Three Engine Options for the Current Jeep Wrangler, Compared

Once you've been around the truck and auto magazines a while, you'll begin to notice the names of many of the writers and editors you've been reading. One of these is Christian Hazel, whose writings have appeared in a range of our favorite magazines including Four Wheeler, Diesel Power, 4x4 Garage and others. He got his start writing for Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road magazine, ultimately becoming their tech editor before taking the reins at Jp magazine.

In short, he's been immersed in the off-road culture for more than two decades and has a keen eye for the nuances of various off-road machines and the engines that power them. When I saw this story the other day comparing the three engine options for the new Jeep Wrangler, it didn't surprise me to see who wrote it. The article is titled Jeep Wrangler JL 2.0L vs. 3.6L vs. 3.0L. Hazel has an opportunity to put to the test three Jeep Wranglers to decide which engine works best. Here's the setup.

"Which is better for a Jeep Wrangler: the 270-hp/290-lb-ft 2.0L eTorque inline four-cylinder, the 285-hp/260-lb-ft 3.6L Penta star V-6, or the 260-hp/480-lb-ft 3.0L EcoDiesel V-6 turbodiesel? (Hey, the V-8 Hemi isn't out on the streets just yet!)" 

The Jeep name is more than a brand. For many it's a way of life. But just as lifestyles vary, so the engine options add versatility to this round of Wranglers.

As a Jeep journalist for more than two decades he's probably been asked a hundred time, "Which the best this or that?" This time around, he's been handed the opportunity to compare a trio of Jeeps, or rather, engine choices. 

Wrangler with 2.0L Engine 

The first engine Hazel put through the paces was the 2.0L engine. "In terms of performance behind the wheel, the 2.0L is my personal choice of engine. It is linear and seamless. The turbo bites into the power delivery way down low, providing a lot of gooey torque that gets you up and off the line in a hurry. There isn't the exhilarating top-end kick that you get from the 3.6L gasser, but from the driver's seat the Jeep feels like a spitball greasily being blown through a straw as it maintains speed on grades without downshifting or accelerates into traffic or for passing without a lot of vibration and fuss." 

I love the descriptions. The prose seems more like classic literature than gearhead talk. 

Hazel likes finds this Jeep to blend power and drivability in a single package. The mpg is decent, too: low 20s on the freeway.  And when it comes to rock crawling, he points out that it handles differently from the other two. It handles smooth, though, and offers "perfectly good off-road capabilities."

Wrangler with 3.6L Penta star Engine 

"Personally, this would be my last choice," Hazel say. 

As with the other two options he begins with a detailed breakdown of Penta star's on-road drivability. It's got power, no question. And when it comes to fuel economy it's no slouch either. By the time you read his description of how this V-6 tackles off-road terrain, you almost get the feeling it's his favorite. If I'm correctly reading between the lines, all three of these Jeeps have something to offer.

Wrangler with 3.0L EcoDiesel Engine 

At the Blue Flame we're partial to diesels, therefore I was most interested in see what Hazel had to say about the 3.0L EcoDiesel.  Here's how he describes this breed for on-road drivability.

"If the 2.0L feels light and airy to me and the 3.6L only less so, the 3.0L EcoDiesel makes a Wrangler feel as rooted to the ground as the Rock of Gibraltar. For me personally, it'd be a close Number 2 choice right behind the 2.0L four-cylinder. Without looking up any weight differences and going by seat feel alone, the diesel Wrangler feels heavy. That said, it's also got liquid squirt for days. Just mash the throttle at any speed, and those 480 lb-ft plant you firmly in the seat as the Jeep shoots forward like water out of a firehose. It's addictive, especially when you're traversing hilly, mountainous back roads."

He describes the acceleration as "velvety smooth" and that when driving you'll look down at the speedometer and find that you're going faster than you realized.

 In the realm of fuel economy he acknowledges it to be good, but that it's not so significant as to be the reason to purchase it. Yes, it has better fuel economy than the other two, but you want to purchase this puppy for its other advantages.

