I own a 2008 Sahara 2 Door and I can`t get over how unresponsive the 3.8 is. My other vehicle is a 2005 CBR 600RR Honda motorcycle, so the constract is strong. When driving my Jeep. I have to wait 2 seconds before engaging the next gear just so that the revs can let down and match the transmission speed of the next gear. Is this normal?

 

You might be getting used to the drive-by-wire. It does take a little longer than standard cable operated linkages.

But there is one MAJOR thing you need to understand...it's a Jeep, not a Ferrari. If you wan't ball to the wall acceleration and 800HP under your foot, look elsewhere.

 

It's all computer and not the engine. If you can get past that it's a great and proven engine. most people gripe about the H.P., but I keep preachin' it's all about gearing. Besides, why do you need a 300 hp motor in a Jeep?

 

He's not talking about HP, hes talking about the shitty response where you can press the peddle half way to the floor and try to get the engine to run about 2k rpm, but then it'll floor itself and shoot into 4k. And you have to let it back out to get 3k rpm.

If the computer wouldnt bitch so much, id have it converted to a cable linkage.

 

yeah I thought the electronic throttle might be at fault, but it is pobably done so the jeep dosn`t jerk around while letting on and off the pedal.

Driving the jeep is like having intercourse with a 300lbs amazon compared to my bike which is like a 5'4" pornstar. But I love being king of the road in it and it is quite fun in off-road situations. Still don't regret my choice for a 2 year lease! Plus she gets my bike to the racetrack safely and in style.

 

I know what he's talking about.............and I know he's not blaming it on HP. But this problem is always blamed on HP by most people (that's why I said Most people gripe about it) or they say it's a crappy engine or blah blah blah and how unresponsive the engine is and blah blah blah. I just always throw in the who needs a 300 hp engine in there because I don't want this to become a bash the 3.8 thread like so many before.
Anyway, it's normal. It's the computer and there is nothing wrong with your Jeep or it's motor and transmission.

 

I agree that it sounds like the drive by wire, took me a while to get used to it as well. If your JK is new and still has low miles it likely hasn't fully dialed itself in either. Most agree that after a few thousand miles performance definitely improves.

 

This not intended to be a smart-assed answer so don't take it as such. Remember your JK weighs close to 4000 lbs empty! Any vehicle with that weight trying to snap shift like a bike(my term ha) would be without a transmission in about three shifts. There is reason the tranny and throttle are programmed the way they are and that is longevity. It's a balance between performance and longevity. Your performance will improve dramatically as you get 3000-6000 miles or more on the jeep, based on my and others experience.good luck!

 

Gotta luv those minivan engines! Mine spins the hell outta 35in tires going up a muddy hill at 5000rpms(4.10gears) You gotta drop some peanuts in the engine to feed those starving squirrels

 

Throw on an Airaid (or any other) intake. Throttle response is noticeably improved. Couple it with a magnaflow (or flowmaster, etc) and it will be eevne more noticeable, and it will sound like you're going faster, too.