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07-18 Jeep JK LS - LT Engine Swap Info
Jeep JK Wrangler LS - LT Swap 2007-2011 : 2012-2018
We offer a few different options for installing a GM LS -LT based engine into your Jeep JK.
DIY: Do it yourself conversion components. You purchase the parts needed and do the swap in your garage at your own pace or until you run out of beer.
DIFM: Do it for me. We do the install here in house and hand you the keys your LS or LT powered JK
Email us directly for more info and scheduling a build. EMAIL HERE
Repower package: We ship you a fully completed GM powertrain with our conversion harness fully installed and programed. All you have to do is weld on the mounts drop in the powertrain and hook up the wires. Some other assembly is required but this is an excellent way to skip all the hassle of locating the powertrain and proper components. Info HERE or email us directly about our LT repower packages EMAIL HERE
There are 3 basic styles of engines that we support. The first is what is called a GEN3. This is an older LS based truck engine 4.8, 5.3 and 6.0 we are looking for 2003 - 2006 Drive by wire. These engines have earlier computers that don't communicate on the CANbus. We offer conversion components for these engines but don't offer the level of support that comes with a GEN4 LS or GEN5 LT engine conversion. 2007-2011 only. Contact us directly for GEN3 components
The Second option would be a GEN4 LS engine. These would be made from 2007 - 2014 and could have been used in anything from a Truck to a Camaro. This would also include the new GM LS3 crate engines. This option is better as these engines are CANbus compliant and we offer full support.
The newest option is the GEN5 LT engine. These engines are the lastest from GM and offer direct injection, better performance and fuel economy compared to any of the earlier engines. You can find these in the GM trucks - SUVs from 2014 and newer. You can also find them in the newer camaros.
GEN3 engines are as follows
Gen3 conversions use a 02-06 GM LS based DBW drive by wire engine.
The GEN3 engines run a 24X crankshaft trigger.
LM7 5.3L vin code “T” cast iron block and makes around 285-295 HP & 320lb-ft of torque
L59 5.3L vin code “Z” is a flex fuel version of the LM7 and makes around the same power
L33 5.3L vin code “B” is an aluminum block version of the LM7, and was referred to as the Vortec 5300 HO in marketing materials. However it should be noted that the L33 uses a flat top piston from the 4.8L instead of the standard dish piston found in the LM7. It also uses 799 cylinder heads, which are identical to the 243 casting found on the LS6 and LS2 .This combination increased the compression from 9.5:1 to 10.0:1. Also the L33 had a specific camshaft not shared with any other engine. As a result, power increased by 15 hp, to 310 hp and 335 lb·ft. It was only available on extended cab 4WD pickup trucks.
The 6.0 L is a larger version of the LS motor. 6.0 L blocks were cast iron. There were two versions of this engine: LQ4, and LQ9, the latter being more performance oriented.
LQ4: The Vortec 6000 LQ4, is a V8 truck engine. Displacement is (6.0 L; 364.1 cu in) from a bore and stroke of (4.00 in × 3.62 in). It is an iron block aluminum head design and produces 300 to 325 hp and 360 to 370 lb⋅ft. VIN: U
LQ9: The Vortec HO 6000 or Vortec MAX is a special high-output version of the Vortec 6000 V8 truck engine originally designed for Cadillac in 2002. This engine was renamed as the Vortec MAX for 2006. It features high-compression (10:1) flat-top pistons for an extra 10 hp and 10 lb⋅ft, bringing output to 345 hp and 380 lb⋅ft.
TRANSMISSION OPTIONS: With a Gen3 swap you can use a GM 4L60E - 4L65E or a 4L80E 4 speed automatic transmission adapted to the stock Jeep JK transfer case
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GEN4 engines are as follows
Gen4 conversions use a 07-13 GM LS based engine. All are DBW drive by wire. They can be had in either cast iron or aluminum blocks and sizes ranging from 5.3L - 6.2L 58X
5.3
5.3 Engines are a great choice and offer the most budget friendly conversions due to the availability and cost.
The 5.3 makes great power for a average built 4 door JK. You can pull a small trailer and have plenty of power for the highway.
If you have a "heavy" JK or larger than 37" tires we recommend stepping up to a 6.0 or 6.2.
LH6 5.3L vin code “M” is an aluminum block engine producing 315HP and 338lb ft of torque.
LY5 5.3L vin code “J” is a cast iron block engine producing 320HP and 340lb ft of torque.
LMG 5.3L vin code “O” is a flex fuel version of the LY5 making the same power.
LC9 5.3L vin code “3or 7: is an aluminum block engine producing 320HP and 335lb ft or torque.
6.0
Most 6.0L engines come from HD trucks, have a cast iron block and are extremely durable.
All 6.0L truck engines will run on 87 octane fuel and work well in extremely cold climates.
Gm built a ton of these so there are some good deals to be had.
These engine will have plenty of power and torque for any JK build no matter the tire size or weight.
