The 3.8 does not really even compare in my opinion to the 3.6l I would say it is considered more of a performance engine based on one of many aspects that it has about 80hp more the the 3.8l. Its also no longer a cast iron block but now an aluminum block which has shaved a lot of weight. My opinion is my motor. The 3.6 cannot be compared with the 3.8l because the 3.6 torque and hp are much greater. I feel as if it were built for performance.
When I said high performance, I meant it not as a HP/TQ rating. When you take a motor that has 260hp/300tq (for example) and add a cold air intake, you need to adjust the timing, fuel, spark etc etc to get the most out of it. By doing that and then going back to the dyno for proven results and now said motor has an increase of 7hp/11tq, I ask you this, is/was that worth the cost?
Some motors, specifically ones not found in a jeep wrangler, can and will always be classified as a High Performance motor. These are the one where you add 1 degree of timing, gap the plugs, add a CAI, tune and for some reason they produce 30hp/50tq from the same things. Some motors respond very well to this.
You sir, seem to have your mind made up and want reassurance from the Jeep world that s CAI is cool and all the kids on the block need one... When in fact the percentage of people that own one, versus the Honda Civic crown is complete opposite.