Ensuring the longevity and performance of a 1987 Dodge 600 with the 2.2L E Turbo engine requires more than just a routine oil change; it demands a comprehensive approach to fluid management. This vehicle represents a distinct era of Chrysler engineering, characterized by its compact design and the specific power demands of its turbocharged four-cylinder heart. To maintain the balance between protecting aging internal components and maximizing fuel efficiency, selecting the correct synthetic lubricants is essential. This guide outlines the precise fluid specifications, capacities, and product recommendations to keep this classic sedan running smoothly for miles to come.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – The premier choice for maximum protection, offering 75% more resistance to horsepower loss and wear while shielding the turbocharger from coking.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – An excellent option for extended drain intervals, providing superior cleaning power to keep the engine running smoother for up to 20,000 miles.
- AMSOIL OE 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A cost-effective 100% synthetic that fights sludge and deposits, offering protection comparable to OEM requirements at a great value.
- AMSOIL 5W-30 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Specifically formulated for engines with over 75,000 miles, featuring boosted detergents to reduce sludge and protect seals in older vehicles.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter (EA15K51-EA) – Delivers 99% efficiency at 20 microns, allowing lower restriction to keep parts lubricated and providing greater capacity for contaminants to reduce engine wear.
- WIX Oil Filter (51348-EA) – Offers premium media with improvements over original equipment manufacturer-branded filters, serving as a trusted alternative option for filter replacement.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – An OAT formulation designed to protect all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands heavy towing and elevated temperatures while remaining fluid in sub-zero conditions for reliable shifting.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Provides excellent ABS responsiveness and stable viscosity over a wide temperature range for safer braking performance.
- AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid – Reduces friction and helps seals remain soft to prevent leaks, ensuring quiet operation and long fluid life.
Engine Oil and Filtration Requirements
The heart of the 1987 Dodge 600 is the 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine, available in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged [E] variants. Proper lubrication is critical for this engine, particularly for the turbocharged versions where high heat and speed place immense stress on internal components. The recommended oil capacity for this engine is 4.0 quarts, including the filter change. After refilling, the oil level must be checked to ensure it is within the safe operating range.
For the oil change interval, AMSOIL synthetic oils offer superior protection compared to conventional oils, allowing for extended service periods. The AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil is specifically recommended for this application, providing guaranteed protection for up to 25,000 miles or one year under normal service conditions. This product is trusted by professional engine builders for its ability to protect turbochargers and resist high-temperature coking, a common issue in older turbo engines.
When pairing oil with a filter, filtration efficiency is paramount. The AMSOIL Oil Filter (EA15K51-EA) is engineered to offer filtering efficiency of 99 percent at 20 microns. This high efficiency ensures that small, wear-causing contaminants are removed from the oil, reducing engine wear and helping the engine last longer. The filter also allows for lower restriction, keeping engine parts lubricated even under demanding conditions. For those seeking an alternative to the AMSOIL branded filter, the WIX Oil Filter (51348-EA) provides premium media with improvements over original equipment manufacturer-branded filters, offering a robust option for older vehicles.
The oil drain plug torque should be set to 20 ft-lbs to ensure a secure seal without damaging the threads. While the engine operates on 5W-30 or 5W-40 viscosity for colder temperatures, AMSOIL synthetic formulations allow for flexibility in various climate conditions, ensuring easy starting in winter and optimal protection in summer heat.
Transmission and Manual Gear Lubrication
The transmission system in the 1987 Dodge 600 requires specific attention to ensure smooth power delivery. For automatic transmissions, specifically the A413 (31TH) model, a total fill requires 8.9 quarts, with an initial fill capacity of 4 quarts. The AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid is ideal for this application. It is designed to withstand the rigors of heavy towing, elevated temperatures, and challenging terrain while remaining fluid in sub-zero temperatures. This fluid provides reserve protection during heavy use, helping to prevent shudder and ensuring smooth, shudder-free shifts.
An alternative option is the AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid, which offers excellent cold-weather performance and guards against leaks while promoting smooth shifts.
