Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8

keithkaufman5

That's interesting to me. I rented a FX35 with the 18's in California when I was on a business trip. I really thought the thing was pretty harsh, but possibly it was just the roads then??? I'm from PA, well known for some of the worst roads in the country. Obviously yours had the 20's. How did it compare to other SUV's you owned? About the srt...Jeeps site apparently leaves a lot to be desired, because they definitely have it pegged for Cylinder Deactivation under the specs on the site. I had a pretty good feeling some of the info on there was wrong. Did you ever have a 5.9?

2002svtf150

Actually I did have a 5.9 of sorts. My 5.9 was simply called a 360 & was in a full-size 2 door 1977 Cherokee with full time 4WD. It was a fun truck & got 8.5 mpg no matter what, in town, on the road, towing a house, etc.! I've searched the Jeep & the SRT sites & have found the "Multi Displacement" as they refer to it listed only as pertaining to the 5.7 Hemi. The 6.1 does not come with this technology surprisingly.

blkhemi

I too have a '98 5.9L Limited JGC. This thing was a hoot to drive back then and still is, despite NOT being the "fastest SUV" anymore, thanks to the SRT. The 5.9 seems more practical than the SRT, particularly since the JGC didn't loose tow ability and it could still go off-road. BUT trust me, the SRT's performance more than makes up for the short fall. Oddly enough, I paid $38.5K for my 5.9, not far off the mark of the $39.5K(you're not going to find one this price) SRT, and it has 170 more hp and better equippment than the 5.9. Thanks DC for not pricing this thing at about the cost of some peoples homes.

I've loved my SRT every since I've turned the key over to fire it up. Also love seeing the faces of disbelief of owners of Porsche's, Vette's, Mustangs, WHATEVER it may be.

As for the ride quality, it's nowhere near as punishing as the FX45 w/20's ,the Porsche Cayenne w/20's, the BMW X5 4.8is w/20's, ot the Range Rover Sport w/20's. This is because the JGC starts off with an already supple suspensiona and chassis. Then they firm it up and install 20's whereas the competition's suspensions start life as Euro-firm and then they're firmed even more to the point of teeth rattling.

keithkaufman5

thank you so much for your perspective. i am curious what kind of mileage you're getting from your srt? i've seen epa estimates of 12/15 at some sites and anywhere from 12-14/19-20 on others. my bet would be right in the middle. i can't imagine any car company producing a car that gets mileage as bad as 12/15 with gas prices what they are, even if people would buy it (a little irresponsible if you ask me). that being said, even if the srt is 12/15, that sucker's still nasty. i love my 5.9L, but i don't know if i'm willing to downgrade on efficiency to 12/15. what are your thoughts on the 4.8is and it's 16/21 efficiency? that's pretty darned good for all that power and speed. oh, one more thing, since you own both of my dream cars, can you please compare the ride in the 5.9L to the srt. Thank you so much

megamike

I'm still waiting on those pics of your Inferno Red.

By the way, did your SRT come with the drilled pedals attached, or did the dealer instal them?

M

blkhemi

No since in beating around the bush, the SRT is not your choice if mileage is of concern. I achive right around 15 on the highway and a dismal 11 in the city. BUT, my style of driving dictates the bad mileage. Some guys on other forums say they can get 14 in the city and upwards of 19 on the highway. Just like any car, especially performance cars, gas mileage will not be the best. I drove to the Rose Bowl this year(about a 700 mile drive), and that is when I achieved the highest(16.9 mpg) reading since I've owned it, which read 1.2 mpg when I got it at the dealership. As for the Bimmer, that 16/21 is a bit optimistic seeing how most testers have only acheived 13 to 14 mpg, city or highway. I would also be leary of the fact that the 225hp I-6 model has the exact same rating.

As for the ride compared to the 5.9, no contest the 5.9 is the luxury rider of the duo. 93-98 JGC was known for it's supple ride while providing tenacious off-road capability. The SRT is firm, however it's not too firm to spoil the experience. It's about the same firmness that the Charger and 300 SRT models have.

blkhemi

Sorry about the pics, I'll try to get them posted when I get back home(I'm having fun in Vail now)

As for the pedals, yes they were dealer installed.

