Help on Chrysler 3.3 vs. 3.8 towing power

[mickjetblue]

I have a 3.3 V6 engine in my Caravan, and it does a fine job of pulling my boat of about 2300 pounds. I maintain it well, and also have an oil cooler for
the transmission. The only glitch is that it doesn't have enough reserve power
to run the air conditioner when going up hills and towing the boat.

I am considerating "moving up" to another Chrysler with the 3.8 V6
engine. Has anyone already made this transition, and is the power increase
significant to run the a/c when going up hills and towing a boat, too.
Thanks for any advice.

 

[HyperFox]

Re: Help on Chrysler 3.3 vs. 3.8 towing power

I personally own the DGC with the 3.3L, and at work we have the 3.8l.

The 3.8L does have more power for towing, roughly 20HP more. The 3.3L with the oil cooler should be enough to pull 3000LBs up the hill. Its rated for 3800lbs, but I wouldnt go that much.

Personally I wouldnt sell the van and get another one and risk the debt for 20HP. There are easier ways to gain power out of the 3.3L like a good tune up, K&N filter, and running hills in 3rd gear.

Im a member of another forum on here, I think you could definitally use. Its the Chrysler Minivan Fan Club. http://forum.chryslerminivan.net/index.php

I know someone here can help ya out.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Help on Chrysler 3.3 vs. 3.8 towing power

Would depend a lot on how they are geared.
I have a 2007 CV and I load it to the max sometimes and it just goes.
It is the 3.3L also.
Now I have a 3.8L in my 2008 RHD Jeep, but 2 different animals.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Help on Chrysler 3.3 vs. 3.8 towing power

The difference in horsepower is not what makes a good/bad tow vehicle. Torque is what gets the load moving and allows that load to be tugged up hills. The 3.8 will have more torque than the 3.3.

 

[Ranger_man]

Re: Help on Chrysler 3.3 vs. 3.8 towing power

I run a Chrysler Town and Country with the 3.3 and tow about 3K lbs. I have not noticed any problems yet, however I do have to shut off the OD while going up hill. But a K&N, and a good (FlowMaster) muffler will really help out.

 

[MikDee]

Re: Help on Chrysler 3.3 vs. 3.8 towing power

I run a Chrysler Town and Country with the 3.3 and tow about 3K lbs. I have not noticed any problems yet, however I do have to shut off the OD while going up hill. But a K&N, and a good (FlowMaster) muffler will really help out.

Add to that synthetic blend, or full syntheic oil, and a good set of premium Magnetic suppression metallic core spark plug wires (a definite boost in torque), over standard non - metallic core suppresion wires. I run all of these items in all my vehicles, and IMO can vouch for them.