Hey everyone,

I'm trying to figure out a path forward with my 2011 JK. I've got a 6 speed manual and want to keep the vehicle a manual regardless of what I swap in. I've been researching a hemi swap and I've been considering swapping a 3.6 into it in order to maximize the possibility of keeping the manual transmission. In my research I've seen plenty of people saying that the better course of action is to have just bought a jk with that engine from the jump. Obviously that would have been the easiest but life often isn't always that planned out. Long story short I'm wondering if anyone knows if the 2011 frame would be able to accept an engine mount from a later model year and if any modifications would be needed, i.e., welding them in or anything like that. Thanks for the help on this everyone.

 

The 3.6 swap is huge due to the ECU changes etc from the 3.8. Not a lot of power options available as that 6 speed is pretty low on torque rating. For most changeovers count on modifying the engine mounts. Your best bet is to get a strong 5 speed and mate it to a Dodge product V8 then adapt to the 241 TCase. So what comes to mind is a 5.9 Magnum custom built and Dakota V8 5 speed. Then convert the Magnum to distributorless ignition and EFI Port Injection. Very easy to do those and put it in. Lots of cubic capacity and HP available there. Very little needed in the way of electronics where converter for the tach/gauges and a bit of thought around the AC. Removes all the electronic BS around these complicated machines. All this will be ok with Dana 44s so long as you don't want to light the tires up. Also ensure you have a locker in the rear if you do this for the offroad spinning one wheel issue.

 

Thanks for that info! I’ll have to do some more research to find everything I’d need for that. And I’ll have to start looking into lockers too

 

@Sixty4x4 For the 5.3LT Chevy engine in your JKUR, where did you source the wiring harness and ECU from?

 

Got my complete kit from Motech in Vegas. Robbie does a great job but fairly costly now. I found the best motor deals out of Texas. Got a 16,000mile 5.3LT with 8L90 tranny, ECU (tranny/engine 2 units), harness and all the accessories for $3500. The Chev harness goes to Motech and they modify it for plug and play into your Jeep. Also with LT engine you still use the original Jeep mounts on the chassis. Ask for the throttle pedal as well if you are buying one as they are transmission specific IE can't use a 6 speed pedal on 8 speed tranny and vice versa. Still goes awesome after 4 years and 50,000kms.