when I discovered, the date code on the block was 1-8-88 and it was gray-green with brass freeze plugs. When I pulled the pan off, I found a massive set of rods and a forged crank. Turns out it was a "service" long block. All remaining T2 long blocks at the end of 1988 production were slated to be used as service engines either warranty or sold.

I refreshed it and was given a 1987 T2 two piece intake. I took the 1987 T1 logic module and socketed it and put a Mopar Performance T2 chip in it, 14psi boost. Beefed up an A413 Torqueflite as putting a 5 speed in the convertibles is a royal PITA due to the reinforcements inside.

You will be happy to know I saved the powertrain for installation in a 1986 LeBaron convertible, but with newer electronics, it will have a 1990 SMEC and use 15psi initially. Later plans, Hybrid 2.5L (2.5 T1 block and SRT head and turbo) and adapt a 41TE trans axle from a 2.4L to it.