So far very pleased with the 3.8. Granted, I am still running the stock drivetrain, but I have no reason to doubt it will mantain the performance when I go to 35's or 37's as long as I regear properly. I suspect many of those unhappy with the power are running 3.73's or are otherwise overgeared for there respective tire size. I do have a proper perspective on raw power as my Grand Wagoneer is running a built AMC 401 (6.6Liters) with slightly more weight at 4,800 lbs. It will flat out move but at the cost of increased noise and fuel consumption. The 3.8 has plenty of power offroad and does well pulling grades on the highway while maintaining speed. Combined with the Rubicon's 4:1 ratio it will just pick its way up very steep, rough hills with stability and remarkable dexterity.

 

moabjk072d Sir:


For me just looking at the 3.8 bring back memories of the old nail head Buick, if you are old enough to remember those, what I miss is when you could stop at a gas station and get parts, anything from belts, hoses, filters to points and so forth. those days are gone.

Now with all the computer control and monitoring sensors on this 3.8, it can, and is a down fall with allot of the motor heads at the dealership, they tend to put to much faith in pulling codes, and common cense has grown wings and flu right out the door.

Sorry can't replicate, everything is normal, time is money, bye bye is their attitude.

respectfully

33

 

I'm not pissing nor moaning. I purchased the auto after having test driven both the atuo and the manual. I chose the auto because, at the time, it seemed to perform better. I think mostly because of the hill assist. It seemed I had to realy put my foot in it to get to move, and once it did get moving it seemed to lug unless you red lined it before shifting. I've owned a yj and a tj; both manuals. I dont have any problem with power, but the auto's constant shifting kind of sucks.

 

I was just thinking today how much I actually like the 3.8L. I have 108,000kms on it and have 35"s with a 6speed and 4.10 gears / k&N / stage 1 chip and it drives great and has plenty of power for me. I think most of the guys here that don't like it have 3.21 gears and /or an auto tranny and in that case I can see why you think it would be a dog !!

 

Call me a whinner....I hate the 3.8L and think that chrystler/Jeep really missed the mark with this motor. I have owned 3 TJ's and have been wheeling for MANY years and I didn't exactly love the 4.0L either! Yes the 4.0L had more low end torque but it had terible leaking problems and had cruddy HP and fuel millage (one day of wheeling usually meant 2 tanks of gas)

So, I will give you the fact that the 3.8 is better for fuel economy and reliabitliy, however the power is just stupid!! I wish i knew the hp to weight ratio as it has to be in the double digits. Did I know this going into the purchase, yes....did it stop me from my purchase, NO!!

In fact, I bought my 4dr Rubicon with 6 speed manual on a trade from my 2007 dodge Ram quad cab with the hemi!!


All of that said, I HATE the 3.8L motor and at the first chance I get i will put in a serious V8 (hope for either 5.7VVT or 6.1L). When I was going to MOAB over I70 (specifically eisenhower tunnel) I was in-between 3rd and 4th barelly holding 40 MPH....

I am not trying to convice you and if you like the 3.8L keep it and enjoy it and save the 12K required to change the engine....as for me, I am screwed as I use to drive a 5.7L dodge ram and REALLY miss that raw power I had to pass people, and climb inclines with ease.

 

weiner!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Absoulutely brother!!

You can have my POS 3.8L when I rip it out :-)

 

I have to say I am happy to hear all these comments, the positive and negative. I am hoping it will help some people that are unhappy with the performance of there 3.8 that it just may be that it isnt set up right! If I can pull a trailer with three bikes, three guys in my jeep, Heavy 37" superswampers, winch ,etc.... and not have to shift down doing 70 then there is no reason you cant get yours do the same. do some research guys and realize you cant change the whole design of the vehicle and expect it to perform well, I feel with my mods I am doing even better then stock for some reason.

as for the comment about the Hemi, Hell yeah! a Hemi is a Hemi and I would love it just to say I have one and for the sound but I had my V8 days and I am tired of snapping axles and such like twigs but who knows mabey there is a Hemi in my JK's future?

 

Well in my driveway right now is an SRT8 which smokes my Corvette to 70mph. After that goodbye Jeep.
But my JK will NOT run at highway speeds, especially up here in this elevation. I have tried after market tuners, they just throw codes, and the company doesnt stand behind their product.

A jeep should be able to use cruise control and stay some where at 70 - but mine wont.

 

ha, after having an STI with 368whp@ a 7000 foot elevation, and then going to this minivan engine... lets just say it wont pull its way out of a wet paper bag. ALWAYZ SHIFTIN, NEVER SPINNIN! I drool over the thought of a supercharger, everyday on I-70, in the right lane, doin 60 at 5500rpm. Oh well atleast im not OCD trying to clean\wash my car everyother day!