Teardown Video
Jan/080
While we are waiting on the Jeep to get back from the exhaust shop it has given us some time to update the web site. Here is a video of the initial teardown:
First Start Video
Jan/080
Hemi Install Finished!
Jan/080
We finally finished the install this week. There are a few small things to polish, but it is ready to run. We are loading the Jeep on the trailer today so we can take it to the dealership tomorrow to have the VIN and PIN updated in the new computer so it will start. Then it is off to get the exhaust fabbed.
We plan on putting up video and more pictures after those steps are finished (and it is a little warmer outside). Feel free to ask questions about the conversion.
F.Y.I. Our 4WS headers for Hemi conversions in the JK should be available in 6-8 weeks! Here are the highlights of our header design:
- Install with engine already in place
- All tubes are near equal length
- Jet-Hot coated to reduce under-hood temperatures
- 3″ collectors with O2 bungs
- Works with large 5.7 starter (no need to mini starter)
- Longer tubes than OEM to give more low end power
- Works with 5.7L EGR port or 6.1 without EGR port
- D-shaped ports in manifold to match 6.1, but will still allow free flowing exhaust on 5.7
Superior JK Rear Axle Upgrade
Dec/070
37″ tires + 5.13 gears + 6.1 Hemi = scared axles.
While the Jeep is down for the Hemi install, we took time to upgrade the rear axles shafts to Superior Evolution shafts. These shafts are American made 4340 chromoly with rolled splines and induction hardening. We might still break one of these shafts, but I doubt it.
The install was simple:
- Remove stock axle shaft
- Cut off stock bearing retainer ring
- Press off stock bearing
- Remove retaining plate
- Press off tone ring for wheel speed sensor
- Lightly press tone ring on Superior shafts
- Slide retainer plate, bearing (with race towards the splines, like stock), and new press ring in position
- Press on the bearing/press ring until the bearing is flush with the step in the shaft
- Bolt the new shaft in where the stock one was.
Hemi Headers (Jeep JK)
Dec/070
I have spent a lot of time researching headers for this swap. I have seen what other companies have used and I have talked to experts in the header/exhaust industry about this issue. The goal of this article is to explain the problems with all headers available for Hemis as they relate to the 07-08 Jeep Wranglers.
OEM 6.1 Header/Manifolds are a big step up in design and performance compared to a log style manifold that you would find on most vehicles. These headers wouldn’t be too bad for this conversion. What you will find is that the car version of the headers sticks out too far and will not fit between the frame, so those are out. The other option are the Grand Cherokee headers. Not only will the Grand Cherokee headers cost about a grand, but they won’t work wit the stock short arm set up. They should work with most long arm kits (like the Rubicon Express kit). If you are running short arms the passenger’s side collector will be right in your upper control arm mount. I have seen where other people have cut, sectioned and moved the mount. Personally, I don’t like moving and reusing the stock suspensions mounts because they are heavily engineered and modifying them could jeopardize the structural integrity. Finally, with any of these headers, they are relatively short tubed and do not have equal length tubes for all ports. The result is a high rpm power band and decreased performance.
5.7L shorty headers will work, but there are some problems. The passengers side collector is real close to the frame making the exhaust “interesting”. Also, the ports on a 5.7 and 6.1 are VERY different. See the picture to the side with the 6.1 exhaust gasket on a 5.7 header. That is a huge reduction in flow. Also, the shorty headers will move the power band even higher in the rpm range because of the tube lengths. Finally, the tubes are nowhere near equal lengths for each port, reducing performance.
Our decision was to custom make some templates for the longest tube headers possible in this application with as close to equal length tubes as possible. We will be producing and selling these headers just for the 5.7 and 6.1 Hemi JK conversions. Our headers will be designed to work with short arm suspensions as well as most long arm kits. Best of all, our headers will be the same price or less expensive than most of the alternatives.
Hemi Mounted, Nearly Finished
Dec/071
Sorry about the delay between updates. The engine is mounted with the tranny and t-case bolted in as well. We have fabbed some mounts for the Hemi, and will be coming out with a nice production mount that will be available for sale soon. The clearance is tight, we are hugging the steering shaft pretty tight, about 1/2″-3/4″ from the hood and will have to trim the battery tray to get it back in. The transmission we used requires a different mount for the transmission and t-case shifters. We also had to fab a plate for the new transmission mount. We were able to use a lot of stock hoses and lines. Right now we are working on getting some custom transmission cooler lines produced, a new fuel line, new A/C lines, and some radiator hoses.
The biggest delay from today to finish is going to be the headers. I am going to write another entry later today about the headers, because it is a big issue with this conversion.
Ready to Install
Nov/074
We have the engine mated to the transmission. The wiring harness made by Suier, Inc came in (along with a new computer). The harness fit perfect. The only thing to watch out for is that on the 07 and newer Hemi’s the crank positions sensor plug is smaller than what is on the harness. If you order a new sensor off an older Hemi (like 04), it will bolt right in place and has the right plug. I talked with Squier about this and they are already working on making another harness with the new style plug. To route the harness, you will need to remote the intake manifold, no big deal.
So…today we pulled the Jeep in the shop. So far we have removed the grille, radiator, condenser, O2 sensors, air box, drive shafts, and a bunch of bolts, hoses and other small parts. No surprises yet (other than how rusted the exhaust bolts are after so little time). We will post some pictures and VIDEO of the teardown, then a lot more pictures of the install.
We will be keeping close track of what parts are needed for this swap, and what parts will swap over from the 3.8 to the 6.1. Check back often for information on what you need for the swap and what to watch out for along the way.
P.S. We will be installing Superior Chromoly axles soon and put up info on that as well.
The Engine is Here
Nov/070
We just received the engine last week. So far we have the engine, transmission, engine accessories and starter. The main thing we had to change was the flywheel. The stock flywheel on the crate 6.1 was a different pattern than the one for the 545RFE that we have. Our transmission is a used 5-45RFE out of a 2004 Ram 1500 4wd. We ordered a new flywheel for the 5.7L, which mated to the 6.1L just fine. The part number for the flywheel (flexplate) was 4736604AA, it has four holes for the torque converter at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock positions.
6.1L JK Hemi Swap
Oct/077
It’s official! We are swapping a 6.1L Hemi crate engine in to our project JK. We have the crate engine in transit, the radiator being built and are picking up the transmission within the next week. This swap is going to be well documented with a write-up, photos and video for all parts of the conversion.
Our goal is to offer a simple, bolt-in conversion kit that you can buy to swap either a 5.7L or 6.1L Hemi (crate or pull-out) in your JK. We don’t plan on keeping secrets about how to do the swap, this information is here for you to learn.
Check back here over the next few weeks. We plan on a lot of the parts to start showing up by the time we get back from SEMA next week. Hopefully, the swap will be finished by the end of November.
Event Schedule for 2007
Aug/070
If you want to see our JK in person, or go wheeling with us here is where we will be the rest of the year:
- October 6-7, 2007 – Off-Road Expo (Pomona, CA)
We will post our booth number when we get it. We will have a lot of show specials on everything so stop by and save some green!!! - October 12-13, 2007 – Fall 4xFest (Seymore, MO)
Come wheel with us and check out our set up at the Fall 4xFest! It’s great to do events in the local area. - October 19-21, 2007 – Superlift 4Adventures (Hot Springs, AR)
We have been to this event in years past and it is great. This year we will be bringing the JK to wheel and get to know our customers. Stop us and say hi. By the way, the raffle at this event usually has some pretty serious prizes!
If you know of any events going on that you think we should attend, drop us a line. We are open to most events as long it works with other things happening around that time.