Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8

kec8 · April 2006

So what is the best way to take the "Jeep" badges off without damaging the paint or the badge?

06blksrt8 · April 2006

I took mine off using a heat gun, and then a little bit of compound. Looks like they were never there. Unfortunately the "Jeep" got all bent up, but I'm sure they can be replaced relatively cheap.

ctgcsrt8 · April 2006

I know we didnt buy this awesome vehicle for its terrific radio, but I was wondering if anyone has done anything to improve the sound. I'm not expecting a philharmonic nor a boom box, just decent sound range. Both the FM and Sirius stations frequently sound like crackling paper in the higher ranges to me. I have the integrated NAV system so I guess any changes to the radio will be difficult or too expensive. But maybe replacing speakers will do.
Any ideas ?

srt8fan · April 2006

I am awaiting JL Audio to release the Cleansweep unit - my requirement is to keep the Nav Radio head unit and Video Entertainment system (VES) in place. Without cutting any wires the factory head unit will plug into the cleansweep and the expansion options at that point are endless.

The wish is to get even more fancy - by adding a passenger visor video screen and also configure a custom 27" LCD screen in the back with an XBOX360. Ideally the XBOX360 would be hooked up to the sound system with these JL parts as just another AUX input, similar to adding an iPOD for example. This would be coupled with some custom subs and speakers all around.

mobile.jlaudio.com

About a month away for me for the basic cleansweep and replacement of stock BA speakers, but it is fun crafting up the ideas of what is possible. :-)

stever · April 2006

Another techniques (besides heat guns) is using dental floss to gently work the badge off. Some people use both heat and floss.

There's more in the Removing stickers, labels, decals, glue, sap... discussion.

Steve, Host

guy21 · April 2006

At the Reno, NV auto museum there is a 1970's vintage Jeep Wagoneer with a V-12 Ferrari engine in it. One of the casino owners (Bill Harrah maybe) got tired of the lack of power in his Wagoneer going over the Sierra's to Lake Tahoe. I wonder how it would run against a modern counterpart.

azsrt · April 2006

I'm short of words. I have truly enjoyed reading everyone's forums for months now and I know why. I mentioned a few days ago that I was going to pick up my SRT-8. My fiance had asked me multiple times if I was excited about getting my jeep. I couldn't answer the question until I personally started up the SRT-8 myself. Let's just say, I'm excited and almost feel as if I'm getting away with something. I'll try to keep this short.

I went online during my lunch hour last Wednesday to once again search for the holy grail. I decided to check out www.cars.com They had 6 available throughout the country. Different colors, miles and options. I called on a red on in Colorado. Phil Long Jeep in Denver to be more specific. The red one was sold the day before, but the sales guy continues to say that he has a silver one still available. I got the details, less then 100 miles and again, "available" and he was looking at the SRT-8, not getting one in a few weeks. I secured the truck with my credit card, which is the same one that secured a black on in Arizona, still yet to be built. Told the fiance we are going to Denver and booked the flights. What?, she wanted to be part of the experience and likes the idea as much as me.

Flight left on time, car ride to the dealer was simple, yet 40 minutes away. We arrived at 8:00 PM, dealer closes at 9:00. My sales guy was waiting for me outside to greet. We said our "finally nice to meet you's" and he walked me over to a recently detailed silver JGC SRT-8 with my name on it. She was beautiful!! I walked around her and checked her out up and down. Signed the paperwork and we were ready to go. Now, things get interesting. As I shaked hands and was getting into my jeep, I noticed the dealership was emptying outside waiting for me to start her up. I smiled and said that I have only heard the jeep on TV and never in person, they just smiled and said just wait. She was perfect. My fiance smiled, I slowly put it into Drive and rolled away. No more then 6 miles into it, I have a dodge hemi checking me out,pointing and trying to egg me on to drop the hammer. The jeep was perfect all 900 miles home. I of course stopped at every gas station with the fear I wouldn't make it to the next one 100 miles away, but I didn't mind and I just liked starting it back up and cleaning the exhaust tips with the available paper towels. Was interviewed 3 times at 3 different gas stations. The SRT-8 JGC should be illegal. I made sure I watched the odo hit every even 100 miles and when she hit 400 I dumped it. I'm talking 80-100 in seconds, it was too easy and I just smiled. She ran the hills like a champ and kept up with the flow of traffic, of course it was my flow until the first hill comes and then I noticed we had the road to ourselves. I was up this morning at 6:45 AM ready for my first hands on detail. Again, interviewed by a few guys asking if I wouldn't mind showing them what's under the hood and if I would start it back up. It's flattering and I'm pleased and lucky to be part of the family. Those who are still waiting, it's worth it.

