They are coming out with a 4.0 v6 soon that may replace the 3.8. this 4.0 would be a good choice for the jeep.

 

Well the new 4.0L is going to be a multivalve engine and would probably have a torque curve that has more of a peak than the 3.8 does. The 3.8L was originally not in the minivans, and I don't see how this would be a problem when the torque vs. horsepower difference in comparison between the 3.8L vs. 3.7L comes out in favor of the 3.8L in torque (more valuable for off-roading conditions) and the 3.7L comes out in favor in horsepower (more valuable in plain acceleration). I would prefer to see them update the 4.0L again instead of installing either of these engines, because the torque characteristics are better for an off-roading vehicle than either the 3.7L or 3.8L. Correct me about this if I am wrong, but the 3.7L is a 90 degree V6 and the 3.8L is a 60 degree V6. A 60 degree engine will offer better torque characteristics than a 90 degree, whereas a 90 degree engine offer more horsepower. The 3.8L is a OHV which normally means a flatter horsepower and torque curve, and the 3.7L is a SOHC which normally means a higher peak horsepower and torque (the torque is less in this case between these two engines). If you are questioning the durability of the 3.8L, the 3.3L/3.8L line has a very good reputation for durability and reliability. The 3.7L is a good engine; however, it requires more maintenance and it has a reputation of running a little rough when it gets older. It might be a minor issue but the 3.8L seems to have a better reputation. Side note, the new 4.0L will be using the same basic block as the 3.8L does.

 

nice looking

 

The difference is only 5 horse and 5 pounds of torque. My point is why use a front wheel drive engine from a k-car and convert it to rwd when you already have a very capable engine ready to go? That just doesn't make much business sense to me. We use the 3.7 in three other jeep lines, why not this one?

Joe

 

I say leave the old 4.0 in the thing, it's a great off road motor. And take the slant out of the grille for goodness sakes! What old Jeep ever had a slanted grille?!

 

Well my point is that a pushrod design would tend to have torque tendencies that would be better for the type of use that this vehicle would be used for (off-roading). The 3.8L might have been chosen because it might be more durable (timing chain instead of timing belt for one thing). The 3.8L seems to age better than the 3.7L does. The Wrangler receives more abuse than the other Jeeps do because it is used more often for off-roading, and it might need a better engine (no offense to the other Jeep engine line-ups). I honestly would like to know why Chrysler even made the 3.7L in the first place. I don't think they needed it.

QuickSilver05, I have to say that I think leaving the 4.0L would have been the best idea; however, I think I heard that it was not going to pass the more strict emissions test, so they might not have had a choice. I would have taken the 4.0L, added Dual-VVT, and dual spark-plugs per cylinder to help with the emissions standards so then it would pass the test. The other reason for dropping it might be a lack of use in other vehicles. The Wrangler is the only Jeep that still uses that engine. I think if they would have done the modifications that I listed, they could have offered it in the Grand Cherokee again. In my opinion, the 4.0L is better than either the 3.7L or the 3.8L for this use and should be kept. However, I'm glad that they are going to use the better of the two other choices.
P.S. nice 300C!

 

True, it probably doesn't make any sense for DCX to make an engine for just one Jeep.

 

4.0 Is a durable engine, And thats stops there,

its about the most inefficient 6 cyl ever. a 4.7 V8 is the exact same weight. and tests have already shown not only monstrous power advantages as well as (Believe it or not) better mileage with 4.7 V8s and even 5.7 Hemi V8s even without MDS Tested is Wranglers.

The smaller 6s are for fuel economy.

 

Your saying that a 4.7L and 5.7L without MDS gets better mileage in a Wrangler than the 4.0L? In such tests was the gearing the same for each or did they put in taller gearing for the two V8s? I'm not saying its impossible since the 4.0L is a rather old engine design.

 

I retract my previous statement on the styling of the new Wrangler. We got some of our promotional hoopala on it today, and I actually like the look of it now that I've had a better look. It has some of that old school ****** flavor to it almost.