Pentastar - opinions?

Minivan searching, 2010 3.8/3.3 with the 4 or 6 speed versus the Pentastar with only the 6 available. What say you? The Pentastar looks better on paper, and even though it's new, it should be fairly ubiquitous, which I like in my DDs.

Thanks!

If'n you're going that new, just bite the damn bullet and get the Pentastar/A6 combo. You'll get way better mileage and it's a better motor. It's worth the extra $$$.

Haven't driven/never expect to had to drive either, but it would seem that the only reason to go with the 3.3 and 4 speed combo is if you can get a killer deal.

Might want to hold up we are having some issues with the 3.6 some are cam phasers and a few engines have been replaced, engineering says that some engines cannot be fixed .

Paul B

They were having bearing problems in the compounder in the 6spd.....

I've driven a few Pentastar-equipped vehicles. That's a sweethear of an engine. I can't comment on Donebrokeit's comment though.

Two-time winner of Ward's Best Engine so it can't be a bad engine in my book. Makes similar power to the direct-injected competition and gets equal or better economy too.

It feels strange to praise a modern Chrysler...

DaveEstey wrote: Two-time winner of Ward's Best Engine so it can't be a bad engine in my book. Makes similar power to the direct-injected competition and gets equal or better economy too. It feels strange to praise a modern Chrysler...

I know it's good on paper... that's the big draw. More power, more "refinement" (whatever that means) and more economy. They even sport a big torque curve. Nice. The draw of the older engines is the same draw to a small block chevy. What GM car can you go to in the junkyard to get a cylinder head? Almost any of them... That's nice.

If you're buying a 2010 van that needs a replacement head, I think it's your head that needs the replacing!!!

Javelin wrote: If you're buying a 2010 van that needs a replacement head, I think it's *your* head that needs the replacing!!!

You probably understood the point, yes?

Donebrokeit wrote: Might want to hold up we are having some issues with the 3.6 some are cam phasers and a few engines have been replaced, engineering says that some engines cannot be fixed . Paul B

Care to elaborate?

tuna55 wrote:

Javelin wrote: If you're buying a 2010 van that needs a replacement head, I think it's *your* head that needs the replacing!!!

You probably understood the point, yes?

Well, yeah, but did you get mine? Don't worry about parts availability now, worry about what it will be like in 10 years when A: yours will have 150K miles and 2: will be out of warranty.

Get the Pentastar man!

In reply to tuna55:

The exhaust cam phasers are not reseting when the engine is turned off (stop) and the exhaust valves are staying open and bending the valves on start up. We have been replacing the cam phasers and flashing the PCM.

We have had a few cars/ trucks that the exhaust phasers, exhaust valves and heads have been replaced and the car/ truck would still bend the valves, then replace the engine (complete). I know Chry is working on this and they should have it figured out soon (fingers crossed).

As for the bearing in the trans that was on the early 62TE trans, most just needed a set of new bearings and a shim and all seems to be ok.

Overall the 3.6 seems to be a good engine and is not that hard to work on.

Any other questions?

Paul B

Donebrokeit wrote: In reply to tuna55: The exhaust cam phasers are not reseting when the engine is turned off (stop) and the exhaust valves are staying open and bending the valves on start up. We have been replacing the cam phasers and flashing the PCM. We have had a few cars/ trucks that the exhaust phasers, exhaust valves and heads have been replaced and the car/ truck would still bend the valves, then replace the engine (complete). I know Chry is working on this and they should have it figured out soon (fingers crossed). As for the bearing in the trans that was on the early 62TE trans, most just needed a set of new bearings and a shim and all seems to be ok. Overall the 3.6 seems to be a good engine and is not that hard to work on. Any other questions? Paul B

Paul, Sure!

What's your opinion on Pentastar vs 3.8 for reliability, unkillability and real world useability? Does the Pentastar gat the mileage benefit they claim? Is the 6 speed any less durable than the 4?

Tuna both of your questions are kind of hard to answer, the 3.6 has not been in production long enough to pass judgment on the long term life, as for usability seems to be good as we have had a few people towing small campers and small boats with no complaints.

Since I do not drive a 3.6 car / truck I cannot say much on fuel economy but I have not seen anyone complain about it.

As for the 41TE Vs. 62TE each has its strong and weak suit, the 41TE is well known and overall easy (from a trans position) to easy to work on and parts are cheap, but limited to four gears and has left a bad taste in many peoples mouth. The 62TE is not the easiest trans to work on and some cars/ truck seem to have shift concern (speed).

Hope this helps.

Paul B

well I think I just bought one. First minivan. First carloan. Now I'll own two silver Chryslers... weird.

And....?

Pentastar or no?

Javelin wrote: And....? Pentastar or no?

yeah. Sorry I wasn't clear, I was responding to my initial post, a 2011. Pentastar, 6 spd, power windows, doors, gate.

Excellent!

Went to Carmax - forgot the checkbook. I have to go back again today. The good news (blessing in disguise) is that I put a Craigslist ad in for the Freestyle for $3500, $1000 over the Carmax trade in offer. Some just drove it away, the ad was placed 7 hours ago.

In reply to tuna55:

That's excellent!!

That is excellent. We bought our 07 in 08 because we just didn't like the body style of the new ones. They have grown on us enough that we will upgrade in the next year or so. Keep us up to date on yours!

I just drove a journey with the pentastar motor. Went well and we averaged 27 mpg, we weren't being kind either.

That motor makes a wrangler run 15.2. That's semi-shocking.

Most things i have heard are good. The issues brought up will be covered and eventually rectified before the warranty period is up.

I love me some 3.3/3.8 and 604, but for a vehicle that size/weight... it would be a major compromise. Sort of like how the 5000lb 3.8 wranglers made dumbass jeep owners think the 3.8 was a gutless motor even though it pretty much beats the old 4.0 in every rpm range.. its amazing what 1300 lbs of vehicle obesity will do to color your opinion of a motor..

Congrats on purchase.

congrats on purchase and on sale.