Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8: PH Carpool

Is a ruded-up American SUV suitable transport for a self-respecting PHer? Hell yeah says this week's featured owner

Name: Dean Barrett
Car: 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8
Owned since: December 2012
Previously owned: "Ford F150 5.4 V8 Supercharged, Subaru Legacy, Subaru Forester Turbo, Toyota Celica GT4, Toyota Supra MkIV Twin Turbo, Jeep Wrangler 4.0 Limited, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0 Limited, Jeep Cherokee 4.0 Limited, Chrysler PT Cruiser (apologies for that one)."

Why I bought it:
"Was more luck than anything else... I decided it was time to replace my 2001 Grand Cherokee and was looking through Autotrader for an equivalent 2007/2008 version of the GC, and someone had placed an advert for an SRT8 in the diesel section. What caught my eye was the 5.0-second 0-60 bit. I then did a bit more investigating and realised the mpg stated of around 15 was only marginally worse than the old 2001 4.0L version and I thought what the hell?

"It was really thanks to PistonHeads that I found the right car - there's never many SRT8s for sale and I was particularly after a silver one as I already had the F150 in black, so I posted a wanted ad and had a number of calls from people looking to potentially sell theirs. After a few weeks I found the one I wanted and flew up to Edinburgh to collect. Driving back a new car though Newcastle when it's snowing and icy roads was not fun!"

What I wish I'd known:
"Biggest thing to consider as I've found out is where the car has lived - this one had been in the Highlands for a few years not getting much use, and underside corrosion has not been kind to the many bolts and nuts requiring removal for all the little projects that have gone on. There was a facelift between 2007 and 2008 which I made some subtle changes like a darker interior, HIDs etc. which I would have hung out for had I realised."

Things I love:
"What's not to love. It started as a totally unmolested stock 6.1 V8 normally aspirated SUV already capable of sub five-second 0-60, and thanks to the massive following they have in the US the aftermarket tuning potential is huge. Its still a 6.1 but now cammed with a mild street cam for more mid-range torque (where you need it when you have the aerodynamics of a brick), 75mm turbo for even more mid/high range power, sitting on lower BC Racing coilovers to aid cornering, and now producing around 700hp and capable of 0-60 in around 3.3 seconds. You can't help love the sound of a V8 and thanks to some electric cutouts everyone for miles can here me coming!

"It may not look much of a sleeper now, but still surprises people what it can do for a daily driver."

Things I hate:
"I wish it had the 2008 black interior, though I'm working on this. I never know what club meet I should be attendin g... is it really American as it's right-hand drive, it's not old enough to be classic, it's not really a hot rod and Jeep clubs in the UK are really about getting stuck in mud."

Costs:
"It's not horrendous to run, OK it's only 12mpg and it's super unleaded, but you don't buy a V8 for fuel economy. Servicing is OK, most parts are standard Jeep/Fiat bits usually available next day from Italy. Insurance is surprisingly good in its stock form, and even modified it's still below £500 (though I am old). Getting modifications done has been fun as I was not able to find anyone with experience of performance work on modern 6.1 Hemis, and I'm pleased to say that renowned TVR specialists Top Cats Racing from Aylesbury were more than happy to accept the challenges I've given them so far. Currently they are in the process of installing the new 1,000bhp rated transmission addressing the SRT8's weak point."

Where I've been:
"Nowhere yet, I'm keen to take her to Santa Pod as the US guys are running 10s using the same kit as me. Maybe try and join the V8UK guys on their power tour next year..."

What next?
"I think I'm pretty much done with all the mechanical and cosmetic upgrades, though changing the interior seat leather for something darker is on the list. Hopefully nothing should break on the engine, though a good upgrade I'm told are forged pistons. But don't tell my wife."

Want to share your car with PHers on Carpool? Email us at carpool@pistonheads.com!