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[rickaren]

Picked NITRO up from Dealership after nearly one week in shop, today. They really tried to address my issue. Guess I should be pleased that with several road tests and calls to Chrysler, there was no charge and everything was covered under warranty. Service Manager said he really felt the noise is exhaust based and NOT engine. I asked that "didn't the engine management controls automatically adjust for the modified intake (Mopar CAI) and (Mopar) exhaust when it was added". I was surprised when he said "No". If he is correct that could be an issue, I guess. Not going to modify any engine controls because of warranty concerns, and will just back off. It is interesting that the engine is rated @ 260 HP at 6,000 RPM, but is limited to 5,800 electronically.

Have had some great sounding High Performance vehicles over the years. Even my Wife's last new Chrysler (Eagle Vision TSI V-6 but has a Ford Explorer w/Mustang GT V/8 now) sounded really healthy. It was only a 3.5 I believe, 214 HP, 24 valve running premium fuel. Have had vehicles with direct port nitrous oxide injection, dual 4B high rise intakes, one with a Paxton Supercharger, one 1/8 mile drag car running a 5500 stall-speed-torque converter with a 9" Ford rear-end with 5:43 gearing. and a drag bike. Guess I have been spoiled. Really like my Nitro's looks but not the sound. If a SRT Nitro had ever been built I'm sure I would have liked how it sounded! The Nitro SUV will be discontinued by 2012 or so as will as as this type engine, being replaced with the new Chrysler Phoenix Line or something from Fiat. Things just change, and must.

Has anyone noticed on Speed Channel's "Pinks All Out" how many old guys drive those cars? Guess I'm just living in the past! Bet not many listen to Sirius Octane (channel 20) satellite radio nearly all the time (have it on TV too) as both my Wife and I do, however. Ha Ha. We must not really be getting older but younger.