Getting the front windows tinted tomorrow morning, and I expect to be up cleaning it again before I roll into the office.

Cheers

06blksrt8 · April 2006

The truck is going in on May 2nd, for full headers and exhaust. He's using my truck as the prototype vehicle for the area, by then I'll have the CAI on, I'll post some hp numbers after it gets dynoed! Hope everyone is enjoying the truck as much as me, except for gas is around $3.30 a gallon around here.

megasrt8 · April 2006

$3.30 gallon...OUCH!!

I'm still squeezing out $2.95 around the corner at a Citgo here in Miami. I'll put Cheveron or Shell in every 5th or 6th fill-up for their cleaning agents, but I drive too much to spoil her on every fill-up.

stever · April 2006

$3.30 is getting close to Freak Out Time. (Strategies Blog)

Steve, Host

06blksrt8 · April 2006

Unfortunately the gas is actually more at some places, it seems to only be rising. One place I saw was up to $3.40. This is crazy, I wonder what the excuse for the huge rise in prices is.

cman2 · April 2006

If anyone's interested, I got a call from Fields Jeep in Northfield, IL. They say they will part for the car at sticker price. Black.

rthomas1 · April 2006

This week I started shopping for an suv for my wife and for our weekend car. I wanted a grand cherokee or a vw tourague. While at my local jeep dealer I figured I would ask about the srt8. I was told special order only, I would pay a premium and the order may never go through, and even if it did it would be a min 6 months. Rejected I left only to see an amazing vehicle in a roped off area down by the service area. Went back in to ask how the owner of it got his and found it was the store owners and he wasn't interested in selling. Well I brought the wife up that evening to look at since we had never seen one and wanted to show her what I really wanted. Talked to the sales manager he said since i was their again and showing interest her would make a phone call to see if it was available. Ended up the owner wasn't sure but said we could drive it since we were so not leaving him alone. The damn thing was started, the ground rumbled and my wife got the biggest grin and we were sold. You cant beat the sound of an american big block. Long story short after an amazing test drive we bought the srt8. Paid MSRP even though it was considered a demo with 1700 miles, But hey I would have paid more if I had to.

PS: anyone have any idea how to turn back on the blue lights that surround the gauges in the instrument cluster?

ctgcsrt8 · April 2006

Thanks for the suggestion. Had the Cleansweep and all new JL Audio speakers and amplifier installed yesterday. Much better!
The installer had to disconnect the front/rear speaker balance, not important to me anyway.
Also that caused the loss of the U-connect handsfree sound which is setup thru the front speaker wiring. They did a work-around and the voice now comes thru the rear speakers.
Lots of positive attention to the truck at the shop. Even more impressive since the shop is surrounded by and caters to all the expensive and exotic car dealerships in the area.

2002svtf150 · April 2006

The "blue light surrounds" are actually blue silicone rings & do not light up, sorry.

rthomas1 · April 2006

Thanks for letting me know, it was driving me insane we could see them all day and then they seemed to dissapear at night. (never said we were the brightest people)

2002svtf150 · April 2006

Hey don't feel bad, this has been asked & answered several times in forums. It would be very cool if this lit up at night & was disappointing to each of us to find it not the case. Good luck & enjoy the GC SRT-8, it's a blast.

tufgcsrt8 · April 2006

I was just notified by my Chrysler Jeep dealer that my Silver SRT8 is in transit and should arrive on or before Wednesday, May 3, 2006. I initially ordered a full tilt (delete rear DVD player) on February 23, 2006 and its now built and making its way to SoCal. The first thing planned is to remove the F/R Jeep badges. I seen several items posted that I would love more details on where to follow suit; a complete header system; cold air intake system; Cleansweep and all new JL Audio speakers and amplifier system; If those of you who have had these components installed please clue me in if these items will be available in the SoCal area ?
Tnx to all;
John  Burbank, CA
TUFSRT8

kec8 · April 2006

Hey, I thought the same thing. It took me a day to realize that they weren't lights too.

