[MoTech]

Well I have been running a 3.8 on 40's and 5.38's 6sd for a couple years with the RIPP. I have installed and run on a 3.6 as well with 4.10's and 35's auto.
I have also run and installed a Magnuson on a 3.8 with 40's and 5.13 auto.

Love the RIPP product. Easy to install and just works! It has added a ton of "pep" and torque for daily driving.

I as well love the Magnuson product. It is a HUGE improvement over stock!!

If money were no object than the saying "there is no replacement for displacement" would be my final opinion and I would have a 600hp V8 in my JK. That is just not realistic though for everyone.

In fact I will venture to state that any SC company would greatly appreciate a 600hp V8 in a JK.J
The key for me in this whole discussion is what can a person afford to do on their jeep? There is a HUGE gap between a V8 swap and a stock engine cost wise. It would cost most guys every penny they have to spend on building a JK to just do teh engine swap. If that is how you want to spend it, GREAT! But the idea of getting a huge boost in performance and a lift, tires, bumper etc... for the same cost of jsut a swap, I can see that being a deciding factor.

$13k won't get you that 600 HP fully tuned swap, that I know of (correct me if I and off on that point). It is MUCH more $$ to get there when you consider everything involved.

The choice for many guys is keep stock motor or SC. A swap is not even an option. Because to really run a V8 worry free you need to have drastically upgraded drive terrain to handle it.

The "curse of contingencies" comes into play with a full swap...
I have never heard of anyone only spending $13k for a shop to do a swap and deliver a jeep that needs nothing else for 100-200k miles. Usually axle swaps and lots of broke parts later your into it for way more $$...

All this said, IT IS RAD to have that much power if you can afford it, I doubt any of the SC companies would dis-agree.

But most guys CAN afford 5-6K and are savvy enough to install a Ripp or Magnuson Supercharger themselves. With the amount of gain you get and how much more fun it is to drive and even tow a trailer up mountain passes, it is a no brainer. A speed freak may never quite be satisfied with a SC if they are used to a muscle car type power. Well, save your pennies and swap to a V8.

I can say the Ripp and Magnuson have restored the "fun" in driving the JK on 40's and allows me to effortlessly pull a 2000LB trailer all over the place. For the price I think it is amazing.

I don't think I will ever have a budget for my JK that will allow for a full swap. I think I am in the same boat as most. For 5-6K, you can't get a better value for price per HP from my perspective.

You make a lot of good points. Our goal is to close the gap between a 3.8 with a power adder and a real V8. A 5.3 will not give you 600 hp but it will run reliably for many many years with normal maintenance. It will cruise comfortably at highway speeds and have plenty of power for passing. There is no need to change axle or driveshafts with a 5.3 unless you intend to run 37+" tires and drive hard, same as with a SC 3.8. We have removed several superchargers with 5,6, 7,000 miles to find oil is being blown out the seals and into the intake. Idlers are noisy and belts are squeaking. There are many SC designs but the point is I feel a SC will not go 50-100 or 200,000 miles without attention, rebuilding and resealing, a V8 will.

The JK in the video has never been a "star" . It's a plain Jane 2008 X with few options. That JK was converted 5 years ago with an average 5.3 LH6. It has 115,000 miles on it and the only repairs have been front brake pads, oil changes and an S-Belt when it started to crack. It doesn't burn a drop of oil and passes an enhanced OBD II emissions test every year. We have added some updated electronics over the years for better AC and other features. It has the stock radiator and has survived 120 degree summers in Vegas and Death Valley. It has been around the country several times and has been in the hands of the press where it got a good thrashing. It works so well and is so reliable it is driven daily by my wife with my baby today. The 5.3 will run on low grade gas and get good mpg. I bought my wife a new Rubicon in 2009 and she refused to drive it due to the lack of power on the highway. She loves this 5.3 because it is so quiet, smooth and reliable. It averages 17-19 mpg and the AC is ice cold.

