Has anyone had any trouble with power? I was reading "The Ultimate WJ Buying Guide," and it gives pros and cons to each engine in the WJ. For the I6, it said that, because the WJ was 4000lbs, the engine was a bit sluggish getting on to the highway and such. Do any owners of a XJ and a WJ care to comment on that? Also, is the V8 as dependable and reliable as the I6? I see that the EPA estimated mileage is only 1 less for city and highway, is that more or less true in the real don't-floor-it-all-the-time world? The only good thing about the XJ's mileage is that its so bad that anything I get will be an improvement, i just don't want to go down.

Thanks guys.

 

Roughly the same 1/4 mile times as the Chevy V-6 Blazer but a heck of a lot more low speed pulling torque. The 4.7 V8 is 1.6 seconds faster. As far as durability the I-6 wins hands down.

 

The 4.7 has a few issues and is nowhere as reliable as the I6. The I6 is a little weak but it is as reliable as a nail. You can expect well over 200k miles out of the I6 with minimal care.

 

I own a 2003 wj sluggish no way plenty of power very dependable good on gas lots of pulling power for a 6 Banger I pull the trailer all the time just keep up with the oil changes mine has 245xxx on it and still getting it ill drive mine anywhere anytime actually planning a trip soon with it and this is all with 4" of lift u should not be dissapointed they do get knocks in them hydraulic lifters and sometimes the bottom end bearings do ur oil changes like ur supposed to and you will be fine and real world the v8 is way more on gas my buddy had one good luck

 

I've driven a 4.0 for several years now and the few times I had to go to WOT to enter a highway because of traffic, she stepped out quickly and never caused me any worries. Just remember it is a 4 liter engine pulling a 4000 lb vehicle. It is also cammed for low end torque and not for high RPM power.

To put it into perspective, if you were pulling a 2000 lb trailer, the 4.7 wouldn't accelerate as well as the 4.0. IHMO, the 4.0 is just about bullet proof when compared to the 4.7.

Other people will tell you differently, but I put my trust in the 4.0, even if it is "old school".

 

My I6 has plenty of power. I was worried too when I first got it that it wouldn't be snappy enough but it has lots of acceleration and tons of low end torque...... better on gas too .I love it!

RIZ

 

The I6 has more torque lower in the RPM range than the V8.

 

As a general rule, piston stroke length is what determines and engine's torque output. The longer the stoke, the more torque is produced. However, power is limited in the higher RPM range because of reciprocating mass. (Caution! Science content) The old Chrysler Hemi V8s from the 50's were only rated at about 275 hp, but produced 480 lb/ft of torque! This was due to a 4.75" stroke length. These engines weighed about 700 lbs.

Basically, the 4.0 is a "tractor" engine that will serve you well. The 4.7 has to be "buzzed up" to produce the power.

Keep in mind, the 4.0 is A LOT easier to work on as well.