It appears that it is no easier (possibly harder) to swap in the 4.7 than a hemi. Both swaps are expensive. This appears to be due to the fact that neither engine shares anything with the stock 3.8 - you need a new tranny/radiator/exhaust/etc in addition to the new engine.

So, are there any engines that are more swap friendly with the 3.8?

 

The 5.7 L or the 6.1 L Hemi

Kits, parts, information,......... its all available

 

I am looking for something less invasive (and expensive) than a hemi.
How about this: A non-3.8 engine swap that will bolt to the 42RLE tranny. Is there such a thing?

 

Not that would be cost effective.

 

What engine(s) would that be?

 

I don't think there's another engine that shares the same bell housing pattern as the 3.8. The 42RLE came in several different bell housing patterns to allow for different engines, as well as front wheel drive applications, so saying "A non-3.8 engine swap that will bolt to the 42RLE tranny" is really a moot point. Now, I'm not 100% certain no other engine has the same bell housing pattern.....but I'm 99.9% sure. It would have to be another 60 degree V6, which leaves the 3.5, 3.3 and 3.0....which would all be a step down from the 3.8. I don't think you want to go down. I also don't understand what you mean by "invasive". The HEMI swap is a bolt in swap with one exception. The factory motor mount brackets have to be removed from the frame and HEMI mount brackets installed. Once that's done, it's simply a matter of bolting everything back together. To me, "Invasive" would equate to cutting fenderwells and or firewalls and possibly notching frame rails for exhaust clearance and modifying or replacing the transmission tunnel. NONE of that is required with the HEMI swap. It's almost as if it should have been a factory option.....because it should have been.

 

just get the supercharger kit

 

In general, I prefer a bigger engine to forced induction. But the $$$ just aint there for a hemi. So if more horses are in my future, I may not have a choice.

 

Horsepower from the 5.7 and 6.1 are the relly used on the road and not off road. The added power is great as a daily driver.



GERRY

 

Not sure I understand what you mean. Are you saying you dont recommend the swap if the JK used extensively off road? Or you just get most of the advantage on road? Something else?