Occasionally I haul a small camp trailer and I'm looking at options for adding a little power to my 3.8L. I had about decided on the Ripp system but the almost $2k savings with a Sprintex non-Intercooled system is very tempting.

Just wondering how the current Sprintex systems are working out and if the non-Intercooled system is a viable option.

Thanks!

 

If you are gona pay that much just do yourself a favor and get the intercooler. lower temps / better power / less prone to knock

 

What size tires you running vs. gear ratio? You might find a gear swap more beneficial than a supercharger that could potentially negatively impact the reliability of your engine.

 

32" tires with 3.73 ratio. No desire to go with bigger tires. Not inclined to change gears either. I have a 6-speed manual so I can downshift as needed.

Thanks!

 

I installed a non-intercooled Sprintex SC on a 2010 JKU 3.8/automatic. I was running either 32 or 35" tires with 5.13 gears. I also towed a pop up camper with mine. Probably somewhere in the 2,000lb range.

The WOT power was a significant improvement, and that is the only nice thing I have to say about that entire experience.

Driveability was terrible, especially on the highway. The slightest application of throttle would cause a sudden jolt of power from the s/c. Cruise was just about useless due to this.

Fuel mileage dropped from 15mpg towing the trailer on the highway to about 10. It goes pig rich anytime you hit boost. You'll need to run premium, so factor that in as well.

My honest advice to you is that if you want more power for towing, you should look into a newer JK with the 3.6.

 

Well, I'm retired and my 08 is paid for so a new JKU is not in the cards. I'll think I'll save my pennies a little longer and stick with the RIPP. They seem to have their system well sorted and working well.

 

i ran the non intercooled sprintex back when the intercooled version did not exist. i now run the intercooled version. there were lots and lots of problems with the earlier tunes which i believe are now pretty much resolved but better to speak ti a resent installer. i went with a custom tune from diablotoona some time ago and pretty much my rig is like factory except i still have issues with cruise control. from my research pretty much everyone does as the pcm on the 3.8 does not handle the in/out of boost very well in cruise control. my last highway trip i averaged 17.5 mpg usually doing between 60 and 70 mph. i have pretty normal mods being 2.5 inch lift, steel front and rear bumpers and steel sliders. i am on 33s.

my best advice would be to speak to an installer who represents multiple manufacturers. rpmextreme comes to mind. the owner has been involved with supercharging the 3.8 for many years and is well versed on the pros and cons of each brand.

i would also be prepared to put aside 200 to 300 dollars for a proper tune that suits your vehicle, fuel, altitude etc. you will get a lot more performance and a way to resolve your particular jeeps issues. they all have some...

it is best to remember that you ar taking an engine and computer that was not designed for forced induction and shoving lots more fuel and air into it. you should expect that there will be issues in getting the best out of it. having said that mine pretty much drives like someone put a bigger engine in it now.

do yourself a favour. google is your friend as are the forums. talk to rpmextreme or similiar. providing you dont live in a really hot or high place i would have no hesitation in recommending the non ic sprintex providing you are prepared to stump up for a custom tune. the nice thing is that you can then add the ic later when you have the money. i would also look atlong tube headers. ripp make a great set butv expensive. i went obx racing long tubes and had them ceramic coated. added some good torque. only wish i had had them wrapped as well.

good luck. each blower brand has its fans and haters. do your own research.