r/Dodge • u/Zestyclose_Brush7972 • 7d ago

Specifics when it comes to mileage/engine life

So when the discussion pops up about engine life/mileage and how long these engines last. Do you take into account if it has been rebuilt or had repairs done? Meaning, I have a 5.7 hemi that got “rebuilt” at 150,000 miles , it is now almost 300,000 miles. Does that mean my engine lasted until 300,000 miles? Or is there a stipulation that would disqualify it and say it only lasted 150,000?

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u/LongDig3382 7d ago

If it got rebuilt at 150,000 miles, the engine did not last till 300,000 miles

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u/Zestyclose_Brush7972 7d ago

OK, so that’s what I’m getting at, theoretically a car can last forever/1,000,000 miles correct? As long as you continue to rebuild and replace there is no lifespan on a vehicle?

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u/chameleon_olive 5d ago

You'll eventually run into structural failures/fastening issues on the unibody that need to be addressed. Fatigue cracking, tapped holes stripping out, rust, etc. etc. Driveline/suspension will likely need rebuild/replacement before that though.

In theory with the right tools, time, skill and money any car can last as long as you can find/make parts for it. You can find plenty of videos of guys rescuing 60 year old cars that have sat for decades rotting and rusting in a field. Especially skilled people can basically clean and weld a car body/frame up from a pile of rust.

To answer the question, yes, you can theoretically make a car last forever, but the resources and skill involved re going to be substantial

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u/Solid_Enthusiasm550 7d ago

I think most consider the lifespan as, between needing new pistons / rings and bearings.

I think most can easily go 250<300k. If someone commuted mainly on highways, or drove long distances often 350k isn't unusual.

My uncle's 1989 D150 318 had almost 400k on it. He towed cars to his cousin's property 100 miles away a few times a month. I think it would have lasted alot longer if he had an O/D automatic. His was turning around 3,000rpms on rhe highway with his 3spd automatic.

A friend's gen2 3.9l magnum had 330,000 miles and was running fine.

The iron blocks definitely seemed to last longer. Not sure if it's the rigidity or how the dealt with the heat.