Engine - `Short Deck' Block Introduction

89Chrysler13

Models

1986-88 E, G, H & K Bodies 1987-88 J & S Bodies 1988 C, & P Bodies All Equipped With 2.5L Engines


Subject

"Short Deck" Engine Exhaust Interference


Index


ENGINE


Date

October 2, 1989

No.

09-14-89
BODY CODE LEGEND

C - DYNASTY/NEW YORKER E - CARAVELLE/600/NEW
G - DAYTONA YORKER TURBO
H - LANCER/LeBARON GTS J - LeBARON (COUPE &
K - RELIANT/ARIES/LeBARON (4-DR.) CONVERTIBLE)
TOWN AND COUNTRY P - SUNDANCE/SHADOW
S - MINI RAM VAN/VOYAGER/CARAVAN/GRAND CARAVAN/GRAND VOYAGER


PART AVAILABILITY


Beginning with the 1989 model year, all 2.5L engine blocks have had the distance between the centerline of the crankshaft and the top of the cylinder block reduced by 12 millimeters. The engines manufactured with the new shorter block are referred to as "short deck" engines. Earlier built 2.5L engines are referred to as "tall deck" engines.


Since the "tall deck" engines and short blocks used during the 1986, 1987 and 1988 model years are no longer available through service parts, it will be necessary to use the new "short deck" design whenever engine block replacement is required.


When installing a "short deck" engine or short block in a vehicle designed for a "tall deck" engine, there may be some interference between the catalytic converter and the front suspension "K" frame. To eliminate this interference, a new catalyst must be installed whenever a "tall deck" engine is replaced by a "short deck" unit.



The catalytic converter part numbers are listed below.
POLICY: For information only.