L76 6.0. is an aluminum block based on the LS2 and produces 348HP and 376lb ft or torque
L98 6.0 is a modified versions of the L76 and is used in the Holdens it produces 362HP and 391lb ft.
LY6 6.0 is a cast iron truck engine and has VVT. it produces 361HP and 385lb ft of torque.
L96 6.0 is a cast iron truck engine has VVT and flex fuel.
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Most 6.0 truck engines came with a 6L90E transmission. You will want a 4wd 6l90 trans (29 spline) or find a 6l80e
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Some had a E38 ECU and others had a E67 ECU. We only support E38 ECUs
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You can find GEN4 6.0s all the way up to 2018 in the HD trucks. You will have to swap out the throttle body to a GEN4 TB on the 2015 and newer 6.0s but other than that they are identical to the early GEN4 engine.
There are a few 6.0 aluminum block engines that were installed into some passenger cars and SUV's . These are very similar to the LS3
L77 engines were released in the Holden Commodore Series II VE range in both manual and automatic transmissions, along with the Chevrolet Caprice PPV (police car). The L77 differs from the L76 with its inclusion of Flex-Fuel capability, allowing it to run on E85 ethanol. The L77 is rated at 270 kW (362 hp) and 530 N⋅m (391 lb⋅ft) of torque in the manual Commodore SS and SS-V, in automatic Commodores it is rated at 260 kW (349 hp) and 517 N⋅m (381 lb⋅ft) of torque.
L98 is a slightly modified version of the L76. Since Holden did not use the displacement on demand technology of the L76, some redundant hardware was removed to form the L98. Power increased to 270 kW (362 bhp) at 5700 rpm and 530 N⋅m (391 lb⋅ft) at 4400 rpm.
L76 is derived from the LS2, and like the LS2 it features an aluminum engine block. However, the L76 does feature Active fuel management (AFM). While the displacement on demand technology was disabled on Holdens, this feature is enabled on the 2008 Pontiac G8 GT and subsequently refitted in the 2009 model Holdens with AFM enabled, but only on models fitted with the 6L80 Automatic Transmission. Output is 348 bhp (260 kW) at 5600 rpm and 376 lb⋅ft (510 N⋅m) at 4400 rpm for the Holden variant, and 361 bhp (269 kW) and 385 lb⋅ft (522 N⋅m) for the G8 GT.
L76 Vortec 6000 or new VortecMax version is based on the Holden L76 engine, and features Variable Cam Phasing, along with Active Fuel Management. It produces 367 hp (274 kW) at 5400 rpm and 375 lb⋅ft (508 N⋅m) at 4400 rpm. Production of the truck-spec L76 started in late 2006, and it was only available with the new body style Silverado and Sierra. The final year for the truck-spec L76 was 2009 in the Silverado and Sierra.
LS2 was introduced as the Corvette's new base engine for the 2005 model year. It also appeared as the standard powerplant for the 2005–2006 GTO. It produces 400 bhp (298 kW) at 6000 rpm and 400 lb⋅ft (542 N⋅m) at 4400 rpm. The compression of the LS2 is 10.9:1. The LS2 in the Chevy Trail Blazer SS and the Saab 9-7X Aero are rated at 395 bhp (295 kW) (2006–2007) or 390 bhp (291 kW) (2008–2009) and 400 lb⋅ft (542 N⋅m) of torque due to a different (sometimes referred to as a "truck") intake manifold that produces more torque at lower RPMs.
6.2
All 6.2 truck engines are aluminum. All are based on the LS3 but have a taller intake for better low end power and torque.
These engines are an excellent choice for any Jeep JK build. They will idle at 550rpm have great low end power and breeze down the highway without struggling.
We recommend looking for 2010 - 2013
L92 6.2L vin code “ “ is an aluminum block engine with VVT (variable valve timing) producing 403HP and 417lb ft of torque.
L9H 6.2L vin code “ “ is a flex fuel version of the L92 making the same power
L94 6.2L vin code “ “ is the same as a L9H but with added AFM (active fuel management)
6.2 Camaro
The LS3 and L99 are both excellent choices. These engines will have the lower "car" intake and look excellent when paired with a set of corvette style engine covers.
These engines also idle at 550rpm with great power and driveability. These engine are also the most desirable for hot rod swaps so prices are usually inflated. If you find a good deal, snag it.
LS3 6.2L was introduced as the Corvette's new base engine for the 2008 model year. It produces 430 bhp at 5900 rpm and 424 lb·ft at 4600 rpm. Look for engines from a 2010 - 2015 camaro with a manual transmission
L99 6.2L is derived from the LS3 with reduced output but adds AFM and VVT. Look for engines from a 2010- 2015 camaro with a Auto transmission.
LS3 Crate engines:
LS3 crate engines come semi complete from oil pan to the ignition system. It also includes the "car" style intake manifold assembly with injectors and throttle body, exhaust manifolds, corvette water pump & balancer and 14-inch automatic-transmission flexplate. You will still need to source an accessory drive i.e.: alternator, power steering, AC and brackets. We typically try to use a modified 2010 camaro accessory drive or modified CTSV drive on this setup.
