LS Swapping a Jeep Wrangler (photos)
The Jeep Wrangler is the ultimate off-road adventure vehicle, but it has been lacking in power under the hood since the 1980s when the AMC V8 was cancelled. Swapping in a GM V8 from the LS family is a popular option these days for more power.
1. More Power, More Torque
Swapping an LS V8 powerplant into any 4-wheeled vehicle seems to be all the rage these days, so it is no wonder that enthusiasts are opting for LS engine swaps in their rugged Jeep Wranglers. LS engine and engine parts are readily available from salvage yards, aftermarket tuners, GM, and everywhere in between. Plus, they make great power even stock, and aftermarket engine upgrades are easy and plentiful. With companies like Bruiser Conversions producing complete swap kits, or even whole vehicles, it makes the job easy. What's not to like about an LS-powered Wrangler?
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2. Engine Choice
The first decision when considering an LS swap is the correct engine for your particular Wrangler model. Companies like RPM Extreme and Advance Adapters are typically very clear about which generation LS engine electronics work with their swap kits. For the most part, YJ Wranglers (1987-1995) require a Gen III LS-based engine for the conversion, whereas TJ Wranglers (1996-2006) are able to utilize both Gen III & Gen IV engines. 2010 and newer Gen IV LS engines are best suited for the newer JK Wranglers (2007-2017) as they are much easier to integrate into the Jeep's CanBus system.
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3. Cooling and Electrical
Unfortunately the stock radiator in a Wrangler will not work with an LS conversion, because of their outlet locations and inability to keep the V8 cool. Various radiator options are available from places like Superior Radiators and RPM Extreme that are designed with an LS swap in mind and use the stock or aftermarket electric fans.
The good news is that electrical wiring for an LS engine is about as easy as they come. JK owners will find wiring harnesses are available from various vendors like RPM Extreme, Bruiser Conversions, and Jeep Speed Shop that allows the LS V8 to be fully integrated and communicate with all factory components and instrumentation. Although wiring transplants are not as effortless for TJ and YJ models, the GM ECM is still one of the easiest swaps to complete thanks to complete wiring harness from Novak Conversions. Note that the electronic gauges introduced on the 1996 and newer models will need to run in tandem with the GM ECM or be replaced entirely with a gauge cluster that is compatible with the GM computer.
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4. Fueling
LS engines require a steady fuel supply at approximately 40+ psi to operate efficiently, so fuel-injected Jeeps are a step ahead when it comes to fueling demands. The stock JK Wrangler fuel pump setup has proven to safely and reliably support up to 500 horsepower, so no fueling changes are necessary unless you are going for big power numbers. Fuel-injected TJ Wranglers can increase their output by installing a simple Fuel System Integration Kit to boost fuel pressure. Carbureted YJ models will require installation of a modern fuel tank and fuel pump module as offered by companies like Genright Off Road.
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5. Accessory Drive
The Wrangler engine bay offers plenty of room for an LS swap compared to many other vehicles, so the accessory drive can be setup a variety of different ways in your Jeep. Besides an A/C compressor adapter bracket, most kits do not specify a specific accessory drive configuration. That said, it looks as if many kits are using the standard F-body (Camaro) or Corvette accessory configurations and belt routing, which is likely to be one of the most common setups you find when shopping for a used engine.
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6. Transmission Options
Almost as crucial as the engine choice, is the choice of transmission coupled to the motor. For YJ and TJ Wranglers, the stock Aisin-Warner AX15 or NVG3550 manual transmissions are usually strong enough to support the extra horsepower and torque of a V8. Conversely, if you prefer an automatic transmission, it is easier to avoid the stock Jeep automatic transmissions and opt for a Turbo-Hydramatic 350/400, 700R4, or 4L60-E, since they can all accommodate Jeep transfer cases. Transmission choices are a bit slim for the JK models; some kits require a 6L80E 6-speed automatic or WA580 5-speed automatic, as found in 2012 and newer JK Wranglers. Of course, 6-speed Tremec transmission can easily be adapted for any Wrangler, but requires fabricating a shifter inside the cab.
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7. Exhaust
A complete ready made exhaust system for an LS-engined Wrangler seems to be non-existent, so you'll have to seek out an exhaust shop to fab it up custom. Although possibilities are endless, Novak Conversions suggest a tight-fitting shorty header that hugs the engine block to avoid clearance issues. Jeep Speed Shop takes it one step further by specifically suggesting the cast exhaust manifolds as fitted standard on a variety of GM vehicles including the Chevy Trailblazer, Hummer H3, and GMC Envoy be used. From the manifolds back, it is only a matter of routing the exhaust to clear the transfer case/transmission and suspension components. You may be able to reuse much of whatever system you have, and just mate it to the LS manifolds.
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For help keeping your LS powered car or truck running right see the how to section of LS1Tech.com