WOW!!!

I ended up putting an LT1 V8 in my 03, granted it wasn't an LS motor, but you can get a good used LS motor for around $600 to $800. I think I spent $300 for a transmission adapter plate and I spent $50 on motor mounts. I did spend another $300 for an exhaust system, but all and all I spent less than or right at $2000. It ran great. There may have been a couple of others small expenses. I think I got a different fuel pump too, but I can't emagine it costing $5000, (I think I only spent $500 on my LT1 motor) Then again I rememeber when superchargers were only around $3000

The reasoning for me even asking, is my Jeep isn't going to be just my play toy, I will be driving it most every day. I drive 3 hours for drill every month and I like the thought of actually being able to pass someone on a 2 lane highway without the thought of, did I get my speed up enough to get around this guy before this semi plows into me!!! lolol

I have different gears on my to do list. I know I need that, but no one sells better rocker arms, or or intakes

I didn't think 50 hp was that big of a deal. You can "suposedly" get half of that with just headers, better exhaust, a CAI, and a reprogram?

Maybe I'm just use to my LS motors where you can install a cam and get an extra 50 hp or an extra 100 hp with some trick flow heads.

I was hoping maybe there was someone who's actually ported and polished their heads or intake for a few extra horses, or maybe installed some better roller rockers for some extra power.

I've seen people get well over a 100 extra HP with adding a supercharger so I figured the engine could handle the extra power without too much trouble.

Hmmm I was just hoping for some cheaper ideas... I may have to visit Ripp.

If anyone can think of a few other things feel free to chime in with your exsperiences.

 

What's the difference between the wranglers 6 speed transmissions and the Chevy's 6 speed transmissions out of the Camaro's and Vetts?
Bell housing?

 

I'd be really surprised if you got anywhere near 20hp from that. There's really not much to be gained with rockers, intakes, etc anymore like there used to be. If you do, it's a trade off and you end up having to run the engine at higher RPM's to see it and you give up torque in the lower RPM range, which is a lot more useful in a Jeep.

 

I have studied this up and down. Here is my suggestion:

Run the 3.8L til it pukes. I have 105K now and still going strong. You should get as many miles, even if they are painful ones, out of the 3.8L

I would then go to the LS3 with the 6L80, if you still want it as a daily driver.

If no longer a daily driver, just replace the 3.8.

In 4LOW the 3.8 is fine with anything under 37s. Gears depending on the topography you call home.

If you build is bigger than 37s or you plan on 5+ years as a DD after the swap, the numbers fall out financially reasonable.

I have decided TRUCK....certainly looking at the Nissan titan with the Cummins coming out....2015

Jeeps are a great tool, but even channel locks can't fix everything. Even with a V8 swap the JK comes up short for me in a few areas:

Tow Rating
Long Distance Comfort - (For me this relates to offshore adventures 24hrs+ no sleep tuna fishing and then 170miles in a Jeep is like pouring salt in a wound)
Braking (notice i didnt say brakes) the braking is crap-regardless of why
Width- Stability (I've always want to see a JK stretched width wise to the size of a truck.) This mainly concerns stability at higher speeds cruzing home down the interstate.

Everyone has different needs so there will be a lot of opinions, but that is mine.

 

LS swap kit includes:

http://www.lswrangler.com/basic-kit.html

2007-2009 Jeep JK LS conversion kit $5,195

Our LS conversion kit includes the items required to get the LS engine in your JK and running. This kit is intended for Generation IV LS truck engines and 6L80 transmission.

Kit includes: (click on text to view image)
MoTech frame mounts for use with GM hydraulic motor mounts.
Alternator mount kit, fits your JK alternator to the LS engine.
A/C compressor mount kit, fits your JK A/C compressor to the LS engine.
P/S mount kit, fits your JK P/S pump to the LS engine.
E38 GM computer programmed for your engine.
MoTech's JK to LS wiring harness with power distribution center PDC, supports AFM/DOD and VVT engines.
ECM and PDC mount.
Transmission mount set for the 6L80 transmission.
Transmission shift cable mount and lever.
Accelerator pedal and mount.
Upper radiator hose. (With Heavy Duty Radiator)
Aluminum expansion bottle and mount.
A/C line kit.
Air intake kit. (Air Filter not included)
Serpentine belt 6K1015.
Harmonic balancer set, includes new bolt.
Emissions kit - includes fuel tank pressure sensor, EVAP vent solenoid, hose and hardware.
Instructions for install will be a pdf sent on purchase

 

These guys know what they are doing. My buddy worked with them on his 2011 LS3 conversion. His jeep is bad ass! But he also upgraded to D60's to handle the power and torque.

It worked well for me because I bought his brand new 3.8L for my '07 and supercharged it. Absent that option of a new engine and SC, I would have gone with this kit and found a 6.2L LS3 from GMC Denali wreck.

 

Not to be off topic, but I do to Flagstaff almost monthly and no issues or complaints with 4:10s. I don't feel 4.88s+ are necessary.

I notice the OP is also in KS, so their area is also fairly flat.

Also, this chart is helpful: Jeep Wrangler JK Gearing Charts - Resources - Articles - Articles - Tennessee Jeeps

 

Are you curious about the 'not my creation but merely copied from other sources' note in that link?

Those charts were developed by a guy on this site. You will find them in the FAQ's right at the top of this modified area. You know, the ones that no one can ever be bothered to open.

 

Yes, and the link in the FAQ leads to a "Page Cannot Be Found" which is why I used an outside link.

 

I have considered modding a 3.8 as well. Most if not all say its a waste. I have built Oldsmobile and Pontiac V8's so I am used to everyone telling me what I am doing is a waste of time. As far as parts, Hesco supposedly makes a camshaft. A coil is available as well. Personally If you are looking for a mild upgrade, I would do Ripp headers and intake. I would use their programmer and sale your tuner to get some of the money back. You will be out $2k and have about 25 or so hp extra at the wheels. For some reason parasitic loss in Jeeps seems high, so finding someone to tune transmissions and or possibly a converter swap might be a better route to help get some of this back (if you have an auto). As far as my own project, I am looking at getting a spare 3.8 and building it and the installing it into my Jeep. It's hard to bring myself to do anything to it as I have the extended warranty. I am wanting to install Hesco's stroker kit and a Ripp black ops SC. This along with RIPP headers and a cat back. I am considering having heads and lower intake extrude honed and very mild port work (very mild, more emphasis on a good valve job). Also considered having A set of valves made to help with low lift flow without doing a lot of port work. I would like to see what differences a good valve job and balancing and blueprint would do for one of these engines.