There is no need to put 600 HP in a JK for most of us. John Currie drove this 5.3 and bought two 5.3 swaps, he saw no need for more power. I drive a 6.2 Rubicon with over 400 HP everyday, I love it but it is a hotrod. Most people who drive a 5.3 LS JK say it feels like the JK should have from the factory. You will not break parts with a 5.3 unless you are a thrash or have large tires. I will say if you have a heavy JK or larger than 35" tires and do a lot of highway driving I would go with a 6.0. The extra displacement and torque help move the weight better than the smaller engines.

 

[JK Vick]

Motech, any info on this?

Doesn't the California motor swap law state that the vehicle must be 8 years or older in-order to preform a swap and be smog legal? I had a friend of mine just have a VVT hemi swap done at JSS and that is what he was told. So his Jeep is a 2010 so he can "legally" smog it in 2018. I'm not positive on this, I figured you guys can clarify.

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[Nucleophile]

Is anyone running a V8 on stock axles?

I don't think I'd have the guts to run a big motor on my D44's and 1310 DS U joints. Their are built but not to the point of handling that kind of power. I guess I could be wrong on this but when I think of a V8 swap, at least for me, I factor in D60's and 1350 driveshafts

I did it for 3 years. 5.7 hemi swap, stock D44s, 37" MTRs. Only upgrade was 5.13s and RCVs in the front. No sleeves, no truss, stock rear shafts, stock driveshafts. I ran most of the trails in CO and most of the trails in Moab. I ran the Trifecta in Moab, Poison Spider, Golden Spike, Gold Bar Rim, numerous times without breakage.

Upgrading to D60s with a V8 is more dependent on driving style than anything else. It certainly is not mandatory. I ran on stock and many other hemi owners I wheeled with were on stock axles as well. I never had nor saw any breakage.

 

[MR LIKA]

Our base swap with a low mileage 5.3 and no options runs in the high 13's.

We charge $5k labor, $5,195 for the install kit plus the powertrain. A good iron low mileage 4.8 or 5.3 runs about $2,500 with a transmission. We add the upper exhaust, trans cooler and some miscellaneous items. With this swap we reuse the JK driveshafts, radiator, transfer case, rear exhaust, stock suspension and more. It is very similar to the 5.3 JK in the video; however, that JK had the BCM package which adds OE cruise control and electronic tapshift.

Anyone wanting to ship their JK to Vegas can fill out the builder form on our website and will be given a quote. Our installers around the country set their own price so these prices do not apply to them; although, we try to stay close.

The LS JK is not as new as most of you think. We have had JK's with LS's on the road for 5 years now, the kit has been greatly rationalized which has brought the cost down. We manufacturer all our own hardware, harness and electronics, the only outsourcing we do is powder coating.

We are constantly improving the kit to make it more affordable, the LS is awesome in a JK and we need to get the price point to a level that will open it up to the larger market, not just he guy with $20k disposable income - were getting there.

Our new integrated module has combined virtually all the electronics into one small package eliminating much of the redundant hardware while reducing the time to install the kit.

I just wish I knew about you guys before I did the Hemi. It would of been nice to have another options. My total came to around $13,500.00 so know it could be done.

Does that include cruise and tap shifting?

 

[MoTech]

Motech, any info on this?







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I am G2 emissions inspector in Nevada. I worked in California for many years and know the rules are constantly changing. Last I heard the swap eligibility was based on the manufactures emissions warranty. I know there are new rules that apply to all mods, not just swaps.

LS Turnkey in Oceanside does all our California swaps. We have about 14 LS JK's registered in CA now. Kolby works directly with the BAR and can answer your questions. Kolby is still doing swaps and last I talked to him he said 3 years old but it may have changed. We have talked about applying for an EO#.

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[MoTech]

I just wish I knew about you guys before I did the Hemi. It would of been nice to have another options. My total came to around $13,500.00 so know it could be done.

