DIY LS swap questions
#1
JK Enthusiast
Thread Starter
DIY LS swap questions
So my 3.8 motor and 4 speed tranny in my 2007 are getting old, have around 130k on them. I was wondering what it took to do a ls swap yourself. I know they make kits from motech and similar companies, but are they really needed for the $5k asking price? I am not able to do this all myself, but have knowledgable friends, can get any fabrication done relatively easily. My main concern is all the wiring that needs to be done.
I would like to keep the stock gauges and what not, dont want to strip the jeeps computer.
If I go my own route, will their be further issues down the road when compared to going with a motech kit?
For motors I was looking at a 6.2 ls but if someone can convince me on another one I'm open to suggestions. I plan on doing basic bolt-ons for a little added power but no forced induction.
It would be ideal if I could get a parts list if someone already has done something similar.
Trying to find a budget on this so I can figure out if its worth it or to just throw in another 3.8 and same tranny
And yes, I know I will need new axles, but thats a different thread and discussion
I would like to keep the stock gauges and what not, dont want to strip the jeeps computer.
If I go my own route, will their be further issues down the road when compared to going with a motech kit?
For motors I was looking at a 6.2 ls but if someone can convince me on another one I'm open to suggestions. I plan on doing basic bolt-ons for a little added power but no forced induction.
It would be ideal if I could get a parts list if someone already has done something similar.
Trying to find a budget on this so I can figure out if its worth it or to just throw in another 3.8 and same tranny
And yes, I know I will need new axles, but thats a different thread and discussion
Last edited by kyle521; 12-27-2015 at 09:24 AM.
#3
JK Freak
I would prefer to do a 3.6 Manual Trans To LS 5.3 AFM 6L80E swap for way less than $22,000.
#4
JK Junkie
For the Hemi, Hotwire Auto makes a wire harness and has the computer as well. From there, you can do just about everything on your own. I'd spend the few hundred to buy engine mounts, but that's it.
As for the LS, you'd have to ask what Motech will sell the harness and computer for. Unless someone knows of a place to get that other than motech?
A 6.2 LS is a lot of $$$. You're going to have $5-$6k into an engine from a salvage yard. I'd suggest saving the money and getting the 6.0.
As for the LS, you'd have to ask what Motech will sell the harness and computer for. Unless someone knows of a place to get that other than motech?
A 6.2 LS is a lot of $$$. You're going to have $5-$6k into an engine from a salvage yard. I'd suggest saving the money and getting the 6.0.
#5
JK Enthusiast
Thread Starter
For the Hemi, Hotwire Auto makes a wire harness and has the computer as well. From there, you can do just about everything on your own. I'd spend the few hundred to buy engine mounts, but that's it.
As for the LS, you'd have to ask what Motech will sell the harness and computer for. Unless someone knows of a place to get that other than motech?
A 6.2 LS is a lot of $$$. You're going to have $5-$6k into an engine from a salvage yard. I'd suggest saving the money and getting the 6.0.
As for the LS, you'd have to ask what Motech will sell the harness and computer for. Unless someone knows of a place to get that other than motech?
A 6.2 LS is a lot of $$$. You're going to have $5-$6k into an engine from a salvage yard. I'd suggest saving the money and getting the 6.0.
What I'm concerned about is all the brackets and other miscellaneous work that it will take in order for it to run correctly, Trying to stay as cheap as possible with also putting in the best motor.
The other option, but I feel this would be outside the budget would be a 7 liter
#6
JK Freak
As far as budgeting this build, the one thing I would want to put money into would be the motor and tranny, I feel like I would enjoy the 6.2 more than the 6.0 What I'm concerned about is all the brackets and other miscellaneous work that it will take in order for it to run correctly, Trying to stay as cheap as possible with also putting in the best motor. The other option, but I feel this would be outside the budget would be a 7 liter
Last edited by doc5339; 12-28-2015 at 03:05 AM.
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#9
JK Enthusiast
Thread Starter
I have time to search for parts and find them at the right price, so if I can find a nicely priced 6.2 I will swing for it but the backup plan would be the L76, unless someone can recommend a better 6.0?
Last edited by kyle521; 12-27-2015 at 12:20 PM.
#10
JK Junkie
And this is when the Hemi starts to sound way better. Power is nearly the same. Engine is much cheaper. You can get away without buying a kit. I know some guys on JKO that did hemi swaps for $8k, but noted that if done again, they could do it for $6k. That does not include the sale of your engine and trans. Downside for you auto trans guys is that the 545RFE trans is not as good as the what the LS offers. Now, the 2012+ autos with some secret sauce, are supposed to be sweet. Or, you can grab one out of an SRT. However, I am not sure if it is possible to use those in a pre-2012...
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