One Company Already Shoved a V8 in the New Jeep Wrangler
It didn’t take very long for Bruiser Conversions to swap an LS3 engine into the new 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL.
The Jeep Wrangler JL made its debut at the 2017 L.A. Auto Show and just a few months later, the factory engine has been tossed out for a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 with 450 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. The Florida-based company is now offering the conversion to customers, which retains the factory eight-speed automatic transmission. In addition, the engine swap keeps the functionality of all vehicle safety, comfort, and on-board diagnostics systems, which means all the instruments, indicators, gauges, and powertrain control systems work just like they did off the assembly line.
SEE ALSO: 2018 Jeep Wrangler Pros and Cons
The 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL offers three engine options from the factory: a 3.6-liter V6, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, and a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6. The 2.0-liter engine generates 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the Pentastar V6 makes a familiar 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The EcoDiesel options provides 262 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque and will be available starting next year.
Needless to say, none of the factory Wrangler JL engines offer the same performance as an LS3, so we wouldn’t be surprised if we start seeing a few of these out in the desert.
Pricing for the conversion wasn’t announced, so if you’re interested you’ll have to contact Bruiser Conversions to get more information.
[Source: Bruiser Conversions Facebook]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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I get it a V-8 is cool but why does somebody need nearly 500hp in a Jeep Wrangler? You don't need it for off-roading and do you really need it for the highway? Takes up so much room in the engine compartment is they any room to work on it ? And then there is the additional weight. I find that the stock motor provides enough power to do everything I need it to do on and off-road. You need more power and torque, add a RIPP supercharger for a lot less money and hassle, that is unless your V8 Jeep is nothing more than a mall crawling bragging rights rig like so many of them are
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