For manual transmissions, the capacity varies depending on the specific gear setup, ranging from 3.8 pints to 4.4 pints. The fill plug torque is specified at 24 ft-lbs. While the vehicle manual may suggest conventional gear oils, the use of synthetic motor oils or specialized synthetic gear lubes can enhance performance. The source data indicates that the engine oil can serve as a transmission fluid in certain manual applications for this era, specifically using 5W-30 synthetic for all temperatures. However, utilizing dedicated synthetic transmission fluids ensures the best protection for the synchronizers and bearings.
Cooling System and Brake Fluid Maintenance
Maintaining the cooling system is vital for the longevity of the 2.2L engine, which runs hotter under turbocharged conditions. The cooling system capacity for the 1987 Dodge 600 is approximately 9 quarts. Using a high-quality antifreeze is crucial to prevent corrosion and overheating. The AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant features a unique poly-organic acid (OAT) formulation that protects all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses. It is a 50/50 pre-mix formulation that provides protection for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years. For those who prefer a concentrated solution, the AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant offers extended protection up to 150,000 miles (240,000 km) or 5 years, greatly surpassing standards for metallic corrosion and erosion.
Brake safety should never be compromised. The 1987 Dodge 600 uses hydraulic brake fluid meeting MS-4574 specifications. The AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid is recommended for this vehicle. It provides excellent responsiveness for ABS and traction control systems, maintaining a stable viscosity over a wide temperature range to ensure consistent braking power in all conditions.
Power Steering and Fluid Additives
Proper AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid ensures that the steering system operates quietly and efficiently, preventing premature wear on the pump and rack. The AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid is formulated for quiet operation and offers strong anti-wear protection. It helps seals remain soft to prevent leaks and resists heat for long fluid life, addressing common issues in older power steering systems.
For drivers who store their vehicle seasonally, the AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer helps keep fuel fresh for up to 12 months, protecting against varnish and gum buildup. To further enhance engine performance, the AMSOIL P.i. Performance Improver Gasoline Additive can restore up to 14% horsepower and clean GDI fuel injectors to 100% flow rate after one tank of fuel.
About the Vehicle
The 1987 Dodge 600 stands as a significant chapter in American automotive history, representing the final generation of the A-body sedan line that began in the early 1980s. This vehicle is particularly notable for its introduction of the 2.2-liter turbocharged engine, an engineering marvel for its time that placed high performance into a compact, front-wheel-drive package. The Dodge 600 was designed to compete in the mid-size sedan market, offering a blend of practicality and spirited driving dynamics that appealed to commuters and car enthusiasts alike.
Under the hood, the 2.2L engine was developed by Chrysler in collaboration with Toyota and Mitsubishi, resulting in a lightweight, compact powerplant that delivered surprising power outputs for its displacement. The turbocharged version, often identified by engine code [E], introduced forced induction to the lineup, boosting horsepower and torque significantly over the standard naturally aspirated four-cylinder. This configuration allowed the 1987 Dodge 600 to offer driving characteristics closer to sportier European sedans of the era, while retaining the affordability and parts accessibility of an American mass-market vehicle.
Owners of the 1987 Dodge 600 typically appreciate its solid construction and the unique character of its engine. However, like many vehicles from the late 1980s, the 600 is subject to age-related issues that can impact performance if not addressed with quality fluids. One common problem involves turbocharger wear due to heat soak and oil coking in older engines. The use of high-temperature resistant synthetic oils like AMSOIL Signature Series can help mitigate this risk, ensuring the turbo bearings remain lubricated and clean. Another prevalent issue is cooling system corrosion, which can lead to leaks and overheating over decades of service. Upgrading to a phosphate- and silicate-free OAT coolant helps protect the aging aluminum components and gaskets within the cooling system.
Additionally, the power steering system in these older sedans can suffer from seal hardening and fluid degradation, leading to noisy operation or difficulty in steering. Synthetic power steering fluid helps maintain seal elasticity and provides necessary lubrication to the pump. Finally, fuel system carbon buildup is a concern for any vehicle of this vintage, particularly with the direct injection technologies evolving from this era. Regular use of fuel additives helps maintain fuel injector flow and combustion efficiency, ensuring the engine starts reliably and runs smoothly. By addressing these specific maintenance needs, owners can preserve the driving experience and mechanical integrity of this classic Dodge model for years to come.