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New 3.6 Engine

62K views 85 replies 51 participants last post by  El_Duderino 
#1 ·
I hope I don't ruffle any feathers here. I sure don't want too.

That being said, What is the big deal about the new 3.6 engine? I have heard it is the greatest thing for the Jeep Wrangler since 4WD was introduced.

How can that be? I have a 1998 TJ with the 4L and a 5 speed.

I just drove the new 3.6L yesterday.

It is no different than my 4L. It was an auto. That was the only difference.

I saw no real increase in power. No faster take off. No faster passing ability. etc.

Don't get me wrong. It was a very smooth engine and had plenty of power but so does my 4L.

So what's all the excitement about? ie: What am I missing. :confused:

Thanks CK
 
#2 ·
You're missing about 95 HP between the two I believe. 50% or so should be noticable. Many notice the 40% difference from the 3.8L, myself included.
 
#4 ·
Clark you need to read about the 3.6 liter, JP magazine Oct. 2011.(it) Goes into detail about the difference between the 3.8 and the 3.6.

Read as much as you can.(advice for life) don't make conclusions from a brief test drive.
The Pentastar is a very good engine, its not great!!! but it is good.


AJ:)
 
#8 ·
The 4.0 has more off the line torque , also the TJ is lighter making the 4.0 feel more peppy.
The 3.8/3.6 both like higher RPM's and both are pretty close off the line.

My JK (3.8) does better on the highway than my Tj did. Gearing plays a big part too.

Another thing to consider Is break in. Really don't know how true this is but, I hear the engine will wake up after so many miles ?
 
#20 ·
YES! I bet that does make a difference.

I didn't find the 3.6 lacking in any way. I just found it "about the same" as my 4L.

And yes, I was in a 4 Dr. Rub. about as heavy as you can get. So I guess that would make a big difference. They had no 2 Dr. to try. I did want to try the 2 dr.

The Rub I drove had big (BIG) wheels. That should make a big difference too.

I am not done testing.

I have seen a lot of good points here.

I know the 3.6 is a very good motor. I have read a lot about it. Should be very reliable.

But I do have 140K on my 4L in the Wranger and 220K+ on a 4L in my 1991 Cherokee. Both are running like new. However, I can't say how good my 4.7 will be as it only has 230K on it.

All great motors, so I'm expecting the 3.6 will be even better.

Hopefully no sewing machine sounds when a lifter sticks once in a while. Ala 4L.




Thanks CK
 
#18 ·
kik said:
How about those of us that are perfectly happy with our 3.8's.:D I wouldn't trade my 10 Rubi 2dr 6spd w/4.10's for a new Rubi at this point. However, I'm glad that the drive train was "improved". Gears and weight does come into play.
I wouldn't trade mine either. I will regear when I lift tho. Not a huge fan of my 3.21 or 3.73 for that matter. I'm also glad they improved the drivetrain. I'm going to wait for them to improve power AND mileage before I replace my 2dr. They have better power now but once the mileage is significantly better ill trade up
 
#22 ·
Peepers said:
The 3.6 is the third greatest thing, after the 4.0 and sliced bread...
Actually it's the 4th. #1 is the steering wheel, #2 is 4wd, # 3 is sliced bread, then comes the 3.6.....
 
#23 ·
TJ to 2dr JK curb weight difference is around 600lbs. That makes a big difference in feel. Next, is gearing. Overall gearing may be the same (3.21/3.73 etc.) but single gear ratios may be vastly different. Finally, the old 4.0l was a "torquey" engine. The 3.6 is torquey but feels different in how it delivers the power (just like any other 2 engines)

I wish the JK was around 3300 lbs with the current pentastar. But I also wish they made a IFS/IRS 2dr model for us non-rockclimbers.
 
#25 ·
kjeeper10 said:
The 4.0 has more off the line torque , also the TJ is lighter making the 4.0 feel more peppy.
The 3.8/3.6 both like higher RPM's and both are pretty close off the line.

My JK (3.8) does better on the highway than my Tj did. Gearing plays a big part too.

Another thing to consider Is break in. Really don't know how true this is but, I hear the engine will wake up after so many miles ?
Jurhip said:
TJ to 2dr JK curb weight difference is around 600lbs. That makes a big difference in feel. Next, is gearing. Overall gearing may be the same (3.21/3.73 etc.) but single gear ratios may be vastly different. Finally, the old 4.0l was a "torquey" engine. The 3.6 is torquey but feels different in how it delivers the power (just like any other 2 engines)

I wish the JK was around 3300 lbs with the current pentastar. But I also wish they made a IFS/IRS 2dr model for us non-rockclimbers.
:whistling:
 
#30 ·
The JK is a bigger and heavier brick then the older models. That said, the 3.6 is a lot better engine in the sense of hp. Reliability will have to see. The 3.8 can even be a great engine if you regear it to a better gear.

I think it is weird that the 3.8 models had 3.21 standard for manuals and 3.73 for auto yet the increased hp 3.6 has the auto at 3.21 and the manual at 3.73 standard. They make no sense in their logic
 
#31 ·
rics1997 said:
The JK is a bigger and heavier brick then the older models. That said, the 3.6 is a lot better engine in the sense of hp. Reliability will have to see. The 3.8 can even be a great engine if you regear it to a better gear.

I think it is weird that the 3.8 models had 3.21 standard for manuals and 3.73 for auto yet the increased hp 3.6 has the auto at 3.21 and the manual at 3.73 standard. They make no sense in their logic
I dont think 3:21 should even be in any wrangler. Just saying
 
#35 ·
I'm really confused about this threat after reading this thread. Where was the name-calling?

I might be missing something, but it just reads like a thread about the 3.6L Pentastar. Some people respectfully disagree with each other, but do we all have to agree on everything to have an acceptable forum? Who called who a "name" other than his username?
 
#33 ·
Hey. Have 2012 Sport with 3.6 and 3.73 rear, 6 spd. 17" rims, 31" wheels. I really enjoy the 3.6. You can really wind it up. The 3.6 is Chryslers workhorse now so it'll be around awhile I guess. Bought the lifetime warrantee pack so I'll play and they can pay. I will skin the bottom though to protect my investment best I can.
 
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