Has anyone tried building our 3.8L ?
I mean is there a stroker kit or any way to build up this gutless V-6 our JK's come with.
I haven't found anything. I'm not looking to get the power of a hemi out of it, just a bit more ponies. I figure it should be cheaper than dropping 20k on a Hemi swap.

 

You find a way to make a stroker kit, I'll buy one.

It's a matter of having a 3.8L short block sitting around to play with and have some patience with specifications. I don't think anyone has hardly looked into stroking the 3.8L, but it'd pickup the MUCH needed torque the 3.8L lacks

 

I was hoping some one had already heard of this being done. Maybe a company I haven't found. I'm in the same boat you are, I'll buy the kit ASAP if it come out.

 

It seems like someone would. I'd imagine it to be fairly cost effective, be about $1500, keep the stock heads and such for some low end grunt. (I'm not too interested in high rpm HP, rather low rpm TQ). It'd come with a crank (maybe), rods, bearings, pistons, rings, gasket kit...Maybe a diablo tune or something if it's necessary.. Then have at it. No messing with boost, no $15,000+ hemi, some consistent good power.

Cost to install would be pricey, but I know I would DIY and not hesitate. Maybe an upgraded bumpstick would be nice too!

Ah, some day

 

i looked around to see if anyone was making a kit when i hyrdolocked my motor, if someone made one id buy it in a heartbeat

 

This motor is probably fine the way it is, the real problem is the restrictive intake, throttle body and exhaust plus the way the electronic throttle functions. Bottom line is this motor is seriously plugged up and detuned on purpose.

There is a fix to make throttle more crisp and responsive and you can get headers now but I'd like to see someone create a high flow intake manifold and throttle body. There are V-6 race motors that create 300-400 horsepower with an equal amount of torque so it can be done.

 

505Performance shows a camshaft that it claims will net you 20HP. That is the only internal components I've seen out there.

 

I dont think I would tear my motor apart for a 20hp gain though.

 

what about more bore instead of a stroker?

 

It's a shame what Chrysler gave us to work with but, in my opinion there are wiser ways to improve your JK's performance besides our "macro-van" engines, look for gears that match your tire size/trail goal. Power?!?! I've seen RIPP'ed JKs (a band aid to get a "WTF" engine to make power) with tranny issues so, in my opinion if you want more power (depending on your needs and/or driving style!) get a 5.7L HEMI engine/"TRANS" swap, I'm sure it'll be cheaper and more reliable on the long run. JMHO.