dallas346

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doc5339

I would definitely go with a 2.8 liter VM Motori I4 turbo diesel, a Cummins B3 I4 3.3 liter turbo diesel, or possibly the Cummins 4BT I4 3.9 liter turbo diesel, though it will be much louder and vibrate more.

The VM Motori 2.8 liter is the same engine that Jeep uses in its export diesel models.

Between the LS1 and the Hemi, definitely the LS1; I believe it to be a better overall motor. HP and Torque numbers are very important, but more important is getting that power to the wheel and road/trail, as well as power-to-weight ratio.

RWJ

Does anyone know the total cost for the ls1 install? Labor if I have them do it and all the parts. Does he LS1 match up with my existing transmission that has a rubi crawler installed? I have a 2009 rubicon. I've heard a hemi conversion is over $25k.

chuck45

You can forget using your current Rubi trans; and quite frankly you want to. One of the best things about the LS swap is getting the 6 speed 6L80 automatic. The total cost is quite variable. If you go with a 5.3 it will be cheaper than a 6.2 as 6.2's are getting harder to find. I paid 7500 for my 6.2/6L80 combo (with 2 miles on it) and think I got a great deal. FWIW I wanted to find one a couple of years old for about 4000 but had no luck. If you go with a 5.3 you can use the stock JK radiator but if you go with the 6.2 you will need a HD radiator for 650. The 5.3 can use the factory exhaust while the 6.2 will need a custom exhaust; figure 700-900 depending. And then the cruise control tap-shift option is around 600. Installation is a flat 5000 and the kit is 5200. I figure it is going to cost 20,000 to 21,000 installed. Your costs would be higher if you pay more for the engine and trans.

The LS conversion is not cheaper than a Hemi unless you go with a 5.3 and if you go bare bones that might be about 15,000 installed. I don't feel that my cost is bad as I hear the 6.1 and 6.4 Hemi conversions get quite costly, ranging from the high 20's to 35,000.

Bottom line is that i don't think there is a cheap way to get a V8, either Hemi or LS into a JK. My wife and I talked about it and as we plan on keeping this Jeep for a couple of decades into our impending retirement we figure it is worth the investment.

Good luck! I hope you find a way to do it.

RWJ

Great information. Thanks for taking the time to spell it out. I to plan to be buried in my jeep, when. I'm old, not because I've gone something stupid while driving it. I am in Moab all week for thanksgiving and the gas mileage from Orange County to Moab was horrible and some of the freeway hills not so fun. I will keep my eyes our for a motor. Thanks

Baddintentions4u

Late this summer I purchased a GREAT deal while searching through Craigslist!! Just got a 5.7 Hemi with transmission out of a 2011 Jeep Commander that was in a rollover accident for $1,000.00. It only has 7456 miles on it. Right now the engine and tranny is in TX in the shop that's going to be doing the conversion for me this DEC. All parts are ordered to include the AEV kit with airbox and snorkel for a hemi and I'm only out of pocket 8K for the conversion minus the 1k for the engine and tranny for a total of 9k for a nearly new hemi and tranny. So I'm not sure how much you're trying to spend but I need every penny I can save and yet still be able to get what I want and with a little research and patience you can do BOTH. I've been wanting to do this mod for awhile and I knew it was just a matter of timing and resources that it would eventually come together. Next project will be f/r dana 60s, either built or purchased. Which ever one is cheaper and provides the level of performance to get the job done.

BubbaJK2012

Anyone done much research on the higher mileage 6.2 and oil consumption. I am thinking of just doing the 5.3 route and a mild cam to bring the HP and Torque in at a lower RPM range

chuck45

The businesses around here that run 6.2's seem to get quite a bit of mileage out of them. I'm hearing 200 to 300k and no real complaints. I do know that late model Suburbans with the 6.2 run better than my old 95 Suburban with its 454.

The 5.3 are quite hot roddable and are far cheaper to acquire than the 6.2. In either case part of the magic to the LS conversions is the 6 speed 6L80 transmission. DOn't try to save money there and go with a 4 speed automatic. With the 5.3 you can also use the factory JK exhaust and radiator which will give you a further savings.

As my JK is pushing 6800 pounds I decided to go for the cubes. A two door or lighter four door should be fine with a 5.3. If you can get out to MoTech Robbie will let you drive one of each as he personally owns a JK 5.3 and a 6.2.

ridelots24

I plan on doing the 5.3 LS next month.

Here is a 6.2 install by a shop i'm considering using for my swap. I'ts a motech kit, the installer is in Alabama.

BubbaJK2012

Yeah I have a friend with a 2009 Denali 6.2 which actually is his wife's to run the kids around town. It reached the 110,000 mile mark and burning oil like no other.