Pentastar or Supercharge it?
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: Mount Prospect, IL
Hi all,
Just looking for your opinions. I have an 09 Jku, have plenty invested in it, but 90% could be transferred over to the other jeep. Things I've purchased would include rims and tires, hardtop, whole new audio system with nav. Also should mention I just extended my warranty a couple years with Chrysler.
So what's ur opinion? Trade it in for a pentastar and supercharge that in the future (few years), or keep this JK and supercharge it?
Just looking for your opinions. I have an 09 Jku, have plenty invested in it, but 90% could be transferred over to the other jeep. Things I've purchased would include rims and tires, hardtop, whole new audio system with nav. Also should mention I just extended my warranty a couple years with Chrysler.
So what's ur opinion? Trade it in for a pentastar and supercharge that in the future (few years), or keep this JK and supercharge it?
Last edited by vitodivita; Jun 14, 2012 at 05:53 AM.
JK Newbie
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: Hoover, AL
Besides the new engine and trans in the 2012, you get the new interior as well. The trade in I got on my 08 JKU Sahara made it a no-brainer to upgrade to the 2012. I'm happy I upgraded.
On the other, hand, there is a local guy that sells superchargers and he has one installed in his 2011. So he's got the new interior and a supercharged 3.8L. So that's a sweet combination as well.
Just my $.02
On the other, hand, there is a local guy that sells superchargers and he has one installed in his 2011. So he's got the new interior and a supercharged 3.8L. So that's a sweet combination as well.
Just my $.02
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 306
Likes: 1
From: Houston, Tx
I have the same decision to make. For me, it's a matter of warranty. It's my daily driver, and I would love to supercharge it, but I am leaning towards new pentastar. Your extended warranty will likely be voided if you supercharge it, at least for the engine. Nice thing about the one you have now is that you don't have to worry about programmers cracking the ECU. From what I have researched, no one has done it yet, or at least has admitted to it yet.
Honestly, if this were not my daily driver, I would supercharge it and maybe turn it into a JK8. For now, I'll have to hold off that dream, but am happy to upgrade to the pentastar too.
Honestly, if this were not my daily driver, I would supercharge it and maybe turn it into a JK8. For now, I'll have to hold off that dream, but am happy to upgrade to the pentastar too.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,469
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From: Olathe, Kansas
My vote goes for the Supercharger. 
Yes, the new Pentastar is nice, but all of the additional power is at the top end of the tachometer. With the RIPP - the power & torque are all across the board. 
(better for us Jeepers who go offroad)
Have you given the new engine a test drive? It was nice, but not nice enough to warrant me trading mine in.
Yes, the new Pentastar is nice, but all of the additional power is at the top end of the tachometer. With the RIPP - the power & torque are all across the board. (better for us Jeepers who go offroad)Have you given the new engine a test drive? It was nice, but not nice enough to warrant me trading mine in.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 466
Likes: 0
From: Burbs of Chicago
Guess it depends on how you use it, what gears you have, and if you have an auto or not.
If you have a stick with 3.21's, or the old 4 speed auto with 3.73's....you might as well find a 2012 on the lot that has better gearing (or order a 2013).
The new engine PLUS better gearing/tranny will make a big change.
If you have a stick with 3.21's, or the old 4 speed auto with 3.73's....you might as well find a 2012 on the lot that has better gearing (or order a 2013).
The new engine PLUS better gearing/tranny will make a big change.
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: Mount Prospect, IL
I have the 4 speed with 3.73 gears. My tires are just one size above stock, so I don't think I'm under geared.
It is my daily driver. From what I've been reading, I haven't seen any major issues with people's power train from supercharging it. It is most definitely a risk though. Whole reason I got the extended warranty is to protect me from any major mechanical catastrophe's.
One of my co-workers has a 2012 Sahara JKU. I took it for a drive & didn't feel a significant difference. Biggest difference I felt was in the transmission. That extra gear really smooths out the ride. Love the new interior though. I'm just not sure if I want to start over on payments.
It is my daily driver. From what I've been reading, I haven't seen any major issues with people's power train from supercharging it. It is most definitely a risk though. Whole reason I got the extended warranty is to protect me from any major mechanical catastrophe's.
One of my co-workers has a 2012 Sahara JKU. I took it for a drive & didn't feel a significant difference. Biggest difference I felt was in the transmission. That extra gear really smooths out the ride. Love the new interior though. I'm just not sure if I want to start over on payments.
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JK Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 306
Likes: 1
From: Houston, Tx
This was a major thing for me to get over. I personally am starting a new phase in my life (finishing training), and decided to go ahead and get the new car because I can afford it and wanted the warranty. I have not signed on the dotted line for the new 2012, and have not traded in just yet, but that's the way I am leaning. I told myself if I get a bad interest rate, poor trade in value, or can't find the color or combination I like, I'll take it as a sign of the Jeep gods and keep my 2010. We'll see.
The Ripp supercharger so far has great reviews and have not heard any thing about engines going bad. Hopefully your warranty will cover everything else not related to engine, but I would check with them.
Though I think most people have installed it without many hiccups, if you are worried that you may install it wrong, you should contact Ripp. For a while they had a special if there was a Ripp dealer nearby, the install was $250 even if you bought it online from Ripp (and saved sales tax) and brought it in. I don't know if they have that deal any longer.
From my research online and in this forum, the Ripp Supercharger is a great add on even for 33 tires and 3.73 gears, which is the set up I considered upgrading. If you have bumpers and other heavy upgrades, you will feel the effects of the much needed power. Plus depending on how you drive afterwards, you could gain back a few mpg.
Definitely let us know what you decide. Good luck.
The Ripp supercharger so far has great reviews and have not heard any thing about engines going bad. Hopefully your warranty will cover everything else not related to engine, but I would check with them.
Though I think most people have installed it without many hiccups, if you are worried that you may install it wrong, you should contact Ripp. For a while they had a special if there was a Ripp dealer nearby, the install was $250 even if you bought it online from Ripp (and saved sales tax) and brought it in. I don't know if they have that deal any longer.
From my research online and in this forum, the Ripp Supercharger is a great add on even for 33 tires and 3.73 gears, which is the set up I considered upgrading. If you have bumpers and other heavy upgrades, you will feel the effects of the much needed power. Plus depending on how you drive afterwards, you could gain back a few mpg.
Definitely let us know what you decide. Good luck.
Sponsoring Manufacturer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 2
From: New York
Hi all,
Just looking for your opinions. I have an 09 Jku, have plenty invested in it, but 90% could be transferred over to the other jeep. Things I've purchased would include rims and tires, hardtop, whole new audio system with nav. Also should mention I just extended my warranty a couple years with Chrysler.
So what's ur opinion? Trade it in for a pentastar and supercharge that in the future (few years), or keep this JK and supercharge it?
Just looking for your opinions. I have an 09 Jku, have plenty invested in it, but 90% could be transferred over to the other jeep. Things I've purchased would include rims and tires, hardtop, whole new audio system with nav. Also should mention I just extended my warranty a couple years with Chrysler.
So what's ur opinion? Trade it in for a pentastar and supercharge that in the future (few years), or keep this JK and supercharge it?
Pentastar Stock:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87CkeT6WSg4 Pentastar RIPP AIR FILTER KIT:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0Ldz1xObUM Stock VVTI Hemi:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GC8KCFvCNI 2008 Auto JK on 37" Tires and 5:38 Gears
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOG0_8VtMa4
