Magnuson Makes Supercharging Your Jeep a Breeze
Magnuson bolt-on supercharger kit takes the Wrangler and Gladiator 3.6-liter V6 to new heights with a killer jump to 440 horsepower.
It’s no secret that the performance of a stock 3.6-liter V6 in a JL Wrangler or JT Gladiator is a bit underwhelming. While it is a stout engine in stock form, it certainly leaves plenty of us wanting. It’s no surprise we already see an abundance of Hellcat swaps in both these chassis. However, not everyone has a full swap in their budget. Luckily, Magnuson Superchargers is stepping in to fill the gap.
In a recent video on the Magnuson Superchargers youtube channel, DCD Customs installs the new multi-piece supercharger kit on a shop JL Wrangler. DCD Customs owner, David Tonapetyan, praises the kit’s simplicity.
“This thing came with four or five different components, versus the previous one that came in one big put together system. We’re going to have our main technician Danny throw this blower on our shop JL and see the results,” says Tonapetyan.
Danny immediately sets to work by removing the battery terminal leads and wrapping them in electrical tape. He explains that the tape is necessary because these Jeeps have two batteries. Leaving the wires uninsulated could result in many things you don’t want. Electrocution comes to mind, primarily.
After removing the ECU and shipping it to Magnuson for unlocking and tuning, Danny proceeds to remove the alternator and intake manifold. Additionally, Danny installs an aftermarket coolant pump. The pump provides coolant to the supercharger’s intercooler system, ensuring cool intake temps. The colder the air, the better. Afterward, it’s on to the MAP sensor extension.
“It’s very important that you pay attention to the connectors. If you force them and put them on backward, you will damage your plug,” says Danny.
Perhaps the most involved aspect of this install is the intake manifold assembly. The Magnuson installation requires new injectors and fuel rails to be installed before it is put on the engine. However, when injectors are one of the hardest parts of an install, you know it’s a well thought out kit. As usual with Magnuson, the install is made as simple as possible. At-home mechanics could do it with hand tools without issue.
“Let’s torque down our intake manifold. We have to follow our torque sequence in the back of our instructions. Make sure to plug in all your injectors and your fuel supply line,” says Danny.
Once installed, you’re left with a clean and tidy engine bay. Nothing looks out of place, and without knowing what you’re looking at, you might think it came that way. Magnuson has a good way of making their kits look very professional.
Just like that, you’ve got 440 horsepower. Furthermore, the supercharger kit jumps torque to 380 pound feet. The kit costs $6,195 and is available on the Magnuson Superchargers website. However, the site does mention that it does not include calibration. You may have to seek out your own tuning or contact Magnuson about their ECU services. The video does not specify who recalibrates the ECU for DCD Customs.
While it isn’t the most wallet-friendly of projects, it certainly costs a lot less than a V8 swap. Basically, for those looking for a massive increase in power that they can put on their JL or JT themselves, the Magnuson kit is as good as it gets.