I know we are talking about a Jeep and a 3.8 engine, but isn't there anyone that sells better parts for these engines?

Like better heads, or rockers arms?
Maybe a better cam and lifter set up?
Maybe a better intake or fuel injectors?
How about a better ignition coil?
Who makes a good set of Headers? (do they really help) Along with a good cat back. (I've seen those)

Will the engine handle any extra H/P
I've seen people supercharge these engines so surely they can handle it.
Is there a turbocharger out there for these engines?

Has anyone had any luck with programers? I installed a Hypertech last week. I had great results out of my Silverado with Hypertech, but is there better ones out there.

Anyone with real numbers on adding certain upgrades?

I don't hear many people talking good stuff about the 3.8 and I know the 3.6 has great numbers on paper ( 83 + hp )
I ask these question because I've always likes upgrading my vehicles and I would love to add a few thing that would help me keep up with the newer 3.6 Jeeps Wranglers. Not looking to blower their doors off, just would like to keep up a bit. If I could gain 50 hp by adding a few things, I think it would be worth it, and I really don't want to spend 5 grand on a superchager, I could put in a LS motor for that.

Let me know what you think.

Thanks

 

^LOL

Ripp makes a good set of headers and a cold air intake but there isnt much to gain off the 3.8 without forced induction. Prodigy makes a turbo kit and offers alot of HP gains.
Im running a ripp s/c setup and it is really nice for the money invested, find one and drive one

 

50HP in bolt ons for a V6 will be pretty pricey and will likely reduce reliability. Also, you'd probably be in the 5K range. Either getting a 3.6 or an LS is probably the most sound option.

My opinion, just be happy with what you have.,

 

What's the point? The money you'll spend (in my opinion waste) on any of this stuff would have much larger incremental gains spent elsewhere. What kind of wheeling do you do in your jeep? For me I'd be looking at lockers, or a 4:1 t-case, or skids, or lift upgrades, or new axle shafts, or on-board air, or anything else that increases my jeeps overall reliability and capability (my examples are admittedly aimed more at crawling). For the money you'd spend to bolt on 15-30 more HP, I don't feel like you're getting much bang for your buck.

And if you can get an LS into a jeep for 5K, money shouldn't be an issue because you'd have people lining up out the door to pay only 10K to have one in theirs, that's a nice little profit margin for you and you'd be the cheapest by half. I'd drive to you from AZ and be your first customer.

 

The net cost of a supercharger is about $1500.

You buy it new for $5000.

You sell it used for $3500 when you take it off.

 

Wow! You just made me look at it from a whole other angle. Thanks!

 

To install an LS, you're looking at about 40 hours of labor, about five grand for an install kit, and then the cost of the engine and the transmission..

For most people the 3.8 L engine is sufficient if they can gear the differentials low enough to run 2500 to 3000 RPM on the highway.

That means that 35 or 37 inch tires on an automatic need 5.38s. 5.13s are the lowest you can go with Dana 30 front axle.

For people with a six speed and a 3.8 L, 5.13s run enough engine RPM with 37s to drive as fast as you want on the highway.

That being said, my two-door 6 speed on 40s with 5.38s has a RIPP supercharger. My wife's four-door automatic on 37s with 5.38s, also has a RIPP supercharger.

 

To chime in on 3.8 set-ups, my 08 2 door 6 speed with 35's and 4.10s does pretty well cruising the freeway at 75-80MPH at ~2,500 RPMs.

 

Just installed a Magnuson supercharger, Gibson headers, 5.13 gears cat back exhaust and 0-60 times are equal to that of a 3.6 with the same Magnuson SC. Spent about 1/4 of a hemi or LS conversion. Spent ten days in Moab and never wished for more power - Even during the one way 1300 mile drive from WI. RIPP also has a SC that is popular. Neither make your jeep a rocket ship but a 40% increase in hp and torque is nothing to sneeze at.

 

2 dr (lighter), 6 speed, flatlander, near sea level.

Drive and live with that jeep to Flagataff, and a regear to 4.88s would be your next mod.