06blksrt8 · April 2006

Wanted to know if anyone has done any performance mods to the truck? Any major power increase? Will let everyone know in a couple of weeks about the headers and exhaust I'm getting done.

htron · April 2006

Hello everyone...I just found this forum today, and read all 336 posts, anxiously! My black srt8 was supposed to be in last thursday, but nothing yet...they said it's built, but just not in yet - I'm hoping for Monday!

I do have a couple of questions for current owners, though...for those in the snow belt that have had it out in snow - have you felt the need to buy snow tires?

And, I'm figuring I'll change the oil right after the break-in period...is there a specific oil recommended, or are you using synthetic, or...?

Also, can anyone tell me if the srt8 has a trip computer, where it tells you miles-to-empty, time to change the oil, etc.? Finally, here's a silly question...do all the doors unlock when you shut off the engine, or is that possibly a settable option?

I'm hoping someone will post the mopar perf mod link here when it becomes available...I looked around the mopar site and didn't see anything on the srt8 at all...maybe that's because I'm a lifelong Ford guy and this is the first time I'm buying anything other than Ford, and I'm not familiar with the site/names/etc.!

Can you tell I'm excited?! Hoping it comes in this week! (especially since I sold my explorer friday night, and now I have to rent a car!)

Ron

blkhemi · April 2006

Congrats on the SRT purchase(it would be even better if you had in your possession,huh?).

The SRT does have a info computer that let's you know all of the things that you inquired about.

I kept the factory oil in my 6.1 up to 1000 miles, and then I changed it to Mobil 1 full-synthetic, as is the case with all of my cars. Some may believe that changing the oil out as soon as you get a car is the best thing. This couldn't be furthest from the truth, especially a hi-po motor like the 6.1L. The piston rings and and all internal moving parts seat best when the factory-supplied oil is used for at least through the break-in period.

Living in L.I., you'd think that I'd had it in the snow. Not even a chance. That's why I got the HEMI Ram's and Commander for.

miked23 · April 2006

Please help:

Am I going to get my Black SRT-8? I put the order in on January 21st at Cecil Atkinson Jeep in Burnet, TX. I was able to negotiate the price at $38,170 with the only option being the sunroof. I was told this is the dealer invoice price with that option. I traded in a 2003 M3 as a dealer pass through with a buyer waiting on the other end. Cecil Atkinson has been sitting on my $36K+ money since January. The factory accepted the order and I have had a vehicle order number since that day. I have had minimal proactive contact from the dealer since the purchase and I recently got fed up (April 18th) and decided to make the 1 hour drive (I live in Austin, TX) to get some answers in person. I had the sales person call the factory liason and she told him they were likely not building any more GC SRT8s this year. What she did say was that they were trying to get the factory to committ to two more batches of the older orders that were still not fulfilled and then stop all production of 2006s. The deadlines are supposed to be the end of April and the end of the first week in May for these new build batches to happen, as I was told by the sales person.

I am trying to determine if I am getting another run-around answer and if anyone knows any information about what is going on? Ultimately, am I going to get my truck and if so, how long am I likely going to wait? I just read the post above from "tufgcsrt8" who said that he ordered his on February 23rd and it should be in any day. This order was a month after I ordered mine.

Can anyone she some light on this?

Thanks so much in advance.

blkhemi · April 2006

More on your new SRT.

Yes, there is a selectable feature in which you can unlock the driver's door "only" or all doors when the driver's door is opened, not when switch is cycled off. You can also have just the driver's door unlock with keyless system, or all doors.

I've got a friend who has the Silver SRT and "she!!" has driven her SRT in the snow a few times. She said that the traction is about as good as a Quadra-Trac equipped JGC, just as long as you don't nail it because all four tires will light up on slippery surfaces.

