I have a. 08 wrangler jk. Unlimited and I want to put a better motor in without replacing the transmission and everything else. I'm not sure what my best options are for compatibility and power. I know anything is better than what's in it now.
Engine swap compatibility
- Thread starter Phill87
- Start date
I don't think that is possible without replacing the transmission. No company makes a adapter to go from a different engine to the Chrysler trans.
Ok. Well that's not the worst situation. I have looked up motors and there are about 13 options from inline 6 motors to v8 but I know the v8 will take alot more work and parts than say a nice inline 6 but still I know very little and this was the 1st place I thought of to get some good advice from informed individuals
I have a GM 4.3 engine and auto trans waiting for mine to die, knowing my luck the darn thing will out live me.
Jeep speed shop and some others offer kits for doing the swap.
It's a lot more than just the engine though. Radiator, exhaust, intake, computer and other things will cost about $10k.
Then you need an engine and transmission.
If you want a v8 the hemi is a great option as another mopar engine will be the simplest install and to work on in the future.
You can pair an 8 speed tranny with the hemi, which solves a number of issues like gearing and tire size. Lot more flexibility than you have with the 4 speed 42RLE auto in the '08.
Well I have spent quite a bit of time looking into the l.s. and the hemi conversion and they are far too expensive lol. At 170k miles should I just rebuild the motor or spend the money fixing the seals and hope it doesn't blow up? I've been told the 3.8 struggles after 180k miles
The 3.8 is a pretty long lasting engine. I would say longer than the 3.6. I'm almost to 210k on mine.
JK gear and gadgets did a very comprehensive collection of videos on putting a hemi into a jeep. He even walks you through the cost of everything. I highly suggest looking at his vids to get an idea of what you are getting into. Anything other than stock is going to be a big project.
JK gear and gadgets did a very comprehensive collection of videos on putting a hemi into a jeep. He even walks you through the cost of everything. I highly suggest looking at his vids to get an idea of what you are getting into. Anything other than stock is going to be a big project.