I've been thinking about trading my Jeep and car for a JKU but I hate to spend what they are asking for the 2012 and I am going to need more than the 3.8 will give me if I get rid of my car. I want something fun and a supercharger could make the JKU fun. But I want power, reliability and sound out of my vehicle. I've found several threads on here about super chargers but they all seem to turn into arguments over the available superchargers. I guess its good that there are several options and after reading through the treads it seems like everyone is happy with the one they chose but it makes it hard for a prospective buyer to decide on one.

My questions

Easy of installation, are they all pretty much the same? Do they all require a tune? I am pretty confident that I could do the installation but there are no tuners in my area.

Sound, after watching several videos it seems like they are all missing the whine that most superchargers put out. I can hear a faint whistle but no loud whine. For some this may be a good thing but I would want to hear mine working.

Reliability, has anyone had a supercharger fail or an engine fail due to the supercharger?

 

I, too, was considering a SC for my JK but after doing some research I am now leaning harder toward the RIPP long tube headers and tuner pack. They are cheaper and put down some pretty good power and your not taking a chance of blowing gaskets.
Now I'm just rying to convince myself to spend the $2k, or more accurately, convince my wife I need to spend $2k on my Jeep.

So far she aint buying it.

 

It would be easier for me if I could find somewhere that sells project Jeeps with one already installed but that's probably not gonna happen. I don't think headers would be enough though

 

I have a 2011 JK with a RIPP SC.

Ease of installation - relative question. I've rebuilt several engines and restored several cars. The install took me around 10 hours and that includes several breaks. Mine came with a tune installed that works well. I will get it dyno-tuned this fall when I have more time.

Sound - I can hear a whine from mine at idle. Certainly not like you get with a roots style but you do hear it. I did have to get used to the blow-by valve kicking in when you come off throttle while on the road.

Reliability - Mine has several thousand miles on it now with no troubles. This includes a 2,000 mile highway trip and several off-road outings.

Hope that's helpful.

 

Check the for sale section. There is one currently for sale with a RIPP SC. The price was good too I think.

 

I put the Ripp one on about three months ago. It is a pretty straight forward install. The most tedious part is replacing the injectors and the passenger side spark plugs. No engine problems with about 6k since the install but I did blow the transmission out of it last week. Blew the front pump and seal out. Getting ready to install a Level 10 transmission in it tomorrow with a tow haul tranny cooler and hope that resolves my issue. I think I blew it pulling a small 4x6 trailer with a Miller portable welder on it. The Ripp kit is the only one I can speak for. It seemed to be the most popular and I watched a couple of videos on the install before I purchased it. Good luck whichever way you go.

 

Yeah I saw it but its an auto and a 6-speed is a MUST

 

I have the Ripp sc and headers and am very happy. I installed the headers and plugs one day and the sc the next. The sc took about 9 hours taking my time and replacing the water pump too. The hardest parts were the header bolts and getting all the plumbing to fit correctly with the silicone boots.

The sc doesnt have the whine that my roots blown explorer did and that would be nice, but I'm overall very pleased and feel much better driving it knowing I have the power when I need it.

 

I'm guessing no one makes a roots type blower for the Jeep

Is your explorer a Saleen?

 

Try sprintex sc I have been looking at one myself and love the torque curve over a ripp because of the rpm range I run at. Only downside is it doesn't work with the 2011's yet.