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Surcharge or buy newer JK?

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Old 10-03-2016, 03:40 PM
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Default Surcharge or buy newer JK?

Hey all!

I'm battling with a bunch of ideas in my head on what I want to do. I have a 2011 JKU Sahara 3.73 gearing manual trans. I'm really upset with the lack of get-up-and-go on the 2011 and previous JK-JKU models. The 3.8 is just a fat, heavy turtle especially with a manual trans. I'm debating on throwing a RIPP Supercharger in it to see if that will give me the extra juice I want. Down side of that is that I would shell out about $5,000 for the supercharger with not knowing what I would get. On the other hand I'm also contemplating on just selling it and using the cash to buy a 2012+ model 2-door JK with the 3.6.

Anybody have some input or their $0.02 on this? Any experience with a supercharger in a 2011 or earlier JKU manual?


Thanks all!

-Johnny
Old 10-03-2016, 03:55 PM
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I thought putting a blower on my 3.8 seemed like a good idea too.

After assuming the cost, and especially if a shop does your install, labor, ouch. V8 swaps cost just a tad more. That's what I'm saving for, blow up the 3.8, swap in a V8.

Just my opinion.
Old 10-03-2016, 04:03 PM
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You should fill out your profile so folks know what you're working with. If you've got stock tires and you think it's a pig then that's a problem. If you're on 35's then that's a different story.

So what size tire and what gear ratio are you running? My 3.8, 3.73, and 6 speed combo isn't bad with 32's, albeit no speed demon.
Old 10-03-2016, 04:49 PM
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You could try a tuner like the trail dash 2. The gas peddle remap on the 87 tune made it feel like a new jeep. I am trying the 91tune right now and it's great.
Old 10-03-2016, 05:43 PM
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Default Stressed

I had a 2008 JKR with 35s, 4:10s and a six speed. If you drove it like a sports car (revved the hell out of it in every gear) it was fun to drive. My 2014 JKUR auto would leave it in the dust. Fully loaded or pulling a trailer the difference is even greater.
I have no experience with a RIPP but IMHO then you'd have a used, fat, stressed, supercharged 3.8 turtle.
For $5K you could probably trade up to a 2012+ with the 3.6, maybe even still under factory warranty.
Old 10-03-2016, 06:25 PM
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Have you thought about regearing your diffs.? You are running 373's, what's the tire size ?
Old 10-03-2016, 06:28 PM
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Supercharge!! Jk is a jk.
Old 10-04-2016, 09:04 AM
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I have a 2011 manual with 37" tires and 5.13 gears.

I installed a ripp supercharger with the headers around 2 years ago. I wish I had just done a v8 swap or test drove the ripp and other super chargers first.

I have to pretty much stay at 3200 rpm at all times or the jeep is a total slug.

The only positive thing I've ever done for performance over the years was the gear swap. Everything else was a total waste of money.
Old 10-04-2016, 10:19 AM
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I have to agree with Zroe... I have a 2011 JKUR 3.8l auto with a Sprintex SC on 40's with 5.38 gears. The SC at least made it drivable but it is still a pig. My wife has a 2013 Rubicon and the Pentastar is 100 times better. I am in the process of gathering the parts for a LS swap and wish I would have just done it in the first place.
Old 10-04-2016, 12:10 PM
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It all depends on how far your invested in your current rig.
Our 3.8L supercharger kit should net you 30 to 50HP to the wheel above a stock Pentastar 3.6. Food for though.

RIPP


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