I just joined and this is my first post so I hope this wasn't discussed previously.

The new 3.8 V6 Wrangler is supposed to be the same engine used on the Dodge minivan. The mini van engine produces 215 HP at 5000 RMP and 245 ft-lb torque at 4000 RPM. However, the Wrangler engine will produce 205 HP at 5300 RPM and 240 BHP at 4000 RPM.

It looks like they de-tuned the engine for the Wrangler. What gives?

Paul

Don't know for sure, but they've screwed around with HP ratings in the past. Past "excuses" have been a more restrictive intake and/or exhaust (which, of course, rob a few HP) as was the case when the 4.0L was first introduced in the Wrangler in '91 (180HP vs. the Cherokee's 190HP). It's also part BS politics (the XJ was priced higher... so the idiots in the boardroom thought its HP rating should be a tad higher...)

Eventually, Jeepers traced part of the problem down to a simple "restrictor" (a little molded plastic venturi looking sleeve) that was snapped into the air intake tube. Removing that POS restriction made a noticable difference. Nice try, but we caught on.

At first take, I'm not the least bit thrilled with the 3.8L minivan transplant either. Now that you've pointed out the HP reduction, I'm even sicker about it. Hopefully it's better than it appears, but I'm worried.

I've been lobbying for the (Nitro's) new 4.0L V6 255HP & 275 ft-lbs powerplant with a 6-speed. We'll see if I'm heard... Jeep had better awake to the realization that one of their direct competitors in MY2007+ will be the Toyotika FJ with a 4.0L V6 DOHC, 24-valve VVT-i powerplant used in the Tacoma, Tundra, and 4Runner models: 239 HP & 278 ft-lbs. How would you like those numbers?

You just know there will be several direct comparison tests in the truck mags and the Jeep will be sucking hind tit (before we make a dozen after-market mods, that is).

Wake up JEEP! Make us proud!

I test drove the FJ - was a raining miserable night - so I may have to do again. But the only thing bad I found on the FJ was the panel van feeling when you were inside. The back seat windows were not even with the back seat and even though it looked like all windows around the back it was mostly sheet metal and little window. But the handling & power was great.

We should have a contest for the best name for the FJ...
I'll start nice with "Fake Jeep"

For me, the FJ Cruiser was an instant turn-on. I was ready to buy it - but when I took it for a test drive, the visibility was just too lacking for my tastes. I'm currently driving a 91 Trooper (and have been for 13 years), so I'm used to more or less driving something with, as far as I can tell, perfect visability. The plastic front bumper didn't do much for me either.

At any rate, the FJ Cruiser is very respectable as far as off-road capability goes and is hardly a "fake jeep". I think it's a valid competitor to the Wrangler, and a serious option for those who don't care about a removable top - esp. when you consider Toyota's excellent rep for quality.

Cheers!
Jeepers