2002svtf150

My H2 I'm using as a daily driver gets 8-9.5 mpg around town, but it has reached as high as 11 mpg on the Interstate. To be fair my Interstate travel is usually at 80-85 mph or so, and contrary to popular belief the H2 isn't all that aerodynamic. I can't wait to jump up to 11-12 around town & an amazing 14-15 on the highway with my GC SRT-8. I'll keep the H2 for towing the toys, off-roading, etc. And, I'll drive the H2 often to those dangerous locations where I shudder to think about parking the SRT-8......Mall parking lots, LOL.

njmundyesq

I've driven my Black SRT8 over 200 miles now. It is truly awesome. I also have a 2003 Infiniti G35 coupe. It sounds crazy, but the SRT8 ride and handling is very similiar. It's definitely a sport-tuned suspension. But the SRT8 is a lot more fun because of the WOW factor and unbelievable torque. And for those who wonder if its practical, keep in mind that the interior dimensions are exactly the same as a standard Grand Cherokee - in other words, it functions perfectly as a true muscle car, and as a true SUV. As for gas mileage, I've gotten an abysmal 9mpg thus far. Of course, I drive FAST.

keithkaufman5

last question for ya, then i promise i'll drop the comparison between the 5.9 and the srt. compare the gas mileage to your 5.9. is it similar or is it obvious that it's worse? seriously, thank you all for your input and perspectives, you've been giving me much better info than even the car websites and magazines give in their reviews.

keithkaufman5

megamike, do you have any good ones? I've done the searches and always come up with the same sites, most of which are sites that were talking about the upcoming release of the srt. I've found few reviews or sites dedicated to the srt. i know about the drivesrt.com, but that doesn't give much info.

06blksrt8

check out wkjeeps.com, they seem to have alot of info and some good pics.

azsrt

I agree with 06blksrt8. wkjeeps.com has the latest info. I also found this link to be very informative. http://www.autosite.com/content/shared/articles/templates/index.cfm/article_id_i- nt/919

blkhemi

My 5.9 averages roughly 16 mpg in normal driving conditions, city or highway. So to sum it upm the difference in mileage is miniscule, maybe 1-2 mpg.

The old "360" is an old-tech motor with an old-tech appetite for petro. Just like the 318(5.2L), and this why DC went to the 4.7L and 5.7L motors. Smoother, quieter, and thriftier than either of those motors.

But for the amount of power that the SRT puts down on the street and the fact that the JGC weighs 4800 pounds, the 15mpg that I get on the highway seems like a bonus.:)

keithkaufman5

thanks blkhemi, i appreciate all your info. as a side note for all the guys looking for pics, ebay usually has a couple of auctions going for srt-8's and i've seen some real nice pics on there. i'm sure a bunch of you already knew that, but i'm hoping to give new info to somebody.

megamike

keithkaufman5, Check my profile and send me an e-mail. I'll help you find more info on the truck.

blkhemi

I'm glad that I'm able to help answer any questions that you have. B'tween myself and the other Moparheads on this forum, I'm pretty sure that we'll be able to answer any Jeep-related questions you may have.

BTW, I took my 5.9 in for the 30,000 mile service the other day. While waiting on it, the general manager approached me and asked if ever drive it because of the low mileage. I replied "hardly ever". He asked if I mined if they do an appraisal on it. Of course, I said yes. After everything was done he came to me and offered me $10.5k for it. I naturally turned him down, but is was fun to see that this 8 year old truck still commands a hefty sum. Even with all of Jeeps past quality gaffes, they still retain value extremely well.

Wonder what they'll charge for a used SRT-8 in 2010? $30k??????? Maybe so.:P

keithkaufman5

In my opinion, Jeep missed the boat on 2 issues, and my question is are any current owners of an SRT-8 doing anything on their own to correct these "letdowns".
1) the lack of a roof rack seems pretty dumb to me. I can't imagine a roof rack causes that much drag, especially if they made it low profile like the 5.9L. I want to use my SRT-8 to get to the slopes with my skis and some friends when I get it, not just to get around town. Anyone having one put on? Is it even possible to have one put on either by a dealership or a custom shop?

