Okay, so I'm picking up the Jeep on Tuesday. Here's my list of things to do -

1. Mention TCM reflash at the dealership.
- Should I do it before leaving? Or should I drive it a bit and go back and tell them I'm experiencing the manual 1-2 hesitation? (If someone could describe to me exactly what the problem is or will be that would help :) )

2. Look for nasty paint blemishes / fascia scrapes. A quick once over yesterday showed nothing readily evident to me, but I'll check again

3. Transmission dipstick - Is there one? My dealer yesterday couldn't locate it. I recall seeing a post on here that mentioned that there isn't even one on the truck. Maybe I'm wrong.

Any other suggestions?

Later down the road (tentative order..)

1. Powdercoat rims BLACK, get my XM Skyfi2 hooked up.

2. Mopar CAI / Exhaust. I've read a couple posts that mention BETTER gas mileage after doing these mods. Anyone experience the opposite (i.e. WORSE gas mileage)?

3. Investigate the possiblity of a wintertime front fascia swap. Looks like the foglights would render this impossible to me. Anyone have any thoughts or ideas on this one? 7 inch clearance in a New England winter setting is probably just asking for trouble. I'll find out quick I guess lol.

All responses are appreciated!

2. Mopar CAI / Exhaust. I've read a couple posts that mention BETTER gas mileage after doing these mods. Anyone experience the opposite (i.e. WORSE gas mileage)?



Worse MPG- if you are like most people when they get an exhaust or intake.... you will want to hear it better so you will have a heavy foot. Then it gets better after you are used to it

Worse MPG- if you are like most people when they get an exhaust or intake.... you will want to hear it better so you will have a heavy foot. Then it gets better after you are used to it


Are you saying that the MPG starts out being worse than 12 city /15 hwy, then gradually gets better than 12 city / 15 hwy once the truck adjusts to the setup change? If that's the case, can anyone explain why this happens? The last car I put an intake/exhaust combo on was an 89 Mustang LX 5.0. I was also about 22 years old and never (ever) bothered to measure my MPG so I have no clue if my mods helped my MPG or what. (GT40 upper/lower, off-road H-pipe and 2 chamber Flowmasters for those interested in what my mods on the DisguStang were :) )

My intent is more to maximize MPG than it is to add go-fast-parts. 420HP is more than enough for me :) (I HOPE I can keep that fact in mind if I decide to mod...I'm sure it'll be tough)

There is no transmission dipstick, so scratch that off. Well, DCX does not supply one as we are not supposed to check it. You can buy one aftermarket that will work.


No TCM flash if you're buying an 07. That is allegedly coming out in a few weeks.

Otherwise, just get in it and drive it!!! =)

3. Investigate the possiblity of a wintertime front fascia swap. Looks like the foglights would render this impossible to me. Anyone have any thoughts or ideas on this one? 7 inch clearance in a New England winter setting is probably just asking for trouble. I'll find out quick I guess lol.!

the foglights are easy, both the SRT and Laredo/Limited share the same lights, and in both applications they attach directly to the fascia. The only problem I can think of is clearance for the larger radiator. Best thing to do is go to the dealer and take same measurements side by side.
________
KutieDoll (http://www.girlcamfriend.com/cam/KutieDoll/)

bumpers are a straight swap....except for the fender liners and bracing on the srt8. Plus all those plastic rivets are a pain. Like said above...fogs are the same

Are you saying that the MPG starts out being worse than 12 city /15 hwy, then gradually gets better than 12 city / 15 hwy once the truck adjusts to the setup change? If that's the case, can anyone explain why this happens? The last car I put an intake/exhaust combo on was an 89 Mustang LX 5.0. I was also about 22 years old and never (ever) bothered to measure my MPG so I have no clue if my mods helped my MPG or what. (GT40 upper/lower, off-road H-pipe and 2 chamber Flowmasters for those interested in what my mods on the DisguStang were :) )

My intent is more to maximize MPG than it is to add go-fast-parts. 420HP is more than enough for me :) (I HOPE I can keep that fact in mind if I decide to mod...I'm sure it'll be tough)


I am saying worse MPG because you will be putting pedal to the floor way too much so you can hear how awesome your car sounds. So in return you will get worse MPG. If you drive like a old lady then you could probably get pretty good MPG. Drive it like it is meant to be and don't worry at all about gas. You wouldn't have got this car if you are worried about gas. Keep it on the temp setting and don't ever look at your MPG