As for off-road action, he's very direct. "It's a tractor. It's simply a silly, fun, no-brainer tractor that you toss in the lowest gear and idle cleanly and smoothly through whatever obstacles are before you. When it comes to rockcrawling or navigating technical trail systems in low range, there's simply no comparison in tractive power application. The 3.0L V-6 EcoDiesel will just smoothly chug you through and cleanly let you modulate the throttle on shelf and other climbs."

After making several other statements of this ilk the bottom line is that it has only one downside: the sticker price. He immediately adds that once you are in the driver's seat you will never give that a second thought.

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There was a lot more than what we've referenced here. 
Be sure to head over to the Truck Trend site and read the full story.
Here is the URL:

http://www.trucktrend.com/features/jeep-wrangler-jl-engine-differences/

Shelby F-250 Super Baja Limited: The Epitome of Diesel Cool

What are dreams made of? This story by Phoebe Wall Howard in the Detroit Free Press will give you an idea what some peoples' dreams look like. It's titled Limited edition Ford Shelby F-250 Super Baja revealed, 250 available for $125,805 each

She describes it as something "for that special someone who has everything." 2021 Ford Shelby F-250 Super Baja truck was revealed this past Tuesday, and it's only $125,805. This Shelby American dream machine is a limited edition off-roading truck without peer. If you want it, you may have to act fast because there will only be 250 manufactured. This diesel off-roader is cool to the max.

The truck has a V8 turbo diesel with 475-horsepower, which is nothing to scoff at. Ms. Howard claims it is "best-in-class" and we don't doubt it.

 

 "It is the dream of truck junkies everywhere: 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel with 1,050 pound-feet of torque, an advanced off-road suspension system that gives the truck greater ride height, more travel and off-road handling. It's a three-quarter-ton truck," writes Howard.

According to Shelby American president Gary Patterson, they created the Super Baja by combining all the best features and experience they'd gained from the  Shelby Raptor and Shelby F-150 programs.

Because of their history, whenever the Shelby team releases something new, everyone wants to see it and experience it. Motor Trend calls the new truck "Loud and Proud." Motor Illustrated calls is a "Super Raptor." And the CNET Road Show says it's "ready to hit the trails." Nearly everyone seems to be gushing over it.

I don't want to steal any thunder from the Detroit Free press. Instead, I encourage you to go read the rest of the details here.

After you've finished reading about it, you may feel inclined to make a purchase. If so, here's the place to go. We have no idea how long these 250 F-250s will be available.

https://www.shelby.com/Vehicles/Shelby-Super-Baja

Detroit Free Press story Link:
https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/ford/2021/02/23/ford-shelby-f-250-super-baja-limited-edition/4551472001/

Do you have a favorite Shelby story?

Feel free to share it in the Comments.

Champion Oil Seeking Diesel Vehicle Builds for SEMA 2021

Just as the lights from Virtual SEMA 2020 recede in the rear view mirror, the brighter lights of SEMA 2021 are already beginning to appear on the horizon. Plans are underway for the upcoming SEMA Show with one key message: Re-Connect. 

In a year when trade shows in nearly every industry were virtual, there's a hunger to connect once more face-to-face. Whether connecting with buyers or with peers, Las Vegas awaits.

One of the highlights of SEMA are the project vehicles. At the SEMA Show in 2021 something different is underway, or so I've heard. The aisles will be wider for social distancing purposes, but they won't be vacant. There will be cars and trucks on display throughout the halls. It should be interesting.

As many builders are aware, companies offer products to builders to help them defray expenses and achieve their dreams. This year, Champion Oil is seeking unique and interesting diesel vehicle builds for SEMA 2021. The vehicles, typically pick-ups, will be promoted by a variety of marketing methods using many social media platforms and technologies.

Each year, the SEMA Show features more than 1,000 project vehicles. The project-vehicle program is an exclusive opportunity for owners, builders and manufacturers to showcase their builds and sponsored products. The experience is valuable to participating manufacturers, like Champion Oil, that can offer products to project-vehicle builders at no charge and additional products at a substantial discount.

 

The dates for this year's show will be November 2^nd thru the 5^th. Champion is offering Champion’s Blue Flame Performance Diesel Engine Oil plus marketing support and recognition here at the Blue Flame Blogger blogspot. Products and promotion will be available for a limited a number of diesel specific project vehicles that plan on displaying either outside, inside or at a specific vendor booth. 

