I know a lot of you are wondering why not a Hemi... and I’m sure some people are mad about a Gm engine for some reason.. It comes down to something very simple. Hemi swaps are more expensive. There are pros and cons to both engines, as well as the great engine debate. I’m not getting into that... A DIY budget friendly engine swap fits my needs perfectly. And in the end, horsepower, torque and loud engine noises are all I really care about.
JK Gear and Gadgets oh and btw it’s your Jeep to build how you want to build it. In my mind this series will be relatable for most people out there including myself. Can’t wait to see the final project.
JK Gear and Gadgets, I would argue that while Hemi-swap may be more expensive on up-front costs you could prob find a used 5.7 out of a Ram 1500 for a lot less & end up saving more on the back end b/c of fewer electrical complications. Either way, new to the channel but I’m gonna enjoy the journey with y’all. Cheers & God bless!
????? Then why did you fix the exhaust with the TJ just to swap it to a V-8? I personally would just build up the 4.0 to 4.6, Banks turbo kit, Edelbrock head, and swap over to a 5-speed.
Did a 6.2 Swap in my JKU this year. Highly recommend it. RPM Extreme did a fantastic job with the kit provided and with tuning. No dummy lights, all systems function as normal.
Put the same engine Transmission combo in my Tj that’s in my profile pic mine was from a 04 and did a cam and springs Novak radiator and Holley Terminator X Max for the DBW and trans control needs about 5-6 wires to hookup and she’s ready to fire up
Took mine to Motech in Vegas getting a L86 with a 8 speed. Then dropping a 2.9 l whipple supercharger added 72 inch dynotack 60s and a beefed up atlas transfer case and game changer 4.5 lift. 2 more weeks I finally get to get it
In process of ordering parts for a (L96) Gen IV 6.0 w/ 6L80, using MoTech system. Will end up around ~350 Hp and ~380 Torque. Cheaper then buying new JL.
James Brown I will be helping my mechanic. I think with MoTech Kit, it should be plug and play. Mechanic will help with the tune portion for sure. We expect 2 full 10 hour days to get it in and maybe another day to tune. Must live in a emission friendly state to put L96 engine in, which I do.
I have a 5.7 hemi and a 6 speed manual GETRAG 238 sitting in garage to go in my 2007 jku rubicon. Best part is my rubicon transfer case bolts right to the getrag so get to keep a 6 speed trans and my rubicon transfer case gearing.
I've had the hemi swap in a 2005 LJ Rubicon, had heating issues, have a Banks turbo in 06 LJ Rubicon now, still not there. Now I have a 4.6 Golan sitting in crate, broken in on dyno and ready for install. We'll give that a try next.100% bolt in. I like that.
Glad to see the LM7 going in the LJ. You need more than that in the heavy JK. The 4L60 can be made into a good reliable transmission in the LJ. The 6.0 is minimum in a heavy JK. Plus I’d recommend going with the 6L80 in the JK as it’s the hidden hero of the swap. The 4.02:1 first gear is awesome. I have several videos on my channel of my 6.2/6L80 LS swap into my 2011 JKUR. Good luck. Mike
It's a ls based engine. Clean off the dirt, reseal, and send it. DON'T REPLACE BEARINGS IF THEY ARE NOT DAMAGED. GM built this engine to last. Commonly get over 300k on a 5.3l.
Good idea on picking the LJ!! I went with a R2.8 Cummins in my TJ and 300 ft lbs is the sweet spot IMO for any Jeep. I like the Cummins low end torque and fuel economy. My wife and I have discussed the Gladiator, but after running so much diesel stuff off-road, just can't go back to gas when going off-road. It kills me with Jeep, the options should be a utilitarian diesel and then something that's really focused on high HP, but they didn't ask me, I just mod them for what I want. I've got a ZJ with a 5.2 V8 and it's so much easier on the highway than the TJ with a 4.0.
The 4.0 is a dog. Building it to make LS power would cost as much as a swap and sacrifice reliability. LS swaps are no brainers. Affordable reliable power.