Okay, so I'm picking up the Jeep on Tuesday. Here's my list of things to do -

1. Mention TCM reflash at the dealership.
- Should I do it before leaving? Or should I drive it a bit and go back and tell them I'm experiencing the manual 1-2 hesitation? (If someone could describe to me exactly what the problem is or will be that would help :) )

2. Look for nasty paint blemishes / fascia scrapes. A quick once over yesterday showed nothing readily evident to me, but I'll check again

3. Transmission dipstick - Is there one? My dealer yesterday couldn't locate it. I recall seeing a post on here that mentioned that there isn't even one on the truck. Maybe I'm wrong.

Any other suggestions?

Later down the road (tentative order..)

1. Powdercoat rims BLACK, get my XM Skyfi2 hooked up.

2. Mopar CAI / Exhaust. I've read a couple posts that mention BETTER gas mileage after doing these mods. Anyone experience the opposite (i.e. WORSE gas mileage)?

3. Investigate the possiblity of a wintertime front fascia swap. Looks like the foglights would render this impossible to me. Anyone have any thoughts or ideas on this one? 7 inch clearance in a New England winter setting is probably just asking for trouble. I'll find out quick I guess lol.

All responses are appreciated!


Make sure to check the rims for curb rash before you drive it off the lot, i went home and found rash on my rim and guess what ? SOL - so make sure to check every rim because those idiots dont know how to drive an suv w/ rims. :D

Later #1 is gonna be sick!

Grand Cherokee SRT8 vehicle delivery check list

1. Confirm that you have:

--A. SRT owners manual package

--B. DVD navigation disc [2006-2007 models only] (this can be checked by simply turning on the radio and pressing the "nav" button. If no disc is present you will get a warning screen. Sometimes the nav disc is stored with or within the owners manual package. If the disc is already installed in the radio, remove it and check for the latest part #. The current part# as of spring 2007 is P/N 05064033AE. Earlier discs had a suffix ending in "AD", if this is what is in the vehicle negotiate for a new "AE". To remove the disc see: http://www.wkjeeps.com/nav/nav_6disc_07t.jpg. Most 2007 models came with the newer "AE" but a few very early production runs did not have them.

--C. Custom pedal covers (usually in small brown box, uninstalled).

--D. Headphones (2 pair) and remote, if you have the rear DVD package. Remote is usually stored under the DVD screen while the headphones are in a separate brown box.

--E. SRT door sill plates (these custom sill covers were discontinued from the factory mid '07 model year, they are now a Mopar accessory P/N 82211347 MSRP $109.00. You can also check if they are still available from parts (P/N 5175575AA MSRP $81.56).

--F. Floor mats

2. Check exterior paint for any flaws, scratches, door dings, dents or any other imperfections. Check the lower front fascia airdam/foglamp area for any signs of paint chipping or curb scrapes.

3. Check all wheels for any signs of scratches or curb rash. Make sure valve stem caps are present and tightened. Check the edges of the tires for any "cornering" wear that may have been caused by one of the dealer employees taking it out for a spirited "test drive".

4. Check interior carpet, headliner and components for any signs of stains or grease prints. Check every square inch of the seats for any marks or imperfections whatsoever. Check for any scratches around shift bezel trim and on all dash and door bezels.

5. Make sure they fill the gas tank (and with premium of course). I don't think I have ever bought a car without getting this thrown in. Don't mention this until all negotiations are done and before taking delivery - "by the way, I assume you have filled the gas tank for me..."

6. Have them save the original window sticker for you (if it's not too late) along with any other factory papers/documents that came with the vehicle. IF it is too late, dealers can order replacement stickers (called a "Maroney" sticker).

7. Check the tire pressure on the cluster display to confirm that all tires are somewhat equal and that none are over-inflated much beyond the recommended 33psi. Dealers are notorious for having pressures way off. You can correct this yourself later but if you have a very long drive it would be best to get them corrected if any are too far out of whack.

8. Check rear exhaust tips for straightness and evenness.

9. Employee "test drives" - If you are not picking the vehicle up right away call your salesperson asap and tell him to make sure that NO ONE drives it between now and the time you arrive to take delivery.

10. Enjoy your new ride! Some may advise you to "drive it like you stole it" as soon as you leave the lot, but common sense says to keep it reasonable for the first few hundred miles. It's important to note that there are non-engine components that prefer a softer break-in.


