hemi conversions...

[Wrangl3r93]

searching for junkyards to go check out and see if i could find a decent 6cyl engine to rebuild for my jeep i ran across this site
http://www.aev-conversions.com/
just wondering what ya'll thought about putting a hemi into a wrangler... i think it's pretty cool but costs more than i paid for my jeep times about 10 so it'll never happen

 

[Magua308]

I am becomming more and more enchanted by the diesel swap option, plenty of power and better mileage, I'll leave the V8's in my teenage years.

 

[jaymz77]

I am becomming more and more enchanted by the diesel swap option, plenty of power and better mileage, I'll leave the V8's in my teenage years.

V8's are overated. Diesel is awesome too, find a descent cummins 4bt and you would have one hell of a trail rig. But if you are looking for a cheap swap, I just swapped a Chevy 4.3L V6 into my YJ and love the 200hp it produces. The whole swap cost around $2k. Now that I think about it though, that is how much I payed for the rig in the first place.

 

[Laph]

I would love to drop a hemi in my Wj but yes, a cummings would be nice also esp on the milage/power factor and that bio, is become more and more popular.

 

[Magua308]

My problem is that if I am going to do it I am going to do it all the way: Cummins 4BT, t-18 transmission, manual overdrive, Atlas II xfer case, mite as well put in lockers, d44's......$15,000 later I'll have a really nice rig. If only I had $15,000 to put into my $3500 YJ.....

 

[Laph]

My problem is that if I am going to do it I am going to do it all the way: Cummins 4BT, t-18 transmission, manual overdrive, Atlas II xfer case, mite as well put in lockers, d44's......$15,000 later I'll have a really nice rig. If only I had $15,000 to put into my $3500 YJ.....

but just think of the investment, it would be worth 4k and it would kick butt.

 

[redrooster]

V8's are overated.

Maybe if your playing in the little leagues.
Hemi swaps are expensive because the engines are in high demand. The common Chevy and Ford V8 swaps are a lot less expensive and more readily available.

 

[88Wrangles]

Maybe if your playing in the little leagues.
Hemi swaps are expensive because the engines are in high demand. The common Chevy and Ford V8 swaps are a lot less expensive and more readily available.

Ya I'm definatly with you on this one. V8's aren't for everyone...but there comes a time when nothing else will get the job done. I'm all for big power...as long as the rest of the vehicle is set up to handle it, which is where the $$$$ comes into factor.

And diesels just don't belong in trail rigs for so many reasons....

 

[redrooster]

Actually the 4.3 is a good engine, but I wouldn't swap out a 4.0 for one. There is no real difference in price between swapping a 4.3 and a Chevy V8, so you might as well go ahead with the V8. Just because it has 300 hp doesn't mean you have to use it.

 

[happy024]

I've been thinking about the engine swap also and was wondering about the weight differance between the 4.3 and V8. And advantages to your Center of gravity

 

[redrooster]

The weight difference is going to basically be two cylinders worth if you are talking a V block. This can be offset depending on what V8 you use. For example, the 5.3 has two more cylinders than the 4.3, but it has aluminum heads and a plastic intake. I'm pretty sure none of the 4.3's had aluminum heads, but they might have had the plastic intake on the Vortec models.
If you really want to get serious on the weight and power then use an all aluminum LS1. It's bound to be lighter than the 4.3.
I haven't looked closely at any Hemi's to see what kind of materials they are built from. The power and coolness factors are definitely there. I imagine they are still pricey to install.