 

 The company will be offering several perks to selected builders as follows:

1. The vehicles will be promoted in advance by press releases, social media, etc. 

2. At the show, the vehicle and owner must be willing and available to be featured in a video interview about the build.

3. Their story will be posted on the Blue Flame Diesel Blog and Champion Facebook and Twitter channels. 

4. The diesel vehicle owner will be able to autograph photos during the show at the Champion booth, plus purchase additional Champion products at a special show display pricing of 50/50. https://www.championbrands.com/products/

 

To enter your diesel vehicle for consideration, send a digital photo or rendering, description, & contact info to: marketing@championbrands.com

 

About the Products

Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oils are formulated with workhorse high-zinc performance additives, superior protection, advanced polymer technology, and high TBN, supported by a carrier blend of synthetic fluids.

 

In addition, Blue Flame Diesel Engine Oils deliver unmatched high temperature film strength and lubricity protection, with the muscle to combat oil shear and maximize sustained cylinder compression. They also inhibit oxidation, corrosive acids, sludge and varnish build-up.

 

These robust performance oils keep diesel engines going longer by reducing soot-induced engine wear, controlling abrasive soot contamination and preventing high temperature corrosion, even while allowing for improved fuel economy and lower total cost of ownership. They are proven to increase engine horse power and torque. https://www.championbrands.com/diesel-engine-oils/

About the Company
Champion Brands, LLC, is a globally recognized industry leader in specialty lubricants for over 65 years. Champion Brands, LLC also produces and blends over 300 products including fuel, oil, engine additives, and lubricants for the racing, automotive, heavy truck, agricultural, industrial, and specialty markets. For more information about contact Champion at 660-890-6231. Champion Brands, LLC; 1001 Golden Drive, Clinton, MO  http://www.championbrands.com

Solomon Lunger Enjoys Sharing His Passion at Ford Era

Screen shot from E350 Turbo Diesel to 1961 F100 Swap | Episode 3

According to recent statistics, 500 hours of video are being uploaded to YouTube every minute. Every Minute! That is 720,000 hours a day. 

Though the subject matter is as varied as the weather, one thing is constant: if it is something you are into, it's probably out there. This means gear heads and diesel enthusiasts will be certain to get more than their fill of all things diesel. 

Solomon Lunger's passion is Ford trucks. As the Internet evolved from a text-based world to a more visual medium, Lunger took his passion online and started a site called Ford Era. In January we spoke with Lunger at MPMC, sharing a bit about our Blue Flame Diesel Oil and other products; he shared a bit about his own work. This is a follow up to that, with a couple interesting links.

How long have you been doing your Ford Era Channel? 

Solomon Lunger: I started Ford Era back in 2015. The YouTube channel started in spring of 2020.

What prompted you to start your Ford Era project?

SL: Ford Era was a byproduct of my fascination with Ford trucks. I have always been a big fan and at a certain point I got onto Instagram and I kept seeing other pages posting stuff, but never any cool Ford trucks. so i decided I should be the one to do that. 

In the beginning it was more of a reposting page where I would share others' content. But over the years it became more original content and as I moved out of the print media world (I used to be the tech editor for F100 Builders Guide magazine) I decided to double down on Ford Era and began the YouTube channel. I was always working on my trucks and buddies' trucks. But I was contracted by the magazine to not use share that until after the magazine came out. 

What's the backstory on Gold Dust? What makes it so special to you? 

SL: Gold dust is a 1970 F250 Crew Cab, that has been chassis swapped with a '96 Ram 2500. It was originally ordered as a 2wd truck for a family out of Idaho. They used it for hunting, fishing & camping in the 80s. It was parked and forgotten until around 2012 when the nephew to the owner bought the truck. He had the truck commissioned to be built. After a few years of use he decided it was time to sell it. I came across the listing and the rest is history.

What are some of the things you learned from the E350 Swap? 

SL: Its still a little early to tell. but one thing for sure. always overestimate how much time it will take. 

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The Ford Era site can be found here on YouTube.

Not everything on the site is Diesel but it is all Ford. 

