JEEP JK 3.8 Engine swap using Caravan motor. DIY with Pics
09-15-2017, 03:42 PM
#61
Super Moderator
There are HEMI and LS swap kits available for our JKs so all the electronics, emissions and everything else still works. A DIYer like yourself should be able to do it relatively at a good cost
09-16-2017, 04:08 AM
#62
JK Newbie
Thread Starter
Have you looked into the GM LS engine swaps? That is in my long term plans for mine.
There are HEMI and LS swap kits available for our JKs so all the electronics, emissions and everything else still works. A DIYer like yourself should be able to do it relatively at a good cost
There are HEMI and LS swap kits available for our JKs so all the electronics, emissions and everything else still works. A DIYer like yourself should be able to do it relatively at a good cost
I really like the ls and hemi swaps but both motors would be a pain to work on in the vehicle and again I would be dealing with electronic trans and engine. Yeah they are pretty reliable but even just the kits are around 4k. I think I could do my entire engine and trans rebuild purchase price of the Fitech EFI and swap included for under $2500.
Here is a cummins swap I did a few years back into an F250. All in for that was around $2500.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Y8CeYfo9kc
09-20-2017, 07:48 AM
#64
JK Newbie
Thread Starter
Have you looked into the GM LS engine swaps? That is in my long term plans for mine.
There are HEMI and LS swap kits available for our JKs so all the electronics, emissions and everything else still works. A DIYer like yourself should be able to do it relatively at a good cost
There are HEMI and LS swap kits available for our JKs so all the electronics, emissions and everything else still works. A DIYer like yourself should be able to do it relatively at a good cost
After looking further into it and this coming from a Ford guy. I decided that an LS would be a great swap. This is probably the ending of this thread and I will repost a new soon. The conversion probably won't be complete until spring time but I pick up my donor motor tomorrow.
Not sure if I'm going to use a 4l60e trans or 700r4. Either way I think it will be an awesome useful thread. The budget for that will all parts bought rebuilt and installed will be under $1800. Then however much I can sell my current setup should make that number quite a bit lower. Here is the motor I'm picking up tomorrow. 
09-25-2017, 07:52 PM
#65
JK Newbie
Minivan 3.8 swap
FYI in 2007 Chrysler started using the same block casting number for the minivan and the JK Wrangler. I've got a 4.1 stroker Hanging on my engine stand I built using 505 Performance's stroker kit waiting to install into a 2008 Rubicon JKU.
09-26-2017, 02:39 AM
#66
JK Newbie
Thread Starter
12-05-2020, 02:20 PM
#67
great stuff found out you can use 07-09 and change oil pan and timing chain cover
03-07-2021, 04:14 PM
#68
JK Newbie
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Shinnston WV
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Jeep miles
My 2007 jeep wrangler unlimited 3.8 liter has 257000 miles an 3/6/2021 It spun #4 cylinder connecting Rod bearing..No warning.. Never used a quart of oil between oil changes... Just started a knock..
03-08-2021, 08:05 AM
#69
Super Moderator
That 3.8 engine is a very stout engine - strong block, great valve gear but just a poorly designed rod bearing system and the oil rings are thin. Forged pistons and rod upgrade brings them to 100%. Then run a better cam and port the heads, better injectors and with higher compression one has a reasonable good power plant.
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08YellowCat (03-26-2021)
03-08-2021, 10:50 AM
#70
Super Moderator
That 3.8 engine is a very stout engine - strong block, great valve gear but just a poorly designed rod bearing system and the oil rings are thin. Forged pistons and rod upgrade brings them to 100%. Then run a better cam and port the heads, better injectors and with higher compression one has a reasonable good power plant.