Would a Dodge 4 cylinder really move a full size van?

The biggest 4-banger that Dodge built was the old 2.5L they put in the minivans and K-cars.

I highly doubt this engine would have enough HP to move a full-size van. Even turbo-charged I just don't think there'd be enough low end torque.

V6 or Slant six at a minimum.

That's what I was thinking.You would end up over working the motor,defeating the gas savings.I really liked the 3.9 v6 that was in my old Dodge.More power then my 3.7 225 and it was fuel injected.Both get great mpgs for a full size van.

I'm gonna put a 4bt/3.9l cummins diesel in my Dodge. just lookig for the right bread truck to pull it from. These are a turbo 4 cylinder.

Bread trucks are pretty big,so I guess it would work in a van.Here is one on Ebay

There you go, I bet you'll get 30mpg.

Just think, if you do some research I bet you could even run that engine on used deep fry oil/bio diesel and have the best smelling van in the neighborhood.

I was thinking of using a 4 banger out of one those little D-something mini pickup's that were around in the early 80s. It was a rear drive truck so I'm hoping it would bolt up to an over drive automatic transmission from a newer car.

I would sacrifice high performance for good gas mileage, don't need a Van that runs 0 to 60 in 6 seconds, if it gets there in 10 to 12 seconds, that will be fine with me. I live in FL so I don't need mountain climbing power, a Van going down the road 55-65mph only needs around 60 horsepower max. 75 if the A/C is on.

The 5-cyl Mercedes-Benz diesel in the old Sprinters moved those big boxes around pretty good. I wonder how one of those would work.???

the 4bt is awesome. It would make an excellent swap. I saw one in a full size 69 f100 and a classic wagoneer.. Both HEAVY and both could squeeze 30 mpg. In the box trucks they are coupled to a GM TH400 so the conversion would really just require rear crossmember and ujoin/driveshaft work. The other SUPER COOL part is that they are completely mechanical. No wiring except to glow plugs! The only down side is the cost of entry. Good used pullouts are usually 2500+.

ive really considered this swap myself. If anybody does one, please post pics!

Check out a 5cyl diesel mercedes engine and trans... Most are only four speeds but theyll definitely move a full size van. i have an 84 benz 300sd and its not quick but it would certainly move a full size... Best part is i get 32mpg