The 1987 Plymouth Sundance with the 2.2L 4-cylinder engine (Engine Code E Turbo) is a compact vehicle that demands precision maintenance. This specific powerplant, often found in A-body coupes and sedans, operates under unique thermal stresses, particularly when equipped with the factory turbocharger. Selecting the correct lubricants is critical to maintaining engine longevity, preserving turbo bearing life, and ensuring smooth operation of the transmission and cooling systems.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL 5W-40 FS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil – Engineered for the precise demands of high-performance engines, this oil features a specialized formulation for the 2.2L Turbo engine.
- AMSOIL 5W-40 MS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil – A top-tier European formula offering extreme thermal stability and superior wear protection for the turbocharger.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter EA15K51-EA – Provides 99 percent filtration efficiency at 20 microns, ensuring contaminants are trapped before they can cause wear.
- WIX Oil Filter 51348-EA – Offers premium media that improves over original equipment manufacturer-branded filters.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A pre-mixed poly-organic acid (OAT) coolant that protects against corrosion for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Designed to withstand the rigors of heavy towing and elevated temperatures, ensuring smooth shifting.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Offers excellent ABS responsiveness and a stable viscosity range to prevent brake fade in this classic vehicle.
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Trusted by professional engine builders and recommended for use in manual transmissions where gear lubricant is required.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Provides 37% more cleaning power to help keep your engine running smoother, longer.
- AMSOIL OE 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Fights sludge and deposits with a 100% synthetic formulation.
Maintaining a 1987 Plymouth Sundance 2.2L Turbo requires more than just a standard oil change; it requires a comprehensive approach to fluid management. The engine specifications call for a 5-quart capacity (including filter), a volume that must be filled correctly to prevent oil starvation or overfilling, which can lead to foaming and pressure issues. After refilling, the oil level must be checked carefully to ensure the dipstick is within the safe operating range. The oil drain plug should be torqued to 20 ft/lbs to ensure a proper seal without stripping the threads.
Engine Oil Selection and Engine Care
The heart of the Sundance is the 2.2L inline-four. Whether naturally aspirated or the E Turbo variant, this engine benefits significantly from synthetic lubrication. The source data recommends 5W-40 viscosity for temperatures below 38°C (100°F). This specific viscosity grade ensures the oil remains thick enough to protect bearing surfaces during high-RPM operation while still flowing quickly at startup. The AMSOIL 5W-40 FS and AMSOIL 5W-40 MS variants are specifically highlighted for their ability to handle the unique demands of European-style high-performance engines, which share similar tolerances with this era of Chrysler engineering. These oils utilize a precise blend of synthetic base oils and premium additives to provide enhanced protection against the heat generated by the turbocharger.
In addition to the oil itself, the filtration system plays a pivotal role. The recommended AMSOIL Oil Filter EA15K51-EA offers filtration efficiency of 99 percent at 20 microns. This high level of filtration allows for lower restriction, keeping engine parts lubricated and reducing wear. For those preferring a replacement brand, the WIX Oil Filter 51348-EA is also listed, offering premium media that improves over original equipment manufacturer-branded filters. The capacity note emphasizes that after a refill, the oil level must be checked, ensuring the system is operating within design parameters.
Transmission and Drivetrain Fluids
The transmission system in the 1987 Sundance varies by configuration, requiring specific fluid choices for optimal performance. For automatic transmissions utilizing the A413 (31TH) or A670 (AP4) designs, the fluid capacity is substantial. The 3-speed manual transmission, however, has a specific requirement for 4.9 pints of fluid. For these manual applications, AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil is recommended as a versatile gear lubricant, providing the necessary protection for the gears and synchros. This oil is trusted by professional builders and offers 75% more engine protection against horsepower loss and wear in demanding conditions.
For automatic transmissions, two primary options are available depending on the level of protection desired. The AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATFPK-EA) is ideal for drivers who subject their vehicle to heavy towing, elevated temperatures, or challenging terrain. It remains fluid in sub-zero temperatures and provides reserve protection during heavy use. Alternatively, the AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid (OTFQT-EA) is an excellent choice for daily driving, protecting against wear, resisting harmful sludge, and promoting smooth, shudder-free shifts while guarding against leaks. Both fluids are designed to meet the requirements of the A413 and A670 transmissions found in this era of Plymouth vehicles.
