Too much power?!?

[cgrosen324]

I’ve had my 392XR for two weeks now and I love it. That being said I feel like the motor is somewhat wasted in a Wrangler. The handling is definitely better than the previous JK, but I feel like it should be more dialed in for what’s under the hood. I’ve also noticed the front end jerks a bit to the right when you open it up on the highway…kinda scary. I was thinking maybe stiffer springs and different shocks would help? I plan to add the Fox steering stabilizer - I know it won’t do much but it’ll tighten that steering up a bit. Thoughts?

 

[hardhat]

I’ve had my 392XR for two weeks now and I love it. That being said I feel like the motor is somewhat wasted in a Wrangler. The handling is definitely better than the previous JK, but I feel like it should be more dialed in for what’s under the hood. I’ve also noticed the front end jerks a bit to the right when you open it up on the highway…kinda scary. I was thinking maybe stiffer springs and different shocks would help? I plan to add the Fox steering stabilizer - I know it won’t do much but it’ll tighten that steering up a bit. Thoughts?

Mine does fine on the highway when standing on it. Front end comes up, but haven't had side to side jerking. Now a launch from standstill can be pretty dramatic . I think you'll get used to it. If you have play in the steering, consider tightening the steering box to remove steering wheel play. Made a huge difference in mine. Be careful with this however as you can damage the steering box if you overtighten it. Go 1/8 turn at a time and take your time. Youtube videos on how to do this.

 

[scarab]

Just get the Bronco
Sorry, couldn’t resist, especially considering your “current rides“ section

 

[bwoodbmw]

haha... the general insanity of this power in a wrangler is what makes it fun. I for one wouldn't mind even a bit more just for the hell of it. And no, this will car will never inspire confidence with speed/handling. Its basically a refrigerator with 500hp. I have wondered how the AEV dual sport suspension changes the ride. I know there are 1 or 2 members on here that have it, would love them to chime in.

 

[Idaho392]

I’ve had my 392XR for two weeks now and I love it. That being said I feel like the motor is somewhat wasted in a Wrangler. The handling is definitely better than the previous JK, but I feel like it should be more dialed in for what’s under the hood. I’ve also noticed the front end jerks a bit to the right when you open it up on the highway…kinda scary. I was thinking maybe stiffer springs and different shocks would help? I plan to add the Fox steering stabilizer - I know it won’t do much but it’ll tighten that steering up a bit. Thoughts?

I have a "tuned" regular 392 and it has never pulled to one side or even been a problem driving at 85mph on the freeway. Might be worth having someone check your alignment, and I would double check your tire pressures and make sure all 4 are exactly the same.

 

[cgrosen324]

Just get the Bronco
Sorry, couldn’t resist, especially considering your “current rides“ section

I should update that - traded the Raptor for the 392.

 

[cgrosen324]

Mine does fine on the highway when standing on it. Front end comes up, but haven't had side to side jerking. Now a launch from standstill can be pretty dramatic . I think you'll get used to it. If you have play in the steering, consider tightening the steering box to remove steering wheel play. Made a huge difference in mine. Be careful with this however as you can damage the steering box if you overtighten it. Go 1/8 turn at a time and take your time. Youtube videos on how to do this.

You’re probably right - just something I need to get used to.

 

[JBD jeep]

I’ve had my 392XR for two weeks now and I love it. That being said I feel like the motor is somewhat wasted in a Wrangler. The handling is definitely better than the previous JK, but I feel like it should be more dialed in for what’s under the hood. I’ve also noticed the front end jerks a bit to the right when you open it up on the highway…kinda scary. I was thinking maybe stiffer springs and different shocks would help? I plan to add the Fox steering stabilizer - I know it won’t do much but it’ll tighten that steering up a bit. Thoughts?

Its called Torque!!!
and lots of it!

Heck, what do I know i am still in D status.

 

[stumblinhorse]

So far for me it feels like this engine combo is “just right”. Sometimes I wish it had more and sometimes I think “wow”. My 3.6 JKUR was ridiculously gutless. i ran 285/75/17 on 4.10s and it was an embarrassment. Trying keep up with traffic was challenging and would often cause coolant temps into 240+.

I jumped at the 392 to get a vehicle that wasn’t gutless. But my other vehicles all have more power than the 392, except my 69 d100…. It is only around 300Hp.

 

[hardhat]

haha... the general insanity of this power in a wrangler is what makes it fun. I for one wouldn't mind even a bit more just for the hell of it. And no, this will car will never inspire confidence with speed/handling. Its basically a refrigerator with 500hp. I have wondered how the AEV dual sport suspension changes the ride. I know there are 1 or 2 members on here that have it, would love them to chime in.

I'm with you on the insanity and fun. It is hard not to leave people at stoplights. The poor mustang has no idea that he is about to get his @$$ handed to him by a jeep.... Fun to drive around knowing that you have the quickest vehicle off the line. You can beat just about anyone 0-30 or 0-60 unless they are very good at launching. It's almost unfair. Total sleeper (especially in quiet mode). Passing people on 2 lane roads is fun too. Amazing how fast this thing will get going before you get around someone and get back in your lane. The power makes passing safer and more fun.

I had the aev on the jk and it was great. Only real concern I have with a lift is having to get a new driveshaft. Can have vibration with the double carden driveshaft and the stock cv front driveshaft does not like very high angles. I had to replace the front driveshaft cv several times on my jk. Assuming JL would have same problems.

I am going to stay stock on the lift until I hear some longer term reports from lifted 392's. The stock setup is great for now. I'm strongly considering not getting an extended warranty and pulling the trigger on the livernois tune. They have dynoed a couple of jeep and picked up 40hp in the midrange and get rid of dip in the torque curve that seems to be common to these engines. Also can tune transmission to get firmer, faster shifts....