The recent episode below is quite educational, titled E350 Turbo Diesel to 1961 F100 Swap | Episode 3  

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Related Link

A quick video of an Interior being delivered for his Gold Dust project.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAnDwEfZ5gw

 

All Ford Era Videos: https://www.youtube.com/c/FordEra/videos

Follow Solomon Lunger & Ford Era on www.FordEra.com 

Follow on Instagram!

Like on Facebook!

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHAMPION BRANDS BLUE FLAME CONTINGENCY PROGRAM FOR RACERS.

Motor Trend's 10 Best Diesel Trucks Ever

These are the kinds of stories that start arguments. Write a story about the ten best of anything and you'll have readers checking it out, then arguing, "What wasn't this on the the list?" It could be the 10 best Beatles songs of all time, the ten best rock groups, the ten best movies of all time... two beers and you've got a fight started. 

Dodge Ram: Kickin' up dirt and spoiling for a fight.

So KJ Jones has dished up a treat for gear heads. The 10 Best Diesel Pickup Trucks of All Time. Who's in and who's out? Let's rumble.

Jones sets a few parameters up front. First, he knows that there are some readers who are so enamored their Rams that they believe "If it doesn't have a Cummins, it can't be on the list." All bias aside, there are other criteria beside sheer muscle. For this reason he writes:

The trucks we've selected range from first-generation Dodge Rams of the late 1980s, to present-day Ford, GM and Ram rigs that tow upwards of 35,000 pounds, while getting almost 30 mpg in fuel economy. So, if you're in the market for a brand-new, or new-to-you, (older) diesel truck, consider the ten rigs that are cited in this rundown.

And indeed, the first truck unveiled is that first generation Dodge Ram: 1989-1993 Ram D-250 and D-350. His moniker for this truck is Timeless Diesel. Each photo is accompanied by a paragraph of text that underscores the features that make this selection significant.

The second photo is what Jones calls the Best Used Diesel Value: 2003-2008 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 HD. Third-gen Dodge Heavy Duty diesels are also held in high regard, Jones writes. In part, this is due tothe facelift as well as increased cargo and cockpit space. This is a big man's truck.

Truck #3 he labels the Most Capable Diesel, and yes, it is a Dodge Ram as well, a 2010-2013 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty. This puppy has a 6.7-liter Cummins I-6 diesel engine that produces real horsepower and mountains of torque in what Jones calls "a fairly simple package."

At this point you have to be wondering when the Fords and Chevs will get mentions. The answer, when you turn the pages is "not yet." Truck #4 is the First 1,000 lb-ft Diesel. It, too, is a Ram. Specifically, it's a 202 Ram 3500 Heavy Duty. This was a Motor Trend Truck of the Year when it appeared, and it's got a lot going for it, not the least of which is its 35,100-pound towing capability and 7,680-pound payload.

Rather than spill all the beans here, I'm just going list the rest of the categories Jones pigeon-holed his selections into. Three Ford and three GM offerings get selected. 

Fords were chosen for these categories: Best Budget Diesel and Best Diesel to Modify and Best Diesel for Towing.

GM trucks got gold stars for these categories: Best Pre-Emissions Diesel, Best Hot-Rod Diesel and Best Diesel Drivetrain.

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Go check out the story and tell us what you think.

https://www.motortrend.com/features-collections/best-diesel-pickup-trucks-ever/ 

Diesel Enthusiasts: Learn Details About the New EPA Tampering Policy at a Feb. 26 SEMA-Sponsored Webinar

SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association (formerly Manufacturing Association), is perhaps the largest advocate on our behalf as diesel enthusiasts and beneficiaries of the auto aftermarket. They have lawyers and lobbyists who pay very close attention to proposed legislation and regulations being considered both federally and in every state in the Union. Many examples can be cited in which legislators were unaware of impacts of decisions and SEMA had a chair at the table. 

The association also devotes much time and effort to making sure its members are informed of changes or issues that impact them and the public at large.

This week, SEMA's Washington DC staff is hosting a Zoom Webinar to share information about the new EPA Tampering Policy that was released in December. This policy is a replacement for the outdated 1974 Mobile Source Enforcement Memo 1A. The new policy addresses enforcement of the Clean Air Act's prohibitions on tampering and aftermarket defeat devices.

