Gls 2.7 Loaner Vs. My 3.3 Ltd. Gls Engine Better Options

[Meagain]

Canderson - I swear it did. Trust me, it freaked me out which got me on this train and why I started this thread. It was in your face noticeable. Had to push pedal way less and it didn't complain getting to 20. Did it fast and then no hesitation there. And driving that more cemented in the vibe I got when I test drove this car that I blew off to "buying the car jitters" much like Volfy suggested I was experiencing now.

In my vid,

at 0:45 or so, it goes to 3000 rpm to get to 18. Maybe beyond 3000 a bit because it was filmed at an angle? Then at 19-20mph, it hangs there for a bit and goes back down to 2000. Then up again to 3000 to get to 30. Then down to 2500ish to get to 40

at 2:40, it goes to 2000 to shift at 14ish mph. This is an example of my issue with noise to get to 13-15mph which is really slow.

But at the 0:45 mark, it does go to 3000.

I do love the Santa Fe and not regretting my decision. Nope. Don't want anyone to think I'm dissing the car, just perhaps I might've made a better choice in particular specific cars on the lot (given the other non-engine issues also). I just want to make sure it's normal and find ways to improve it. It's my nature. Things can always be better and I like to tweak/hack/improve computers, phones, etc. It's just me. I 'will' improve the quietness of this car.

I want to shoot some more vids with the good camera. Taking suggestions as to how to drive to show this off. The sound quality would be more accurate.

[canderson]

In my vid, at 0:45 or so, it goes to 3000 rpm to get to 18. Maybe beyond 3000 a bit because it was filmed at an angle? Then at 19-20mph, it hangs there for a bit and goes back down to 2000. Then up again to 3000 to get to 30. Then down to 2500ish to get to 40 at 2:40, it goes to 2000 to shift at 14ish mph.

OK - I was staying focused on the 2:40 area since that had at least a little sound I could work with and a really nice shot of tach/speedo combination.

I want to shoot some more vids with the good camera. Taking suggestions as to how to drive to show this off. The sound quality would be more accurate.

That might help a lot. Even with the volume up, it was hard to tell what I was hearing apart from your voices.

I think what you need soon is what we call an A/B test. Drop by your dealer one more time and TRY to run his 2.7 and your 3.3 through the same paces, understanding that the 2.7 has a 4 speed, and the 3.3 has a 5 speed. The difference in gearing is significant and the way they feel as a result will also be very different. The 2.7 will have to hold a gear longer to achieve the same speed, and again, based upon your right foot, the higher RPMs required may put it into a better area for torque. It's an apples and oranges thing, very much based upon your perception of when the vehicle has to shift and what it's doing when it gets to that point.

The gear ratios are as follows:
2.7L 4 Auto = 2.84, 1.50, 1.00, 0.73 (4.52 final)
3.3L 5 Auto = 3.79, 2.06, 1.42, 1.03, 0.73 (3.68 final)

Understand that you have to multiply each of the gear ratios x the final drive ratio... so the net effect is

2.7L 4 Auto = 12.84, 6.78, 4.52, 3.30
3.3L 5 Auto = 13.95, 7.58, 5.23, 3.79, 2.69

What that shows you is that through the first four gears, your 3.3 is geared LOWER than the 2.7. The 3.3's 5 speed will produce more engine RPMs to achieve the same speed in any of gears 1 through 4. There's no doubt in my mind that you HEAR some of that difference. However, if you'll get your foot into it, you'll also find that the slightly lower gearing plus the added torque of the 3.3 engine will get you to those speeds faster - the 3.3 will find its optimum torque quicker with those lower gearings.

[Volfy]

I swear that youtube clip has been scrutinized more than the Zapruder film. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/innocent.gif) Folks, there was no roar, there was no transmission slipping, there was no 3rd gunman, and there was nobody behind the grassy knoll. That car did exactly what it was designed to do. If you find it troubling, then you have indeed bought the wrong car.

You may have heard more or less road noise, but significantly different engine noise with the same 3.3L in the same trim level?! I doubt it very much.

3000rpm for an DOHC 24V V6 that redline at near 7000rpm is hardly cause for concern. That's right in the torque band. I would be worried if you are always lugging the engine at below 1500rpm.

