Looking for a good engine swap

[Wraif]

G’morning all, I want to ask something that I haven’t seen much talk about in here. What engine makes a good swap into the JL ? I’m hoping to hear from someone who has done a swap, how tough it was, how much it cost them, and ARE YOU HAPPY with the swap ? Was it worth the aggravation and the money ? As a long time Jeep owner, engine swaps are not new to me, but it was a whole lot simpler before all the computer crap that is in these Jeeps. It used to be nothing to drop in a small block V-8. Advance Adapters had everything you needed in a one stop shop. I’m pretty sure it’s not like that anymore. I have a 19 2-door manual. It’s sitting at the dealer right now cause it’s burning a crapload of oil, over a quart per thousand miles. They are “checking it” to see if they are gonna replace the motor, after they already did the rollers/camshaft/top end/head gasket maybe a year ago. The engine feels like it’s lost a step too. Only about 45K on it. Even if they drop a new engine in it, I’m not feeling real confident keeping this thing long term. I was thinking that this will be my last new Jeep. Retiring next year, want to tour the country camping and wheeling. not overlanding. That’s a bit too trendy for me. I want to feel confident in my Jeep, haven’t felt that since I bought this one.
So, what are the opinions of the masses ?

Sponsored

 

[2nd 392]

Well, a thought, most if not all the needed parts are available from/for a 392. Try to find a wrecked one. Anything else needed should be available aftermarket. Your insufficient manual will be the biggest problem if you want a manual.

 

[AmericanPatriot100]

Well, a thought, most if not all the needed parts are available from/for a 392. Try to find a wrecked one. Anything else needed should be available aftermarket. Your insufficient manual will be the biggest problem if you want a manual.

Welcome back!

 

[AmericanPatriot100]

G’morning all, I want to ask something that I haven’t seen much talk about in here. What engine makes a good swap into the JL ? I’m hoping to hear from someone who has done a swap, how tough it was, how much it cost them, and ARE YOU HAPPY with the swap ? Was it worth the aggravation and the money ? As a long time Jeep owner, engine swaps are not new to me, but it was a whole lot simpler before all the computer crap that is in these Jeeps. It used to be nothing to drop in a small block V-8. Advance Adapters had everything you needed in a one stop shop. I’m pretty sure it’s not like that anymore. I have a 19 2-door manual. It’s sitting at the dealer right now cause it’s burning a crapload of oil, over a quart per thousand miles. They are “checking it” to see if they are gonna replace the motor, after they already did the rollers/camshaft/top end/head gasket maybe a year ago. The engine feels like it’s lost a step too. Only about 45K on it. Even if they drop a new engine in it, I’m not feeling real confident keeping this thing long term. I was thinking that this will be my last new Jeep. Retiring next year, want to tour the country camping and wheeling. not overlanding. That’s a bit too trendy for me. I want to feel confident in my Jeep, haven’t felt that since I bought this one.
So, what are the opinions of the masses ?

I can’t remember who did it for sure but I think it was AMW4X4 who swapped a 392 into a 2dr manual. They mentioned making something to mate it to the 6MT in the future. I think the post was older. So it may be an option. If I can find it I’ll link it.

 

[2nd 392]

Welcome back!

Yep, this isn’t the old days when I swapped a Chevy-Muncie with an adapter to a big shaft D-18 with no extraneous smog, computers etc to make it work. Good luck, also check for legalities if you are in a CARB state.

 

[Wraif]

Well, a thought, most if not all the needed parts are available from/for a 392. Try to find a wrecked one. Anything else needed should be available aftermarket. Your insufficient manual will be the biggest problem if you want a manual.

I thought about that, I can’t find one. Even the wrecked ones are getting snapped up, I guess by others looking to do the same thing. I’d love to do a V-8, but I’ll even consider a really good V-6. That’s why I’m looking for ideas.

 

[AmericanPatriot100]

It’s not a manual and it’s insanely priced but I’d sure love to have this set up!
https://amw4x4.com/collections/turn...ep-wrangler-hellcat-amw-707-1c4hjxcn1nw123410

 

[AmericanPatriot100]

mmx4x4.com also has some conversion kits for V8s.

 

[Wraif]

It’s not a manual and it’s insanely priced but I’d sure love to have this set up!
https://amw4x4.com/collections/turn...ep-wrangler-hellcat-amw-707-1c4hjxcn1nw123410

Looks great, but the price tag is just slightly more than I could afford. Like 100K more. It is a frikin nice Jeep though

 

[AmericanPatriot100]

And it does look like exodus4x4 does the conversion with the manual. They have options that come with the 8SPD auto and options that will mate to 6MT.

 

[OminousSkitter]

Your insufficient manual will be the biggest problem if you want a manual.

I can’t remember who did it for sure but I think it was AMW4X4 who swapped a 392 into a 2dr manual.

@Wraif Here's the thread where a forum member had AMW4x4 put a hemi in their manual JLUR. Post #8 says they swapped the transmission with a Gertag 238 and #17 saying it was about $35K (including the extra $3K for the transmission swap) plus labor.

 

[2019JLUS]

I'd say keep whatever engine they give you and spend the engine swap money on portal axles. Every warranty replacement comes with 3 year 100k mile warranty from the date of install.

 

[AmericanPatriot100]

Yeah. Super sick! I was going to say the Hemi swap with exodus4x4 starts at $30,995+labor.

 

[ForgottenTaco]

Cram a v10 from a viper in your jeep.

 

[OminousSkitter]

I’d love to do a V-8, but I’ll even consider a really good V-6.

Especially with the relatively small tank in the 2dr, I'd be interested in something a little less thirsty than a 392—unless you plan on adding a second tank like a Long Ranger (or similar).

Sponsored