The webinar will take place Friday, February 26, at 9:00 a.m. (PST). All SEMA members are invited, and we're certain that anyone involved in the diesel scene will want to attend. 

Here is information that SEMA has announced regarding this event:

Webinar: EPA's New Policy on Tampering and Defeat Devices Explained 

The updated Policy reinforces that in exercising its discretion the EPA will forego enforcement action when a company has a documented “reasonable basis” that a product will not adversely affect vehicle emissions when installed. SEMA generally welcomed the revised Policy as it will now allow SEMA members to undertake emissions testing and maintain the test data to document a reasonable basis for demonstrating compliance. EPA has committed to consider the test data if and when the agency investigates and will typically forego enforcement if the data shows no adverse effect on emissions. California sales are separately governed by California Air Resources Board (CARB) through its Executive Order (EO) program.

A panel of industry experts and an EPA representative will provide an overview of the new Policy. Issues covered include:

• What type of testing is needed to achieve a reasonable basis?
• Vehicle selection.
• Where can the testing be performed? 
• Is this the same testing that is done when submitting an EO application to CARB?
• What are some of the Policy’s benefits if marketing products outside of California?

Webinar Registration - Zoom

https://www.sema.org/news-media/enews/2021/07/webinar-epas-new-policy-tampering-and-defeat-devices-explained?utm_source=ET&utm_medium=email&utm_content=595631&utm_campaign=eNews

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If you have news that is important to diesel enthusiasts, please send an email to Frank Owens, BlueFlame1952@gmail.com
Or @FrankOw85865892

What's the Big Deal About ISO? A Little Background on Standards of Quality

Whether in business or science, there are standards established so that when comparing two things in different parts of the world, they can be compared against one another because each is measured against the standard. Take, for example, a world record in the 100-meter race. The record may have been set in Greece, but the standard is the amount of time it took to go one hundred meters, on foot. If someone goes faster in Japan, then they own the new record.

In a similar vein, the world of business recognized a need for uniform quality standards on a global scale. In this manner, when I buy parts parts from a company in Germany for my diesel engine produced in Mexico, I can be assured that the processes used to create the parts are uniform and meet the standard requirements. 

ISO 9001 is an international standard for a quality management system (QMS). In order to be certified to the ISO 9001 Standard, a company must follow specific stringent requirements. The standard is used by organizations to demonstrate their ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements, as well as to demonstrate continuous improvement.

Today, Champion Brands, LLC, manufacturer of Blue Flame Diesel Oil, announced that they have achieved their renewal for ISO 9001-2015 compliance from DEKRA, its official registrar. The required audits revealed zero non-conformities. 

Champion Brands was the first oil company in the world to receive the ISO 9001-2015 Certification, the most current level for ISO. This renewal is good till mid-September 2022.

ISO certification is essentially a method of obtaining third party approval, assuring that a company is living up to the standards of excellence that they tout. In the case of Champion, all facets of production processes are reviewed, from the purchase of raw materials, blending, blow molding, production, packaging and distribution of products such as lubricants, automotive chemicals and brake fluid to their customers. https://www.championbrands.com/quality-assurance/

Champion has maintained this achievement since first receiving the ISO certification in 2004.

The International Organization for Standardization is an independent, non-governmental global organization with a membership of 162 national standards bodies. Through its members it brings together experts to share knowledge and develop, consensus-based, market relevant International Standards that support innovation, quality assurance, and provide solutions to global challenges.

ISO 9001:2015 provides the most current criteria for a quality management system and is the only standard in the lubricant family that can be certified. This standard is based on a number of quality management principles including a strong customer focus, the motivation and involvement of top management, the process approach and continuous improvement.  Using ISO 9001:2015 helps ensure that customers get consistent, good quality products and services, which in turn provide many business benefits.

Champion Brands, LLC, is a globally recognized industry leader in specialty lubricants for over 65 years. Champion Brands, LLC also produces and blends over 300 products including fuel, oil, engine additives, and lubricants for the racing, automotive, heavy truck, agricultural, industrial, and specialty markets. For more information about contact Champion at 660-890-6231. Champion Brands, LLC; 1001 Golden Drive, Clinton, MO  http://www.championbrands.com