Does that include cruise and tap shifting?

Our BCM package includes OE cruise control, electronic tap shift, tow mode and more. It runs $599 extra and can be added at a later date by plugging it in.

The GM CC is amazing, it has RPM match shifting and when combined with the 6l80 you will hold +/-1 mph even in the mountains.

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[CT Performance Inc]

Just a question to add to the drama..with a SC intercooler blocking the air stream how's the AC?

Mileage claims...doesn't it need to be hand calculated with a chip? I would think the readout would be incorrect with a chip but not positive.

And to question's on costs of a LS my '12 lc9 and 6l80e complete with all accessories and only 800 total miles was $4k. They are out their to be found.

 

[Rock Krawler Suspension]

There are pros and cons to each one of these!

The SC works well and can be installed by the average consumer. As a matter of fact we are planning on running a RIPP unit on our new 2014 Project Vehicle.

We have driven 5.7 hemi swaps and given the cost factors involved, would favor the SC on the stock power train.

The 6.1 and 6.4 hemi's were a blast, but you have to pay to play!

The 5.3 chevy swap we have not driven.

We have had the luxury of driving a Motech build here at the shop with the Chevy 6.2 and 6 speed auto. That thing felt great. It had power everywhere, but again, you are going to have to pay to play!

It really is about you, your budget and what you want! Just like everything else...

RK

 

[MR LIKA]

Our BCM package includes OE cruise control, electronic tap shift, tow mode and more. It runs $599 extra and can be added at a later date by plugging it in.

The GM CC is amazing, it has RPM match shifting and when combined with the 6l80 you will hold +/-1 mph even in the mountains.

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LIKE

 

[Riptide]

Couple thoughts on this (RIPP/MoTech feel free to chime in).

With a 2012 JKUR and auto, the RIPP SC will put out ~320 HP at the wheels (IIRC). If I had RIPP (or a shop at their recommendation) I'm assuming that turn key, it would be aprox 8k (RIPP SC 6k, any miscellaneous stuff, 1500-2k for install).

Other than an increase in HP/Tq, things should remain the exact same as they currently are.

Only downside I see to this, is whether there's any impact on the longevity of the 3.6l and the SC itself (both parts obviously require some maintenance). And if maintenance is required on the SC the availability of someone to look at it (I live in a remote area). Another consideration is whether the inter cooler in front of the rad will have any impact on the temp - something I have to be concerned about due to my battle with my JK overheating under load (which I've mostly solved - I think - won't know until I try to drive my JK south next time).

Upside is that it's turnkey for ~8k (I wouldn't trust myself to do the install), and you have a massive power increase. This is very attractive, especially at that price point - assuming it doesn't make my overheating issues worse.

Now compared to the RIPP, the LS 5.3 puts out ~330-380 HP (can't remember exactly??), costs ~15-17k (ac, cc, tap shift - I'm not sure what other features are common ?). I think I'd trust the LS mechanically a tad more (over the long term), as it's just an engine, and one that could be serviced by any GM dealer, so I wouldn't have to risk going to Dodge, or worry about any potential damage done by the SC. An added side bonus for me, is that it replaces my engine and completely removes my overheating issue from the equation.

All of that is fairly attractive... until you circle back to the 15-17k price tag. Especially when one is talking about a brand new 2012 JK with 40,000 KM (26k miles?) on the clock.

Which I think is part of my hesitation (with either option). Obviously price is a consideration, and 8k is a lot easier to handle than 15k. But on top of the price, part of me hates replacing a brand new engine/tranny when both work perfectly fine (yes even if I'm putting in a better one). The whole if it ain't broke, don't fix it occasionally applies... The other part of me has concerns over dumping 8k into something not to be 110% happy with it (or have issues). I see the LS as the safer option... just at a significant cost. Especially when both the 3.6l SC and the 5.3ls will likely have fairly similar numbers.

