Hey guys, I haven't posted up here much but have been lurking awhile. I also am on the red site as IVe been trying to get into an SRT for awhile so Im very informed on what they're all about haha. Anyway Im currently trying to do a 6.1 swap into my '05 GC right now. I know its a long shot and many people say its not worth it blahblah but I'm trying to prove them wrong and need your help to do so. I want to do the first (that I've seen/heard of) full 6.1 swap into a WK and keep it a sleeper. So my question is (finally) what's the long list of EVERYTHING thats needed. Heres what I got:
6.1L motor w/ computer & harness
NV146 T-Case
Motor Mounts
From what I know the 3.7 has the same WA580 trans as the SRT but needs the proper TCM/PCM so the electronics match up to the motor
So yea the TCM/PCM, any other electronics???
How about axel-shafts, rear/front diff's?
I found a motor for a steal and also on ebay there is one w/ EVERYTHING I listed besides the t/case I believe for a nice price.
Just wondering what else you guys KNOW I'll need and any suggestions I may want to know before pulling the trigger on all of this. I do have a budget lol so hopefully this can all be done for under $15k or so. Let me know what you think. For the record Im putting this in myself with my father (builds cars/mechanic etc) and a buddy whose an ASE Master Tech as well as few other motor heads. Should I consult an area dealer for an SRT techs advice/assistance? Appreciate any feedback/advice
Lets see some pics for your ride. Well I think for what you are about to get yourself into your best bet would be to sell your ride, and use your 15k to buy a real SRT8. I think your in for a shit load of problems. 6.1 motor new is 15K. You might be able to get a cheap one one ebay, but why? And why the 6.1? If you going to do a engine swap you might as well go with a 426, it will cost the same, and you'll blow SRT8's away.
it was a 5.7 ^^^^^ IIRC 555cts or something was his ID.
to the OP, im with kokanee, sell the wk and buy an srt8. its not worth the trouble. maybe do a 6.1 in a hemi chassis.
too much electronics.
have youthought about ALL the moodules needed for drive by wire. in my mind, to make it work you will need every control module and sensor for the srt8. thats just nuts.
the CBW gas pedal alone uses like 5 control modules to function properly. how the hell you going to replicate that.
This swap would probably be not THAT bad if you were starting with a V8 truck. But the fact that it's a 3.7.....I would not try it.
Theres alot of integration and communication between all the different modules, honestly if you aren't pipedreaming I think you are in for a ton of work and frustration.
I'm not saying it can't be done....I'm just saying it likely shouldn't.
Yea I figured this is what I would hear. I guess the general consesus is to many electrical issues which I agree is probably the case. I think after giving it some thought on my budget Im probably better off going a whole different route. I have a 350 Chevy small block laying around in my garage which according to my pops is in fine condition so may be something to look into. Im looking into the driveline now. Just wanted to see if the 6.1 swap was feasible, Im going to call a few SRT guys and see what they have to say. Thanks for the input
edit: for the record, Id rather build a sleeper Jeep than buy an SRT, anyone can get a new SRT in my book, Im w/ Scott, much more fun to do something custom just my .02
IMO the Jeep SRT8 is a sleeper to begin with, most people have no clue what it is, and if you really want to surprise people take off the srt8 badge and put on a flex fuel badge or something. Good luck anyway you go though, but as an owner, I get the "what the hell kind of Jeep is that?" kind of look all the time.
Yeah you can find used SRT's for not much more, and with a real SRT you are getting the body kit, seats, brakes, suspension, wheels, and other cool features. It would be a huge PITA to drop in a 6.1.
Was gonna suggest seeing if there are stroker kits available for 5.7 Hemi to increase the displacement (.030 overbore will only net you a few cid), but noticed you are starting with 6-cylinder, so yeah as others suggested get an SRT8 and if thats out of your budget range, there are a lot of good running/optioned Hemis 95.7) out there as well...If you ever plan on going offroad, then that would be the only choice, fwiw.
Forget about the SBC route...too many details to list on what you'd need to change over, but let's just say it certainly wouldn't be worth it...I have a nice built 383 chevy sitting in my garage too , but besides the headaches (and $), crossbreeding is something I wouldn't do and you should be shot for such blasphemous thoughts (he he, j/k )
Electronic demons will kill you in that swap guaranteed! Electronics alone will probably eat your 15K budget as you are going to need every module. Unless you buy a totaled one
If you really want to do this I would trade yours in on a nice 5.7 HEMI with QD2. Rip the engine out and go with a forged 392 from SharaDon. Get SharaDons Stage 3 trans. The stock NV245 T-case is bulletproof and with the quadra-drive 2 4X4 system you already have 3 Limited slips in her (one in the T-case and one in each diff).
Or
Take that 350 you have chilling and mate it to a nice trans and do away with all the electronic engine/trans management crap and fab up some mounts.
Best bet is to plan out your goals and think them through very carefully so your not buying stuff you don't need.
