[ColdCase]

Originally Posted by Dave2002ti

What great technology in the so called hemi. Honda its a 100k.

Now a performance engine has to have at least 90hp per liter but really a 100hp per liter is dividing line.

I think the current Hemi is far from perfect. I had a 4 cylinder nissan that was stronger than dirt, went well over 200K without anything more than oil changes, but I hated to drive that buzzy engine on the highway. I think it actually had hemi style heads.

The 60s vintage Hemi was so good that GM paid off enough NASCAR folks that first much weight penalty was added, then it was outlawed. It took NASCAR engine builders 40 years to catch up.

The current Hemi in stock trim is far from a performance motor. I'm not sure anyone here is claiming that. In a truck/SUV torque is much more important than HP, which usually is only effective at high RPMs anyway (and often produces a weak knee tune). The V8 in the JGC is tuned more for a broad torque range than HP. Looking for HP in a SUV is misdirected enthusiasm. The STR8 versions perhaps is tune for more HP. The V8 is certainly stronger than the V6, regardless.

The V8 does have quite a bit of potential if we ever get a tuner to release the beast.

V8 - V6 is a personal choice, both do their job well.

[dizz1979]

Originally Posted by ColdCase

I think the current Hemi is far from perfect. I had a 4 cylinder nissan that was stronger than dirt, went well over 200K without anything more than oil changes, but I hated to drive that buzzy engine on the highway. I think it actually had hemi style heads.

The 60s vintage Hemi was so good that GM paid off enough NASCAR folks that first much weight penalty was added, then it was outlawed. It took NASCAR engine builders 40 years to catch up.

The current Hemi in stock trim is far from a performance motor. I'm not sure anyone here is claiming that. In a truck/SUV torque is much more important than HP, which usually is only effective at high RPMs anyway (and often produces a weak knee tune). The V8 in the JGC is tuned more for a broad torque range than HP. Looking for HP in a SUV is misdirected enthusiasm. The STR8 versions perhaps is tune for more HP. The V8 is certainly stronger than the V6, regardless.

The V8 does have quite a bit of potential if we ever get a tuner to release the beast.

V8 - V6 is a personal choice, both do their job well.

Agreed, we need a tuner to crack the code. I used the Diablo Sport on my 2007 Hemi GC and what a difference! What about transmission tunes when they come out. Will that work with the select terrain? I am not sure if that just controls the differentials and/or the transmission shift points such as using it in sport mode.

[Heath]

Originally Posted by Jdsmitty10

dont need to..

But I do. Different strokes for different folks.

[Heath]

Originally Posted by fljeepleo

Just look at the posts that surround this one. 90% are people with HEMI problems.

I would buy a pickup truck if I needed to Tow anymore. You could get a beautiful King Ranch that will tow far beyond a JGC.

It's a midsized SUV. Really?

I need/want a SUV 99% of the time. I enjoy the ease of city use, parking and traffic negotiation and such. When I need to tow, what I need to tow (my LJ to go crawling) it will do it fine.

I have had several f250-f350s. All fine trucks. I no longer enjoy the harsh ride, climbing in and out of one, buying high *** diesel, etc. I traded a F250 for this.

[w1pf]

OK, let's cut to the chase.

mmmmm hemi

[padgett]

I seem to do everything backwards. Bought the Jeep because I felt it was both technically and ethetically superior. Like it better now (except for the instruments, working on a mount for a 7" Android with Torque to compensate) than when I bought it.

Haven't looked at Consumer Reports for years but do look at forums. V6 WK2 is the only one I see whole threads about it getting better MPG than the EPA says. GM ones all complain about low MPG. DOHC with VVT(i&e) makes it possible. EVIC showed over 30 MPG on I-4 for the whole 60 mph stretch tonight & fillups of 87 PON correlate closely. V6 is running over 1.3 hp/cid, Hemi is a hair over 1.0. One reason is you can't build a four valve hemi cylinder head without some strange rockers.

Ok I agree the Hemi has a place: a 426 with a 671 in a real race car being towed by a V6 WK2.

ps it never hurts to be polite

One of these is a diesel.

[BManz]

Originally Posted by ColdCase

I had a GM V8 recently, developed a coolant leak at the intake manifold (a design weakness/defect that GM chooses to ignore). Had to tear the engine apart to repair the 50 cent gasket, costing near $2000... superior my a$$. And don't get me started about the GM OD units that self destruct at 37,000 miles (just after the warrantee expires) for lack of a 75 cent thrust washer....

New cars are all about marketing, regardles of make or model.

Totally agree!!! I've rebuilt enough GM V8s back in the day up to a few years ago (remember the nylon timing gear problems anyone?). I quit after trying to save a few Northstar engines -- nice on paper, junk for longevity! Never really appreciated the Hemi design until about 10 years ago when a friend picked up an abused, not-running Hemi Cuda and we rebuilt it. That I could get a Hemi in the new Grand steered me away from a BMW or Audi. 'Nuff said, the Hemi fits well in everything I do with my Grand and not a single complaint.

