Ok maybe this is a thread Hijak, but just like the 4liter in the older jeeps isnt someone making a stroker kit for the 3.8 liter? I would think that would be a very reliable and cheap solution. Just saying and if anyone else knows of this please chime in. Have fun out there!

 

The 3.8 is a stroker. It's all stroked out that's why they are so close to running lean.

 

im a new jeep owner 2012 unlimited orange rush rubicon and i allso have a 2007 dodge ram reg cab 4x4 with dynatech longtube headers,efan 180 stat,85 mm tb and comp 6.1 cam and daiblo custom tune with afer cai and magnaflow 3'' ss exhaust and it runs good for having 100,000 kms on it and i knew when i got my jeep that ya sure its the new 3.6 but its still a v6 no matter if its a 4.0 or higher its still a v6 iv owned vehicles with smaller v8's like 318 and 302 and honestly i would rather spend the cash and do it right in my eyes and not throw on a power adder as a blower its something else to rely on in sticky situations id rather have a KNOWN tuff and reliable v8 as the 5.7(hemi gen 2 and 3).That motor can take some serious abuse even in stock form mine is a gen 2 hemi 345hp 390tq and when i first got it i had a 2005 ram wiht a 4.7 with a crapload of mods and i was trying to make it hemi equal but not even close i honestly can see myself putting a 5.7 in my jeep in 5 years when the warenty is done cause then gen 3 hemis are getting more common as a cheaper(reliable) smallblock motor swap .you can easily buy a good used from a salvage yard and have it rebuilt if needed its gonna be costly but when it comes down to it a v6 is a v6 and a v8 is a v8 as a old saying goes theres no replacement for displacement..

bottom line how big is your piggybank!!!!!

 

No matter how much spit and polish you put on a turd, it's still a turd. I have a 5.7 hemi and this fall I plan to build a new JK and step up to the 6.4. I understand that not everyone can lay out that kind of cash but for those of us who can it's really the only way to go for HP.

 

Wow, old thread. I see my post in it from 2009

Guess this debate will go on forever.

I still think comparing a V-8 with a SC 3.8 is comparing apples to oranges, both in cost and expectations. IMO, a dyno graph does not neccesrily tell the whole "real world" story of the difference.

There are also too many variables between drivers, their vehicle systems with some miles on them, and sometimes just plain luck.

If you are risk averse, buy a 2012 with the 3.6. There is always risk to adding substantial power. You are tossing the vehicle warranty, any guarantee of success, and stepping out somewhat on your own.

 

Unfortunately the loss of cruise control is a deal breaker. Use it far to much on road trips.

 

We may be gone but the best prices are here!!!

RIPP

 

Am I the only one who feels the 5.7 hemi is underwhelming? I have one in a 2010 ram and it sure doesn't feel like 390 horsepower to me. Having said that, I'm also unimpressed with the 3.6 in my wrangler. Powerband is much too high for my likes. How are you guys liking the bigger hemi's? Are they a better option than the ls motors?

 

I'm curious about the same thing? I have a Ripp SC now but saving money for a LS3 swap. The more I read on the LS swap the more I move away from the Hemi. i too had a Dodge Ram with a 5.7 Hemi and was not impressed.

 

Ill buy your ripp when you do haha