3.5 SXT vs. 3.6 Why the 40+HP Difference???

[The_JGonz]

I have a 3.5 Sxt and I know that the pentastar 3.6 has around 280 and mine has about 240 but what improvements were made to gain that power? I assume the parts wouldn't be compatible with the 3.5 because im pretty sure its a different block entirely but since I understand that the 3.6 is already pretty much tuned out from the factory and doesn't really allow for much modification, is there more potential to get more power out of the 3.5 through mods that fit other cars with the same drive train or block such as the 3.5 same year charger or the avenger? Looking for any input at all about how the performance of the 3.5 can be maximized aside from FI, tuning and exhaust. Im talking innovative, not conventional. Spitballing is also welcome, just no comments like "CAI, straight pipe, nos, turbo."

[John/Horace]

Double overhead cam and double VVT variable valve timing, higher compression ratio. Not simple stuff.

The 3.6 was built by the Germans when Daimler ran things.

 

Maybe track down a 300M with the most powerful 3.5 and find out changes. Bigger injectors and different tune on ecm would help, hoping heads were still the same, changing them major $’s and work.

 

Pasted from wiki

. Also for 2002–2004, the EGK 3.5 L Special was built exclusively for the 300M Special, producing 255 hp (190 kW) and 258 lb⋅ft (350 N⋅m). The EGKwas discontinued in 2004.^[1]

The 3.5 L variant is no longer in production as of 2011, replaced by the newer Pentastar 3.6 V6.

 

Edited November 6, 2020 by John/Horace

[KnightRoller]

he item John/Horace mentioned are indeed worth 40hp. Higher compression alone can deliver that but the better flow from the valvetrain is huge. When I was younger, everyone wanted to throw a cam in their V8 for more power and that unique sound....plus is was certainly good for more ponies when the revs got higher up. The VVT delivers the best of both worlds with smooth operation, good torque and fuel mpg at low revs while the cam phasers upon up big flow above 3-4k rpm to pour on the power. My 3.6 with a K&N intake howls like a demon above 4k when its really breathing deep.

As he also mentioned, getting big bumps from your 3.5 could be costly with forced induction being the fastest way to lots of extra muscle. The twin intakes and dual TBs on the 300 Special could add some but fitting it on a FWD set up could be tricky. A larger throttle body and a tune can really wake up a vehicle. I'd explore that route first. The Pacifica (previous to the minivan) used a 4.0 SOHC in a transverse application. Maybe a 4.0 block with better induction?