ENGINE JL TO JK ? Has anyone done that?

Wolfecreek said:
Anyone have any information on swapping a newer 3.6 JL engine into a 2012 JK ?
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Not sure what you mean. A 2012 JK has a 3.6.

Admittedly there are some differences, like a better valve train in the 2016+ 3.6

Not sure if you'd need major wiring/PCM changes tho.
 
Vman said:
Not sure what you mean. A 2012 JK has a 3.6.

Admittedly there are some differences, like a better valve train in the 2016+ 3.6

Not sure if you'd need major wiring/PCM changes tho.
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That’s what I’m asking taking a 2020 3.6 and putting it in a 2012 that has a 3.6.
 
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Wolfecreek said:
That’s what I’m asking taking a 2020 3.6 and putting it in a 2012 that has a 3.6.
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JK to JL has massive electronic changes. Things are too new, and anyone that is looking to upgrade their engine is going to go hemi, thus probably limited info out there.

I'm guessing that a 2015ish hemi would be cheaper. Though I'm curious as well if anyone has any more info on what changes happened to the 3.6 for the JL.

I'm pretty sure any advantages that are inherent in the JL engine would be lost when downgrading the electronics. (ugg, what a nightmare that would be)
 
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I’m with you there, I am looking at a 2500 mile 3.6 out of a 2020 wrangler for a real good price. Was thinking of stripping my old 3.6 putting all the electrical parts on the newer one, but still don’t know if that would work.
 
You would need a new ECM and everything. I would look at a 17 -18 JK. Those will be at least mostly the same. Remember the new JLs have start stop and a number of things that just won't work with a JK.
 
Wolfecreek said:
I’m with you there, I am looking at a 2500 mile 3.6 out of a 2020 wrangler for a real good price. Was thinking of stripping my old 3.6 putting all the electrical parts on the newer one, but still don’t know if that would work.
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You could see if the P/Ns for the sensors and stuff are the same if you're going to strip it down that far.

Everything that would plug into a wiring harness would have to be verified.
 
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MacGuyver said:
JK to JL has massive electronic changes. Things are too new, and anyone that is looking to upgrade their engine is going to go hemi, thus probably limited info out there.

I'm guessing that a 2015ish hemi would be cheaper. Though I'm curious as well if anyone has any more info on what changes happened to the 3.6 for the JL.

I'm pretty sure any advantages that are inherent in the JL engine would be lost when downgrading the electronics. (ugg, what a nightmare that would be)
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Looks like the changes took place in 2016. Found an article on some of the major differences.

 
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interestingly enough, I've got friends with the 'updated' version of the 3.6 that had valve train issues and ultimately heads replaced. Both 2017's. One a Willys package. Guess its always a crapshoot.

I have heard online mechanics say that the JL versions are the better iteration.
 
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Threepointsix said:
interestingly enough, I've got friends with the 'updated' version of the 3.6 that had valve train issues and ultimately heads replaced. Both 2017's. One a Willys package. Guess its always a crapshoot.

I have heard online mechanics say that the JL versions are the better iteration.
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Looks like the Wrangler didn't get the new 3.6 until 2018 though.... hilarious.

 
@Vman shyt, I gotta follow up and read that link. Previous post gave me the impression they updated the engine within the JK line. Which they must have done along the way, because Chrysler did offer a warranty extension for failing passenger side cylinder heads on the early 3.6's, up to mid 2013. Which my later 2013 is not covered by.
 
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I think if you were to do all the work to try and get a newer 3.6 from a JL it would be beneficial to swap the 8-spd trans. along with it as well. The benefit you'd get from swapping the trans. over is a lot more than merely upgrading to a new 3.6 IMO.
 
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