Engine swap... JK Wrangler
 

I have wanted to give the JK to the grandson for his 21st b'day but the missus won't let me. And he doesn't want it cos its a manual. What's wrong with todays youth? My son also doesn't want it. Talk about looking a gift horse in the mouth and walking away.

So here is the thing. The JK has now done about 235000km and I know some that have 300000km or more. Overall the JK is in very good shape. I have bought an Amarok but it will not be likely to go where I would want the JK to go in the future. I still have some JK trips left in me before I die.

So I have decided to keep it... its a no brainer cos it costs me nothing and I like it! everything is in good shape and I have well maintained it as you have to if u don't want 2 B stranded in a desert somewhere.

There is nothing wrong with the current 3.8L motor. For what I do it has been really reliable. A guzzler yes, but so far reliable. I am thinking that at some stage I will need to do an engine swap.

A V8 would be really nice but would probably blow the budget and also, probably need to replace a lot more other running gear as well. So am thinking that for me, just a new 3.8l or remanufacture the one I have may be the cheapest and easiest and less problem creating alternatives. Oh boy I would like a V8 but let's be realistic.

And then the issue is who to get to do the work here (Melbourne) and who can b depended on to do the job right.

Your advice would b much appreciated.

I've got a 2016 JK and I'm wanting to do an LS swap with it. The wife will take some convincing because it's her car.

There's some good info on another thread on this site - https://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum...d.php?t=147401

If the Jeep is being driven a lot and the engine kept warm, and you’re doing regular oil changes then you may get well above that 235,000kms before any issues.

Personally, if it’s all going well and no leaks I would not worry about it.

If it were to spring a leak or a head gasket ect.. in the future, then I would do a rebuild.

Engine swaps can be a lot of work, and a lot of fun. But for me an engine swap would be as a fun longer term ‘project’ more than doing one out of necessity.

SWMBO's JK is now our daughters, it has 320,000 on it and is still running well. It does use maybe a litre of oil between oil changes but that's less than a new v8 Toyota :)
I'd not be fretting too much about the engine, just drive it and enjoy it. BTW tell your grandson that our 17yo daughter had a manual soft top TJ as her first car :D

Regards,
Tote

Well, thanks for all that. I asked around and a V8 swap would cost about $45000. Not including all the other bits that would need to change such as power.gearbox train, shocks, brakes etc. It would b cheaper to buy an overpriced JL ute.

So I will keep it... its been well looked after and goes as it should. Doesn't burn oil etc and I change everything myself at 10000km.

Next trip.... who knows when and where. Bloody state Premiers!