Help identifying the 3.8 i V6 24V MIVEC motor

[Tunja]

I've googled this plenty but can't seem to nail this down solid.

I'm looking at a few 3.8 V6 Pajero's for sale, how can I tell if it's got the MIVEC motor in it?

What year was this MIVEC fitted to the Pajero's we have here in SA? It seems to have more power and better fuel economy.

Is it only the 2007 Gen 4 Pajero 3.8 V6 that has it, or do all the Gen 3 Pajero 3.8 V6 motors also have it (maybe the face lift models with round spotlights)?

Thanks
Ernie

[RoelfleRoux]

The 3.8 MIVEC is only in the Gen4 since 2007.
The Gen3 was given the 3.8 with the 2003 upgrade (round fog lights, colour dash display and sunroof), but not the MIVEC version.

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[Tunja]

Many thanks for clearing that up for me Roelfie - now I know which motor i'm looking at.

Are the older 3.8 a lot worse on fuel consumption / torque than the 2008 models? - the torque curve on the MIVEC motor looks good.

I've seen Roelfie's 2008 "Fuelly" ave 15L/100kms..

Who has the older 3.8 (2003-2008) and what consumption are you getting? how is the torque when towing?

Thanks

[RoelfleRoux]

I had the Gen3 3.8 and then a Gen4 3.8 MIVEC.
The weight difference was about 350kg between the two models and the extra few kw basically compensated for it.
In all honesty, I don't think the difference is enough to get worked up about.
As for towing: I found that 4th gear in manual mode worked perfectly. My heavy Echo Chobe was pulled with great ease. At between 100 and 110 km/h in 4th, that willing engine would just purr along at 3000rpm. Cruise control, sit back and relax.
If you are going to fret and worry about consumption, stay away, it will drive you mad.
I loved those engines and enjoyed every km in their company.

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[RoelfleRoux]

Three of the four Pajeros on this trip were powered by 3.8v6 MIVEC monsters.

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[Tunja]

I had the Gen3 3.8 and then a Gen4 3.8 MIVEC.
The weight difference was about 350kg between the two models and the extra few kw basically compensated for it.
In all honesty, I don't think the difference is enough to get worked up about.
As for towing: I found that 4th gear in manual mode worked perfectly. My heavy Echo Chobe was pulled with great ease. At between 100 and 110 km/h in 4th, that willing engine would just purr along at 3000rpm. Cruise control, sit back and relax.
If you are going to fret and worry about consumption, stay away, it will drive you mad.
I loved those engines and enjoyed every km in their company.

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LOL Roelfie, I've had an XJ Jeep and a Patrol so the consumption really doesn't concern me, just how the 3.8 V6 would tow a full twin horse box and it seems in 4th it will be fine. I presume 5-6kms/L at a steady 100 - 110kms/Hr?

Was just a bit concerned as I have two diesels, Swambo's Sante Fe with over 400nm torque and Mini Swambo's SWB 3.2 DID with +- 375nm torque and they both tow very well.

My Prado is also chipped and near 400nm torque, was just a bit concerned about the lower +-320nm of the 3.8 V6, I'm glad to hear it tows well from someone with experience of the older 3.8L

Thanks for the feedback.

[RoelfleRoux]

There is much more to it than just the engine torque. The revs and gearing play a major role on how much power goes to the wheels.

But yes, 5 - 6 km/l sounds about right.

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[francoisd]

I get just over 14l/100 km on my 2006 SWB 3.8 lt Pajero at 120 - 130 kph on the open road.