3.8 engine
JK Freak
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 722
Likes: 0
From: Miami, Fl
JK Super Freak
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,488
Likes: 1
From: Sydney, Australia
I'm not sure exactly what design Chrysler used on the 3.8L V6, but this was a popular mod on Fords here where I am the back in the mid-90's.
In '94 Ford added a variable intake manifold with dual-length intake runners to the EFI system on their 4.0L I6 to greatly improve high-end performance without compromising low-end grunt, and it was a popular mod back then for the young Fast 'n Furious types to add this setup (usually sourced cheaply second-hand from a wrecked newer car) to pre-'94 motors to get some extra grunt (I believe the difference was about 30-40HP, so similar to the gains on the Chrysler V6 motor). On those motors it was a simple plug & play swap-out of the intake manifold and accompanying throttle body, intake runners & airbox though I'm pretty certain the PCM then had to be flashed to accomodate this.
Depending on how the Chrysler system is set-up is it could either be doable, or way too tricky to attempt; you'd need to get hold of a minivan with that motor and compare the intake set-up with the one on the Wrangler motor. I suspect that the valves that operate the system are deep in the lower intake manifold as is the case with some other V6s using the system which would mean a complete swap out of the entire manifold system, which is far more complex than the simpler one-piece I6 manifold; there's other simpler and more proven ways to get an extra 20-odd HP on a Wrangler motor than this (chipping, long-tube headers, free-flowing exhausts, etc).
In '94 Ford added a variable intake manifold with dual-length intake runners to the EFI system on their 4.0L I6 to greatly improve high-end performance without compromising low-end grunt, and it was a popular mod back then for the young Fast 'n Furious types to add this setup (usually sourced cheaply second-hand from a wrecked newer car) to pre-'94 motors to get some extra grunt (I believe the difference was about 30-40HP, so similar to the gains on the Chrysler V6 motor). On those motors it was a simple plug & play swap-out of the intake manifold and accompanying throttle body, intake runners & airbox though I'm pretty certain the PCM then had to be flashed to accomodate this.
Depending on how the Chrysler system is set-up is it could either be doable, or way too tricky to attempt; you'd need to get hold of a minivan with that motor and compare the intake set-up with the one on the Wrangler motor. I suspect that the valves that operate the system are deep in the lower intake manifold as is the case with some other V6s using the system which would mean a complete swap out of the entire manifold system, which is far more complex than the simpler one-piece I6 manifold; there's other simpler and more proven ways to get an extra 20-odd HP on a Wrangler motor than this (chipping, long-tube headers, free-flowing exhausts, etc).
Last edited by JKlad; Mar 27, 2011 at 06:47 PM.
JK Newbie
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Portland, ME
Originally Posted by JKlad
I'm not sure exactly what design Chrysler used on the 3.8L V6, but this was a popular mod on Fords here where I am the back in the mid-90's.
In '94 Ford added a variable intake manifold with dual-length intake runners to the EFI system on their 4.0L I6 to greatly improve high-end performance without compromising low-end grunt, and it was a popular mod back then for the young Fast 'n Furious types to add this setup (usually sourced cheaply second-hand from a wrecked newer car) to pre-'94 motors to get some extra grunt (I believe the difference was about 30-40HP, so similar to the gains on the Chrysler V6 motor). On those motors it was a simple plug & play swap-out of the intake manifold and accompanying throttle body, intake runners & airbox though I'm pretty certain the PCM then had to be flashed to accomodate this.
Depending on how the Chrysler system is set-up is it could either be doable, or way too tricky to attempt; you'd need to get hold of a minivan with that motor and compare the intake set-up with the one on the Wrangler motor. I suspect that the valves that operate the system are deep in the lower intake manifold as is the case with some other V6s using the system which would mean a complete swap out of the entire manifold system, which is far more complex than the simpler one-piece I6 manifold; there's other simpler and more proven ways to get an extra 20-odd HP on a Wrangler motor than this (chipping, long-tube headers, free-flowing exhausts, etc).
Funny, but in reality, this mod makes since. Anyone do this?
JK Freak
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 624
Likes: 1
From: ireland
i love my V6...it's better than the 2.5 turbo diesels i've had in the past...
it propells my 'brick' quick enough for me thank you very much...
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 269
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
Up against the old 4.0...
Last edited by Uneasy Rider; Mar 29, 2011 at 03:23 PM.
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 12,907
Likes: 185
From: Maine