[mtndriver]

Like All4Acess said awhile back the annual cost between the two is not that much difference. When I consider what other vehicles I might have bought, including some AWD cars with V6s that don't get much over 22-23, the advantage for me living above 6,000 ft. and having the V8 is really a no brainer. The fuel cost difference per year might be $300-400 - having the hemi power at altitude, pleasure of reserve power, dual exhausts and towing ability is worth it.

Remember that a normally aspirated engine loses about 3% of HP per each 1,000 ft above altitude so even in Denver at 5,000 ft. you've lost 15%. Most of my driving is 6,000-9,000 ft so you can imagine a V6 might be a little anemic at least for some purposes including pulling I-70 west out of Denver to the Eisenhower Tunnel at around 11,000 ft. I only have 700 miles on mine so far and look forward to full break-in whenever that is. Just my .02. Great forum here.

[Greg012GCO]

Originally Posted by mtndriver

Like All4Acess said awhile back the annual cost between the two is not that much difference. When I consider what other vehicles I might have bought, including some AWD cars with V6s that don't get much over 22-23, the advantage for me living above 6,000 ft. and having the V8 is really a no brainer. The fuel cost difference per year might be $300-400 - having the hemi power at altitude, pleasure of reserve power, dual exhausts and towing ability is worth it.

Remember that a normally aspirated engine loses about 3% of HP per each 1,000 ft above altitude so even in Denver at 5,000 ft. you've lost 15%. Most of my driving is 6,000-9,000 ft so you can imagine a V6 might be a little anemic at least for some purposes including pulling I-70 west out of Denver to the Eisenhower Tunnel at around 11,000 ft. I only have 700 miles on mine so far and look forward to full break-in whenever that is. Just my .02. Great forum here.

Good to see another Colorado WK2 here. I'm up north in Livermore at close to 8000 ft and hit Ft Collins almost every day, and back home. I hear ya on the hemi. I test drove a Rubion 6cyl and just couldn't do the 6 for every day.

Where I get my gas seems to effect my mileage quite a bit. I haven't figured it out yet, but some tanks immediately lower my average, while another one will bring it back up. Haven't paid close enough attention to it to figure it out. Too much other stuff going on.

I just want plenty of power to pass a big rig going up hill at high altitude. And I've got zero problems with that with the hemi.

[mtndriver]

Hemi's rule, esp. at 8000 ft. I'm in Avon area and you know the big climb out of Denver. Also go to Lake Powell and desert areas; only 700 miles on this beast so far so look forward to getting it broke in.

[Steveg56]

Wife just purchased a new Limited with the V6 and while great and all she needs, i would have went with the Hemi myself. I thought about trying to talk her into the hemi, but honestly I don't like dumping money into the tank every week. If money was no object everyone would buy the Hemi...period.

[Jdsmitty10]

Originally Posted by Steveg56

Wife just purchased a new Limited with the V6 and while great and all she needs, i would have went with the Hemi myself. I thought about trying to talk her into the hemi, but honestly I don't like dumping money into the tank every week. If money was no object everyone would buy the Hemi...period.

Well said. I just put 89 dollars into my v6 tank yesterday. Ouch... Woulda have to do that more with the hemi and that is something I dislike doing...

[padgett]

"If money was no object everyone would buy the Hemi...period" - well, no. Two grand was not really an issue.

Of course I believe in purpose-driven cars and have another for when I want to set off car alarms driving by. That one is a 8 & has a manual transmission. My WK2 has a different purpose, to replace the '92 minivan as an occasional tow car and is lots nicer for double dates. Fact that we do not have winters and the highest point in the state is at an amusement park (and is artificial) are other factors. That the dealer happened to have exacly what I wanted on the lot including color was just a plus.

One of the enjoyment factors of these groups is the collision of cultures, and each is right, they just have different agendas.

The hemi was a wonderful engine when introduced (in the Imperial ?) and as a dual quad 426, dominated (but in the 1/4 a good six-pack 440 often won). However in today's world of trash gas the area under the torque curve more important than peak hp.

Can we all agree that we each (or most) made the right choice for our particular need ? It is just amazing how many different needs the WK2 fills.

One of these is a diesel.

[rangersyankees]

The newest WK2 Jeeps obviously have a very wide appeal. The interiors and options of a fully loaded WK2 are unbelievable for the price point. I'm upgrading from a WJ to the WK2 soon and I'll probably go with the V6. I'll have to see the price points when I start going to dealers next week. I'm just hoping my '04 Overland brings a decent value at trade-in.

[rockit]

Originally Posted by Steveg56

Wife just purchased a new Limited with the V6 and while great and all she needs, i would have went with the Hemi myself. I thought about trying to talk her into the hemi, but honestly I don't like dumping money into the tank every week. If money was no object everyone would buy the Hemi...period.

That's why men love hot peppers & Big guns