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Dodge RAM w/ 3.6 Pentastar = 305 HP .... Why ?

Old Apr 30, 2013 | 11:16 PM
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Default Dodge RAM w/ 3.6 Pentastar = 305 HP .... Why ?

I was wondering why is 3.6 Pentastar on the new RAM cranking out 305 HP while ours on JKs puts out 285 ?

What's the diff ? Is it only in the tuning (software) ... Or is there a mechanical difference (hardware) ?
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Old Apr 30, 2013 | 11:19 PM
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Originally Posted by desertbuzz
I was wondering why is 3.6 Pentastar on the new RAM cranking out 305 HP while ours on JKs puts out 285 ?

What's the diff ? Is it only in the tuning (software) ... Or is there a mechanical difference (hardware) ?
Most likely tuning and a more breathable exhaust manifold since engine bay has more room.
And the Ram is getting the diesel from the Grand Cherokee but not the vehicle that needs it the most; the JK! Ugh!
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Old May 1, 2013 | 04:23 AM
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I read that is a different factory tune.
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Old May 1, 2013 | 05:27 AM
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It's 290 in the Grand Cherokees, and up around 300 in the Chargers, and 300s. and I believe 305 in the Challengers. I think it's all just different tunes.
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Old May 1, 2013 | 05:31 AM
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Does the Pentastar by chance need premium fuel in the Ram?

I wouldn't be surprised if they gave it a '93 tune' in order to break the 300hp mark for better marketing in the truck realm.

Different intake/exhaust design is certainly a possibility too.
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Old May 1, 2013 | 06:09 AM
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HP is not the spec I'm interested in for my JK... it's torque. The HP numbers are usually made in an RPM range you will never use (near red-line). Peak torque is usually in the derivable range. When designing/tuning an engine there is always a trade-off or HP to TQ. A longer duration cam profile will increase HP but decrease TQ. The same lift cam with a short duration will have low HP but better TQ. Back-pressure in the exhaust is also necessary for TQ.

In my Jeep I could give a rats-butt about HP... I want Torque down-low for crawling. In a truck you need both the torque to get a load moving, but HP to keep it going on the highway and over grades. Cars are often tuned for HP and rely on gearing to aid in the lower TQ numbers. As mentioned earlier air-flow has impacts on both numbers too. Since the truck has more room for the exhaust, one would think it could be designed to flow more efficiently.

Gasoline engines are not great torque makers when compared to diesel. This is why so many (self included) would love to see one in a JK.
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Old May 1, 2013 | 06:27 AM
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Originally Posted by jnabird333
HP is not the spec I'm interested in for my JK... it's torque. The HP numbers are usually made in an RPM range you will never use (near red-line). Peak torque is usually in the derivable range. When designing/tuning an engine there is always a trade-off or HP to TQ. A longer duration cam profile will increase HP but decrease TQ. The same lift cam with a short duration will have low HP but better TQ. Back-pressure in the exhaust is also necessary for TQ.

In my Jeep I could give a rats-butt about HP... I want Torque down-low for crawling. In a truck you need both the torque to get a load moving, but HP to keep it going on the highway and over grades. Cars are often tuned for HP and rely on gearing to aid in the lower TQ numbers. As mentioned earlier air-flow has impacts on both numbers too. Since the truck has more room for the exhaust, one would think it could be designed to flow more efficiently.

Gasoline engines are not great torque makers when compared to diesel. This is why so many (self included) would love to see one in a JK.
The ram has just 9 ft lbs more torque at 269. Not much to tell a difference. Interesting how many people are consumed with HP over torque.
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Old May 1, 2013 | 06:35 AM
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Originally Posted by Jeepstin12
The ram has just 9 ft lbs more torque at 269. Not much to tell a difference. Interesting how many people are consumed with HP over torque.
It's marketing... when is the last time you saw it advertised? All the MFGs are in a HP race... with little mention of Torque. Even when it is listed it is often a smaller font which makes it seem less important; when in actuality it is the number that is felt when driving and gives the perception of "Power".
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