LS3 VS Hemi

V-8unlimited · 01-07-2009, 06:01 PM

I now have a 2007 JK to start playing with. After doing some research, and watching everyone install a "hemi" into the JK, I'm seriously thinking of picking up an LS3 vette engine and doing the install.
I know of some problems, but if you can think of anything please let me know.

Can the CANBUS be turned off?
I do not need to pass emissions in Ohio.
I am using an atlas case so no need to adapt
I need to look at the guages closely, I know you can keep all but tach in a TJ with this conversion, anyone know on the JK?
Oh, and

in advance.

JeeperSC · 01-07-2009, 08:36 PM

LS3 gets my vote. The vette would rape the charger or challenger with the hemi. However, If I were to do it I would go with the Hemi only because it produces a respectable amount of power and is made by chrysler like my jeep.

Xtremjeepn · 01-07-2009, 08:47 PM

Canbus is a network in the car. To do this you would have to replace every gauge and every wire essentially. Unlike normall wiring that simply closes a circuit to activate an accesory (like turning on the radio) the canbuss system sends digital instructions of computer code to control things in the car.

The advantage is the reduction of wires in the car and increased control and diagnostics. The problem is that the signal to activte a guage can litterally run through the radio first.(as an example)

Xtremjeepn · 01-07-2009, 08:50 PM

Jeep designed a Hemi computer for the Jk. This is what is being used for the swap. That is why it works.

SaharaBlackNo1 · 01-07-2009, 09:16 PM

Is emissions the same as a state inspection? I was under the impression that all 50 states has some sort of an inspection and any conversion would have to comply with the rules of the engine being by the same manufacturer, offered in the same year, etc.

If not, I think the LS3 is a very cool idea. Getting someone to make a computer to work with the JK though would seem tough, but I'm sure someone can do it if your budget is big enough.

V-8unlimited · 01-07-2009, 09:23 PM

OK, so if the factory computer was left, I'm guessing everything would work then? I am going to call Tony Squire tomorrow and see what he says.
What is the weight difference between the engines?
HP and torque difference. I am looking at a 500hp LS3 now on ebay, with stand alone harness. This is how I built I LJ using a Howell stand alone harness. I did have to build guages, but I simply done away with the computer, and headlights/heater/radio etc. still work like factory.

**Prot** · 01-07-2009, 10:23 PM

Burnsville Offroad does JK hemi conversions in 5.7, 6.1, 6.4, 6.6, and 7.0L. I think they even put a V10 in a JK. The hemi is preferred because it adapts very well and the wiring etc. is compatabile. The JK is so overcomputerized in my opinion, that I think that is a big part of it.

NJSPEEDER · 01-07-2009, 10:27 PM

LS3 More power, smoother power curves, weighs about 60lbs less, and easier to tune and program yourself.

I have a lot of time in with GM stuff. The computers are easy to set up with or without emissions and there is plenty more power and mileage available by tweaking the factory settings.

I use www.HPTuners.com software to tune my Camaro. It is really easy to use. As long as you are not a complete moron you won't have any trouble using it.

**Prot** · 01-07-2009, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJSPEEDER

LS3 More power, smoother power curves, weighs about 60lbs less, and easier to tune and program yourself.

I have a lot of time in with GM stuff. The computers are easy to set up with or without emissions and there is plenty more power and mileage available by tweaking the factory settings.

I use www.HPTuners.com software to tune my Camaro. It is really easy to use. As long as you are not a complete moron you won't have any trouble using it.

I would think there is a decent aftermarket to tune hemi's. And as stated, it's not like they only come in one displacement. Besides, do you really want to go 200 mph in a Jeep? I haven't heard a single complaint from anybody that has went with the 5.7L. I can't even imagine what a 7.0L hemi would be like in a JK.

If you want to do something different, how about diesel? Now there would be something that is different and people would be interested in.

OregonVette · 01-07-2009, 11:35 PM

sheet yeah!
Any of those would be cool.

I am a huge LS fan ( being a Vette guy) so I'd almost throw my .02 that way plus, really... How freikking cool would that be?!?! Pop the hoodxand see a 427 LS under the hood. That'd be rad as hell.

But a hemi or diesel would be pretty damn cool too.

Perhaps you need 3 JKs with the three different powerplants and let us know which one you like best!

V-8unlimited · 01-08-2009, 02:52 AM

3 JK's ,, Hmm, if you finance a couple, we've got a deal! The diesel does not interest me in the least bit. Too heavy, to big, and to slow for my taste. My dad is a GM mechanic (over 20 years) which is why I'm leaning towards the LS motor. After a few calls today, I'll have a better idea.

rab986 · 01-08-2009, 04:15 AM

Heck... I'd go LS1 over Hemi and an LS3 is 3 times better. Being that I can tune GM vehicles makes me somewhat bias though. Hemi makes good torque lower than both LS powerplants but not enough to make a difference PLUS there isn't anything you CAN'T buy for an LS motor.

PirateWrangler · 01-08-2009, 06:51 AM

Diesel to big? To slow? To heavy? Please. A diesel would be a good fit in the JK, esp. because of the power curve. My truck will out run most sports cars and certainly HEMI powered trucks w/o even the programing turned on. And thats w/ 37's. I would love to see someone stick a diesel under the hood. The power limits are endless w/o to much hassle. There would be a whole lot more involved installing a diesel in the JK, but I think the payoff if your doing an engine change would be worth it.

OregonVette · 01-08-2009, 07:56 AM

Oh... If you go to gmpp (general motors perf parts) oem site, you can now buy the LS9 blue devil which was dropped in the ZL1.
It'll only cost you a cool 21,000 but geeebuz, you gotta read about that engine. Holy sheiatake!!!

**JDBerry** · 01-08-2009, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by V-8unlimited

I am going to call Tony Squire tomorrow and see what he says.

This would be the best start. To see just how much can be carved out but still retain or have adapted to the CanBus so that it will run the LS engine.

Or contact Street and Performance, as they likely would know. http://www.hotrodlane.cc/