jedg

I drove it to MoTech and trailer-ed two KLR650s. Then my wife and I road the KLR650s back.

MoTech had the jeep for 8 weeks. I flew into Vegas and then drove the jeep back home.

Yes, I had driven one V8 conversion. Then drove two different ones at MoTech (with two different engines)

jedg

I can't speak for the 3.6 but can for the 3.8L. I went with a supercharger on the 3.8L and it was terrible. That's likely as much the fault of the transmission as the engine.

Wrangeler X

What was wrong with the 3.8 supercharged?

Northridge 4x4

jedg

Well, as I alluded to, the transmission plays a big part in overall drive-ability. The auto trans behind the 3.8L is a 4-speed and the gearing distribution was terrible. So when pulling a long hill or towing, the trans would continually shift between 3rd and 4th. The supercharger exacerbated that problem a bunch.

I think that's what makes the LS engine conversion so great, the 6L80E is the unsung hero in that combination. When towing or pulling long hills, it will shift between 5th an 6th (which are both overdrive gears) and is so smooth at doing so that you don't even feel it.

bfschor

I was really leaning hard on a blower several months ago, but the more I read and with 70k on my 3.6 AND not digging this 6-speed, I decided to use the money that I'd spend on that and put it towards a V8 swap. I don't recall ever reading any negative posts on V8 swaps done by those that know what they're doing.

I understand the costs involved in doing the swap. That's why I was questioning doing a swap vs just trading the jk in on a new one. It's very close to the same for me.

bfschor

8 weeks?!? Did you do more than just an engine swap??

jedg

yep, 8 weeks. That was engine, transmission, drive shafts, upgraded radiator.

To put it in perspective, at the time Robbie (MoTech) was so back-logged that you had to make an appointment for your jeep 3-4 months out. He's got a MUCH larger facility now and so I imagine that the time may be less.

EDIT - I will also point out that he is a perfectionist with these installs. He personally drives the jeeps in varying conditions to ensure they are working correctly. He tweaks the tune for best fit for your jeep and engine combo. The guy is almost fanatical about making sure it's running absolutely, completely, the best he can make it run.

mds22

I have shipped a truck from Texas to KY for $700ish. If you subtract what gas would cost to drive, it's pretty cheap.

twinz33

I glanced at this thread real quick so I'm unsure if anyone has mentioned this, but I was on bruiser conversions site not long ago and its my understanding if you have an 2012 an up an LS motor works with the factory trans and ecu.. I may not have info exact but figured id note it for anyone who wants to take a look

bfschor

You know, I thought I remember reading something about that. I wonder how they're doing this?