Im with you 100% and thanks everyone else. You know, at the end of the day everyone is trying to supply unlimited needs with limited resources lol thats economics right down to it. I just want to have the fastest nicest and yet most unique Jeep for the money Im working with. The only reason I was thinking 6.1 is due to the platform and the fact its Jeep to Jeep, maybe stuff would transfer over easily, but clearly thats a big NO NO haha. Im going to see what I could mate my 350 up to and see what kind of power I would be running, maybe Ill see if it could handle boost as well, a nice F/I Chevy motor in a Jeep!!! Can you say huh?!?!
Real quick, anyone know how good the stock trans in the 3.7 is the WA580, what power will she handle for how long would you est. I heard the SRT guys talking the 550-600hp is the threshold so I'd love to be in that range (probably not gonna happen ahah) so that should be fine. She's in good condition as far as I know, have to have her inspected soon.
So I just want a list of diffs I could looking into I guess, an then any axel suggestions or are the stocks good for a nee diff? not to educated on the stock driveline and its applications. Thanks a ton!
So aanyway, the 5.7 swap doesn't seem to be worth it for the gain
Id get and the options it would open, might as well grab a stock 5.7 WK w/ all the options etc and swap over my mods imo. So yea, I'm going to do a ton of hw and get back to you guys. Keep the ideas COMING! Thanks
Electronic demons will kill you in that swap
guaranteed! Electronics alone will probably eat your 15K budget as you are going to need every module. Unless you buy a totaled one
If you really want to do this I would trade yours in on a nice 5.7 HEMI with QD2. Rip the engine out and go with a forged 392 from SharaDon. Get SharaDons Stage 3 trans. The stock NV245 T-case is bulletproof and with the quadra-drive 2 4X4 system you already have 3 Limited slips in her (one in the T-case and one in each diff).
Or
Take that 350 you have chilling and mate it to a nice trans and do away with all the electronic engine/trans management crap and fab up some mounts.
Best bet is to plan out your goals and think them through very carefully so your not buying stuff you don't need.
dude, i have a headache from this thread. take our advice and just buy an srt8. if you want a sleeper, ill trade you every single one of my exterior parts off my wk for the bumpers, side skirts, grills, rims ect. of your srt when you get it, and ill pay all the shipping. sounds like a deal to me!
No offense to any of you SRT guys cause I love the truck, its my favorite car on the road just because what the guys at Chyrsler came up with and everything its about. But the fact that I can just sell my car go an buy an SRT8 and be done isn't enough for me. Im going to have to say that wont satisfy my need customize and build. Not only that, but because thats also just going to lead to more money and at some point I have a limit lol shit I'm still in school. So I get the SRT, then what? Leave it stock? I wont be able to afford much more than all the boltons and I really cant deal with that lol. I have a mod bug for sure and I want it to be unique. Anyone can buy a car, but it takes a different type of person to build one. Even a nice car, a Benz or Audi or even a Veyorn aren't as impressive to me as a custom hot rod cruising down the street. Anyone can purchase a nice car, who can build one themselves? (or with some friends help haha) Ask the next guy you see driving around in his new M5 or his S6 or his C63AMG what kind of motor he's got under the hood or how much compression its running or even how many valves/cylinder, bet you he wont know what language you were speaking. Catch my drift lol, I'm not hating on anyone (only love for my Jeep guys haha), just explaining the reasoning behind my decisions right now. Thanks guys
I kinda feel the same way about building rather than buying, but I agree with everyone here. My .02 would be to keep your Jeep as a daily driver. Take your $15K and go here> http://www.factoryfive.com/ for that money you could purchase the Cobra Challenge car($14+K) complete kit. Add a Mustang powertrain and some other small parts and you have an awesome home-built ride. Yes these kits are popular, but I can assure you they are still few and far between. Then you have a nice reliable Jeep as well as an unique car for weekend races and cruise nights. They have other kits as well, but the Challenge is your best bang for your buck.
Yeap, Im leaning towards what I got in the garage. Im going to rip it apart in the next few weekends and see what needs to be replaced if anything at all. Im just hoping the block is in good shape. I know there a gazillion parts out there for the 350 Chevy so that wont be an issue. As far as trans goes im hoping to be ok already
Anyone know what the stock drivelines holds power wise? I know the trans should be good all the way up to 500+hp probably being limited by the TC. I may just swap out for a better case and go from there. So hopefully Im keeping the WA580 and getting the PCM/TCM remapped to handle the power and go form there. Don't want to play with electronics too much, so Im going to push what I have to the limit. Otherwise its into big $. If it turns out it cant handle more then a worked 350 has to offer, I'll have to see what other options I have, no rush I say, plenty of time.
