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Pentastar 3.6

Officer Higgins

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Considering newer vehicle. Friend who retired recently from working on mopars for last 30 plus suggested to steer clear on the 3.6. Wanted to see what real world owners have experienced,not the random who knows who wrote the reviews comments. Heard of high oil consumption, rockers wearing abnormal etc.
 
The ones we've test driven, the salesman inevitably says something like "the power comes in on the top end" -
so I wait on it and, well, it never appears.
Generic engine at best.
 
The 3.6 was supposed to be the answer for 3.5 that I have which has high oil consumption but it’s still going strong 11 years old and 160k
 
My 2014 minivan is quick with the 3.6 engine. I have no complaints with it of any kind.
 
Not a bad engine ! But nothing beats a Hemi!! All new motors you need to put a catch can on for the oil.
 
The 3.6 is a great engine. Have it in our JGC, it really scoots. Plus the aftermarket has tons of stuff for.....supercharger anyone?!
 
I have two Jeep Wranglers with the 3.6 in them. Our 2012 has 105,000 miles on it with no issues. We went with a lift kit and larger tires and the engine lack torque to run the new tire combination in 6th gear until we get up to around 70 mph (approx. 2000 rpm). The other is a 2019 and too new to give a valid review. I do notice the accelerator curve seems to fall off in aggressiveness when I go into 3rd gear (manual). These are throttle by wire, so the factory may have it calibrated that way because 1st and 2nd gears are much more aggressive. I know you can get a item called "Sprint Booster" that amplifies the pedal signal to the throttle body for a much more aggressive throttle response.

Overall...I've been very pleased with the engine so far.
 
2013 1500 ram 3.6 ltr great engine, decent mpg, good takoff from a stop. I tow my car once in a while, it's ok for that. No oil consumption, I think it would be an even better engine for a Dakota! If you are towing more often get a hemi, but if not it's a great little engine
 
I have a 2012 Chrysler 200 with a 3.6 six speed, I love it!! The torque in the steering wheel is a bit much, more engine than the car can handle with front wheel drive. With the traction control off it will break loose at 20 and spin through second gear and take you for one hell of a ride. I have never hammered it from a dead stop and see no reason to. It gets 30.8 mpg on the highway and right at 23 in town. It doesn't take much to get it up to speed and with all this I do drive it with care, just saying if you need it, it's there. I have never had a problem with it and hate the day when it's time for it to go. Buy with confidence, a 283 hp pocket rocket. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Charger GT all wheel drive which comes with a 3.6. Hope this helps in your decision.
 
Had a 2014 Jeep Overland with the 3.6 up until last month, I really liked it. Good power and acceleration. Good on gas. No complaints! By far my favorite vehicle to change the oil on. Filter up top, easy to reach. I would recommend.
 
2016 Jeep rubicon, runs down the road and in the back country just fine. Don’t tow with it, but it will merge with traffic with no problem. I have found most people that have problems are a little lacking in oil changes ant other maintenance.
 
We rented a JGC on vac in Colorado only had three miles on it. The pentastar did well at 9000 ft. It wasn’t the power of my 5.7 in my Overland. But it did the job well.
 
Good topic, I've also been considering the 3.6 as a possibly in the not to distant future. New Dakota maybe?..

As attractive as the new Charger wide body is the 3.6 is probably more realistic.
 
I have the 3.6 in my '14 Ram. It has plenty of power to tow my Road Runner or Fury and still get 15-17 mpg, combined it's around 22-23. It doesn't use much if any oil and the only problem was the cracked oil filter adapter which was covered under warranty.
 
Never worked on one but the wife and I have rented several Caravans and T&C with the 3.6 for extended stay road trips.

Even in a somewhat heavy vehicle they get up and go. 300-ish HP ain't nuthin to sneeze at.

We average about 27 MPG in 2 days of pure highway driving and 5 days of city.

I'd own one.

...and this is the first time I've ever heard a "steer clear" recommendation on that motor.

I've heard a lot more negative on the early 5.7.
 
My wife has a 2014 200 it has 80 thousand miles on it right now the only problem it ever had was a broken oil cooler replaced under warranty .I have replaced brake pads on all 4 wheels and tires and it has oil changes about every 4000 miles and it will light the tires up with the traction control off .
 
We’ve got two, one in our 2014 Grand Cherokee with 35,000 miles and in my new promaster with 10,000 miles. So far I’ve got no complaints, the Jeep is just a grocery getter but averages 21 city I’ve seen 27 on the highway w/ 4 wheel drive. It scoots pretty good when needed. The ram is my business truck, with equipment it ways about 6400 lbs., I average 17 combined. I’ve seen 23 on the highway. Had 3000 lbs. material on it, no problem, pulled 4000 lbs. trailer no problem. No mechanical issues so far. I’d definitely buy another 3.6. My neighbor loves his rubicon, same engine, 56,000 miles and he does off-road with it.
 
Wifie and I rented a 2018 300S when we went on vacation.
8 speed auto and 305hp. Engine upgrades include no more exhaust manifolds.
They are integral to the cylinder head.
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It made the 300 pretty peppy!

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At 300hp, these newer vehicles with the multitude of transmission gears, will give a STOCK old 340 or 383 musclecar a good run. I beat a 360 E-body with my Caravan.
 
When you need torque there's No replacement for displacement.. proven fact
 
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