Carbureted motor with power interior accessories...is it possible
#1
JK Enthusiast
Thread Starter
![Default](https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
My 08 JKU is powered by the 3.8l factory motor. It has 120k miles and will eventually fail I'm sure. the rear main leaks and that will need replaced at some point also. I have been looking at rebuilt 3.8s as well as Hemi or LS swaps but they are all somewhat pricey! I own a small block Chevy motor with matching tranny and transfer case. My JK has factory power windows and locks. I am curious if it is possible to maintain these options without a factory wiring harness or if I could keep the computer and swap to carbureted motor. Not only would this drastically increase performance. But it would also solve a possible future problem for me. If anyone has any advice I would certainly appreciate it. Thanks in advance.
#3
JK Junkie
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: West Richland Washington
Posts: 2,013
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
My 08 JKU is powered by the 3.8l factory motor. It has 120k miles and will eventually fail I'm sure. the rear main leaks and that will need replaced at some point also. I have been looking at rebuilt 3.8s as well as Hemi or LS swaps but they are all somewhat pricey! I own a small block Chevy motor with matching tranny and transfer case. My JK has factory power windows and locks. I am curious if it is possible to maintain these options without a factory wiring harness or if I could keep the computer and swap to carbureted motor. Not only would this drastically increase performance. But it would also solve a possible future problem for me. If anyone has any advice I would certainly appreciate it. Thanks in advance.
#5
JK Enthusiast
Thread Starter
![Default](https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
What year engine trans transfer case? Pre 87 I assume since carb. Those are passenger side drop tcases where as ours are drivers side. Power windows if they are controlled by cpu you should be able to bypass a new switch with relay to power off battery? I don't see alot of gain to be made unless you modding that engine well which is easy. Stock small blocks of that Gen where rated around 160 hp and 250-260 tq.
#6
JK Enthusiast
Thread Starter
![Default](https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
What year engine trans transfer case? Pre 87 I assume since carb. Those are passenger side drop tcases where as ours are drivers side. Power windows if they are controlled by cpu you should be able to bypass a new switch with relay to power off battery? I don't see alot of gain to be made unless you modding that engine well which is easy. Stock small blocks of that Gen where rated around 160 hp and 250-260 tq.
#7
JK Jedi Master
![FJOTM Winner](https://i.ibb.co/FgFLpFN/Untitled-1.jpg)
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Austin <--> Colorado Springs
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 0
Received 162 Likes
on
154 Posts
![Default](https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I assume it is Federal - but I haven't seen the legal code, it is just something that gets posted in every single motor swap thread. Might be worth an email to JSS or Motech or anyone else who does these swaps on a daily basis.
Trending Topics
#8
JK Enthusiast
Thread Starter
![Default](https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Makes sense for sure. It could become a street legal/inspection issue. I work in the wholesale auto industry and see rams and silverados in salvage sales regularly. Just haven't seen any jeeps yet. I suppose if ever necessary I could find my own Hemi. Do you know if its possible to use the new motor wiring harness? Or is it mandatory to buy the reprogrammed wiring? Also when swaps are made is there a conversion kit to use factory tranny?
#9
JK Jedi Master
![FJOTM Winner](https://i.ibb.co/FgFLpFN/Untitled-1.jpg)
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Austin <--> Colorado Springs
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 0
Received 162 Likes
on
154 Posts
![Default](https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Several companies make install kits to take all of the guess work out of it. They run somewhere over 5k, in addition to the engine/trans.
This is Motechs kit for the LS engine.
Basic Kit
And AEV makes one for the hemi
American Expedition Vehicles - Brute Kit, V8 HEMI, Aftermarket Jeep Conversions, Products, Wheels, Accessories and Highline Kits for Jeeps (TJ, JK, WK, XK).
This is Motechs kit for the LS engine.
Basic Kit
And AEV makes one for the hemi
American Expedition Vehicles - Brute Kit, V8 HEMI, Aftermarket Jeep Conversions, Products, Wheels, Accessories and Highline Kits for Jeeps (TJ, JK, WK, XK).