New engine worth buying?
Does anyone have the new 3.6 in there jeep an if so how does it run an is it worth buying a new one due to the engine? Also has anyone heard of any problems with it at all... I know it new but im sure some of the guys on this forum have heard something...
As far as trading in your current one for a new 2012 it probably all depends on how much aftermarket stuff you have and are either going to lose or transfer over. But I test drove one and if I didnt think my wife would kill me, id trade in my 2 door for a 4 door Rubi in a heartbeat.
Last edited by danmojo82; Sep 9, 2011 at 01:31 PM.
I have a 2011 jku (so I have the new interior and other goodies). I test drive the 2012 JKU and didn't notice much of a difference until over 25 mph, then you do feel the increased pickup. Is it worth trading in? IMO... No, but I would like the new transmission if driving an automatic.
Not enough change from 11-2012 for me to upgrade, but any earlier model, yeah... I'd go for it.
Not enough change from 11-2012 for me to upgrade, but any earlier model, yeah... I'd go for it.
Same here.
I test drove a '12 with the intent on actually getting one, then test drove an '11. The performance difference just wasn't significant enough to justify the additional $3k-$4k. However, if you're coming from a '10 or older JK, the changes to the interior are excellent.
There's definitely an improvement when it comes to the auto, but the new transmission plays a huge role there. I couldn't tell a difference whatsoever between the 3.8 and 3.6 on the stick.
I decided on the '11 and couldn't be happier.
I test drove a '12 with the intent on actually getting one, then test drove an '11. The performance difference just wasn't significant enough to justify the additional $3k-$4k. However, if you're coming from a '10 or older JK, the changes to the interior are excellent.
There's definitely an improvement when it comes to the auto, but the new transmission plays a huge role there. I couldn't tell a difference whatsoever between the 3.8 and 3.6 on the stick.
I decided on the '11 and couldn't be happier.
Got the 2012 Rubicon with 4.10 and 6 speed.... Running 35's and it is night and day compared to the other 2 JK 4drs we have (2007 and a 2011).. Grant you they are auto's and bigger so really not apples to apples here... Can tell you that I can zip down the highway doing 75-80 without pulling it out of 6th. Thats also in the north atlanta area with good number of up and down hills... 
For me it's a win..
For me it's a win..
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Off the line the extra HP doesn't help, you need torque for your bum dyno to register it 
The extra HP will make a difference accelerating on the highway though! You'll notice a big difference here.

The extra HP will make a difference accelerating on the highway though! You'll notice a big difference here.
#1 - Depends on what you would trade in..(another Wrangler with lots of mods that you would take a hit on).
#2 - Depends on if you are looking at a manual or a stick. The new engine is only 50% of the benefit. The new 5 speed tranny is a HUGE improvement over the old 4 speed.
#3 - Everyone talks about HP....but most of that HP comes in over 4000 RPM's. No one spends a lot of time there. The BIG boost in the torque. The new engine reaches over 95% of its peak (250 out of 260 lb-ft) torque at roughly 2000 RPM's. It is at or above 250 lb-ft from 2000 RPM's alway the way to roughly 5500 RPM's. The old engine never reaches 250 lb-ft....the peak is 237 lb-ft at 4000 RPM's.
#2 - Depends on if you are looking at a manual or a stick. The new engine is only 50% of the benefit. The new 5 speed tranny is a HUGE improvement over the old 4 speed.
#3 - Everyone talks about HP....but most of that HP comes in over 4000 RPM's. No one spends a lot of time there. The BIG boost in the torque. The new engine reaches over 95% of its peak (250 out of 260 lb-ft) torque at roughly 2000 RPM's. It is at or above 250 lb-ft from 2000 RPM's alway the way to roughly 5500 RPM's. The old engine never reaches 250 lb-ft....the peak is 237 lb-ft at 4000 RPM's.


