AMW 392 (6.4) installation and experience

[Zachanadandy]

I would suggest no, in so far as an AMW, or similar company, engine conversion. The plain language of the "engine change" requirements in the California "Smog Check Reference Guide" would seem to make it impossible without CARB exemption. And I can't find any "engine kits" that have been approved by California (CARB) for the JT (they may be out there but I can't find any). So a company like AMW would have had to apply for an exemption to use their conversion in a California registered JT. And as I recall, the testing leading up to the exemption is pricey. You can check here for exemptions (if you type in "Mopar" for manufacturer you will see there are some engine swaps for other vehicles):

https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/applications/aftermarket-parts-database​

However, based upon the "Guide" mentioned above, it is legally possible to change out a 3.6 for either a 5.7 or a 6.4. The first requirement is Section II(a): "

All emission system configurations must be in the original emission control system configuration as the donor vehicle, including, but not limited to, the transmission, evaporative system, exhaust, and intake"​

So if you have a donor vehicle (which has to be the same model year or newer as your JT) with a 5.7 (has to be a light duty truck) or a 6.4 (can only be from a 392 Wrangler, not a 6.4 RAM as those are all HD trucks, I believe), you could swap. As an alternative, you should be able to use a 6.2 SRT from a TRX, as it is also a light duty truck. However, the problem with the truck engine swaps is getting all the smog stuff, like the cats, in the right place as there are specific location requirements for said cats as to where they can be located downstream of the engine. Seems there would be a lot of fabrication needed.

On top of that, your donor vehicle has to also be California emissions compliant; you would not be able to swap in a Fed only compliant engine. The complete list of requirements is in the link below.

The last hurdle is getting a BAR referee to certify the swap and get your label. I have no idea how difficult this would be but in theory would be straight forward if using a Wrangler 392 donor.

Look to Appendix D:
https://www.bar.ca.gov/pdf/smog-check-reference-guide.pdf

My $0.02

If it's a brand new engine (as it's the way amw does it), that is considered the model year. You don't need a donor vehicle. Being that AMW swaps include all the factory accessories including emissions equipment their swap should be legal in CA. Of course there are other work around. We all get 10 model years before smog is required so what they don't know won't hurt them. Most of the foothill and mountain counties don't participate in the bi-annual smog check scheme either. About the time my ten years is up we will be retiring to AZ where it won't matter anyway.

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[whysoserious]

If it's a brand new engine (as it's the way amw does it), that is considered the model year. You don't need a donor vehicle. Being that AMW swaps include all the factory accessories including emissions equipment their swap should be legal in CA. Of course there are other work around. We all get 10 model years before smog is required so what they don't know won't hurt them. Most of the foothill and mountain counties don't participate in the bi-annual smog check scheme either. About the time my ten years is up we will be retiring to AZ where it won't matter anyway.

We'll disagree on much of this. AMW swaps use federally compliant exhaust/emissions, not California, and California is very specific about that. And as far as donor vehicle, again, the language is specific; an OBD II vehicle requires an engine from an OBD II donor vehicle of the same or later model year. The plain language of the guide is going to win out in any legal tussle.

I think your 10 years is actually 8, however, I understand that "workaround". But that doesn't meet @rezar1 question about it being able to pass smog. An AMW swap is simply not going to pass smog in California.

 

[Zachanadandy]

We'll disagree on much of this. AMW swaps use federally compliant exhaust/emissions, not California, and California is very specific about that. And as far as donor vehicle, again, the language is specific; an OBD II vehicle requires an engine from an OBD II donor vehicle of the same or later model year. The plain language of the guide is going to win out in any legal tussle.

I think your 10 years is actually 8, however, I understand that "workaround". But that doesn't meet @rezar1 question about it being able to pass smog. An AMW swap is simply not going to pass smog in California.

It's not the 1980s, every modern vehicle uses the same carb standard as too many other states have adopted the CA regulations. Any amw swap will pass emissions in CA. I haven't done one personally, but know people who've swapped new engines and still pass smog.

 

[jmr]

OP the swap looks great a 392 is quite the driving experience. Since you opted to retain your Rubicon hood why not open the vents to reduce under hood temps?

 

[JTGuy]

I have looked into a AMW swap and the Calif BAR told me it can be done but........
The engine, trans and transfer case must all be from a Vin'ed calif vehicle of the same weight rating class.
Everything must transferred exactly and inspected by a BAR ref.
So calif makes it basically impossible to do it. A AMW crate engine would be a no go. The work around is to register it in a different state.

