Which engine would you choose?

[spurly]

The 48V battery is not that scary. I don't think anyone knows the specific amperage output of the 48V battery, but I doubt it is much more than the converter rating of 3kW. https://www.chryslerfactoryplans.com/tools/articles.aspx?article=Wrangler_Etorque_Technology&type=4

The optional tow package 12V 700 CCA battery could produce 8.4kW when cold, or roughly 10.3kW during normal temperatures.

I'm not necessarily scared of it, I just remember it being a massive battery in an inconvenient location. I'd hate to have to worry about catching it on a rock or a branch on the coolant lines.

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[AnnDee4444]

I'm not necessarily scared of it, I just remember it being a massive battery in an inconvenient location. I'd hate to have to worry about catching it on a rock or a branch on the coolant lines.

My statement about the 48V battery not being scary was in reference to it being called "a monster".

And yes, it would suck to catch the battery on a rock or branch, but the Jeep would still drive without the 48V system. The fuel tank is located in roughly the same position on the opposite side of the driveshaft, and catching that on a rock or branch would likely leave you stranded.

 

[estankie]

Thanks, but I've no experience with regearing. I'm running 35s on stock Rubi 4.10 gearing and the 6 speed with the V6. That set up works fine, but may not translate to the combo you are running.

What gearing does your 2.0 have now? If it is a Rubi, you probably wouldn't need to regear. I think that 2.0 would easily pull 8th gear with 35's with 4.10's. If you are running taller gearing than that and decide to regear, then sure, I'd think the 4.56 gearing could be good, but I'd talk to some others around here with more experience. I'm really just guessing.

 

[estankie]

Thanks, but I've no experience with regearing. I'm running 35s on stock Rubi 4.10 gearing and the 6 speed with the V6. That set up works fine, but may not translate to the combo you are running.

What gearing does your 2.0 have now? If it is a Rubi, you probably wouldn't need to regear. I think that 2.0 would easily pull 8th gear with 35's with 4.10's. If you are running taller gearing than that and decide to regear, then sure, I'd think the 4.56 gearing could be good, but I'd talk to some others around here with more experience. I'm really just guessing.

Turbo gears on my Sahara are 3.45...torque multiplication says I’m gonna lose somewhere around 15% w 35s...so it appears 4.56s are the way to go. There’s a Jeep Gear chart floating around, was helpful/ easy to interpret...now I just need my money tree to blossom.

 

[jforse]

If I did it again the 2.0 turbo. I have the V6 in my Rubi and had the 2.0 in a rental Jeep last week. Much smoother and was getting 25mpg average all week in the 2.0.

 

[Zman]

Sounds like there might be a fire sale on the 2.0. I actually almost got that engine only because my company car Chevy Malibu has a 1.5L and it feels like a V6 power. I did play it safe and got the 3.6L. As I was shopping every lot had the 2.0 and very few 3.6L. I got mine for fathers day and I am super happy with the ride. This is my 2nd Rubi and 4th Jeep and it sure doesn’t feel like my old TJ’s.

Now I have to get her dirty. Hehe

 

[WES IV]

I'll probably be buying a new Wrangler this year, maybe even as soon as this month. I'm trying to decide which engine to go with. My 2013 has a 3.6 and I've been very pleased with it (101K miles so far), but I've heard they've changed that engine a bit. the new 4 cyl sounds interesting, but I hate the idea of paying 50 cents more per gallon for super.

Ultimately, I want the engine that will last the longest with the least amount of problems, but I know that's hard to determine since these engines are so new. Any advice is much appreciated!

I ordered a 2 dr Wrangler Sport with the Pentastar because it's established and I'm not going to pay the premium gas prices.
I did research on this and having the 8 speed automatic will provide all the power I need.
Plus it saved me some money in the ordering process.
Now to find me some Jeep off road trails in Massachusetts...

 

[Billydjenn]

I have owned several Wranglers including my 2018, I Just ordered a new Rubi WITH the 2.0... I LOVE the power and no more lag. It has been around for awhile and performs extremely well.. Excited for my new build to come in soooooon.

It JUST arrived

 

[Billyraff]

Drove 2 identical wrangler saharas back to back. 2.0 and 3.6. The start stop on the 2.0 was nicer, but i liked the overall feel and sound of the 3.6 much better. So i ended up buying the 3.6.

The 2.0 had the check engine light on the whole time because of low voltage from sitting around on the lot and wouldn't turn on most of the electronics.

 

[Formattc]

I'm taking the 3.6 + eight speed auto. I was going to save $2000 and go with the six speed but my left knee is messed up, so taking the chance on the automatic. I'm taking the 3.6 because it's a well proven engine and not brand new tech from FCA. I thought about the diesel for the ridiculous torque number for its size, and MPG, but I don't want to worry about fuel availability when I'm in the middle of nowhere far from an interstate, and then there's that new tech thing. The 2.0 has never even been considered, great numbers for its size but won't last as long.

PS> I also predict a day when the 3.6 will be sought after on the used market.

 

[jeepdabest]

Another note...FCA recently saw the 10,000,000th 3.6 roll off the production line. An engine that is less than outstanding wouldn't be produced in those numbers. You can bet it has been refined quite a bit over that run, too, not just with the Gen 2 updated version that the JL runs, but in Gen 1 Pentastars, too. The company's existence has been dependent on that engine. The engine is also structurally overbuilt, as it was designed with forced induction in mind as an option, even though it has never been offered. It's normal aspiration doesn't even come close to pushing the limit. It is an extremely versatile design.

As for the 2.0, it appears to be looked upon by FCA in the same light, as it can replace the 3.6 and other engines across a wide range of vehicles. I'm sure they put serious engineering muscle into its reliability and durability. It just hasn't piled up the numbers, years, or miles yet. Time will tell, but it appears to be off to a great start.

You could have at least done some research

 

[DanW]

You could have at least done some research

I'm not really sure what you are getting at, but here, just in case you think something I said was incorrect or misleading.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fca-pentastar-production-hits-10-million-300795239.html

It is common knowledge in the Mopar/FCA community that the Pentastar was designed with forced induction in mind. It has a 6 bolt main block, which is overbuilt. It takes very little research to see other features of the original design that were made with boosting and DI in mind.

An interesting note is that for 6 years running the Pentastar is the best selling engine in Canada. Maybe that says something about their reliability in extreme temperatures, too.

Anyone can say what they want, but the data clearly shows that this is a reliable, durable, and VERY proven engine.

 

[DanW]

I'm taking the 3.6 + eight speed auto. I was going to save $2000 and go with the six speed but my left knee is messed up, so taking the chance on the automatic. I'm taking the 3.6 because it's a well proven engine and not brand new tech from FCA. I thought about the diesel for the ridiculous torque number for its size, and MPG, but I don't want to worry about fuel availability when I'm in the middle of nowhere far from an interstate, and then there's that new tech thing. The 2.0 has never even been considered, great numbers for its size but won't last as long.

PS> I also predict a day when the 3.6 will be sought after on the used market.

I don't think you are taking a risk with that automatic. I seriously considered it because it has an excellent reputation. I just fear that the manual transmission is an endangered species and want to enjoy it while I can. That auto is very well mated to the 3.6 and it is a stout, reliable unit. I'll bet you'll be thrilled with it.

 

[javelina]

You could have at least done some research

I'm curious as to your thoughts and findings. Honest.

 

[Rufus]

3.6 for proven reliability plus I wanted a stick. Had the diesel been available with a stick I might have waited for that though.

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