My SRT just turned 3k miles on yesterday, and it just gets better and better with each passing mile. My neighbor has a 300 SRT-8 with 6k miles and he said that all of his performance numbers have gotten better with the miles, and the engine seems more refined, a testament that I can agree with.

The only mods I've installed are:

5" cat-back exhaust(22+ extra hp)
cold-air intake(10+ extra hp)
smaller drive pulley(5+ extra hp)
Goodyear F1 Supercar tires(much stickier than stock)/Giovanna Black Glass wheels to complement the red paint
Performance Chip(supposed 25+ extra hp)

Things I'm still waiting on:
bigger throttle assembly
Stage 2 PCM upgrade
rear lower and upper spoilers
Euro taillamps

When the SRT was new, it posted a 0-60 time of about 4.7 secs. to 60. It now gets there in about 4.2 seconds, quicker than some performance cars(ie: Corvette, Porsche 911, heck even faster than a Ferrari F430 @ "only{" 4.3 seconds to 60.

And it's not all about acceleration with this beast. This thing hangs a .86g when stock, no easy feat for a 4400 pound box. But install great quality tires like the F1's, and that number goes to .93g without breaking a sweat. Point and Shoot.

Overall, I couldn't be more pleased with the purchase of this truck. I was in the process of purchasing a SRT-10 Ram QC because of its incredible performance and huge aftermarket performance parts supply list, but one whirl around DC's proving grounds in Michigan to test the SRT-8, I couldn't turn it down.

resumespeed · May 2006

2006 model year production for the Grand Cherokee is running until July 7th. There is no way that SRT8 production is going to stop in a week. Due to some parts shortages, production has been a little slower the past month or two but it is still near 500 units/month.

Due to the complicated formulas used to assign dealer allocation it is very difficult, even for the dealer, to really know if and when an ordered vehicle is going to come in. Dealers and salespersons have come up with hundreds of different "delay" excuses for the various SRT8 models, most of which are totally untrue.

Your only choice if you do not want to wait is to search inventory lists from other dealers, including out of state, and try to find one you can work a deal on. Probably 99% of what you find is going to be at MSRP or above. And you are probably never going to find a stripped model with just a sunroof, especially if your choice is limited to one color. If the reason for not getting the main option group is financial, I understand, but I believe it is going to be tougher to sell a used base SRT8 Jeep in a few years being that most owners will want those options, especially side air bags.

I wish I had better news, but with a limited production vehicle like the Grand Cherokee SRT8, this is unfortunately what you are up against. I don't understand why DCX/Jeep cannot do a better job in coming up with a better and more definitive ordering process.

resumespeed · May 2006

This thing hangs a .86g when stock, no easy feat for a 4400 pound box. But install great quality tires like the F1's, and that number goes to .93g without breaking a sweat

The Grand Cherokee SRT8 actually weighs about 4,850 Lbs. I am curious though how simply changing to F1 tires would increase the launch g-force numbers. Since there is no tire spin at launch, how are "stickier" tires going to improve on that? I am assuming that you have not installed a mod to totally turn off the ESP.

Have you done any before/after dyno tests on the mods you list? The HP numbers you list seem to be about 2-3x what is typical in real world testing vs claims made by aftermarket companies.

Also, you mentioned changing the factory oil "to fully synthetic Mobile One" which sounded like you were saying that it was changed to a different oil - but the factory fill on the Jeep SRT8 is Mobil 0W-40 synthetic, is that what you used?

cuppy1 · May 2006

I ordered my GCSRT on Jan.6th and just picked it up on Saturday, 16 weeks and 1 day after I placed the order. So hang in there. It won't be much longer and it will be well worth the wait.

miked23 · May 2006

Thank you so much for the response. I know that my dealer has only received qty. 1 GC SRT8 so far, mine would be the second one. They are obviously not a very big dealer for the higher performance srt8 vehicles which probably hurts my chances in terms of allocation.

Is there a way to modify my order to include the option group one? or would that just be a costly ticket to the back of the line?