I should note, I've intentionally ignored the cost/hassle of getting my JK from Northern Canada down to the US, as it has to go there eitherway, and it means a vacation!

As for why someone would want either option in a 2012 with the new engine... going up mountains with my trailer, it isn't as preppy as I'd like it. As this is something I plan on keeping for a very long time, I might as well make it do everything and anything that I want (as long as it's physically possible - ie it'll never get 30 MPG, nor do I expect it to).

Edit, MoTech, can you/do you sell the old 3.8/3.6l and tranny as part of the install package? Or is that something the customer can do on their own (would they want to, is it worth it)?

 

[Acey]

Just a question to add to the drama..with a SC intercooler blocking the air stream how's the AC?

My AC is as ice cold as it was before I put the RIPP SC on it. No change in temperature.

 

[planman]

My AC is as ice cold as it was before I put the RIPP SC on it. No change in temperature.

Same here.


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[Thisguyhasadd42]

Doesn't help much given I am pretty low on my '07 with less than 44k miles, but I have seen other Jeepers posting on some of the other forums having over 100k miles on their JKs running a RIPP.

I installed my RIPP Gen 2 Stage 2 SC on my 2008 Rubi when it had 38,xxx miles (2 years ago). Now at 47,xxx miles and no problems whatsoever. Very happy with my RIPP sc!

my 2008 had 97K miles on it when I installed the RIPP. I have only had it for about a month so as far as longevity, can't say. I did all the research and spoke to a number of engine guys. My opinion based on all that was that the boost from the RIPP was not going to be an issue with my motor. Time will tell.

awesome, just what i wanted to hear!

Motech do you guys sell the Ripps you take off?

 

[iadventure]

My AC is as ice cold as it was before I put the RIPP SC on it. No change in temperature.

Same here

 

[ccjimmyb]

For me it's gong to be a Hemi. Steve's old 5.7 that just came out of his Jeep is on it's way to sunny Florida to get some TLC. It's going in as a 6.4 and should be a great ride once it has a V8.

 

[Sgo70]

I got $2500 for my old engine, I think the transmission is going to end up being a boat anchor though. Even got a call from the guy I bought my LS off of looking for another.

Sean

 

[MoTech]

You own all the parts that come off your vehicle. We try and sell the old powertrain for you but the market is not very strong. I had about a dozen 3.8's at the shop but we sold a few last month. Engine and transmissions go for about $500 to $1,500 depending on mileage. We will store them for a month or two if needed.

We have a couple 3.6 Pentstars now and since most 12's are under warranty so we haven't had a demand for them. Lot of guys want to know if they can install them in a 3.8 JK but it's not so easy.

The Supercharger's sell quickly. Were seeing 3-$3,500 for a SC with 1,000 miles or less. I have a couple now with 5-8,000 miles on them and the seals are leaking oil and idlers noisy so they need a going through. I haven't seen a SC with high miles on it yet so I'm not sure what they would go for.

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[planman]

Vortec doesn't charge much to refresh their stuff.

Someone who gets a low mileage RIPP for $3k and sends the blower to Vortec for a refresh of seals or bearings will get a hell of a deal.


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[Thisguyhasadd42]

Vortec doesn't charge much to refresh their stuff.

Someone who gets a low mileage RIPP for $3k and sends the blower to Vortec for a refresh of seals or bearings will get a hell of a deal.


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What do you consider low miles? Could you send the blower to Ripp as well to have it "refreshed"? Would love to have one of these for $3k

 

[planman]

What do you consider low miles? Could you send the blower to Ripp as well to have it "refreshed"? Would love to have one of these for $3k

You could send it to RIPP, but they will likely forward it to Vortec.

A local friend of mine didn't regularly change his oil in the blower and it got noisy. He ended up sending it directly to Vortec. I think it cost him a few hundred bucks to fix. He is out of the country till Monday. I'll ask him the details when he gets back and post here.

There are Vortec units with a ton of miles on them that work great (RIPP uses a Vortec blower).


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