Yeah if I was going to do a V8 swap, I would definitely do the 6.0 over the 5 3.

Move out of Cali.

I've lived in San Diego (Point Loma area) and thankfully never had to worry about smog testing on my vehicles (my registration is still in FL). If it bothers you enough find a new home elsewhere and never have to worry about it any longer.

To answer your question though, if I could afford a Motech LS swap it would be done already. I met Robbie back in NOV 2015 (at his shop) and his work is definitely amazing. If you have the money and love your Jeep then it's money well spent.

At the end of the day you're throwing more money at the root problem, being the 3.8. Good money after bad.

I'm guessing, based upon your pricing, that you're including a 6 speed GM transmission behind the LS, which is much better than the 3, I mean 4 speed that you have now. I say 3 as OD isn't used that much in mine.

I'm in the same boat and literally the only thing left to change on mine is the engine and transmission. I live with the 3.8 for now as I have other things to spend money on currently, but it's on my radar and will happen. For the time being, I know what to expect with the 3.8, like going slow up hills on the highway, not great mileage, but it gets from point A to point B. Would I put anything on it that is 20-25% of the price of the swap? Not a chance.

What gearing did you have with the Ripp? And what size tires?

Moving is not an option at this point, I still have 12yrs before I retire then we're out. Trust me it's come up a lot too with this smog crap and my guns that 12yrs can't come fast enough.

The 25K would include motor and trans swap plus either a re-gear or move up to 37's to offset the gearing I have now. plus taxes and new t-case, rear drive shaft and front axle shafts and misc. stuff

4.10 gears and 33s that measured 32" mounted.

If the 5.3 lc9 is not an option I would just move up to the gen v l83 5.3 which puts out more power than the 6.0 or very close to it. trying to stay away from the iron block.

Depends on your intentions with the vehicle. I started with the thought of a 5.3. After discussions with Robbie, he recommended the L96 6.0 because of the VVT. I tow with my jeep often and he stated the L96 would do a better job of it than the 5.3. I've been very happy with the rig. I run 4.88 gears now with 37s (measure 35.5) and turn 2000rpm at 70mph. I was concerned about weight, but I get 3" of measured lift from RK 3.5" progressive springs.

That said, ANY of the engines will be great because it's really that transmission that's making the real difference.

So you either essentially have all new running gear and something reliable for less than the cost of a new Jeep, or you throw $5K at something that keeps the problem there, and actually makes it worse as you're running beyond the parameters of what it was designed for? I'm going to sit here patiently and wait for the people who don't think that adding boost to a platform that wasn't designed for it doesn't limit the lifespan of that platform. :doh:

That's an easy decision from the cheap seats. Then again, it's always fun spending other people's money. Seriously though, it wouldn't be a hard decision for me. Like I said, the only thing left to do on mine is get rid of the 4 speed auto and the 3.8. I live in Phoenix and chose to throw all my money at putting in a pool instead. I'll live with the 3.8 for a little while longer as it still serves a purpose. After that gives up the ghost, it's a 6.0 LS and a 6 speed.