I have some time to decide. opinions wanted. LTX or HEMI

[PuddleJumper]

The most interesting engines for an uncommon swap aren't even sold as crate engines, so unless you want to find a GT350 or a 23-24 Z06 in a salvage auction somewhere, all you're left with is the lesser choices of an Aluminator or LT1, which just wouldn't be worth the headache and cost of creating a 1of1 swap plan.

yeah, i think i'll stick to OEM options. BTW, how do you like your autolynx? Any complaints. I'm thinking about getting some since i lightened my mojave up and now she's a bit too light to push thru her bars on some off camber sections.

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[Rahkmalla]

BTW, how do you like your autolynx?

I love them. I'm not a rock crawling guy, i like taking easy and easy/medium trails fast. And when washboards get nasty, separating the suspension sides from each other really improves driver comfort. The install was a bit of a pain (turning a wrench 15° at a time for the whole length of the thread is never fun), but after install is complete, it's as easy as turning a simple dial on both sides. Since i'm already there airing down or up, it takes me no extra time.

 

[PuddleJumper]

I love them. I'm not a rock crawling guy, i like taking easy and easy/medium trails fast. And when washboards get nasty, separating the suspension sides from each other really improves driver comfort. The install was a bit of a pain (turning a wrench 15° at a time for the whole length of the thread is never fun), but after install is complete, it's as easy as turning a simple dial on both sides. Since i'm already there airing down or up, it takes me no extra time.

sweet thanks!

 

[Reddog]

So there's a few swapping companies out there. Bruisers, AMW4x4, RubiTrux (pretty sure they just install AMW kits). I'm not seeing a powertrain platform in the future of the gladiator worth holding out for. I like my Mojave and want to keep till one of us ends in some way. the 3.6 ain't it however. Its a motor, and it works (most of the time). But its the instant mash potatoes of motors as far as I'm concerned. Generally these kits cost in the 35-55k depending on the power your looking for. So I'll list some basic info about what I'm considering and ya'll give that good ol' $0.02 bout it.

Bruisers - LX3 6.6 V8 550HP - stock trans (yikes) - $34k (for a stock trans setup, oof) - plug n' play - 93 pump gas

AMW4x4 opt 1 - 5.7 HEMI V8 395HP 410FT-LB (do ya need more?) - 8HP750 trans (nice) - 34k (still a kick in the pants) - plug n' play - 88 pump gas

AMW4x4 opt 2 - 6.4 SRT HEMI V8 505 HP 475FT-LB (thats alot) - 8HP750 trans (nice) - 36k ish (is the extra power worth the small price change?) - plug n' play - 91 pump gas

DIY - source a LS 5.3 and figure it out. (easy way to ruin a 50k truck and end up on jack stands for a decade, lol)

Magnusson - 3 LKQ spare motors to go with it - need to source a different ECM- 20k


Edit: as far as I'm aware the AMW kits require a 2in lift. This will be 392 Wrangler springs, I already have LCAs on the truck, 2in bumpstop spacers to keep my hydros, and then paired with an appropriate FOX Elite 2.5 tuned for this setup by accutune. It will still be for all intents and purposes an OEM+ Mojave. As if Jeep released a 392 Mojave as an option.

Not sure what to tell you here but I had a JK that I put an LS3 crate motor in with 6L80 transmission. Used RPM Supreme's conversion kit and it went perfectly. Took a little over a week of work. Got better mileage with the LS3 too. I got over 20 mpg typically with 4:88's and 35's and Jons kit came with tap shift too.. Got almost 25 once with very favorable conditions. The LS engines are lighter than the Hemi's, easier to install, don't require the steering column to be moved, and get better mileage. So long as you keep your foot light they get good mileage and are great for towing just about anything. I got 14-15 mpg around town driving with it. RPM Supreme does not have a conversion kits for the JL or JT currently but Jon is working on one the last time I checked. My son is still driving the JK daily with over 150,000 miles on it and NO problems. The engine was made for the Jeep! When RPM Supreme finishes their kit I will be right there to get one and will install another GM V-8, probably a LT1 in my JTR. Ther one advice I gave everyone after converting was use a new motor, use all GM new drive accessories, and get a radiator from CG& G Radiators down in Alabama and you will be a happy Jeeper. Good luck to you.

 

[Reddog]

I don't think I've ever seen anyone do a V8 swap in a Jeep and not upgrade the axles. You're just asking to tear them up.

I generally agree but I have found that you can break anything if you try. Most of the carnage I see on trails was preventable with a little thought first.

 

[PuddleJumper]

Was wondering if someone would bring this up. The diesel didnt get the mojave treatment because of weight, swapping in a similar weight package up front means you're going to get rid of your mojave stuff anyways or at least throw off the weight so much that it wont ride right.

That said, you can get a better than mojave ride for about 2.5K in shocks anyways, so meh.

Also bruiser has the option of doing the upgraded trans just like amw, and total in with install is actually about the same. If i was swapping i'd personally be going bruiser with the upgraded trans, but thats just me.

