V8 or straight 6 for 2004 Grand Cherokee 4×4?

I will say 6 cylinder because I am not familiar with the V8 options in the Grands and their reliability.

 

My '94 GC had the straight 6 and performed fine. Fortunately Chrysler had the 7/70k power train warranty as the trans failed prematurely with no warning. I'd venture to say both engine choices have similar reliability. The V8 was the more powerful, fun choice and stronger for towing. Electrical gremlins plagued both models evenly so just be ready to deal with those quirks.

 

The biggest advantage of the V8 is a vastly better transmission (the 545RFE). The biggest disadvantage of the V8 is the tendency to drop valves if they're overheated. 'Course this is fixable if you have the heads rebuilt, but then that turns into $$$. All depends if the extra power and torque and better transmission is worth it to you.

 

I6 4.0L.
dependable and room to work on the legendary engine, not something you can say of the 4.7.

 

Depends on what you have now. Motor changes are quite involved. Some people like the work. Its easier to stay with what you have and upgrade for performance enhancement, then to swap to another type of motor. IMO both the I6 and 4.7 are great motors.

 

NO I will not let that go by.

Not the part about swapping from a 4.0 to a 4.7, to much for no gain.

The part of comparing the LEGENDARY 4.0 TO A 3rd rate 4.7!!
there were the truck series 318s the larger displacement 360s both were nice haulers, good v8s, but not a comparison as that 4.7 has no standing in that debate, if the choice is 4.0 or 4.7 hands down 4.0 the I6 has the stage.

That stuff is for medicinal use!! Not recreational delusions, maybe a mental escape if you own a 4.7.

 

I'm not comparing one motor against the other. I Just don't believe that if you have the 4.7, the cost is not worth switching to the I6. If one is going to that expense one might as well install an LS or hemi, motor or the older 318 magnum even. The original question was I6 or V8. Granted he did not specify which v8, we just assumed he was talking about the 4.7. I do believe as you do that the 4.0 is a better platform than the 4.7 with all of the aftermarket out there for it you could easily build anaturally aspirated 300+hp 4.0 all while keeping your reliability. If I had 2 identical Grand Cherokees with the only differences being 4.0 or 4.7 to choose from I'd pic the 4.0.