Initially, it was a financial reason for not selecting the option group 1, now I wish I had since I have the $$. If anyone knows of a black one in the southern U.S. please let me know.

06blksrt8 · May 2006

Hey in post # 338 you said you live in LI, is that long Island, New York? if so, what town.

06blksrt8 · May 2006

once the car goes into production, there is no modifying it to change or add any option. I'm sure there are still some out there, There is about 10 available in Long Island, NY at different dealerships. But g'luck it's definetely worth the wait!

miked23 · May 2006

thanks again! I'll keep looking in the mean time.

miked23 · May 2006

Congrats on picking it up!!!

Do you remember when they actually had a build date for it? That might give me some idea of when I could expect mine since they don't have that yet.

I just called DC and they said there was still no build date and that my dealer would have more information about when it would come in.

blkhemi · May 2006

Actually , those g-force numbers aren't from launch; these are "cornering" g-forces. And the F1 supercar tires are some of the best on the market(ie: Corvette Z06 and Lambo Murci/Gallardo)

Moreover, the SRT does weigh in @ 4800lbs(4836 to be exact), so I do stand corrected there. The 4400 pounds is before the 6.1 is installed.

The ESP system is MB-derived, so there is no software anywhere that is able to fully defeat the system.

I don't have to fudge my dynometer testing done on the SRT. It makes 469hp and 467lb-ft of torque: I have the slips to prove it. And anybody who know's a thing or two about the 6.1 HEMI knows that it is hugely conservatively rated in power.

Not all SRT's are filled with Mobil-1. Mine wasn't and my neighbor's 300 wasn't either. And yes I do use the 5W-30 in the summer, and 0W-40 in the winter. Any gearhead knows that the higher this viscosity is for the summer, the better, and vice versa for the winter. This is especially true for big-stroke/bore American engines.

blkhemi · May 2006

I live in Oyster Bay, northern part of L.I. Do you live here also. If so, maybe I'll see you on the L.I.E.

cuppy1 · May 2006

If I remember correctly I got a build date around the middle of March and the vehicle was built on March 31st., shipped April 3rd. and it was "in transit" for 4 weeks.

miked23 · May 2006

thanks. well, judging by what you just said, I will likely not have it in the next 5 or 6 weeks since I don't have the build date yet. I'll be happy to just get a build date so I know it'g going to be built for sure. Right now I don't even know if I'm going to have a vehicle. Thanks again for the info.

resumespeed · May 2006

If the order has not reached "C" or "D" status it can most likely be modified. Talk to your dealer and see if they can find out the exact status.

resumespeed · May 2006

The ESP system can be fully defeated by pullng a fuse or by a wiring mod/switch that a couple companies offer. This also results in the ABS being turned off.

I have never heard of an SRT8 not having a factory fill of Mobil 1 0W-40, this has been the case since the 300C version came out over a year ago. If yours or your neighbors had something else in it someone must have changed it after it arrived at the dealer.

4850 Lbs is the spec for the 2007 SRT8 models, part of the difference being the slightly larger fuel tank capacity and the rear spoiler.

I don't have to fudge my dynometer testing done on the SRT. It makes 469hp and 467lb-ft of torque: I have the slips to prove it. And anybody who know's a thing or two about the 6.1 HEMI knows that it is hugely conservatively rated in power

I am aware of the conservative power ratings on the Hemi, which means in typical cases it puts out more than the rated 420hp. But the HP gains for the mods you listed added up to "62hp" which I felt was way high. Considering the the 6.1 is "hugely conservatively rated in power" then all of your mods add up to a lot less than the 62hp claimed.

06blksrt8 · May 2006

it's a small world, i live in Oakdale, on the south shore of suffolk. Do you go to any of the local shows or anything?

highender · May 2006

competition , eh ?

Hello SRT fans...:

The Cayenne turbo :shades: used to be the fastest...but I guess with the new HEMI Jeep...it is fastest from 0-60.....only 4.6 or 4.8 sec.

Cayenne turbo can only do it in 5.0 sec......

I have not seen one yet....THey must be limited edition or something.

