Ametzker

I did a couple threads recently on my Jeep. One was a makeover for $1600. The other was the 3.8 rebuild swap. Both with success . Now that I've driven the Jeep around I started having 42RLE pos common problems. From all I read there is no long term fix for that trans. So after a lot of going back and fourth I've decided to do a full on Engine, trans and t-case swap. "t-case maybe we will see". I'm a Ford and Jeep guy but in reality I can appreciate a few things GM. Like the simplicity of an LS motor swap and the simplicity of the wiring one of those bad boys up. Tons of aftermarket help, cheap parts and readily available everywhere. The engine trans combo is still pretty efficient on fuel also.

NOW for the under 2k part. I just bought an LSx 4.8 last night on Ebay for $275 complete. I do have to drive 130 miles to Gretchen Wilson's hometown of 700 tomorrow in Pocahontas, Illinois to pick it up. I'm good with that. Throw new gaskets, lifters, accessories on it and I'm in the $500 range bought and completed. Using a 4l60e that I'm picking up in working condition for $150. Wiring harness I've read is pretty straight forward to dissect and make it a 3 wire hookup. The computer will need flashed. $55. Most brackets I will weld up myself no issues there. Then it comes down to t-case. I'm going to weigh cost and simplicity A....Go with a GM transfer case this will bolt right up to the trans and then I will have to pay to get the driveshafts modified. Or B.........buy an adapter that will mate the NP241or to the GM trans. That adapter is around $600 so I think A will be the way I go. Comments welcome...Lets just try to keep it civil and positive. Here is the pic of the motor I pick up tomorrow.

karls10jk

Subscribed....who doesn't love more power?

w squared

I have been towing a trailer through NM, CO, and UT with my 3.8.....so you KNOW that I am interested in this!

nthinuf

With the LS install kits at Motech costing 5K+, I'm interested to see how this turns out as well.

Ryan0260

X2 on that. I think I read somewhere that an LS motor will bolt right up to the 6 spd manual transmission too, but not sure if it is true.

Ametzker

What I really like about the LS is that it will dang near bolt up to any SBC trans. Some with minor adjustments but TH350, TH400, 700R4, Muncie 4spd, 4L60e etc.

Rednroll

Now you're talking!!!

This may help you, which will likely help the rest of us interested in doing an LS swap as well.

Da20Captain, did a great write-up on a DIY HEMI swap before the LS engine swap options were available.

See here:
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/modi...dsheet-332076/

Da20Captain, emailed me a copy of his original spreadsheet file. My intent was to start shopping and put a similar type of part list with prices together of piecing together a complete LS conversion kit but I've been working on so many other projects, I haven't gotten around to it.

Since you're going to jump into this before me, and have a very similar style of trying to find the least expensive way to accomplish things, maybe you would be interested in updating this file for an LS engine swap of required parts and prices. I'm thinking it may help you, to make sure you're not overlooking anything in your swap as well.

Here's Da20Captain's HEMI swap file.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B9...FNNLUF5MjhBN00

I'm all in on following this one.

Ametzker

Thanks I will check it out. I looked at the Hemi stuff as well but then I'm dealing with Chrysler wiring and computer stuff which in my opinion really needs a little more quality control. I was a tech at the local Ram, Jeep, Chrysler dealership and everyday we were dealing with piss poor wiring, or reflashing, or misc DTC's. The Hemi stuff is cool but is also a lot heavier and not as much aftermarket support as the LS engines. I really envy those who do the Hemi swap. Just not in my budget.

Ametzker

Picked up the engine today and then..............I told my wife I had bought it. Luckily she is awesome and understood you can't turn down a $275.00 LS engine. She even said it's good to get it when it's cheap while the Jeep is still running ok. Rather than waiting for the Jeep to break and then have to spend a lot more. I cleaned it up before I showed it to her. The LS isn't the most attractive engine but it looks better than it did.

Rednroll

My intent was to say that the LS swap seems to need similar items as a Hemi swap where an LS can be found at a lower cost. I'm struggling to understand how you're going to get away from doing ECM and wiring harness conversions since all of the LS swaps out there seem to include them.