I think regardless of what i do. I'll end up with a 392 JLU spring swap as part of a frankenstein kit. I want to make it OEM plus.

 

[Florida Mojave]

I have been having this exact thought since the 392 came out in the Wrangler.... I love having the truck, didn't want to go back to a Wrangler but the v-8 makes it tempting.
I do believe your on the right track tho - alot of good information as always here. I am leaning towards the AMW 392 as I think that will scratch my V-8 itch and I can just do a slight upgrade to the drivetrain and suspension. Love the v-8 growl!! It's my forever truck anyway!!
And WAY cheaper than a TRX!!

 

[PuddleJumper]

I have been having this exact thought since the 392 came out in the Wrangler.... I love having the truck, didn't want to go back to a Wrangler but the v-8 makes it tempting.
I do believe your on the right track tho - alot of good information as always here. I am leaning towards the AMW 392 as I think that will scratch my V-8 itch and I can just do a slight upgrade to the drivetrain and suspension. Love the v-8 growl!! It's my forever truck anyway!!
And WAY cheaper than a TRX!!

that is true. TRX is big and way more money than the option we are considering

 

[Rahkmalla]

When RPM Supreme finishes their kit I will be right there to get one and will install another GM V-8, probably a LT1 in my JTR.

Did not realize anyone was working on a LT1 kit. Now i have something else to dream about that i'll never actually pull the trigger on.

 

[peteinaustin]

So there's a few swapping companies out there. Bruisers, AMW4x4, RubiTrux (pretty sure they just install AMW kits). I'm not seeing a powertrain platform in the future of the gladiator worth holding out for. I like my Mojave and want to keep till one of us ends in some way. the 3.6 ain't it however. Its a motor, and it works (most of the time). But its the instant mash potatoes of motors as far as I'm concerned. Generally these kits cost in the 35-55k depending on the power your looking for. So I'll list some basic info about what I'm considering and ya'll give that good ol' $0.02 bout it.

Bruisers - LX3 6.6 V8 550HP - stock trans (yikes) - $34k (for a stock trans setup, oof) - plug n' play - 93 pump gas

AMW4x4 opt 1 - 5.7 HEMI V8 395HP 410FT-LB (do ya need more?) - 8HP750 trans (nice) - 34k (still a kick in the pants) - plug n' play - 88 pump gas

AMW4x4 opt 2 - 6.4 SRT HEMI V8 505 HP 475FT-LB (thats alot) - 8HP750 trans (nice) - 36k ish (is the extra power worth the small price change?) - plug n' play - 91 pump gas

DIY - source a LS 5.3 and figure it out. (easy way to ruin a 50k truck and end up on jack stands for a decade, lol)

Magnusson - 3 LKQ spare motors to go with it - need to source a different ECM- 20k


Edit: as far as I'm aware the AMW kits require a 2in lift. This will be 392 Wrangler springs, I already have LCAs on the truck, 2in bumpstop spacers to keep my hydros, and then paired with an appropriate FOX Elite 2.5 tuned for this setup by accutune. It will still be for all intents and purposes an OEM+ Mojave. As if Jeep released a 392 Mojave as an option.

I’ve done two 392 HEMI swaps. One a Dakota Customs kit into a 2013 JK and the latest an AMW4X4 kit into a Gladiator Mojave. You can’t go wrong with AMW’s customer service. They stand behind their product and their work. The Mojave axles are pretty stout to begin with so if you are just sticking with 37”s you can get away without the axle change. For what’s worth…my 392 Mojave is the best build I’ve ever owned.

 

[PuddleJumper]

I’ve done two 392 HEMI swaps. One a Dakota Customs kit into a 2013 JK and the latest an AMW4X4 kit into a Gladiator Mojave. You can’t go wrong with AMW’s customer service. They stand behind their product and their work. The Mojave axles are pretty stout to begin with so if you are just sticking with 37”s you can get away without the axle change. For what’s worth…my 392 Mojave is the best build I’ve ever owned.

thats another one singing AMW4x4 392 praises. Thanks man

 

[Reddog]

Did not realize anyone was working on a LT1 kit. Now i have something else to dream about that i'll never actually pull the trigger on.

Yep, Jons kits are top notch and work very well. Check with him periodically on the progress. I am as well.

 

[peteinaustin]

yeah, i think i'll stick to OEM options. BTW, how do you like your autolynx? Any complaints. I'm thinking about getting some since i lightened my mojave up and now she's a bit too light to push thru her bars on some off camber sections.

They are fantastic. Super simple to use and very durable. Prob one of my favorite mods

 

[Minty JL]

Go to Copart and buy a donor

https://www.copart.com/lotSearchResults?free=true&query=Wrangler 392

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

Yep, Jons kits are top notch and work very well. Check with him periodically on the progress. I am as well.

Who is RPM Supreme? I tried Googling and couldn't find anything.

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