I have a 2001 Concorde 2.7 "R" code engine with 173,000 miles not running (low compression). I bought a wrecked 2001 Intrepid with 89,000 miles. I plan on swapping the engine & trans from the Intrepid to the Concorde. Here are some of my questions:

1. I assume I should drop the engine cradle on the wrecked Intrepid to remove engine & trans ?
2. While engine is out of car should I go ahead & replace timing chain, water pump, chain guides & tensioner ? Use the kit that Chrysler sells ?
3. Is the "Guide Stop Block " that replaces the hydraulic tensioner worth installing or should you stay with the hydraulic chain tensioner ?
4. Any other items I should check out while engine/trans is out of the car, or any tips when installing in the Concorde ??

All advice is appreciated. Thank You..

 

My thought is that it might not be a bad idea to change the water pump. It will be much easier to do this with the engine out of the car. If the pump has never been changed, then the seals could be getting ready to age out. At this time a full inspection of the guides and tensioners could be done to decide if the rest needs to be done.... or heck, this is the easy time to fix it all.

 

If you have access to a lift then the cradle drop will work. Bear in mind that the cradle mounts and bolts may be stuck/seized from years of being together. Loads of PB Blaster on hand will help.
Engine/trans can be pulled out the top with a "cherry picker" if that is what you have as far as tooling.
Same year swap should be a breeze.
This should help with the water pump:
http://www.dodgeintrepid.net/showthread.php?t=246001