Cooling System and Brake Fluid
A healthy cooling system is vital for the longevity of the 2.2L engine, particularly with the added heat load of a turbocharger. The vehicle requires 9 quarts of AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant. This ready-to-use, 50/50 pre-mix ethylene glycol formulation exceeds OEM requirements. It is phosphate, nitrate, nitrite, silicate, borate, and amine-free, ensuring compatibility with all metals, gaskets, and hoses in the cooling system. For those preferring a concentrated solution, the AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant (ANT1G-EA) offers extended protection up to 150,000 miles or 5 years. Propylene glycol is a less toxic alternative that still greatly surpasses standards for metallic corrosion and erosion, making it a robust choice for older cooling systems.
Brake performance must never be compromised. The 1987 Plymouth Sundance utilizes a hydraulic brake system that benefits from a high-performance fluid. The AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid (BFLVCN-EA) is specifically recommended. It provides excellent responsiveness for both ABS and traction-control systems and maintains a stable viscosity over a wide temperature range. This stability is crucial for preventing brake fade during extended driving or emergency maneuvers, ensuring the safety of the driver and passengers.
Additional fluids also play a role in the vehicle’s overall health. For power steering, the AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid (PSFCN-EA) reduces friction and helps seals remain soft to prevent leaks. This synthetic fluid resists heat for long fluid life and provides strong anti-wear protection, ensuring quiet operation and smooth steering control.
About the Vehicle: A Classic Compact Gem
The 1987 Plymouth Sundance occupies a unique space in automotive history as part of the Plymouth P-body lineage, which was shared with the Dodge Aries and K-cars. This specific model, particularly the E Turbo variant with the 2.2-liter engine, represents the peak of the “Kei-car” inspired American compact movement of the early 1980s. Introduced to compete directly with Japanese imports like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic, the Sundance offered a blend of sporty design and practical utility that resonated with a generation of buyers looking for performance without sacrificing fuel economy.
The 2.2L engine, often referred to as the “K-Engine,” was a marvel of efficiency and durability for its time. In the naturally aspirated form, it provided reliable transportation, but the E Turbo version transformed the Sundance into a genuine sleeper. The turbocharged engine, when properly maintained, offered acceleration figures that rivaled larger V6 engines from the era, all while delivering respectable miles per gallon. This duality made the vehicle a favorite among enthusiasts and daily drivers alike. The Sundance came in various body styles, including a 2-door coupe and a 4-door sedan, allowing owners to choose between a sporty aesthetic or a family-oriented profile.
Despite its strengths, the 1987 Sundance is not without its known issues, many of which can be mitigated or managed through the use of high-quality synthetic lubricants. One common concern is oil consumption in higher-mileage engines, a problem exacerbated by worn piston rings or valve stem seals. Switching to a high-mileage synthetic oil or using oils with advanced leak protection additives can help seal these components and reduce oil burn-off, extending the engine’s life. Another prevalent issue involves the cooling system, where older radiators or hoses may develop leaks. The superior corrosion protection and extended service intervals of AMSOIL antifreeze can help preserve the integrity of the cooling system components, preventing premature failure.
Furthermore, the automatic transmissions in these vehicles, particularly the A413 and A670 models, can suffer from shudder or hard shifts due to fluid degradation over time. Synthetic transmission fluids offer superior thermal stability and shear resistance, which helps maintain consistent shifting characteristics and protects the internal clutches and bands. Finally, the turbocharger in the E model requires constant oil flow to prevent oil coking—a condition where oil breaks down and hardens on the turbo bearings due to heat shutdown. By using a synthetic oil with high-temperature stability and ensuring a quality oil filter is used to maintain clean oil flow, owners can significantly reduce the risk of turbocharger failure, a repair that is both costly and labor-intensive. Regular maintenance with the right fluids is the most effective strategy for keeping this classic American compact running smoothly for decades to come.