2) where are the zenon lights? If they want to compete (and beat in all our opinions) BMW, Porsche, and MB, they've gotta have zenon's. Anybody putting them in themselves or having the dealership do it?

Those are the only 2 "misses" I see on the SRT-8. I'd be interested to hear from you owners on these issues and also hear if anyone else thinks they missed the boat on anything else.

blkhemi

I've had both added to my SRT. I got a regular JGC roof rack off of an '06. As for the lights, I bought an aftermarket kit off of E-bay. It's from the same supplier that BMW uses. And to me, Bimmer has the best Xenon application. Their lights change from deep purple from afar to a piercing blue when the car approaches another car.

I was told by my DC rep that Jeep omitted the roof rack because it took away from the "sporting" appeal of the SRT. My buddy who just bought a TB SS said that Chevy told him the same thing about the missing roof rack on the TB. Porsche doesn't have one standard, nor does Range Rover. So I guess they figure the average owner won't be putting anything up there. Go figure.

clineboy

Hi blkhemi-
I have my SRT8 on order, pretty base model, but I got the local dealer to deal, saving more than $1k off MSRP. 2 questions.
1. How are you liking the Jeep? (just because I am anxious)
2. Can you give a few more details on the lights? Manufacturer and model. I'd like to get those on order soon.

Thanks,
Steve

blkhemi

It's not a question of liking the SRT, it's more like I'm LOVING it. This thing has delivered on the promise of what Jeep stated: "The ultimate bang for the buck (besides Corvette, of course)".

As for the lights, if I'm not mistaken, they were constructed by KBB. They are the main supplier for most of the Euro cars, BMW and Merc definetely. Not sure about the model designation, but the kit was interchangeable with the stock headlamp unit. The bulbs, ballasts, and necessary hardware was all included. The kit set me back about 400 bucks, but it was money well spent. I've got them on my Commander also. The HID's light up the road very well and the road signs are now readable on dark highways.

06blksrt8

When you went on e-bay for the xenon lights what do you search for? Also, did you do the installation yourself? If you have anymore info about them can you let me know. Thanks

blkhemi

I looked under "Grand Cherokee" and then under keywords, I searched lights or "HID"

keithkaufman5

here's one for ya since you seem to be so knowledgeable about Jeeps: My 5.9L has been the perfect car, never had any mechanical problem with it and I have over 87k on it. The only problem I've ever had, and this is ever since the beginning, is the front tires bald on the inside like i've never seen before. Every year when I get an inspection, I need new front tires (I'm not exagerating), the white of the tires is showing through. I tried having the dealer look at it and a very good local garage. They both do the usual balance work, but it never is corrected. Is this just a glitch with my 5.9 or have you heard of this before? If you've heard of it, is there anything that can be done about it? I do have Pirellis on the stock wheels, which are obviously soft tires, but come on, 2 new tires every year when they're 60,000 mile tires, that's a little ridiculous, don't you think? HELP!

keithkaufman5

I just took my brother's Car & Driver, and you won't believe what I found inside it. They actually ranked the TBSS ahead of the GC SRT8. Are those guys on drugs or just crazy?

06blksrt8

I know it's ridiculous, but if you look at the numbers it only lost by 2 points total. The TBSS obviously got rated higher on towing capacity, and cargo room, but is anybody seriously using the truck to tow and for cargo. Also I thought was weird was the TBSS got rated 3 points higher on the "Gotta Have It" factor. Just enough to push it past the SRT which by the way blew the TBSS away in every performance related category. Does anybody smell a conspiracy??

azsrt

Total Conspiracy!! Reading the TBSS reviews showed no liking to the "Single" exhaust, which they said couldn't be changed because of the gas tank, personally sounds like an excuse to me for screwing up. Saw a Blk TBSS on the road just the other day, looks ok, but not nearly as sporty and mean as the JGC SRT-8...The SRT-8 spanked the TBSS in every rating when it came to performance like 06blksrt8 suggested.. Can't wait to get mine...

