Engine swap ideas

[SolarYellowshortbuss]

I’ve been reading a lot about swapping an engine and I’ve asked a lot of people about swapping an engine. Some people tell me to go all out and swap a 5.7 Hemi into my wrangler and others tell me to put a 4bt in my wrangler, even going as far as to say a kubota and I’m just wondering what you all have to say I’m open to pretty much all ideas this wrangler is my daily except for when I’m doing the swap of course so I’d ask to remember that.

 

[bbaldwin237]

A 5.2/5.9 Magnum swap is the most "straightforward" if there is such a thing with an engine swap.

Some of the other yellow TJ's LOVE LS swaps! (Cough cough @NashvilleTJ )

 

[Apparition]

Why are you considering a swap?

What do you want to gain from it?

 

[SolarYellowshortbuss]

Why are you considering a swap?

What do you want to gain from it?

As of right now I’m trying to balance my want for atleast a little bit more power than being as slow as a cloud and my want for reliability and fuel efficiency

 

[BlueC]

Why are you considering a swap?

What do you want to gain from it?

^ This.

Then App is going to suggest an LS.

Really, the OP needs to answer the above, followed by budget info.

 

[SolarYellowshortbuss]

I’ve got 5 grand to blow on an engine alone I’ll be attempting to do the swap myself so im not sure how much the swap itself is gonna set me back but whatever it is I reckon im just gonna have to deal with it.

 

[BlueC]

my want for reliability and fuel efficiency

Buy a Civic or Corolla. Solved.

my want for atleast a little bit more power than being as slow as a cloud

Your info says you have a 4.0/auto with 33s. What gears do you have?

 

[GPK03X]

5.13 gears are what you need. Much easier than an engine swap. You should have plenty of power with those gears with your 42RLE transmission.

 

[SolarYellowshortbuss]

Buy a Civic or Corolla. Solved.



Your info says you have a 4.0/auto with 33s. What gears do you have?

I’m rockin 4.56 that’s what I was told by the shop I had to it at least I would’ve attempted do it myself but back then I was afraid of doing a big mess up

 

[Apparition]

As of right now I’m trying to balance my want for atleast a little bit more power than being as slow as a cloud and my want for reliability and fuel efficiency

$5k will buy a lot of fuel, 4.0's are reliable. I'd drive what you have for a while longer.

 

[SolarYellowshortbuss]

I may I could just be dreamin lol I reckon if I’m wanting a more powerful ride I’ll buy something that came stock with a V8 and leave my 4.0 be… until I start dreaming again.

 

[BlueC]

I’ve got 5 grand to blow on an engine alone I’ll be attempting to do the swap myself so im not sure how much the swap itself is gonna set me back but whatever it is I reckon im just gonna have to deal with it.

I’d expect a V8 swap to cost at least 10K, and I’d expect it to climb higher quickly.

 

[CaliSteve]

The 4.56 gears will work, the 5.13 work even better, regarding engine swaps, most I've known of budget well over 5 grand to get it done.
Closer to the 20 mark I would think, if done right.

 

[Wildman]

Since you have an 03 a Dodge Magnum V-8 swap is harder than if you had a 02 or older. So for you if you want a V-8 you need a Hemi or a LS and neither of them can be done for $5K. You need to budget more like $12-15K for a engine swap.

What size tires? are you running? And you have a 42RLE? Those 4.56 gears aren't low enough for anything but 31" tires.

 

[GPK03X]

You should get a lawyer and sue that shop for recommending 4.56 gears. Just kidding of course. Unfortunately a lot of shops recommend the wrong ratio with that transmission. 4.56 is recommended for 30” tires on this forum.

 

[Apparition]

Then App is going to suggest an LS.

 

[RINC]

I have had thoughts of Chevy 4.3L V6.

 

[bbaldwin237]

I have had thoughts of Chevy 4.3L V6.

That would actually be a nice little swap but I feel like for the effort you'd be better off with a junkyard LS? But 4.3s can be potent little engines.

 

[RINC]

That would actually be a nice little swap but I feel like for the effort you'd be better off with a junkyard LS? But 4.3s can be potent little engines.

And being produced.

 

[Wildman]

I have had thoughts of Chevy 4.3L V6.

What are you gaining?

Specs are pretty close to the 4.0... IMO you be better off doing a stroker. If you're doing an engine swap then get some real increase by doing a V-8...