Hey guys...I"m new to the forum. I've been checkin out the new Dakotas at the local DCJ dealership. I'm looking to traid my 04 Jeep Wrangler in on an 06. There are two trucks on the lot that I like. One is a 4.7 with a 6 speed manual. The other is a 4.7 HO with an auto. Unfortunatley I haven't really had a chance to open up the trucks to see what they will do b/c of the sales guy...Is the HO engine really worth the extra $$? Which one do yall thank will have the most off line acceleration? BTW, I'm pretty sure the HO is the R/T Dak. Thanks.

 

unfortunately the dealer probably did not put 93 in the HO tank, so when you would drive both the HO would not seem that much more impressive. It is though

 

ummm im pretty sure its a big difference considering the v6 vs. v8. even if it was manual v8 vs. auto v8 HO ur gonna realize the HO is much better.

 

What is the reccomended fuel grade to use in the HO engine? What is yall's fuel economy like with the auto?

 

dont use anything higher than 89 unless u get a chip or some major upgrades. if u get a good cold air intake system and exhaust u will see about 15-19 mpg depending how you drive

 

i have the 4.7 non-HO, with the 6sp. manual and I'm getting about 17 mpg (a little more if I'm on the highway more that particular week--it's gone as high as 19.5 mpg)...mine's pretty new, it's only got 4500 on it, so it's just barely broken in.

 

These numbers are pretty impressive. My Wrangler with the Inline 6 cylinder on 32s regulary got 16 MPG. 14 if I decided to go play in the mud. I'm gonna give the HO one more test drive today and see what I like. Thanks for the responses.

 

dont use anything higher than 89 unless u get a chip or some major upgrades. if u get a good cold air intake system and exhaust u will see about 15-19 mpg depending how you drive for the HO engine that makes no sense. the owners manual "recommends but does not require" the use of premium fuel (93 octane) It will run on 87 or 89, but in order to prevent spark knock (pinging) the computer retards the timing A TON. This is especially noticed when putting the pedal to the floor. Feels like you are trying to pull a tank it robs so much power. Put in 93 and you get the advertised torque and hp. I avg about 16.5-17 MPG according to the overhead trip computer. That's mostly highway driving to and from work, 40 minute trips. I've manually checked those numbers in the past, it's pretty accurate. On a straight highway run for several hours it will get close to 20 mpg.

 

since when does an HO need 6+ octane higher to run STOCK? i thought the only difference is it had some improved cams...teach me

 

The manual states 91 octane is recommended not required (not 93).