I'd like to see how much faster a V8 could get the JK going, just curious that's all. I'm happy just puttin' around on trails.

I mean we've got to be approaching the upper limit when it comes to return on power investment when it comes to speed. It's box-shaped, so will putting a V8 or V12 really give a whole lot more top end?

 

Look at the bright side, maybe that thing you're calling a boat anchor is keeping you from breaking exspensive parts as easy but still allowing you to crawl over everything. A v8 will allow you to break things quicker.
What size tires are you running?, just curious with the gearing that you stated.

 

I'm running 35's, Its not that I need to go faster than 70. But thats the speed limit on the highway. At 65 and behind a car, I need a lot of room to get around him. I push on the pedal and there is nothing.

 

do you feel you are having any problems anywhere in the engine or tranny?

why i ask is i run 37's and 5.13, running 70-75 i can still pass a car no problem. maybe its just a mental thing for some as far as power goes. sure i have to hit the pedal pretty good and jerk up to over 4000 rpm, but personal opinion i wouldnt complain at all for my jeep of lack of power at that speed. we do not drive cars that can get it and go, we drive a rectangle box with a flat windshield

have you tried using overdrive?
are you manual or automatic?

 

ok just saw you have an auto tranny.

if you feel there is no drop down gear, then what rpm are you pushing at 70 mph. if the rpm is where it should be then you should have more than enough before redlining to get up and go

 

I noticed my 2011 rubicon doesn't have as much power as I expected it to, but then I remind myself I didn't buy it for speed. I understand where your coming from about the speed limit on the highway and passing people, but I just try not to be in a hurry. Lay back, enjoy the ride, and scout places off the beaten path you can take your sweet Jeep when most other people wouldn't even dream of it.

Nice wheels!

 

The boat anchor you refer to is not the engine, it's the roof rack. Try running without it for a week. I have one on mine. After I installed it I noticed a huge difference in the performance. I removed it and only use it when I needed the extra luggage space. Now I'm trading in the Jeep and I put it back on. I'm finding it hard to hit 70. It's causing huge drag issues. Give it a try.

 

Scotty.....We need more power!!

 

One of the things I love about my Jeep...is it DID slow me down...just sayin

 

I am afraid it does. Mine will kick down at 70-80 mph hard enough to see the front end lighten on the springs, and it is not even starting to breath hard when the speedo stops at 100. I have no idea (and never will find out) what the top end is....well beyond 100 though, as long as the tires, windshield, roof held together.

But 100+ is not safe to do in a Wrangler period, especially a 2 door. If you twitched the steering wheel you would end up scattered all over the highway for half a mile. They are pretty scary in the handling department at high speed IMO.

Top end is not the reason a V-8 rocks, it makes the day to day driving at sane speeds in traffic effortless and fun. I also like it in the snow, mud, and sand where I spend my offroad time, mostly in 4-hi, much better than I did the 3.8. I do not think it would be as useful crawling in low, such as on the rocks. Very easy to break stuff in low with a hemi, and there, the 3.8 does fine.

As hundreds of posts on this forum indicate, most are satisfied with the 3.8, so please do not be too hard on me just because I am a power junkie nut case who also wants the only 4wd vehicle I can take the doors and roof off. If you insist on more power though, the only other things I would personnaly consider, if budget was an issue, would be a Superchips or a blower combined with proper gearing.