Hi! I'm new to the forum so this may have been addressed and beat to death already, but I would like some opinions and info on the possibility of a power adder or v8 conversion for a JK. Which one is best? The v8 would be really pricy and from what I've read so far a power adder could give me as much power as a v8? Any of your ideas and experience will be greatly appretiated. I haven't bought a Jeep yet. I would like to know more about which model and year would be best. I'm planning to build up a Jk.
Right now I'm thinking a Rubicon mainly because of the stronger Dana 44 front axle and lockers. With added power and 35" tires I was thinking the Dana 30 would fail quickly? I have also seen that RIPP has been able to install their supercharger on a '12 and newer 3.6.
Thanks! Scott

 

You don't specifically mention what year JK you have and it's not in your profile (although 2012+ w/3.6L is implied).

I've read almost every performance thread on the forum and here is the collective advice in order of increasing cost,

1) Programmer. $300. Do your research.
2) Re-gear. $1000-2500. Select your ratio carefully.
3) RIPP Long-tube headers + tuner (3.8L). $1500-2000. Pricey but naturally aspirated.
4) Supercharger or Turbo. Long debate on which is better. E.g., RIPP MODS ($3000+)
5) V8 Swap. Chrysler Hemi or Chevy LS. ($10k-20k up to as much as you want to spend).

Everything else you read about is debatable (CIA, throttle body, mufflers, etc).

The best guidance is to search, read, research, talk to friends, ask questions on the forum, call the vendors, etc.

For me, I run 35s with the 3.8L automatic. I have the Superchips Flashpaq and re-geared to 5.13 in the Colorado Mountains.

Good luck.

 

just out of curiosity, what is a power adder ?

 

He's talking super charger or turbo. Yes rip does offer a SC for the newer 3.6 and it puts down more power than hemi or ls conversions. If I were you and you don't wanna or plan on changing axles go for a 12+ rubi and drive it. The new pentastar is great but always room for improvement. Good luck on the purchase

 

i believe that on a hemi, but not on an ls, although on the 3.6 it is alot closer. I agree though cost wise ripp for the win. Also have to look where there generating that power.

 

Wasn't the dyno pull on ripps 3.6 on 37's 335+/- at the wheels? Never seen a ls put that down on 37's

 

Ok just looked again it was 325hp. Using the standard for jk 33% loss that means the ripp is putting 485+/- at crank. Motech 6.2 puts 403 crank

 

Wait for the sprintex 3.6L intercooled SC. Might be worth the wait.

 

Don't forget about the 4BT. Puts out like 295ft-lbs and 28+ mpg. But that's 20k. Best bang for your buck is a SC, and re-rear.

 

and very heavy if i recall