As for the roar, there are some owners here that go to great lengths to hear more from their engine. Hyundai has to set the bar somewhere between viceral sportiness and luxurious tranquility - based on the likely demographics.

meagain, I'm sorry... I now agree 100% that you bought the wrong car. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/gitara.gif)

This post has been edited by Volfy: Sep 8 2009, 12:07 AM

[david-paul-1]

I swear that youtube clip has been scrutinized more than the Zapruder film. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/innocent.gif) Folks, there was no roar, there was no transmission slipping, there was no 3rd gunman, and there was nobody behind the grassy knoll. That car did exactly what it was designed to do. If you find it troubling, then you have indeed bought the wrong car.

You may have heard more or less road noise, but significantly different engine noise with the same 3.3L in the same trim level?! I doubt it very much.

3000rpm for an DOHC 24V V6 that redline at near 7000rpm is hardly cause for concern. That's right in the torque band. I would be worried if you are always lugging the engine at below 1500rpm.

As for the roar, there are some owners here that go to great lengths to hear more from their engine. Hyundai has to set the bar somewhere between viceral sportiness and luxurious tranquility - based on the likely demographics.

meagain, I'm sorry... I now agree 100% that you bought the wrong car. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/gitara.gif)

Meagain,

I also agree. You bought the wrong vehicle.

I have had many years of experience with Hyundais. Especially the 3.3 engine with the five speed auto tranny.

Your vehicle is performing perfectly as far as the engine and tranny are concerned.

Your alignment and rattle problems can definitely be fixed, but if your dealer refuses, you have to either do them yourself or accept the fact that you bought the wrong vehicle.

Your 3.3 engine and 5 speed tranny are performing exactly the same as my 2007 Santa Fe and my previous 2007 Azera.

David <><

This post has been edited by david-paul-1: Sep 8 2009, 02:54 AM

[Meagain]

resetting ecu for anyone interested. IDK how accurate this is

http://www.santafeclubph.com/forums/index.php?topic=746.0

Yes, I realize I've been told more than a few times as above which is really fun to hear when dropping a ton of cash on a new car. Not exactly going a long way to making me feel better about it by telling me I shouldn't have bought it.

[jaydee77ca]

Yes, I realize I've been told more than a few times as above which is really fun to hear when dropping a ton of cash on a new car. Not exactly going a long way to making me feel better about it by telling me I shouldn't have bought it.

What's done is done. You need to just chill out and enjoy it! The car companies are going to continue to make cars so there will always be newer, better, different models. So there's no sense rehashing things. Just enjoy the one you've got! It's a great vehicle!

[Meagain]

I do love the car. Just want to improve it. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
I'm heading to meet with the rep today about my 2nd row seat issue that the salesman promised would be fixed which is why I bought it. I'm usually not that stupid but that day I apparently was.

I'm going to have them reset the ECU. I'm reading some conflicting info here? Once reset, if I want earlier shift to 2nd (hopefully more quietly) which is currently around 20mph.... Am I to drive aggressive or baby it? There's a highway by my dealer if I need to let loose. Hopefully the rep can offer some tips also.

[jaydee77ca]

I do love the car. Just want to improve it. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
I'm heading to meet with the rep today about my 2nd row seat issue that the salesman promised would be fixed which is why I bought it. I'm usually not that stupid but that day I apparently was.

I'd like to know what they say about your seats as we're considering mentioning it to our dealer too. We've had it for a while (~3000 kms) but we never really put the seats down until recently.

I'm going to have them reset the ECU. I'm reading some conflicting info here? Once reset, if I want earlier shift to 2nd (hopefully more quietly) which is currently around 20mph.... Am I to drive aggressive or baby it? There's a highway by my dealer if I need to let loose. Hopefully the rep can offer some tips also.

Just drive normally, it should adapt to your driving style. If you try to deliberately teach it then when you do end up just driving normally it may not behave as you expect.

[Dylan255]

I absolutely love my 09 Limited Santa Fe. I went from a small 4 cylinder so what I am experiencing is a big jump in engines. I have babied my car so to speak from the moment I got it. The majority of my driving takes place in the city and I have not floored my vehicle so to speak. I have around 1150 miles on it currently. About two weeks ago I took it down to Atlantic city about 130 miles one way and it has performed exactly as I would expect it to. It would be nice to learn more about the shift points and all that put I myself have not had a problem. When merging onto a highway I get up to speed in no time. And I have really babied the car so probably its the adaptive style that everyone is talking about. I think just drive like you normally drive and it will behave and act the way you want it to.