Love it. You owe me a video on your gear selection of the JT though. You never went into why you chose 5.13 over 4.88. Also, curious how you like it now after some miles. Getting ready to re-gear my JL and keep going back and forth on ratios.
I want to do a 6.4 Hemi swap in my 2020 Gladiator Rubicon. They should have offered it with a V8 from the factory... The 5.7 Hemi at a minimum, for the Rubicon and Max Tow models.
@@djuell01 Then mine will be getting traded in early for a V8 JTR optioned exactly like mine currently is... I love the JTR, just needs more power for a truck, and higher tow ratings (8,500 lbs. would be nice for a Rubicon) if they increased the spring rate, and reinforced the frame some, it would be a true competitor to the 1/2-ton trucks, and the best mid-sized truck on the market.
@@allantilley3716 Eh, it's possible. I doubt they'll do a 6.4 because it likely won't pass safety, but I could see them doing the 5.7. Really we'll know what's up when the new Dakota drops. Being the only midsize with a V8 on the market was the old Dakota's niche, so I can see FCA trying to cash in on it. FCA is also pretty well known for sharing parts, specifically engines across their various brands so it'll could roll down to the JT or JL in the future.
People have been seeing the 6.2 Hemi concept wrangler out in the wild testing, and there is a rumor Jeep has made 30+ examples of that concept for testing. If that is true, it is pretty promising that we will get the v8 to keep people from getting Broncos.
Oh my god I am so glad you guys are doing this on both jeeps so excited very cool. I have a 2010 3.8 ,6 speed manual totally pumped love you guys rock on
LJ's are nice, just slow. Same 4.0 6i. I have this engine in my 06 TJ. I wouldn't mind a 5.3 in my rig! So I'll be watching this build! Thanks for the video! 🇺🇸
Very interesting and most definitely agree . I'm old school V-8 401 was great motor in 78 Iternational Scout 2 and transmission . Tow it off road for heavy body vehicle course didn't have all new technology worry about. Only problem was coil besides that ran perfectly. Be interesting series to watch 💪🙂👍
Awesome video! Just got my tires (already received), FabFours Lifestyle bumper, badlands apex 12000 winch (in garage), black rhino wheels... and a lot of other stuff for my Gladiator!!! Super excited.
I would think that the 4.6 stroker would be easier and cheaper if you consider work hours. But hey that’s a short series compared to the massive undertaking you guys are doing! I look forward to following the swap though it’s gotta be entertaining!
Check out Motech or lswrangler for LS swaps on the JK. I did a 6.2L and a 6L80 in my JKU and it has been great and I don’t have near the weight as you. Excited to see.
This is so cool guy's , I cant wait . Being the owner of both a TJ and JK both of these builds are on my bucket list so I will be able to learn a lot from you on both builds . Take care and be safe .
Yesss! I have an LJ with an automatic and I was hoping that you would take on this project on when you hinted at it. You two can do anything... and are very fun to watch. I have been contemplating the same thing ever since I started my build. I am looking forward to this series. 5k right? I am holding you to it :)
Novak and advanced adapter are goin to be your friend... it'll make it easier and faster to do that. I've been building every part for my xj 5.3 swap with a 4l80e
@@fixmeuphandyman it must a badass f100, I wanted to go with a cummins in my 78 bronco but the adapter items or mods were more expensive than the cummins itself ao I just stayed with the 400m 😅
I just sold a YJ with an LS six and 4L65 tons of fun,4l65 was a pain in the ass I have a JKU with an LS3 and a 6L80 and tons, Clayton long arm with 39s it’s awesome
I got all my stuff from John at Overland performance his number is 225-304-6288was no harder than a sbc into a cj, there’s four wires you have to cut and splice in the dash that was the hardest part, I converted from a stick to a 6L80 that wasn’t very hard either you do have to change the detent for the drive position everything in my JK works including tap shift cruise control and everything else, l used the biggest radiator they have with the Camaro fan it keeps it cool almost always when I really pound on it in the sand it gets a little warm and I mean playing on big hills for 20 or 30 minutes then I go park for a while
First of all you need to make that engine stand a 4 point instead of the tip over prone 3 point. Why’d anyone get mad about a GM in a Jeep, how many were transplanted into the older ones like the CJ, etc. keep up the great work and enjoying what you want to do.