azsrt

Before I ordered my JGC SRT-8 last Sunday, I had spoken to every Jeep dealer in AZ. I just wanted to review first hand before I ordered it.. Long story short, I couldn't wait any longer for them to call me because of "transport" delays, I went across the street to the Barrett-Jackson auto show a few weeks ago. Paid $40 bucks to get in and $20 to valet as the line just getting on the bus to Barrett-Jackson in the economy lot was too long. They were showcasing all SRT-8 models and over 85% of the spectators were around the jeep. To be able to sit in it and take pictures was an experience. I was hooked at first sight. 3 dealers have called me during the work week these past weeks. 2 Blk and 1 silver. First dealer sold a blk one in 3 hrs to a Porsche Cayenne Turbo owner. The dealer where I ordered mine was sold to a guy who saw the SRT-8 on the delivery truck ask if it was sold yet, they said no and he bought it at $10K over MSRP. The silver one was sold yesterday within an hour after they called me and about 20 other guys. Going like hot cakes...

blkhemi

Some Quadra-Trac JGC's were known for what it called "inner-toe" alignment probs. This causes either the front or all tires to bald either on the outside or inside of it. I've, fortunately, haven't experienced this with the 5.9, but I did have it on my Q-T equipped '96 JGC LTD 5.2 Some dealers have said that there is no fix, others have attempted and while it works for the time being, it usually starts over again.

And those tires on the 5.9 don't come cheap. I would try a very good alignment shop in your neck of the woods, like a Goodyear or the like.

jeepster9

I've had one ordered for over a month. Factory isn't shipping them yet/ Anybody know why? A possible problem with them? Gene

blkhemi

This is one of the most illegitiment and just plain BIASED comparo's ever. C&D has finally let me down COMPLETELY. How does a performance-based comparo end up being about the one with the most cargo room? The SRT whole-heartedly shredded the TB in EVERY performance-related category.

The TBSS is a great performance SUV, but it is no SRT. In fact a long way from it.

jeepster9

A local C 300C Srt-8 owner told me car his runs door handle to door handle with a stock Corvette auto. One Corvette owner sold his Vette and ordered a SRT-8! Chrysler already has three computer changes that makes over 500 hp. The GC has the same potential but with the all wheel drive system it applies more power to the pavement and the Computer doesn't cut back the bottom end power like the 300C. I'm already looking into marketing some extra HP mods to make mine FLY! PS. Folks, I sold a 550 hp Buick Grand National to buy my JGC SRT-8 and know all the performance mods to make extra HP! This 6.1 Hemi will make 600 HP easy and hold up! Also DC has a 6.5 Hemi on tap! Gene

jeepster9

Whatcha think? Annual National Race, Road Course, Drag Race, DC Sponsered, HP Mods and Tuning Tips. One National Event and several Reginal Events across the Nation. Send me any ideas or comments. I'll start doing the ground work to start this! Gene Bommer; ilbcnu6@comcast.net PS. I'll even contact DC Marketing to get their input.

stever

Whatcha think?

I think you are going to get a lot of spam by posting your email address in a public forum that is indexed by the major search engines.

Let me know if you want to edit your post - you'll run less risk of spam if you mark your email public in your profile since profiles aren't indexed and require a little click-through effort to reach (frustrating most spam bots).

