what do you think is a better swap HEMI vs LS
09-27-2013 | 07:18 AM
#23
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 287
Likes: 3
From: Littleton, Colorado
I agree there are more Hemi swaps right now. There may be more Chevy's in older YJ,TJ models but doing JK's with emissions ls swaps are more recent. I like both engines but the ls swaps seem to be more advantageous for cooling & mileage, support.
09-27-2013 | 07:19 AM
#24
JK Super Freak
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,457
Likes: 2
From: B.F.E, MI
I have the 6.1 Hemi which has been in since 2009. There was no LS kit in 2009 as far as I know.
This is my first Mopar motor since a 70's era 225 slant six, but the SRT built Hemi at least is not junk and has worked flawless. It has provided me so many grins that my face is all stretched out.
That said, if the LS 6.2 install had been available with the bugs worked out I would have had no problem going with that. One of the primary reasons would have been the auto tranny that it comes matched with.
I have owned many GM small blocks and agree they are stout motors and cheaper to build horsepower in.
If you are going to go all crazy and put a V-8 in a JK, I do not think you will go wrong with either one.
Last edited by Yankee; 09-27-2013 at 07:30 AM.
09-27-2013 | 07:29 AM
#25
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 287
Likes: 3
From: Littleton, Colorado
I will add I understand if its more about staying true to the company that made your jeep. dodge body dodge heart. chevy body GM heart.
"side note"
lets not talk about ford. that's were I draw the line lol sorry ford lovers I don't like that ball game.
if that's the case that is something I understand and is why im 50/50 even though LS seems more of a better platform to me. I believe in stay true to the maker.
"side note"
lets not talk about ford. that's were I draw the line lol sorry ford lovers I don't like that ball game.
if that's the case that is something I understand and is why im 50/50 even though LS seems more of a better platform to me. I believe in stay true to the maker.
09-27-2013 | 07:37 AM
#26
JK Super Freak
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,457
Likes: 2
From: B.F.E, MI
09-27-2013 | 07:41 AM
#27
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 287
Likes: 3
From: Littleton, Colorado
I drove two Hemi JKs (5.7 and 6.4), and two LS JKs (5.3 and 6.2), and the 6.4 Hemi was by far the most impressive of the bunch. It was the best performing vehicle I had ever driven. So I went with a 6.4 Hemi in My JK, and I have been completely satisfied with it. AEV tells me I have a full 3 year 36,000 mile warranty on the Jeep. AEV warrants their part, and Jeep warrants their part. The LS may have more aftermarket support, but the Hemi I have has more factory support. If I have a problem all I need to do is take it to the nearest Jeep dealership, instead of finding an aftermarket facility that can handle an LS transplant. At least that's the way its supposed to work, time will tell. I am very happy now though. No overheating, and no transmission problems with the six speed WA580 transmission. The Jeep drives like a dream.
09-27-2013 | 07:42 AM
#28
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
From: Carson Nv
I have followed every swap thread I see on 3 Forums. I will do it someday $$$$. The important thing I look at is how serviceable will it be? I would use the AEV kit for the Hemi because you can get it analized at any Jeep dealer. The LS is the same way when done like Motech does it. I would be afraid to get a one off swap installed and have a problem no one can diagnose. Also resale is important. Most of these well done swaps are bringing 17000 - 20000.00 grand over a V6. So it can a reasonable return on investment as toys go. Come to think of it I haven't seen a JK for sale yet with an LS installed?
Sure lots of JK's with Hemi's for sale ....makes ya wonder..maybe they know something
.
09-27-2013 | 07:43 AM
#29
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 287
Likes: 3
From: Littleton, Colorado
No question, LS's are great in street machines. It's hard to beat the torque of a truck hemi in an off road vehicle though. I'm a little biased, having a 5.7vvt for over two years now, but the kits are tried and true. There is a guy that is taking his hemi out and putting a LS in at JSS. He dropped his rig off there in June and it has yet to be completed. My hemi swap took 6 days.
Also, youll find plenty of hemis on the straight track!
Also, youll find plenty of hemis on the straight track!
09-27-2013 | 09:09 AM
#30
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
From: Mission Viejo, Ca
I have the 5.7 Hemi from a Ram 1500, yes it runs a little hot, I can maintain speed on hills without downshifting, I have the power to pass anyone and I'm on 40's. I also have enough power to bend my axles. My JK ran hot with my supercharger, hot enough to blow the engine, that's why I went for the Hemi, it was the only other option at the time. Oh yeah, it sounds fucking awesome too.