3.8 v. 3.6
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JK Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 128
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From: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
3.8 v. 3.6
I have a 2010 rubicon and all I know the new engine is out and all, but I had a quick question... Everybody knows the 3.8 is weak and eats gas however is there anything the 3.8 does better than the new pentastar motor?
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JK Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 128
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From: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Hahaha I know! I have right around 50k on mine and I'm graduating college pretty soon... Trying to get dad to foot the bill for a 4BT swap before I head to officer training... Let the games begin
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2012
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From: Hayden, Idaho
JK Super Freak
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: DALLAS, TX
I would say reliability and "toughness" MAY be better in the 3.8, its and older (tried and tested) engine and simpler design as compared to the 3.6l. I've also heard that for being a engine with almost 100 more HP the pentastar is not that impressive. Just what i've heard though.
If I were you I'd do the 4BT swap and get that baby pumping 400+ torque's, I'd rather have that than a hemi any day
If I were you I'd do the 4BT swap and get that baby pumping 400+ torque's, I'd rather have that than a hemi any day
JK Newbie
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 28
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From: Woodside, California
I've got a '13 JKU and had a 3.8L JKU immediately prior. The 3.6 is better, but not by leaps and bounds. The thing could use more torque, and it doesn't matter what mill they put in these things until they deal with the (auto) trans... That thing still blows.
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JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2012
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From: South Florida
Uh...what's the problem with the automatic transmission? 
JK Freak
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 653
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From: Chapel Hill, NC
Good luck at OCS, OTS, or wherever you are going! I agree 100% on the Cummins 4BT, probably go with from Bruiser Conversions as a first choice. I would take an LS1 5.3 liter VVT with 6L80 from MoTech as a close sec on choice though.
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 12,904
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From: Maine
I have test driven all the combinations of the new drive train several times.
While the performance is better, it not better enough to make me want to go into debt for a new Wrangler.
Regarding the 3.8 being weak, I have found the "lack of power" to be manageable; probably beacause I don't tow a lot.
MPG-wise, I'm getting more out of a gallon of gas than many 3.6 owners: 17-18 around town, 22-23 on the highway.