Make sure you get noted in writing any and all missing items and/or flaws etc. that cannot be taken care of on the spot. Do NOT under any circumstances take the salespersons word that "it will get taken care of".


Later down the road (but not much later for #'s 11-13 as they are essential)

11. Order wheel locks asap.

12. Order locking gas cap asap (not so much for theft reasons but for prevention of someone putting something other than fuel in your tank).

13. Verify correct lug nut torque (100 ft.-lbs.)

14. Order and install a cabin air filter (see Cabin air filter (http://www.wkjeeps.com/wk_cabinair.htm))

15. Order and install headlamp beauty covers (discontinued from the factory. Photo: Headlamp covers (http://www.wkjeeps.com/srt8/srt8_headlamp_cover_01m.jpg))

Resumespeed,
Great check list for new owners! I was lucky with mine and had a great dealer who knew what he was doing. I have an appointment with the dealer tomorrow for the Viper mechanic to re-flash the TCM (AH rev)...it should be in by then. At the drags my stocker (CAI & Mopar catback, thermostat) runs better each week (12.8) but that hesitation on the shifts almost launches me through the windshield!
Bill

I am saying worse MPG because you will be putting pedal to the floor way too much so you can hear how awesome your car sounds. So in return you will get worse MPG. If you drive like a old lady then you could probably get pretty good MPG. Drive it like it is meant to be and don't worry at all about gas. You wouldn't have got this car if you are worried about gas. Keep it on the temp setting and don't ever look at your MPG


I understand what you're saying, but if you (or someone else) could indulge me, I'd appreciate it. I'll reiterate / rephrase.

*IF* I were to do any mods, the first kind of mods I'd look into would be those which could potentially improve MPG. I've read a few posts that mentioned CAI + Exhaust improves MPG. Whether or not these people "drive like an old lady" isn't my concern. I'd like to know what it is about this particular mod that potentially creates 16+ MPG.

FWIW, my driving style is basically very conservative with the semi-occasional WOT on a nice clear straightaway. I've owned a few cars that impressed me with "how awesome they sound" and the thrill wore off after a while. I also drove those cars like "they were meant to be", and wouldn't you know it? Sh*t seemed to wear down and break much sooner than I would have hoped (brakes, tires, shocks, struts, clutches, shift linkage, etc..). Some of you may attribute those types of things to "normal wear and tear considering what these cars are built to do", but as I said before, I'd like to treat this thing like a caged tiger (cue Sigfried and Roy joke...).

I don't expect that I'll feel the need to defend the SRT-8 badge everytime some clown in a riced out Honda CRX revs his coffee can exhausted, huge winged hunk of garbage at me in traffic, nor do I think I'll be blasting around the back roads of New England going "YEEEE-HAWWW!! Listen to that thar engine howl!!!" like one of the Dukes of Hazzard. Again, I've had my fill of that in the past :)

So anyway, anyone have any input as to how a CAI + Exhaust mod would affect our trucks, assuming you drove the truck exactly the same way AFTER the mod as you did when it was a stocker?

Thanks for reading!

Since Resumespeed did such a stand up job on everything else, I will put my 2 cents in on your MPG question. I have read most threads about the MPG and can say that there is no way your MPG will get worse, and a very high likelyhood that it will improve.

Better flow and performance both from the intake and exhaust will make your truck run better which will in turn lead to better fuel economy under similar driving styles. However, you would be looking at a multiple year payback unless you put an obscene amount of miles on your truck.

Some quick math. Lets say you get 15 mpg stock and you drive 15,000 miles in a year. You will use 1000 gallons of gas. If instead you get 16 mpg you will only use 937.5 gallon of gas. A whopping 62.5 gallons less. And @ $2.50 per gallon you have saved yourself about $150 in a year on a mod that cost you about $1,200. Not much of a payback.

Sooo.....Do the mods because it will make it impossible not to start grinning when you do in fact decide to mat the throttle (because you will). And as an added bonus for others, the onlookers on the street will appreciate the sweet sound created by the hard earned dollars you spent modding your beast for them.
________
Easy vape set up (http://vaporizer.org/reviews)

Resumespeed, kramsay and everyone else, thank you very much for the replies, I can't wait until tomorrow!

....clown in a riced out Honda CRX revs his coffee can exhausted, huge winged hunk of garbage at me in traffic...

LOL, coffee can exhaust, not that's funny.