3.8 to 3.6 swap...
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JK Enthusiast
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From: theodore,al
3.8 to 3.6 swap...
So I was wondering after reading all these problems with the 3.8 and seeing the 4bt and hemi swap being so pricy..... would a 3.6 swap be a cheap alternative? I mean it seams like it should b a simple swap since the 2011 and 2012 are a lot alike
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From: Hendersonville, Tennessee
Originally Posted by fadeout
I feel like a Hemi transplant wouldn't be much more in cost and would benefit anyone a whole lot more.
JK Enthusiast
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From: Durham, North Carolina
Yeah, no way.
As an initial matter, my recollection is that the size of the engine compartment had to be adjusted for the 3.6. Not sure how, but if true that would suggest it may not actually be a drop-in fit.
More importantly though, the high costs of high end engine swaps (Burnsville, aev, etc.) really relate to the expense of a new engine, trans, and kit, and then all the labor. A new Hemi itself is only about $5k, and I doubt a new 3.6 is much less. But the kit to fit a Hemi is almost $5k too. Then a new trans runs around $4k or so. Then a week or two of labor, you're at $20k+ in no time. How much would you really save doing all that with a 3.6?? Not much.
If you want to cut those costs, go with used parts. There's a shop in California that will do Hemi swaps with used engines/trans for less than $15k. Or get the used stuff yourself and find somebody who can work for low labor costs to rogue swap even cheaper.
Or just call RIPP and supercharge the thing in your driveway for $5k and be done with it.
Or regear--have you regeared yet?
As an initial matter, my recollection is that the size of the engine compartment had to be adjusted for the 3.6. Not sure how, but if true that would suggest it may not actually be a drop-in fit.
More importantly though, the high costs of high end engine swaps (Burnsville, aev, etc.) really relate to the expense of a new engine, trans, and kit, and then all the labor. A new Hemi itself is only about $5k, and I doubt a new 3.6 is much less. But the kit to fit a Hemi is almost $5k too. Then a new trans runs around $4k or so. Then a week or two of labor, you're at $20k+ in no time. How much would you really save doing all that with a 3.6?? Not much.
If you want to cut those costs, go with used parts. There's a shop in California that will do Hemi swaps with used engines/trans for less than $15k. Or get the used stuff yourself and find somebody who can work for low labor costs to rogue swap even cheaper.
Or just call RIPP and supercharge the thing in your driveway for $5k and be done with it.
Or regear--have you regeared yet?
Last edited by MTH; Nov 12, 2011 at 03:37 PM.
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JK Freak
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From: Cabot, AR
JK Freak
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Fernandina Beach, Florida
If a engine swap is the only route you are considering. You may be interested in a company out of Georgia offering a diesel conversion. Awesome low end torque and claims to get 29 mpg on the highway. If the 3.6 is a real option then the purchase of a 2012 would probably be the best choice.