I have drove many Jeeps. A few 2.5s, many 4.0s, automatics, manuals, etc.
I like the design of the JK Wrangler. Probably the best out of the box suspension for going off road, heavier duty steering, I can fit in one (too tall for a TJ or YJ) ...
However, without getting into a p--g contest, the 3.8 just wasn't adequate. The 4.0 which it replaced was no race engine, obviously, being a glorified tractor engine, but it had ample torque to move itself around and was great for crawling. Aside from being underpowered, the 3.8 was known to drink oil and self destruct.
Got a chance to drive a 3.6L with the NAG1 slushbox. No 6 speeds available (disappointed, I really wanted to try that. Maybe later).
The wrangler I drove was a stock 2014 with the 3.6, NAG1, 225/75-16 tires and 3.21 gears. This is about 600 pounds heavier than my cherokee (3800 for a 2 door).
Compared to the 3.8s I have driven (both auto and manual) ... there isn't any comparison. The 3.6 just has power everywhere compared to the 3.8. I accidentally peeled out a bit (traction control stopped that) trying to accelerate briskly.
One of the things I was most critical about the 3.6 is how modern engines need to rev to make power and that it wouldn't have any low end torque.
The 3.6, compared to my venerable old 4.0, definitely feels like it has a lot more torque down low than the 4.0. The 4.0 doesn't mind lugging, but it tends to like to wind up between 2000 and 2500 to really pull strong. Obviously being an automatic, it's going to downshift, but the Pentastar had no problem pulling STRONG under 2000RPM.
I managed to figure out how to get the computer to lock the torque converter under 2000RPM (actually down to 1000) and accelerated briskly. There was a really good amount of power.
Definitely felt significantly more peppier than my 4.0 Cherokee, which is MUCH more peppier than *any* 3.8L wrangler I have driven. I think I would have to drive one with a manual to really get a good feel for it (have driven may 4.0 manuals).
My cherokee is modified and, while geared shorter, has a taller first gear
- 3.55 Gears and 31'' tires on my Cherokee
- 3.21 Gears and 27'' tires on the Wrangler
- NAG1 / 3.21 gears have a SHORTER first gear than 3.55 gears and the AW-4 on my Cherokee
- Wrangler is heavier.
Really, really impressed with this engine! I don't see myself buying one as I have no use for the vehicle itself. Maybe in a few years I can pick one up for a good price to replace the Cherokee
My car gets 35 MPG and will be paid off very soon - don't want to get into a payment and lose gas mileage. I keep the Cherokee around because it's quite useful and I enjoy off roading. No way would I take a newer wrangler off road until they drop in price. I wouldn't really enjoy beating up a $25000 vehicle.
I like the design of the JK Wrangler. Probably the best out of the box suspension for going off road, heavier duty steering, I can fit in one (too tall for a TJ or YJ) ...
However, without getting into a p--g contest, the 3.8 just wasn't adequate. The 4.0 which it replaced was no race engine, obviously, being a glorified tractor engine, but it had ample torque to move itself around and was great for crawling. Aside from being underpowered, the 3.8 was known to drink oil and self destruct.
Got a chance to drive a 3.6L with the NAG1 slushbox. No 6 speeds available (disappointed, I really wanted to try that. Maybe later).
The wrangler I drove was a stock 2014 with the 3.6, NAG1, 225/75-16 tires and 3.21 gears. This is about 600 pounds heavier than my cherokee (3800 for a 2 door).
Compared to the 3.8s I have driven (both auto and manual) ... there isn't any comparison. The 3.6 just has power everywhere compared to the 3.8. I accidentally peeled out a bit (traction control stopped that) trying to accelerate briskly.
One of the things I was most critical about the 3.6 is how modern engines need to rev to make power and that it wouldn't have any low end torque.
The 3.6, compared to my venerable old 4.0, definitely feels like it has a lot more torque down low than the 4.0. The 4.0 doesn't mind lugging, but it tends to like to wind up between 2000 and 2500 to really pull strong. Obviously being an automatic, it's going to downshift, but the Pentastar had no problem pulling STRONG under 2000RPM.
I managed to figure out how to get the computer to lock the torque converter under 2000RPM (actually down to 1000) and accelerated briskly. There was a really good amount of power.
Definitely felt significantly more peppier than my 4.0 Cherokee, which is MUCH more peppier than *any* 3.8L wrangler I have driven. I think I would have to drive one with a manual to really get a good feel for it (have driven may 4.0 manuals).
My cherokee is modified and, while geared shorter, has a taller first gear
- 3.55 Gears and 31'' tires on my Cherokee
- 3.21 Gears and 27'' tires on the Wrangler
- NAG1 / 3.21 gears have a SHORTER first gear than 3.55 gears and the AW-4 on my Cherokee
- Wrangler is heavier.
Really, really impressed with this engine! I don't see myself buying one as I have no use for the vehicle itself. Maybe in a few years I can pick one up for a good price to replace the Cherokee
My car gets 35 MPG and will be paid off very soon - don't want to get into a payment and lose gas mileage. I keep the Cherokee around because it's quite useful and I enjoy off roading. No way would I take a newer wrangler off road until they drop in price. I wouldn't really enjoy beating up a $25000 vehicle.