Howdy all!
I ended up with a 2004 Sebring Convertible with 7,318 miles (!!) on the clock. And a locked up motor. I got it from (ready for this?) My wife's ex-husband's step-dad after the ex-husband's mom passed. Just before the step-dad passed, I gave him $500 for it.

Yes, convoluted, but here it sits in my driveway.
I basically have a brand new 2004 Sebring.

I've been looking for an engine. Yep, 2.7. I know that a rebuilt long block would be the 'best' way to go. However, not in my limited budget. It is the later engine, so even a used engine from the salvage yards, they wanted a minimum of $800.

I finally found the ad on CL that I've been looking for, for almost 2 years. "2004 Dodge Stratus 4dr 2.7 V6 150,000mi runs great, new tires, cold AC, always used synthetic oil, religious maintenance, Had been T-Boned, $400"!!!!!!! And it's the correct engine!!!
So, I'm now getting together parts to freshen the engine and then do the swap. I plan on changing the timing chain, tensioners, etc., water pump, oil pan gasket,etc.
I wasn't planning on changing head gaskets unless there is a pressing reason to. Engine runs great at the moment.
Remember my limited budget.(I spent 2 months worth of my auto repair budget to grab the donor car for $400.)

I thought that I'd replace everything that might be leaking or need replacing on a 2.7 engine with 150k on it. Head gaskets will come at a later time, but are doable with the engine in the car (or aren't they?).

I thought that this would be this best forum to ask my questions and find my answers.

 

Hello and welcome aboard to the forums!

 

Welcome to the forum. Congratulations on a couple of great finds. When you have specific questions, post them up on the Sebring forum where they'll get better exposure to Sebring fans.

As to doing head gaskets, it's doable in-vehicle but it would be a lot easier outside the car. You might want to strip off all the ancillary equipment from that low mileage engine. Chances are some of it will prove useful. The coolant outlet manifold is a notorious problem.

Come back often and post up your progress on this very interesting project.

 

Hello and welcome to the site! Glad to have you here. Your Sebring looks beautiful. Lots of good information on here to play with. If you ever have any questions, there's definitely a great team of owners and vendors that are happy to help.