 

[rezar1]

Thank you all for your responses. The fact that it appears to be next impossible to do the swap in CA is very frustrating. I have the means to do the swap and build the truck I always dreamed about but due CA’s regulations I cant. And if you think why don’t I just move, I can’t due family Commitment.

 

[JTGuy]

It gets worse,,, you can't even buy a used one and register it in Calif. Mine is re geared with 4.88s and that really helps with the get up n go.

 

[whysoserious]

I have looked into a AMW swap and the Calif BAR told me it can be done but........
The engine, trans and transfer case must all be from a Vin'ed calif vehicle of the same weight rating class.
Everything must transferred exactly and inspected by a BAR ref.
So calif makes it basically impossible to do it. A AMW crate engine would be a no go. The work around is to register it in a different state.

I was hoping you would chime in on this issue. This is the "donor" vehicle requirement in the Guide. Thanks!

 

[ericw.]

Is there a place in Ca that can do the conversion? And pass smog?

As far as I know... for those of us in CA, you'll need to find a loophole. A way to establish an address in a region of CA that doesn't do smog.. or out of state registration.

I'm not familiar with the process of making engine swaps smog compliant but that's just what I've heard.

 

[Alba]

Good information. I myself was wondering about northern Virginia (Fairfax/ Loudoun) and engine swaps noting we have emissions testing.

 

[ltdodge]

OP the swap looks great a 392 is quite the driving experience. Since you opted to retain your Rubicon hood why not open the vents to reduce under hood temps?

may look in the future, but now the engine temps stay at 206 running on the highway and 210 city driving. once summer hits here in Florida will see what it does, but it has a huge radiator and i swapped out to the smaller front grill tht provides more airflow.

 

[Backcountry ADV]

I do the same mental gymnastics to talk myself into the 392 over the 5.7L, but I guarantee you won't tow anything with the JT that you'll ever feel like the 5.7L 410ftlbs is lacking. We towed our heavy 2019 JLUR on 38s on a steel 19' dovetail trailer over 3k miles in one roadtrip with my 5.7L ram 1500. Didn't matter if it was up a grade at elevation in the Rockies the thing pulled like it wasn't there. Cruising across Utah at 85mph. Accelerating up hills. Didn't matter. And that was 8800lbs all in. Aside from the 8mpg you wouldn't even know you were towing let alone a heavy trailer with a giant brick shaped wind sail on it. Will a 392 be more fun? Absolutely. Do you need it for towing? Not at all. Especially considering you are likely driving a little less aggressively when you have a trailer I doubt you'd even notice the difference between the 2 there.

Have you taken the plunge yet or just referencing your RAM with the 5.7? I'm deep into the rabbit hole on this one and trying to finalize the decision. I'm pretty sure the extra spend on the 6.4 would'nt dissapoint once you hear and drive it though!

 

[Zachanadandy]

Have you taken the plunge yet or just referencing your RAM with the 5.7? I'm deep into the rabbit hole on this one and trying to finalize the decision. I'm pretty sure the extra spend on the 6.4 would'nt dissapoint once you hear and drive it though!

I haven't done the swap on the gladiator, just referencing the ram and the fact that there was never a need for more torque towing well over the gladiators rating at speeds most won't do with a tall jeep on the trailer. The fun factor and the price difference seem that the 392 is likely where I'll go, but there's no justifying it by claiming the 5.7L would be inadequate, especially for towing specifically.

 

[MaximusTX]

I believe AMW has swapped diesels before. If anything I'd guess just slightly more cost.

So I actually put in an inquire with AMW 4x4 about this to get a direct answer from them. They just called me and said they absolutely can do a diesel swap. The cost is about $10K-$15K more expensive because everything is on the wrong side so they have to flip everything and remove brackets and reinstall brackets, reprogram the IPC, etc. They said there is a lot more work that goes into it. They have done both JL and JT diesel to Hemi swaps. He said that the price can go down over time and that they would recommend calling them and working with them if you are doing a diesel to hemi conversion to figure out the best option that works for you and your vehicle.

 

[ericw.]

So I actually put in an inquire with AMW 4x4 about this to get a direct answer from them. They just called me and said they absolutely can do a diesel swap. The cost is about $10K-$15K more expensive because everything is on the wrong side so they have to flip everything and remove brackets and reinstall brackets, reprogram the IPC, etc. They said there is a lot more work that goes into it. They have done both JL and JT diesel to Hemi swaps. He said that the price can go down over time and that they would recommend calling them and working with them if you are doing a diesel to hemi conversion to figure out the best option that works for you and your vehicle.

Thanks for using your time to chase down that answer for everyone!

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