brian3033

Exactly what I did. For the money you can't beat Ripp. My JKU is running strong, gonna hit 100k miles this week. If the motor fails, I'll swap in another 3.8 and still have less in it than a V8 swap. Supercharger install completed by myself with new exhaust in about 6 hours. Not one performance issue, fault code or dash light issue. Looks cool, sounds cool and performs even better. Good luck with whatever you decide... Either way you will end up way better than stock! Sent from my iPad using JK-Forum

CT2

Lots of used Superchargers and Hemi's takeouts for sale from JK's coming up for sale..... for a reason.....
Do yourself a big favor and check out Motec LS swaps..ONLY option that makes any sense IMO.

crayne

Go with the big 6.4

B 1000

If I had the cash, I would go this route as well...... except I'm going to guess it's not CA smog legal.


As for the OP, The supercharger might not be a bad idea. Like someone mentioned before, run it in your current engine until it blows. Then buy another 3.8 for almost nothing and put your supercharger on that one. BUT..... V8s are bad ass, haha.

HLKSTER

There is no replacement for displacement..
I had the RIPP and now I have the Hemi vVT and it's awesome .. No comparison IMO

viking

Thanks guys. I don't think i need a 8 as i drive like a 60 yr old not like in my youth. haha. i do like the idea that i can just buy another 3.8 . Now i read today about another report of a diesel option in 15 or 16. may be a option if it ever comes true. Buy a unlimited and use it as a tow jeep

B 1000

This is something that a lot of people (including myself) are eagerly awaiting. My fear is that it will be a $60k Wrangler or something ridiculous. Either way, you can always sell a supercharger later if you decide to go with another JK in a few years

Schantin

The LS swaps CAN be made CA legal. There is a shop in Oceanside that installs the MoTech kit and does all the legwork with the DMV to ensure it is CARB compliant.

For the original Q, I'd recommend a V8 swap if you're going to keep the Jeep for a long time. When I had my Jeep converted to a 6.0L LS a few months back, there were no less than 3 other JKs in the shop having their supercharged V6 engines pulled and replaced with LS engines. The difference between stock and the LS engine is night and day. I actually have power to merge on the interstate or go up hills, it's been reliable, and gets the same MPG that the original 3.8L did.

Anyhow, that's my $0.02

RodCyn

Here's another option that you may want to consider. Been thinking about this for myself.

38SK 3.8L STROKER KIT

spinlock

I looked at both options for my '09. I looked at it first as if money was not issue which would I prefer. The Hemi was the first choice by a very large margin (probably larger than the price differential) but I couldn't easily flip the bill.

My questions about the SC were usable torque (below 3000 RPM), power smoothness and noise levels. I rode (not drove) once on the highway on a SC equipped JK for about 90 minutes. The noise level was obvious and too high pitched for my taste. The usable torque in my normal driving RPM range did not warrant the price tag but the power was quite smooth (no sudden onset). The driver knew I was considering buying an SC so he played around with acceleration once the power kicked it. No doubt it was a fun toy but for my driving habits it did not provide enough usable benefits. It reminded me of a stall converter my brother and installed on his Chevy II when we were in high school; fun but ...

Both can completely change the feel of the JK so it really depends on your personal preferences. If you are really torn, I would suggest you ride or even better drive each. That's the true acid test.