HP tuners are intriguing too, as you can get a license and adjust the tune yourself I believe.

 

[Idaho392]

I'm with you on the insanity and fun. It is hard not to leave people at stoplights. The poor mustang has no idea that he is about to get his @$$ handed to him by a jeep.... Fun to drive around knowing that you have the quickest vehicle off the line. You can beat just about anyone 0-30 or 0-60 unless they are very good at launching. It's almost unfair. Total sleeper (especially in quiet mode). Passing people on 2 lane roads is fun too. Amazing how fast this thing will get going before you get around someone and get back in your lane. The power makes passing safer and more fun.

I had the aev on the jk and it was great. Only real concern I have with a lift is having to get a new driveshaft. Can have vibration with the double carden driveshaft and the stock cv front driveshaft does not like very high angles. I had to replace the front driveshaft cv several times on my jk. Assuming JL would have same problems.

I am going to stay stock on the lift until I hear some longer term reports from lifted 392's. The stock setup is great for now. I'm strongly considering not getting an extended warranty and pulling the trigger on the livernois tune. They have dynoed a couple of jeep and picked up 40hp in the midrange and get rid of dip in the torque curve that seems to be common to these engines. Also can tune transmission to get firmer, faster shifts....

HP tuners are intriguing too, as you can get a license and adjust the tune yourself I believe.

I have had the Livernois tune for 3 months now... absolutely love it. For the money, there isn't a better mod you can make.

 

[deanfromoregon]

I’ve had my 392XR for two weeks now and I love it. That being said I feel like the motor is somewhat wasted in a Wrangler. The handling is definitely better than the previous JK, but I feel like it should be more dialed in for what’s under the hood. I’ve also noticed the front end jerks a bit to the right when you open it up on the highway…kinda scary. I was thinking maybe stiffer springs and different shocks would help? I plan to add the Fox steering stabilizer - I know it won’t do much but it’ll tighten that steering up a bit. Thoughts?

You're talking about the way the front end torques when you get on it?

That's a muscle car problem. You bought a muscle car, enjoy it.

 

[Jeepstin392]

I’ve had my 392XR for two weeks now and I love it. That being said I feel like the motor is somewhat wasted in a Wrangler. The handling is definitely better than the previous JK, but I feel like it should be more dialed in for what’s under the hood. I’ve also noticed the front end jerks a bit to the right when you open it up on the highway…kinda scary. I was thinking maybe stiffer springs and different shocks would help? I plan to add the Fox steering stabilizer - I know it won’t do much but it’ll tighten that steering up a bit. Thoughts?

You should just sell it.
Who ever heard of “too much power”?

 

[YukonCornelius]

Thoughts?

You can NEVER have too much power!

 

[Uncommon Sense]

Better to have too much power and not need it than to need it and not have it.

Twice I have bought cars without the most powerful engine offered in an attempt to be sensible. Most recently, I got a Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 instead of the SRT as I thought it was silly. I've regretted it ever since. This is why I am going 392 this time.

 

[Bacon392]

OP, There are four engines for the JL below the 392 output that may be of interest to you

 

[cgrosen324]

OP, There are four engines for the JL below the 392 output that may be of interest to you

Ummmmm….nope. I’ve owned two Raptors so this motor isn’t out of league. My last Wrangler was a 16 Rubi so I’m also accustomed to the horribly under-powered 6. I’m well aware of what Jeep engines are available. I was just curious what other folks thought. Hey, at least you didn’t say “you should go buy a Prius.” I also should have known I’d get all these awesome smart ass comments.

 

[Jeepstin392]

Ummmmm….nope. I’ve owned two Raptors so this motor isn’t out of league. My last Wrangler was a 16 Rubi so I’m also accustomed to the horribly under-powered 6. I’m well aware of what Jeep engines are available. I was just curious what other folks thought. Hey, at least you did say “you should go buy a Prius.” I also should have known I’d get all these awesome smart ass comments.

I was thinking of the Prius comment, but it’s not original and way over used.

 

[byhumba]

I feel like it should be more dialed in for what’s under the hood.

I think a Wrangler and a 6.4 L Hemi are a match made in hell...and we love our 392s for that reason. No way to dial that vehicle to that engine. I think the engineers did as well as they could.

I was thinking maybe stiffer springs and different shocks would help?

The Wrangler's DNA is that of an offroader. The stiffer springs and different shocks may remove some of that DNA to make it more tamed on-road. For people who never offroad or don't think about offroading it, then this is probably the way to go.

 

[Turboencabulator]

I’ve had my 392XR for two weeks now and I love it. That being said I feel like the motor is somewhat wasted in a Wrangler. The handling is definitely better than the previous JK, but I feel like it should be more dialed in for what’s under the hood. I’ve also noticed the front end jerks a bit to the right when you open it up on the highway…kinda scary. I was thinking maybe stiffer springs and different shocks would help? I plan to add the Fox steering stabilizer - I know it won’t do much but it’ll tighten that steering up a bit. Thoughts?

I appreciate the honest review dude. All the power in the world is useless if you can’t control it with precision. I am an instructor pilot and am constantly telling my guys “it’s all about energy management” you can stand it on the tail at takeoff but it’s a different animal at 51,000 ft. I’m sure the 392 has it’s own nuances that I will need to learn but it’s nice to know the pitfalls where I might get myself into trouble, so thanks for the report.
I wonder if there is a difference between the 392XR and the regular 392 in the road manners department. I am sure there are some gyroscopic forces at work due to the tire size, and torque on tap.