Congrats...you guys win !! :-)

kec8 · May 2006

You may have an easier time getting a vehicle with the Option I group, as they are probably building most of the GC SRT8's that way. I doubt that they are building many stripped with only a sunroof. That could possibly be the reason for the delay.

kec8 · May 2006

How about posting some photos of your GC SRT8. I'd love to see how it looks with those wheels.

resumespeed · May 2006

I have not seen one yet....They must be limited edition or something.

All of the SRT8 vehicles are "limited" production. Only about 2,000 Grand Cherokees have been built so far this model year with an expected total of around 3000. For 2007 I would expect the Grand Cherokee numbers to double. When it's all said and done the SRT division will have built 20,000 total vehicles for 2006 (300C, Charger, Magnum and Grand Cherokee).

Congrats...you guys win !!

Today, but tomorrow may be a different story. I'm sure the title will be changing back and forth in the months/years ahead!

blkhemi · May 2006

"The ESP can be fully defeated by pulling a fuse or by a wiring mod/switch......."

First off, by fully disabling the ESP doesn't necessarily promote better numbers. This thing is so powerful that it will often overrun it's own ability. Pulling the fuse will in fact disable the ABS, degenarating braking, which at the slightest push of the pedal promotes early lock-up of tires. Myself and others have found it better just to leave it be.

For some reason or another, my SRT was not filled with Mobil-1. No biggie. None of my HEMI-equipped trucks did.

If you read more closely, I never said that the dymo test was done with the mods added.

BTW, do you own an SRT?

blkhemi · May 2006

Oakdale,huh? That's to close to home, no pun intended(lol). I haven't attended many local car shows yet, if that's what you mean. I moved from Kennebunkport, Maine late last year. I'm starting to get into a lot of the local car clubs. I went earlier this evening to view some of the Corvette's here. Very interesting car people here.

sharfie2001 · May 2006

Hey, I am thinking about buying a SRT-8 of some sort, and love the idea of the Jeep. I live in upstate NY, and this will be my all year car...even in the snow. However, while I realize this car will not get great gas mileage, what is a real life range for a full tank of gas? Are we talking 200 miles, 250? I drive about 200 miles every three days, and don't think I can put up with filling up th tank 2 to 3 times per week. Does anyone know of an aftermarket tank to increase the range?

Thanks!

rthomas1 · May 2006

I am averaging around 250 per tank, but driving in northern virginia traffic. I always fill up early and put 16-18 gallons in. If you wanted to push it I guess you could drive after the fuel light comes on but mine rather quickly tells me I only have a few miles to empty when the fuel light comes on and makes me a little nervous. Nothing worse than having an awesome suv stuck on the side of the road during rush hour because I ran out of gas.. Went on a trip this weekend saw a high of 15.2mpg and at the end averaged 14.6 so the question is are you driving in alot of traffic and how aggressive do you drive?

rthomas1 · May 2006

Started thinking about my message and wanted to give you the actual number from my current tank of gas and according to the computer I will get about 220 this tank. So its going to be real hard to say exactly what your fuel economy will be but I didnt want you to think 250 easy because I drive rather conservatively during the week. And then drive like it was supposed to be driven during the weekend.

blkhemi · May 2006

Following what rthomas said about the mileage, it also depends on your driving attitude. Nail it , and you're going to feel it in your wallet.

I average about 250-275 miles on a tank if I'm on the highway and get down to a low of 210-220 if I venture out to the city. If you wait till 2007, there is a bigger tank in the works. Not much bigger, but I'm sure we SRT owners will take what we can get.

blkhemi · May 2006

Yeah us Jeep guys win for now, but I'm very interested to see a SRT pitted up against a Cayenne Turbo S. These two trucks have some of the same numbers, but the only penalty that I can see the Porsche having is it's weight, 5400 pounds vs. 4800 for the Jeep(600 pounds for cryin out loud). But it does have 520hp and 530lb-ft of torque. That is huge. In comparison, the 2007 Escalade has "only" 403hp and it scoots to 60 in 6 seconds flat. No easy feat for a 5900 pound beast.

But for now, the SRT is the king in the SUV world.

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8

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