Lower Cost Hemi Conversion?
JK Freak
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 722
Likes: 0
From: King George, VA
I did the AEV conversion in my garage, body on the Jeep, and with no prior JK or Hemi knowledge (although I am a descent wrench). I did the conversion in about 35 hours without any help at all. Adding about 8 hours to the build was a lot of rework of my long arm lift to allow the AEV exhaust to fit. If not for this, I would have been able to come in under 30 hours as a first-timer.
What I learned could probably save about 5 hours if I were to do it again. The total build time would be about 25 hours. This does not include the time to prep the engine, run to the auto parts store, etc. Adding all that back in, you're probably coming in just over 30 hours. Many specalty shops charge $95 an hour--that's about $3,000 for that amount of time.... Much over 3K to 5K in labor is probably excessive, but then again, a reputable builder with a warranty is worth something.
Me? I bought a used engine and trans on eBay that had 17K. Doing it myself was under $9K including the AEV kit, the Hemi and trans, and parts. I tore the Jeep down and had it back on the road in eight days.
-Randy
What I learned could probably save about 5 hours if I were to do it again. The total build time would be about 25 hours. This does not include the time to prep the engine, run to the auto parts store, etc. Adding all that back in, you're probably coming in just over 30 hours. Many specalty shops charge $95 an hour--that's about $3,000 for that amount of time.... Much over 3K to 5K in labor is probably excessive, but then again, a reputable builder with a warranty is worth something.
Me? I bought a used engine and trans on eBay that had 17K. Doing it myself was under $9K including the AEV kit, the Hemi and trans, and parts. I tore the Jeep down and had it back on the road in eight days.
-Randy
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 323
Likes: 0
From: frederick, co
These guys just posted in the Denver CL too. The pics of the install dont look that good. The intake and accessories dont look well though out. It also says it going to be CARB legal soon. This sounds a little sketchy to me
JK Enthusiast
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 296
Likes: 0
From: Nor-Cal - Novato
I know these guys well. I have them work on my Jeep all the time. Usually about 4 conversions at the shop going at a time.
The reason you do not think the accessories look that good, remember, it is a truck motor, not a car motor. So you see it all.
The reason you do not think the accessories look that good, remember, it is a truck motor, not a car motor. So you see it all.
Last edited by wayoflife; Dec 9, 2009 at 07:58 PM.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,412
Likes: 0
From: Mint Hill, NC
IMHO $17.5 is still too much...but compared, a very good price...Hemi swaps may have been "hard" in a JK a couple of years ago, it was uncharted territory...thus justifying the cost of "thinking" time and fab that had to go into it....but now 3 years into them being on the market, the way is pretty well paved. If you wanted a old carb V8 engine swapped into an old CJ, you wouldn't be surprised if everyone hasn't heard of the shop you decided to go with. I'm not surprised that there are more smaller shops popping up everywhere that offer these swaps...and for cheaper because its all pretty much bolt in and plug up. This is what needs to happen so all these other shops that started doing it might get the hint that it's not rocket science anymore and start lowering prices 
JK Super Freak
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,412
Likes: 0
From: Mint Hill, NC
JK Newbie
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: El Dorado Hills, CA
Jeepspeed shop did my hemi swap this past year (June/July) and got it done for cheaper than 17,5! 
I have about 10000 miles on the swap and I have had virtually no problems! And I have a valid CA 5.7 vehicle swap tag! I can smog my jeep anytime which is a huge deal in CA. The only downside was the time it took for my swap. I was a good 2 months but I knew that going into it. I drive it daily and it is a blast!!!!!
I have about 10000 miles on the swap and I have had virtually no problems! And I have a valid CA 5.7 vehicle swap tag! I can smog my jeep anytime which is a huge deal in CA. The only downside was the time it took for my swap. I was a good 2 months but I knew that going into it. I drive it daily and it is a blast!!!!!
JK Super Freak
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,866
Likes: 3
From: Eastern Long Island, NY
Did u fab the engine mounts ?
And how much or many small annoying items (brackets, wires, heat shielding, whatever) were needed to be fabbed or bought separately from the kit to complete ? Cheers