What's everyone's opinion on the engines?

[Bert]

Just wondering what everones opinions are on the available engines for the JK. Mainly opinions on the V6...every review that I have come across mentions the V6 as being underpowered, or just "adequate".

I'm looking at buying the Rubicon, which will initially only available with the V6, and would be reluctant to part with my hard earned for an underpowered gas guzzler. I know it's a Jeep, not a sportscar!...but only 146kW from a 3.8L V6 sheeeesh!

Here they are side by side:

3.8L V6 = 146kW @ 5000rpm / 315Nm @ 4000rpm

2.8L I4 CRD = 130kW @ 3800rpm / 410Nm @ 2000 - 2600rpm

Trusty old I6 = 130kW @ 5200rpm / 305Nm @ 2700

What do you guys think?

[Jeff]

How much heavier is a 2dr JK vs a TJ?

[Wilmo]

The CRD in the KJ (which is essentially what the JK engine is but with the older non-Piezo injectors) is a good engine with Plenty of torque. Seems to be pretty indestructible build wise, and has the latest bosch electronics on it.

There are a couple of things that may need doing to it to make it a better package in the JK - check out the posts on 'Provent' in the KJ section of Ausjeepoffroad. Won't know until it gets here.

There has also been an issue with some KJ's getting air into the fuel lines through a defective fuel filter mount casting - these were fixed under warranty.

I'll be going the diesel if I get a JK.

[Brettski]

Originally Posted by Bert

Just wondering what everones opinions are on the available engines for the JK. Mainly opinions on the V6...every review that I have come across mentions the V6 as being underpowered, or just "adequate".

I'm looking at buying the Rubicon, which will initially only available with the V6, and would be reluctant to part with my hard earned for an underpowered gas guzzler. I know it's a Jeep, not a sportscar!...but only 146kW from a 3.8L V6 sheeeesh!

But (as per your list above) only 130Kw from a 4.0L? Having said that, with the torque/power being produced higher in the rev range with the new motors it will be a different driving experience.

IMHO, the Americans are at least 15-20 years behind the Japanese in engine technology. It's unfortunate but that's the way it is.

As an example, my 27 year old FJ40 that I just sold produced 96Kw @ 3600 / 274Nm @ 1800. Admittedly, that's factory spec but even today it's still very torquey.

B.

[Edited to fix a spelling mistake.]

[Tasar]

to contra Brettski

the jeep diesel motors are miles ahead of the japanese diesels they have been developed by mercedes in europe and are stunning motors

the petrol I tend to agree on.

If the wrangler motor is anything like the grand motor it will be amazing

[Wilmo]

Originally Posted by Tasar

to contra Brettski

the jeep diesel motors are miles ahead of the japanese diesels they have been developed by mercedes in europe and are stunning motors

the petrol I tend to agree on.

If the wrangler motor is anything like the grand motor it will be amazing

The jeep diesel (the 2.8 in the KJ and JK) are from VM Motori in Italy, they aren't the Merc developed engines like the 3.0 in the Grand and Commander (which is a sensational diesel).

These VM Motori ones are more 'agricultural' but reliable and good performers. The Bosch electronics on them are from Europe and the whole package tuned in the USA by DC's engineers there - at least the KJ's one is so I expect the JK will be too.

I suspect the JK's diesel will be quieter than the one on the KJ because of the Piezo injectors being used, and emissions less.

Going by the KJ experience DC just needs to make sure they get the tranny talking with the engine properly, and resolve any auto tranny issues so it works with the diesel's higher torque.

[Brettski]

Originally Posted by Tasar

the jeep diesel motors are miles ahead of the japanese diesels they have been developed by mercedes in europe and are stunning motors

I totally agree if you're talking about the Euro-developed diesels. They are amazing.

B.