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

[Josh00333]

I did the math and went Magnusson.

That said if this blows up I'll look at a 6.4.

Dropping 35k for a motor and worrying abought premium fuel is a little ass backwards.

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[bleda2002]

Since you said you like the Mojave sauce, just want it spicier, I think you’d end up with a less spicy sauce by doing this.

Reasoning: To comfortably handle the V8 you gotta get rid of all the Mojave suspension. So then take your 34k or whatever and add to it the cost of a long travel kit, etc etc etc.

For 34k you could build a go-fast sand runner than you could tow to the site with your Mojave lol

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.

 

[Zachanadandy]

the only issue for me is i have the non compatible ECU. IDk what i'd have to do to make a built motor with a mag work

That non-compatible ecu will be the same problem with any of the swaps though. The GPEC5 being non-tuneable will require an ecm swap for any power upgrade.

 

[PuddleJumper]

392 should just bolt up with minimal mods, I'd think but you're also looking at another 200lbs over the front axle vs the Pentastar.

The higher weight will cause premature wear issues with the front suspension and brakes and possibly some nose-dive on hard braking. It also might not be noticeable at first given the increase in WHEEEE factor but eventually that bill will come due.

However that can be balanced out by more or less an OEM swap and not having to reconfigure/replace OEM electronic bits. Also that any Jeep shop theoretically could work on it if you stay within the MOPAR family.

The 850RE can handle a lot more power than the 392 can lay down in stock form- over 700lb/ft. I can't recall the specifics but I think the only difference between the 850RE and the 8HP75 is where it is built. The 8HP75 is built by ZF in Germany, the 850RE is licensed by ZF to be built by Stellantis in Indiana. Could be wrong on that end.

I've been told the 850re is only good for like 380 ft-lbs i believe. this is the first i'm hearing it be good for 700. they put the 8HP75 behind the ecodeisel and 392 wrangler. Which leads me to believe its a key factor of any high power swap. I'm not too concerned about wear or driving dynamics as the 392 rubicon wrangler has the same warranty and parts we do. And with our longer wheel base, i think it could actually be better than the wrangler. or so i hope

 

[PuddleJumper]

Since you said you like the Mojave sauce, just want it spicier, I think you’d end up with a less spicy sauce by doing this.

Reasoning: To comfortably handle the V8 you gotta get rid of all the Mojave suspension. So then take your 34k or whatever and add to it the cost of a long travel kit, etc etc etc.

For 34k you could build a go-fast sand runner than you could tow to the site with your Mojave lol

I've been talkin to accutune and some other shops trying to get data. a 392 will require a 2in lift. I was recommended a 2.5 gamechanger kit if i wanna go expensive or a 392 rubicon springs and arm swap, either will end up paired to FOX elite 2.5s with the appropriate stroke. the only reason i think a 392 is manageable is because a wrangler does it just fine. but your not wrong either.

 

[PuddleJumper]

AMW4X4 5.7 here. Stock Rubicon axles with 4.88's, 38" Patagonia MT's, Chromoly axle shafts in the rear and RCV's in the front. Daily driven, multiple trips from Ks. to Colorado and Moab Utah pulling an 18' camper and running the trails then pulling back home, 34,000 miles so far, trouble free. Smile every time I drive it.

Do I sometimes wish I had the 6.4? Sure, but only to say "I got a 6.4" the 5.7 has done everything I want and you will be using them in the same rpm ranges, yes the 6.4 shines from 3000 rpm's on up but how often are you in that range?

I am not telling you the 5.7 is what you need but giving you my experience with it. The thing I like about the hemi swaps is you only need one ECU, it is all Mopar components. With the GM swaps you have to have a Dodge ECU and a GM ECU and a way for them to talk to each other. I had one of the early GM conversions in my 07 JKU. It was nice but had a lot of little gremlins that never got worked out. Maybe they have perfected it now, but maybe not.

my concern here is weight and the 5.7 seems a tad heavier despite it being more reasonable for what i want. and i spend far too much time above 3k, which is why i think 500 horses may be on the shouldn't have it side. thanks for your input. anything noticeable change about the driving dynamics?

 

[PuddleJumper]

Something no one has talked about. Emissions. What does your state require with engine swaps?

nothing, just has to pass emissions every year after its 5 years old.

 

[PuddleJumper]

If you like V8s, noise, and speed you’re on the right track.
I‘ve had my AMW Hellcat swapped Rubicon for a month now (bought it used) and it’s everything I’ve hoped for and more. The AMW build quality is top notch. If the Hemi were available from the factory, it would be this build. The fit and finish is what you’d expect from the factory (probably even better) and all of the accessories still function. It’s like getting into a stock vehicle - until you start it up.
As for engine choice, it’s a rabbit hole. The Hellcat is nice, but over the top. I do love the whine of the supercharger though. I get a solid 8 mpg running 93 octane on 37s. Not a daily driver for me.
Go with a hemi, keep it in the family, and build the gladiator they should’ve offered.

cool! thanks for your input, now if i can decide on a 5.7 or 6.4 lol

 

[PuddleJumper]

a diesel gladiator with certain things done to it is more fun to drive than a 5.7 just sayin.

360hp/600 tq and way better range than any other option

and your not wrong. but i have a 7.3 powerstroke bronco for my deisel itch. i want a gasser and i want it loud and fast.

 

[SoK66]

FWIW, I have three jeeping friends who have had LS swaps done by a prominent GM to Jeep swap specialist. All three individuals had endless issues & sold their Jeeps. A fourth friend had a Hemi swap done and it was basically bulletproof. I've seen the GM specialist touting their LT swap, but based upon what I've of the GM to Jeep swaps seen I'd stay all Mopar. Between JSS & AMW they just have this stuff down.

 

[PuddleJumper]

FWIW, I have three jeeping friends who have had LS swaps done by a prominent GM to Jeep swap specialist. All three individuals had endless issues & sold their Jeeps. A fourth friend had a Hemi swap done and it was basically bulletproof. I've seen the GM specialist touting their LT swap, but based upon what I've of the GM to Jeep swaps seen I'd stay all Mopar. Between JSS & AMW they just have this stuff down.

Ok gotcha. Thanks for the advice

 

[KevinC]

These guys have been around longer than the ones you listed, I think. I met them at Jeep Beach three years ago and was invited to view their shop. A very well organized company that People from all over the country were/are sending Jeeps to them every week.

https://bruiserconversions.com/v8-crate-engine-kits-jeep/gladiator-jt-lx3-550-horse-power/

 

[KevinC]

Plus I'm a little partial to Bruiser as they are a Florida based company and they built me a custom bar.

 

[PuddleJumper]

Plus I'm a little partial to Bruiser as they are a Florida based company and they built me a custom bar.

thats sweet.

 

[Rahkmalla]

Be different, do a 5.0L Coyote. ?

(I'm kidding, I'd never recommend an uncommon swap. Been there, done that, won't do it again.)

The most interesting engines for an uncommon swap aren't even sold as crates, 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. I agree, stick with the ones people are already doing.

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