July 9, 2023
Top 5 Engine Swaps to Do For 1987-Present Jeep Wrangler Models
There's no doubt that for most off-road guys, swapping out a factory Jeep engine for something with a little more horsepower is one of the most fun and rewarding upgrades that you can do to your Jeep. So today, we wanted to dive a little deeper into the world of engine swaps and see what the most popular ones are to add to a new Jeep model.
Now, of course, there are a couple things to keep in mind. V8 engines haven't been available on Jeep models forever, only being introduced as options for the lineup in the early 80s. With that in mind, we'll be running through some of the most popular Jeep engines that have been swapped into the Wrangler since the 1987 model year. Let's jump in and see what we've got!
Table Of Contents
-About the New Jeep Wrangler V8 Engine
-5.3 and 6-liter GM LS V8
-5.7-liter and 6.4-liter HEMI Engines
-GM 5.2-liter Crate Engine
-Chevy four-bolt 350
- 5.0-liter Ford 302 Small Block
About the New Jeep Wrangler V8 Engine
We started thinking about the Wrangler's engine capabilities after the recent release of Jeep's first-ever factory-built V8 Wrangler, a respectable 6.4-liter, 392 cubic inch HEMI engine that cranks out 450 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. It's honestly about time that Jeep has stepped up to the plate and given us all what we've been asking for, but the only problem is that it's definitely an expensive investment.
After all, the majority of us that already have a Wrangler and want more power can swap in a V8 at a fraction of the cost of a brand-new, HEMI-powered model. Until the market price of these comes down significantly, we might as well just swap in our own V8 for the time being. But that begs the question: Where do we start?
Features and Performance Specs of the 5.3 and 6-liter GM LS V8
The first and probably most-popular V8 engine on our list is the desirable GM 5.3-liter and 6-liter LS, mostly because there are still hundreds of these engines out there for sale. They were offered from GM from 1999 all the way up until the 2013 model year and have a reputation for being reliable, with a ton of aftermarket support - all that makes these engines a viable option.
Depending on which generation of LS engine you go with, you'll get anywhere from 255 to 345 horsepower in stock form. LS swaps are also popular because of the number of aftermarket companies offering LS swap kits available for purchase, thus making them easier and faster to achieve.
Features and Performance Specs of 5.7-liter and 6.4-liter HEMI Engines
Next on our list is also high up on the totem pole for Jeep engine swappers, and that's either a 5.7-liter or 6.4-liter HEMI. Albeit quite a bit more expensive to obtain in the US, a HEMI engine is gonna give you quite a bit more of that MOPAR power right out of the box.
The 2014 RAM and newer three-quarter/full-ton pickups came with the 410-horsepower, 6.4-liter HEMI, while 2011 and newer Dodge and Chrysler SUVs that were packed with the 6.4-liter HEMIs could produce between 470 and 485 horsepower. That's quite a nice jump from the LS, but it's a lot more expensive, and in most cases, harder to find.
However, there are a few companies out there - including MOPAR directly - who offer the HEMI in a crate package option. WIth plenty of aftermarket support for the HEMI (and, of course, keeping brand loyalty for MOPAR), these engines are another fantastic choice.
Performance Specs and Features of GM 5.2-liter Crate Engine
Now that we've covered the two most popular and common V8 engine swaps, you're probably wondering what's next. It's not gonna be the 4BT or 6BT, or even the 2.8-liter turbo crate engine from Cummins - diesel swaps will be in another piece. There is a less common VA Wrangler engine that's insane and one for the bragging rights though, and that's the GM performance jet fuel-injected 5.2 crate engine, with 502 horsepower and 568 pound feet of torque.
This beast is available from Chevrolet performance in either a standalone engine option, or the engine/transmission Connect and Cruise version. This is the setup that we can typically expect to go in some sort of full-built rock crawler or rock bouncer, though we've also seen it in some of the sleeper Jeeps.
This is not a cheap option by any means, but if the extra coin is there, this powerhouse is definitely worth the rewards based on horsepower and torque numbers alone.
Performance Specs and Features of Chevy four-bolt 350
Since we're still talking Chevy, we can't leave out probably one of the most commonly swapped engines of all time, though unfortunately not one that we see too much of anymore since LS swaps became popular. This is the classic Chevy 350 four-bolt main, which offers tough reliability that's also pretty easy on the budget.
These icons were the go-to choice for many enthusiasts for years and years, especially because they have an almost unlimited support of aftermarket support and they're cheap. In most cases there aren't a whole bunch of computer controlled systems hooked into these engines, so swaps can be done by just about anyone.
Performance Specs and Features of 5.0-liter Ford 302 Small Block
Well, we've covered Chevy and MOPAR, but you know we couldn't leave Ford off the list. So we have to make sure to cover the five-liter small block 302 - it's probably the least common amongst all the V8s in today's video, but it still remains on the list as a viable and inexpensive Jeep engine swap.
This engine was offered in many Ford cars and trucks, and the most popular is the 1995-newer model that was present in Mustang SBT Cobra models. The four-bolt main throttle body fuel injection engine pushes around 245 horsepower and 285 pound-feet of torque, which aren't the greatest numbers, but with some finesse and minor upgrades, this thing can easily hit above 300 ponies. Throw in a turbo and dump some knocks down the combustion chamber, and you've got yourself one hell of a motor.
Shop Aftermarket Performance Parts For Your Jeep at TrailBuilt Off-Road
If you're inspired by the engine swap options available for your Jeep, we want to help you get your build started right. We recently unveiled our brand-new performance store, where you can find the best intakes, tuners, and a whole lot more to help your off-roader reach its full potential. Check it out today and grab the parts, accessories and upgrades you need. We'll see you out on the trails!
