[HR][/HR]I've been given the ok from the wife to spend $15k on my jeep... I decided on a hemi swap...and will attempt it myself.
I've found a 2010 Commander 5.7 (XK) with 26,000 miles on it for $3k, delivered.
I have many questions!
What's the difference between WK, and TRUCK hemis? Does the hemi I found not work with the Dakota-customs kit? Are there many other choices for a conversion kit other than AEV or Dakota-customs? Which is best?
I plan on using a getrag 238 6-speed MT... Do I need a new transfer case? Drive shafts? What more do I need? What about exhaust? Is there anything else I should change/upgrade at the same time?

I'm looking for advice from people who have been involved with this swap previously, as well as product suggestions and critiques from forum members and sponsors.

I'll be putting this project on an interest free credit card, so need to have my shopping list ready and get it all purchased within a 30 day time period. Does anyone think I can/can't get it done for $15k?

I'm excited! I'd like to start this project as soon as possible, thinking June 2014.
Thanks in advance!
Ciao

 

What year is your JK and what Trans? Sorry if I missed it.

Are you 100% on the 6-speed MT
It will not be 100% factory

I have made my own Hemi kit; installed Burnsville/Decota; and AEV's kit on 07-13's

 

I think you can do it for $15K. The labor is $5 K at a lot of shops and it's a 40 to 50 hour job. You took care of a lot of it with a donor engine. Sounds exciting to me.

 

It's a 2007 Sahara Unlimited. It's got the 6 speed MT, I'm not sure what model. I am sure that I'd like to stick with a manual transmission. What do you mean ?

It sounds like you're the one to talk to!
If you had your choice, what kit/engine combo would you do? I assume if you've built your own, you have preferences other than what's in AEV, or Dacota's kits?

 

thanks scuba, I'm still looking for a Getrag 238... thinking about a new one...

 

I'm having mine done with AEV kit & 5.7 vvt. Their kit is as factory perfect as you can get and they support a manual transmission. Mine has the Wa580. I don't know how hard it will be to find the Getrag box but it will be a nice swap when you finish it.

 

I have always had and love a MT and it has taken me a LONG time but as you spend more time on the trails you will see the advantage of an auto. I have not checked in a year or two but getting your hands on a Getrag will be very hard, and replacement parts just has hard.

Out of the 5.7 - 6.1 - 6.4
I would run the 5.7 for a daily driver/trail rig and just gear it to my liking.
You can email me at sttierney@att.net