The 5.3 will not give you the "WOW" factor most are looking for. Go for 5.7 or 6.0. JMO The wire harness runs $1500. So GO BIG! Good choice picking the LJ for the swap.
I like to see a price at the end of the series. Ive watched a few ls swap tj videos and it seems to cost them around 10k cause all the small hiden things start adding up. This is exactly what i want to do to my 04 tj but i dont want to get started with 5k and get stuck half way done and can no longer drive the jeep
As an Aussie who just bought his 1st 4x4 and 1st Jeep, ‘10 JKU, i love your channel and video’s! Very informative.. can i ask about the overhead panel in your JKU, where i can get one etc?
You can always put different transmissions behind any Chevy engine it doesn’t just have to be that crappy 4L60 you can do basically any transmission you want
Wow, cool project, but your making my head spin with taking this on in your garage. good luck! you can get a Hamburger's supercharger installed for about $6k. sorry if I'm not helping the cause. ;-)
I have done a fair number of motor swaps on jeep JKs.. I would never do LS again. SO many issues. You want a through and through great quality of life motor and simple swap, get a hemi. There are many reasons every shop is swapping from doing LS to Hemi. lol
$8k for the JK 6.0 swap? That’s very ambitious considering the Motech kit starts at $5k without additions like the upgraded radiator. Will you miss the manual trans? Can’t wait to see how it goes!
The Gladiator should have a 5.7L Hemi as an Option just like the Grand Cherokee which I own a 2020 Hemi powered Trailhawk GC and I hope that 2021 will bring the 5.7L to Gladiator!
Quick Question: What are those center tire hub things you turn at 14:57? If they are tire deflators, I will definitely look into getting a set! ALso, I just got mt 2015 JK 2 Door last Sunday. Already infatuated with it. I've been watching a lot of your content and I like it. I like how you let people know that this specific mod or this part works well for you or doesn't work for your plans. I see it so many times that people praise an item as "Must Have" and it really ain't worth it.
@@JKGearandGadgets thank you so so much for replying to me and i am new to the subscription on RU-vid and love your videos and builds!!!! Again thank you so much!!
You would save thousands of dollars and a hundred hours of labor by keeping the 4.0 and stroking it to a 4.6. You end up with an engine that makes similar power and torque to the 5.3, at a much lower RPM, which is what you want off road. You also don't end up with a cobbled up mess, piggybacked ecu's, overheating problems, exhaust clearance issues , etc.... This is coming from a guy who bought my TJ with the SOLE intention of LS swapping it. I have V8 swapped dozens of rigs, and have a complete LQ4 6.0 and LC9 aluminum 5.3 sitting in my shop ready to swap into something.... After building 3 jeep inline strokers , I'll never waste the time and money LS swapping a TJ. If I was going to do a V8 I'd do a hemi so it would be almost plug n play with no piggyback or stand alone computer BS.
Love your channels! Question, I’m going to do do an LS swap on either an LJ which I love or a 2007 4dr Unlimited. I like longer wheelbase thus it’s between the LJ or JK Unlimited. If you could only have one of these for the LS swap which would you pick and why? Need your wisdom…
Man i already knew right of the bat he was gonna put it in the jk but at the same time i had a dumb little feeling that he was gonna put it on the lj and i was like yup hes gonna put it in the lj when he said it was a 5.3 especially with the 4l60 cause i mean its a crappy combo but when you put it on a lightweight vehicle you got a awesome combo at that :D Also welcome to Texas Guys :D
I have a quick question? I have a 2015 jk. I just changed my thermostat, lower hose, temperature sensor, radiator cap and coolant flush. I curious to know what temperature does your jk normally run. My jk is running at 217 to 224 degrees. It is lifted and I have 35''s. What temp does yours have. I don't have a hood loover. I'm interested in putting one on in the Future. Thanks, great channel.
Not sure if I missed it but do you plan on keeping the manual in the JK or going for an automatic swap as well. Always felt the 6 speed in my 07 shifted like garbage. Looking forward to both of these swaps!