Enough power for Colorado?

[Robmypro]

Hey guys finalizing my spec. I live in Colorado so is the 3.6 going to be too under-powered at altitude? Assuming I would just get the turbo, but the 3.6 seems more tried and true, so I would prefer that if the power loss isn't going to compromise the vehicle too badly.

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[Jondrew]

Hey guys finalizing my spec. I live in Colorado so is the 3.6 going to be too under-powered at altitude? Assuming I would just get the turbo, but the 3.6 seems more tried and true, so I would prefer that if the power loss isn't going to compromise the vehicle too badly.

I don’t understand. They’re both fuel injected and should be fine at altitude. I would have taken either but I’m glad the one on the lot I liked had the 6.

 

[Robmypro]

I don’t understand. They’re both fuel injected and should be fine at altitude. I would have taken either but I’m glad the one on the lot I liked had the 6.

Naturally aspirated loses about 3% of power for every 1000 feet of elevation. So at 10,000 feet that is a 30% power loss for the 3.6. Just wanted to see if it is too bad for that elevation.

 

[Jondrew]

Naturally aspirated loses about 3% of power for every 1000 feet of elevation. So at 10,000 feet that is a 30% power loss for the 3.6. Just wanted to see if it is too bad for that elevation.

According to Click and Clack you are correct.
https://community.cartalk.com/t/wha...titude-10-000-feet-on-a-cars-performance/7024

 

[XLR8TOR]

I head up to the mountains (Breck, Keystone, Vail, etc.) almost every weekend to go snowboarding and I have zero issues. My JL Rubicon has 35” tires and a 2” lift and I can run at 75 or 80 up the mountain passes.

 

[Litfuse]

Hey guys finalizing my spec. I live in Colorado so is the 3.6 going to be too under-powered at altitude? Assuming I would just get the turbo, but the 3.6 seems more tried and true, so I would prefer that if the power loss isn't going to compromise the vehicle too badly.

Do you want an auto or manual transmission? If auto, I would go with the 2.0 considering where you live.

 

[TexasJeeper]

I second that. If it were me, I would get the 2.0 if you live at altitude. Not that it's a must, I'm sure the 3.6 will be fine. It's just the turbo motor will be better, esp if you plan on bigger tires.

 

[fat_head]

I've hauled 1k lbs of gear over 12k foot passes on the trail in Colorado several times. Never even noticed a difference. The 3.6 is fine.

 

[viper88]

Hey guys finalizing my spec. I live in Colorado so is the 3.6 going to be too under-powered at altitude? Assuming I would just get the turbo, but the 3.6 seems more tried and true, so I would prefer that if the power loss isn't going to compromise the vehicle too badly.

I'd go test-drive both engines back to back again and let the seat of your pants decide. Make sure both have the same gearing and are as 'like' as possible. I test drove both engines a couple of days ago again. The turbo's extra torque was nice. The 2.0 was more fun to drive. You are probably a perfect candidate for the 2.0. I think you will appreciate the forced induction up there where the air is thin. I noticed you drive a GT3. I think most sport car enthusiast would prefer the extra oomph and torque of the turbo. It's not a Pcar but it's noticeable.

 

[GeoTracker]

I have a 3.6 with a 6 speed. No complaints even up in RMNP on Trail Ridge. No issues in the Front Range.

 

[SnowDog]

My 3.6 is 'fine' at altitude. This is a question of taste, of course, so what is fine for one person may not be fine for you. At altitude, the 3.6 is definitely working. If I were ordering new now I would definitely get the turbo, especially if you're planning to add heavy mods like winches, skid plates, etc. I bought mine used and couldn't find any 2.0's yet as they were released later. Note, my previous vehicle had more than 2x the horsepower, a turbo, and half the weight, so I'm missing that feeling.

 

[Goin2drt]

Welcome here Rob. Assuming you are the same from RL. Fun crowd here and WAY less, well let’s just say better than RL in a nice and helpful way

 

[coneklr]

The 3.6 does ok, I have to downshift (6spd here) but it keeps up just fine. I don't understand how people do 37's without a regear in Colorado though. Im on 35's and any slower and I would be annoyed by it.

 

[Krondor]

I've a 6spd v6 in Colorado and it's more than enough to keep up.

Would the turbo be more fun? That's up to you. Test drive both. IMHO

 

[1quick1]

I have had no issues in power all over the state and 15k miles.

In all honesty, I didn't notice a difference in CO at altitude vs when I drove to the east at sea level.

CO does have 85, 87, and I think 91 octane. I'd be curious who is running 85 vs 87 here in CO.

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