Steve, Host

prudemonkey

So I finally find a Black SRT at a local dealership and he tells me the thing has been sold for 3 months, however they have 2 more coming in. 1 Black and one Silver. Th black one has performance group 1 and DVD rear entertainment - if I placed my deposit with him today, it is mine for $46,000 - this price actually sounds like a bargain. If I am not mistaken with the option group 1 and dvd option, this thing should be $49,000 - does this sound right to you guys? Either way I still need 6 more months before I can even think about getting rid of my Pacifica for a palatable loss.

flstn96

I have to agree with this message! I am expecting delivery of a new Inferno Red SRT8 GC in the next three weeks and had to laugh at the C&D review. Let's be realistic -- I didn't buy this to pull a boat, or haul kids, or plywood. Its the ultimate four-season sports rig. Plus, I can hunt Mustangs and Bimmers for fun. I live in Germany and my fair-weather ride is a 2003 G35 Coupe with a 6-speed manual. I have 13 miles of un-restricted speed-limit on my daily commute. 140 MPH is a regular occurance in good weather. I bought this to have fun! I don't care about mileage in this car. Let's be realistic, if you want to play, you have to pay! Let's Rock!!

flstn96

Hey Gang, glad to see that there are lots of folks interested in this rig. I am interested in doing the following mods right away -- intake and exhaust. I have messages in to K&N and Borla to keep me in the loop about new products for this rig. The GC SRT8 isn't even mentioned on the Mopar site yet -- anyone have any info about mods?
One other thing - I was able to get mine for a smoking deal, but I'm not sure that DC wants me to elaborate.

stever

I was able to get mine for a smoking deal, but I'm not sure that DC wants me to elaborate.

Just tell us in here and it won't go any further .... :P

Steve, Host

cuppy1

I think sticker for a fully loaded SRT8 is $45630.

prudemonkey

Thanks - I haven't looked hard at pricing, but it is nice to see that the huge markup over MSRP is not as prevelant now that these are making their way to the dealers.

I too have that issue of C&D and I can't belive that those guys handed the win to the TBSS - huge scores for towing and "gotta have-it", but loses every single performance category and to top it off if you read the article, the remarks made about the TB aren't even all that good - poor transmission, not bolted down as well etc...

As soon as I can get out of our current vehicle, this thing has my name all over it.

cuppy1

Go to www.hennesseyperformance.com, they have some upgrades for all the SRT8 vehicles.

flstn96

Thanks for the tip!

1finejeep

I lucked out and order mine in Nov. and picked up the 3k in rebates before they excluded them from the SRT 8. I love everything about the Jeep. The only option I did not get is the rear dvd and I paid 43,900 drive out. The only question I have is when I get about 65mph there is winingsound coming from the rear end. Does anybody know if this normal?

1finejeep

I found a dealer that has two 300 C SRT 8 in stock and will sell them for 1-2k over sticker. They also just sold a SRT8 JGC for sticker. What are the rules about put dealer info up?

stever

Hi 1finejeep, dealer names/locations are ok to post. Please, no names of individual salespeople. Check the Rules of the Road link on the left sidebar for more.

And welcome to the Forums!

Steve, Host

1finejeep

Since its ok.... the dealers name is Ron Carter Chrysler/Jeep in Alvin TX, about 20 miles south/west of Houston

flstn96

OK, OK, here's the deal... Like one of the guys in an earlier post, I waited for pricing to be released and ordered the GC SRT8 before the end of Nov. There was no exclusion of the SRT8 mentioned on any of the Jeep literature, so I pushed the issue and won. I noticed that two days later there is a disclaimer excluding the SRT8. My only screw up was not ordering the NAV system. Oh well, Garmin to the rescue! I've never had a problem reading maps anyway and mapquest will chart a path around the German autobahns. I will probably use the $1200 I saved to buy an after-market exhaust and intake. If anyone is coming to Germany and wants to take a "rocket ride", drop me a line!!

jb_shin

That would have been a tempting offer not too long ago! I was in Berlin until March of 03 and went to Vilseck and Wurzburg quite often. I miss the autobahn.....

freakette

We are replacing the factory speakers in our truck and was wondering if anyone could tell me where the crossover is in the SRT8? Is it in the headunit or in the wiring harness, or built into the factory amplifier? We are wanting full range sound going to all four door speakers. Thanx for any help...freakette

06blksrt8

Hey blkhemi, I can't seem to find any info on those lights on ebay, do you have the sellers name or any other information about them that would help me? Also does the intake and exhaust system void the factory warranty, my parts guy that I deal with is on vac. and I'm trying to find out where to order them from also. Thanks a'lot