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3.6 or 5.7 Now That is The Question

10K views 46 replies 22 participants last post by  Marlon_JB2 
#1 · (Edited)
I know I am going with the Laredo "X" and the adventure package, the question is which motor. I drove both the other day but still can't decide. I like the little extra power of the Hemi but not sure if I "need it." I will not be towing anything, nor will I be doing much if any offroading. We get a bunch of snow where I am at so I like the option of 4 low and the tow hooks. Will I be going overboard with the hemi?

What do you think will be the easier engine to maintain, and will hold up to punishment the best? I am a "hard driver" and wonder if the v6 will hold up long term? Does the v6 have a longer tune up time? For instance my Honda doesn't have to get the plugs changed till 100,000 miles. How does the hemi and Penstar stack up on routine maintence?
 
#2 ·
The Hemi is a proven engine, is "lazy", and understressed.
It is cheap to maintain.
Yes, it uses a little more fuel than the 6, but I feel the "real world" difference between the two will be negligable, given they're both dragging around a heavy vehicle. The V8, with its torque and capacity advantage, just makes lighter work of the job.

For ME, it's HEMI!
 
#6 ·
Would anyone really make a decision based on how long they can run the oem sparkplugs? :D

Get the Hemi or spend the next 5 yrs wishing you had!
 
#33 ·
Damn that hurt but it's true....

*Tucks tail between legs*
:(:(:(:(:(:(:(
 
#7 ·
I'm averaging 15 mpg with the hemi commuting on 35 mph hilly roads for 30 minutes, then sitting in traffic for about 15 minutes each day. So gas mileage with it really does suck. But when I have the chance to open it up, it really is fun. If the fun factor matters to you, go with the hemi. If not, go with the pentastar.

WRT plugs - the hemi needs new ones after 32k. And it has 16 of them. And replacing them is a bitch as the back cylinders are not accessible. My dad had them done on his ram (rather than doing them himself) and it was $300.
 
#8 ·
So much I know about new engines.. the V8 has 16 spark plugs, 2 a cylinder?
 
#9 ·
A smart consumer would replace the standard Copper Core plugs in the Hemi with Double Platinum or Iridiums. The Champion DP's have a 5 year, Unlimited Mileage warranty. Unfortunately, most people won't spring for 16 of the DP's after spending a chunk of change of the vehicle.
 
#10 ·
Does anyone know the part number for champion DP or Iridiums? I think I found the Iridium as Champion Part # 9403 but not 100% sure, got it from a 2008 5.7L hemi on championsparkplugs.com *third party site*

Same as the 2011 I imagine as its the same engine..
 
#13 ·
I'd take power to tow "something I need" over the cost to change spark plugs and slightly less gas mileage.. Its no worse then any other comparable SUV in size.. the V6 is there to provide the better gas minded consumers.
 
#16 ·
Maybe someone can explain why Double Platinum plugs are ~13 and Iridium is ~8 and I thought Iridium is the higher plug? lol

Found the DP plug number for Champion 7989
 
#18 ·
The main reason some vehicles have such a long spark plug interval is because replacing them is a cast iron pain in the rear, so they use platinum or iridium plugs to length the interval.

On either the V6 or the V8, the job is pretty simple- both engines are placed longitudinally, and if maintenance is a concern, the V6 has enough room for you to crawl in there with it, so I'd guess it will be easier to keep going, but not by a huge margin.

Personally, I ordered a V6 after driving both. I did not feel that the V8's extra grunt was noticeable enough to be worth $1500 up front and then about a 15-20% efficiency penalty.
 
#19 ·
It was a no brainer for me too. I love having the additional hp and tq on tap when I need it. I didn't drive the V6 but I felt that anything less than what the Hemi offered I would not be happy.

The final reason was the dual chrome exhaust pipes sticking out of the rear!
 
#23 ·
LOL I like that one.
 
#26 ·
My plan was to buy a V6. I wanted the V6. I don't tow much - don't own a trailer, camper, or boat, but my family does and I tow something maybe twice a year - so the extra power isn't something I need. Plus, the new v6 puts out 35% more power than the old V6. I test drove the V6. It felt... adequate. It didn't give me a special feeling in my trousers, but it felt like I could live with it. And for $2k less up front and about $500/year less in fuel costs for how much I drive, I figured the V6 was the right choice for me. Unfortunately, none of the V6 Laredo X packages on dealer lots in my area had QDII. QDI was a deal breaker for me, as I do use low-range a good bit. That's how I ended up with a Hemi. In the end, I say bugger-all to the up front and TCO savings; the Hemi is so much fun!

(Sorry for all the Britishisms - guess I've been watching too much Clarkson lately.)
 
#38 ·
3.6L. Cheaper to maintain. More than enough power.

.. and most importantly, easier for us to build. :D :D :D :D
 
#43 ·
We built one like that last night. And another one. And another one. And another one. Then I got tired and lost count. :p
 
#45 ·
Marlon build me a Twin turbo 3.6 stone white black interior with overland options and send it my way!!!
 
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