should the optima have the 3.3 V6 instead of the 2.7?

[sillylance]

In my opinion the 3.3 liter V6 should replace the 2.7 mu v6, it still uses a timing belt, the 3.3 and the 2.7 liter have the same fuel economy, it would bring the price up by about $500-800 USD more, but atleast the optima has a five automatic atleast in all engines and trims levels, the 3.3 will have a timing chain, more power.

[maguzma]

Yes is should. First of all the worst engine Korean car manufactures made was the 2.7L engine. My wifes Sportage has it as well my sister's old Tiburon had it and my sister's Optima EX has it too. All cars are not fast and the gas mileage was terrible. Howerver, I own a brand new Hyundai Sonata with the 3.3L engine and it is fast and I get better gas mileage. Optima should have opted for the bigger engine. My Sonata is much heavier than my sister's Optima so can you image the HP?

[l.r.vanallen]

Not that I am defending the new 2.7 L V-6 (as installed in the latest model Optima) over the 3.3 L of the Sonata, which is a very strong and economical engine indeed, but I must point out that this new version does, in fact, have a timing chain. It is a re-design and incorporates many new features, although the output is only 185 HP.

[wbarnum]

I find the 2.7L V6 has more power than I need and I would not be willing to give up any fuel economy for an even bigger engine. Doing it again, I might even buy the 4 cylinder.

[AllBlack07Optima]

I am very impressed with the 2.7, and anyway I havent seen a 3.3 alpine kit yet either...

BTW the new Mu 2.7 DOES have a timing belt.

[l.r.vanallen]

Apparently Kia has caused some confusion by putting both a timing belt and chain in this new engine. The owner's manual actually does make reference to inspections and replacement of the 2.7 timing belt, but I remember reading technical information last year about a chain. Schnauzer actually started a thread back on 3.31.06 on this subject, which did elicit very interesting and enlightening responses from knowledgeable members, including several illustrations.

[Tuminatuh]

Originally Posted by AllBlack07Optima

I am very impressed with the 2.7, and anyway I havent seen a 3.3 alpine kit yet either...

BTW the new Mu 2.7 DOES have a timing belt.

Ditto. I LOVE my 2.7L in my 2004.

Great sound, good fuel economy, and a lot of potential.

I also can't wait to install my Alpine kit here in a few months...

- Tum

[04SorentoLX]

Originally Posted by sillylance

In my opinion the 3.3 liter V6 should replace the 2.7 mu v6, it still uses a timing belt, the 3.3 and the 2.7 liter have the same fuel economy, it would bring the price up by about $500-800 USD more, but atleast the optima has a five automatic atleast in all engines and trims levels, the 3.3 will have a timing chain, more power.

Without going into great detail of the micrometer data lets look at the facts.
All the different thou very close eng displacements confuse the main issue here. And here is why.

The 2.7L V6 is a FWD midsize chassis designed Transverse eng.
The 3.0 V6 was a FWD for a midsize Transverse eng chassis like the XG300/Amanti was.
The 3.5 V6 was a multi chassis eng design. Made for both Transverse and Longitual.
The 3.3 V6 is the new destroked version of the bigger 3.8 V6 for a bigger chassis. And was designed for Transverse as well as Longitudal use.
The 3.8 V6 is the Full boat bigger chassis V6. And can be used for Transverse and Longutual.
The 4.6 V8 is and will be the eng for the NEW really big RWD Longitual eng chassis.

To put a 3.3 in anything like a FWD Transverse (belts on side) Optima or Sonata you would have to redesign the chassis bigger (they did to do it) and that is what they NOW call the FWD Longitual (belts in front) eng AZERA. And it gets the 3.3 and 3.8. As does the new AMANTI based off that chassis I recall. Other wise you need to by the new upscale trim bigger chassis Santa Fe to go out of the 2.7 and into the 3.3 or 3.8. That chassis will do that for you as it gets all three engs. The VERCRUZ gets the 3.3/3.8 only as it is a bigger chassis to start.

[04SorentoLX]

I now stand corrected it seems. And you got your wish in the end. They must have had (they advertized not) or found a way to get a inch or two put of the chassis where they needed it to be, maybe lowering the deck height of the intake or something. But for 2009you get your 3.3L V6. As well as a new 2.4L I4. Lets hope the dealers do not take this as a green light to rape customers on price. And make it so there is not much distance between a Sonata/Optima with their new topline 3.3L and the base AZERA with its base 3.3L. This also makes the AMANTI and its 3.3-3.8L either a great value or an orphan no one will now buy. Should be interesting to see what goes down between the fours cars all with 3.3 options.

[joebunda]

My impression has been the AMANTI is being marketed as more of a luxury sedan (more gadets, nicer seats/stereo, better looking trim, etc...). Somewhat like a Lincoln compared to a Ford...same basic car...bigger price tag.