why get a V8 engine swap
#21
JK Enthusiast
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: theodore,al
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ive done some reading on the ls swaps and they seem to be the same price range as the hemi and look to be on a stand alone system so you have to have wiring and ecu just for the ls plus have all the jk cpu stuff. The hemi is more plug n play for the diy people
#22
Simpler, but not quite problem free from what I see. In any case, I don't lack power with the 285bhp Pentastar and its new gearbox... It's always nice to have more power and the torque of a V8, but I don't think that swapping it a better idea - or justified - when the 3.6L is available.
#23
JK Enthusiast
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: theodore,al
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just about all aftermarket solutions lack oem dependability but that being said id still love it for the cool factor whether it be a hemi, ls, or my personal choice diesel.
#24
#25
JK Enthusiast
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: theodore,al
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
#27
#28
JK Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Dallas, Texas
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
How much does it cost?
Thanks for the input after thinking about it does sound like a good plan. I love LS motors but I was quoted by motech $15000 and it is not even a new engine. Has anyone had theirs done by AEV I saw the DIY kit is $6000, Does anyone know how much it will cost for labor? I am think about an engine swap before I put 35's. Also with a V8 will the axles be able to support a V8 or is that another upgrade that needs to be purchased? I have dana 44 on the rear and 30 on the front.
#29
JK Enthusiast
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: theodore,al
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for the input after thinking about it does sound like a good plan. I love LS motors but I was quoted by motech $15000 and it is not even a new engine. Has anyone had theirs done by AEV I saw the DIY kit is $6000, Does anyone know how much it will cost for labor? I am think about an engine swap before I put 35's. Also with a V8 will the axles be able to support a V8 or is that another upgrade that needs to be purchased? I have dana 44 on the rear and 30 on the front.
#30
Thanks for the input after thinking about it does sound like a good plan. I love LS motors but I was quoted by motech $15000 and it is not even a new engine. Has anyone had theirs done by AEV I saw the DIY kit is $6000, Does anyone know how much it will cost for labor? I am think about an engine swap before I put 35's. Also with a V8 will the axles be able to support a V8 or is that another upgrade that needs to be purchased? I have dana 44 on the rear and 30 on the front.
If you come from a racing or muscle car background, you will be quite pleased with a V8 swap,. It completely changes the JK driving experience.
BTW, I averaged 15mpg with the V6 up here at 8000ft altitude. I Average 13 with the V8.
Finally, be careful what you read on the internet. A lot of people giving advice on swaps have never done one or owned one. Many different configurations complicate things. An early hemi swap behaves differently than a vvt. A truck 5.7vvt is different then one from an SUV. Each LS has different properties and some suited better for JKs. Transmission choice can make all the difference in performance. Tuning/programming is critical. This is where a good shop can help you.
Last edited by ShakyJake; 04-09-2014 at 04:45 AM.