[Meagain]

Jaydee - Re Seat Issue: I met with the area rep today who handles about 7 dealerships? He was wonderfully nice. I explained to him this was promised as a condition of the sale, how I would be using the car with the seats down for cargo about 3 times a week and explained how them being offset would cause problems as well as carpet wear on the edge. He said "let's get you some new seats" so we picked out a perfect 2nd row and they are going to be installed tomorrow. The svc. mgr was a bit more hesitant in claiming the perfect seats will be perfect in my car till it's installed in my frame holes but both are very much leaning towards this being a no-brainer success tomorrow.
I'm tentatively thrilled! I'll let you know how it goes. Mine looks much like yours but I also have the small seat's carpet back not attached properly too. I can stick my hand in there. Tomorrow I might morph into the "I love my car" mode.

I had my ECU reset.

[Meagain]

I'd like to know what they say about your seats as we're considering mentioning it to our dealer too. We've had it for a while (~3000 kms) but we never really put the seats down until recently.

The rep authorized a seat swap so now my seats don't have that "step" in them and align perfectly. I personally think it's possible to tweak this myself but not sure exactly how. I'm really happy about it. They also finally fixed my hatch rattle. Thank goodness.

I had the "Magic GLS Loaner" today again. Cabin more isolated from exterior sound. No doubt. So my next project is sorting that out and trying to quiet the cabin a bit.

[Perry Manessis]

I had the "Magic GLS Loaner" today again. Cabin more isolated from exterior sound. No doubt. So my next project is sorting that out and trying to quiet the cabin a bit.

Meagain,
First, the GLS has 16" tires with a higher profile (sidewall) that helps quite road noise, but you loose handling.
Second, the GLS, has softer springs and shocks, but again you loose handling.
Third, you are comparing a Chrysler 3.8L pushrod V-6 that was antiquated back in the early 90's when it first came out, it was a bored out 3.3L that all the magazines made fun of when it first came out. Pushrod motors have tons of low end torque, but no horsepower on the top end. The Chrysler also had a cable throttle vs. an electric throttle in the Santa Fe, this also makes a big difference, you need to stomp on the electric throttle a bit more as there is more resistance. The 2.7 in the GLS also uses a cable.
Forth, the Santa Fe has a 3" intake and a 2.5" 2 into 1 into 2 exhaust that increases performance, but it's also louder than the very restrictive intake and exhaust of your Chrysler.
Fifth, the Santa Fe is an SUV with an emphasis on SPORT, it handles better than my Sonata (which it's based on), your Chrysler was well a minivan and a very soft one to boot.

To answer your question, the only way to do what you want to do is swap the limited's 18" wheels and tires for the GLS's 16" wheels and tires and swap out the shocks, struts, antisway bars and springs. True drivers cars ave very little isoation from the road, you would probably hate a BMW. I think you got used to driving a plushy, driving your living room sofa, American Minivan.

BTW, my cousin who got the Santa Fe Limited took it from NY to VA Beach and loved it. He said he will never go back to Honda again. And his brother in law (who split the driving with him) who has an Acura MDX liked the Santa Fe better. Go figure.

[Meagain]

Interesting! Thanks. My van was actually the short version which was a bit more nimble. I have no issues with a stiffer ride and actually don't find it a leap from the van. I'm having sound issues only. Exterior sound entering cabin, and I still contend this one is a bit louder in general. Most definitely louder than the GLS. Van had a quieter cabin but I'm not comparing that.

I'm talking the sound of cars roaring by at a stop light, etc. I find myself trying to roll up windows that are already up. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Almost as if the windows don't go up into the seal enough or something. This is where I hear it from, by my left ear.
I want to beef up the door seals and window seal. I don't think the area at the bottom of the window (where it goes into) makes a good seal. It's not tight against the glass as witnessed by zero wipe at all when rolling up/down as if nothing touches it.

I'm going to lessen this at some point. Exterior and wind noise. Somehow. None of it is ridiculous, I just want to improve. I play music loud so I can't hear it anyway but when I have others in the car, that's what I want to tweak.

I find myself "trying" to get into situations to do a u-turn or getting into sticky parking spots. I'll never get over this crazy turn circle on this thing.