Are the clutchpacks definitely different? I mean if thats the case then I might as well do the swap is right haha, but from what I've heard there not, I guess no ones proved it to me. I trust you, but I cant just take your word in that and buy the 700 haha, need to be 100% sure the trans wont work in my application. Show me proof and obviously Im with you haha, Heres what wiki says (not that reliable but all I have to go on at this moment) otherwise as I'm sure you know:
Why would you try adapting a Chrysler transmission to a Chevy engine, not to mention an electronic variety. You may want to *really* look into this and ask yourself at what point does it just not make sense anymore. You mention you're a student, so do you have money to burn on this? It's gonna take a great deal more than you think and so many obstacles to overcome. Provided you can somehow pull this off (assuming you don't have much experience), where do you think you'll be performance/reliability/craftsmanship wise compared to even a stock hemi? I like challenges myself, but (sorry to say) this is just silly.
Definitely, I could see where you would say this, Id probably say a similar thing if I wasn't myself and I didnt know myself like I do haha. Personally, I couldnt complete a project like this. Good thing is, I had the idea (my car) and I have the funding (to a point). Im going to be doing the work with my father (currently has a '68 Stingray #s matching that he is restoring.) Has also built many hotrods in his day so this swap would be familiar grounds for him. Also have an ASE Master tech who live dow street form me I've know since birth, he races NHRA Top Alcohol and I've worked with him on his rig few times. Also has a legit shop with a lift etc etc so the work/craftsmanship isn't an issue, trust me
Thats only reason it may seem like Im being very light herated and playful with my thoguhts/ideas right now because I know its not going to be a huge issue once I figure out what works well together and is feasible option. That is why, I am asking you guys! I know you guys know these cars and have some good input. From there Im looking up the stuff you've said and relaying it to my the guys I mentioned and getting their input. Its a huge team effort, me being the idea/funding so keep it coming. Not so silly anymore is it? Maybe to you, but Ill post a thread when its gets going so you can follow
And for 15K you can get a 605hp/572lbft of tq in a 7.2L fuel injected setup. I say go for it. But be ready for the bumps and bruises that go hand in hand with a project like this. You are not trying to do normal stuff first off and there is always something that comes up with ANY engine swap, even the same size motor right from the factory can have stupid little issues. I applaud you sir. Why buy it when YOU(and several buddies) can build it.
Not to be the party pooper here but there are a few other things other than the engine and possible tranny swap to consider. You have now just added a MUCH heavier, albeit, powerful engine. I know from swapping small block Chevy motors into S-10s that you need to get heavier duty suspension components and larger, in your case MUCH larger breaks so as to bring you to a safe stop with all that power and weight. You will also want to grab yourself a nice big radiator, and a best friggin electric fans you can find. Have to keep this puppy cool and I can almost garauntee that your V6 radiator will not even come close to handling the cooling needs of a much larger engine. I would also not skimp on the tranny either. Play it safe and put in the RIGHT tranny that you KNOW will work with the HP numbers you will be looking at. Would really suck to get 2-3K miles on the new setup and have the tranny fly apart. Now your taking everything BACK OUT to fix the tranny. Again MUCH to be considered here.
Honestly there is a lot to consider here. My suggestion is to literally sit down and wirte a list of stuff you will HAVE to do to make this swap work, then a list of ALL parts you will need. See the task at hand piled and stacked up in front of you and see if its still tempting. The other thing I used to do when I was swaping motors into S-10s is to give a time estimate for each part of the project. Figure out how many days/weeks it will take from the time the car goes down until its back on the street again in full driveable condition.
Not only was I really involved in swapping V8s into S-10s and even a few rangers(351W motors or hopped up 5.0) I also worked for a shop building, restoring, and maintaining old muscle cars, hot rods, and race cars.
Not trying to burst your bubble. I stand by my earlier comment to go ahead and do it man. Would be one KILLER ride. If I were you I would even leave the V6 badges on...haha. Really surprise a few speeders out on the highways.
@ Ironman, absolutely, I have a list in the works. Im in nooo rush, trust me. Its just an idea that Im seriously working on. Funds are in place, idea as well so like you said Im going to be doing a tonn of research, a ton of talking phone calls to shops, SRT guys. Im using EVERY and I mean every resource available because I dont mess around with this kind of stuff. If anything fails due to lack of research and planning then I deserve it, thats what I think.
Im currently looking into paring the best tranny for a built 350. The radiator/fan are the least of my worries but glad you mentioned, def on the list. I have the SRT suspension currently, not sure about the frame of the 3.7, im going to assume its same as at least the 4.7/5.7 maybe all WK's have same but should be able to handle power no prob, will be researched. The driveline will be research, Im calling Builderbill and some other guys who know them well to see what each part of the stock setup is capable of. Worst comes to worst, something stock blows up and I replace it anyway, the labor is free so its not going to kill me. Again, thanks for insight, all taken into consideration, one step at a time one day at a time.
@ Scott, Im going to look around for a scrapped SRT anyway, need the spindles/hub, may grab a ton of other stuff of one, let me know what you see
could always find a wreked srt8 and buy it out. maybe a rearend damaged one then you would have everything you need right next to you. just strip it and put it all on yours. that way if you need something your not hunting for it its on the wrecked one. just a thought tho......