430HP 6.2L
495HP 6.2L
525HP 6.2L
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GEN5 LT:
The GEN5 LT based engines came out in 2014 in the new GM trucks and 2015 in the SUVs. These are excelent engines and offer direct injection, great low end torque and better fuel economy than the earlier generation LS engines. They can be used with a 6L80 6 speed, 8L90 8 speed or 10L90 10 speed 4wd automatic transmission.
GEN5 Transmission information can be found HERE
LT V8 Engines
L83: The L83 is an all aluminum 5.3L engine making 355HP @ 5600 RPM and 382 LB-FT of Torque @ 4100 RPM using 11-1 compression. They use a VVT camshaft and have AFM/DOD (4cyl mode). These can be found in Most trucks and SUVs made from 2014-2018 and can be ran on regular pump gas. These are also know as the EcoTec3. These engines are equiped with a mechanical belt drive brake vacuum pump.
L86: The L86 is an all aluminum 6.2L engine making 420HP @ 5600 RPM and 460 LB-FT of Torque @ 4100 RPM using 11.5-1 compression. They use a VVT camshaft and have AFM/DOD (4cyl mode). These can be found in Most trucks and SUVs made from 2014-2018 and can be ran on regular pump gas. These are also know as the EcoTec3. These engines are equiped with a mechanical belt drive brake vacuum pump.
L83 - L86 VERSIONS:
You will need to know exactly what year and vehicle your engine came from. There are two different "versions" of L83 - L86. One version we will call the 4 wire version. 2014-2016 engines have a 4 wire fuel rail pressure sensor and can only be ran with a E92 ECU from 2014-2016 but we do not recommend using a 2016 E92 ECU because there is something in the calibration that causes it not to perform correctly. You can either run it on a 2015 E92 ECU or convert it to a 3 wire fuel rail pressure sensor and run it on a 2017 E92 ECU (RECOMMENED).
The second version is what we call the 3 wire version. These were made from 2017+ and use a 3 wire fuel rail pressure sensor. You can not run this engine on a earlier 14-16 E92 ECU, you must use a 2017 or 2018 E92 ECU with this engine.
L84: The L84 is an all aluminum 5.3L engine making 355HP @ 5600 RPM and 383 LB-FT of Torque @ 4100 RPM using 11-1 compression. They use a VVT camshaft and have AFM/DOD (4cyl mode). These can be found in GM Trucks from 2019+ and SUVs from 2021+ and can be ran on regular pump gas. These are also know as the EcoTec3 and have a different style of Active fuel management than the earlier L83s and use a different ECU (engine control module). These engines also have a different waterpump and accessory drive layout and do not have provisions for the mechanical brake vacuum pump. Most of these engine were mated to a (MQ3) 8L90 or (MQC) 10L90 Transmission.
L87: The L87 is an all aluminum 6.2L engine making 420HP @ 5600 RPM and 460 LB-FT of Torque @ 4100 RPM using 11.5-1 compression. They use a VVT camshaft and have AFM/DOD (4cyl mode). These can be found in GM Trucks from 2019+ and SUVs from 2021+ and can be ran on regular pump gas. These are also know as the EcoTec3 and have a different style of Active fuel management than the earlier L83s and use a different ECU (engine control module). These engines also have a different waterpump and accessory drive layout and do not have provisions for the mechanical brake vacuum pump. Most of these engine were mated to a (MQC - MQB) 10L90 10 speed automatic transmission.
L8T: The L8T has a cast iron block and aluminum heads. 6.6L engine making 401HP @ 5200 RPM and 464 LB-FT of Torque @ 4000 RPM using 10.8-1 compression. These engines were designed for the HD trucks and have strong perfomance at low rpms. They use a VVT camshaft but do not have AFM/DOD. These can be found in GM HD Trucks from 2020+ and can be ran on regular pump gas. These engines use a different ECU (engine control module) compared to the earlier L83-L86. These engines also have a different waterpump and accessory drive layout and do not have provisions for the mechanical brake vacuum pump. Most of these engine were mated to a 6L90 6 speed automatic transmission.
LT1: The LT1 is an all aluminum 6.2L engine making 455HP @ 6000 RPM and 460 LB-FT of Torque @ 4600 RPM using 11.5-1 compression. They use a VVT camshaft and have AFM/DOD (4cyl mode). These can be found in 2016+ Camaros and 2014+ Corvettes. These engines have a different waterpump and accessory drive layout and do not have provisions for the mechanical brake vacuum pump. These engine can be found mated to a (MYC) 6L80, (M5U) 8L90, or (MXO) 10L90 10 speed automatic transmission. ** These engines have a different harness layout and require a different harness from us compared to the truck engines. **
GEN5 LT TRANSMISSION OPTIONS: With a Gen5 LT swap you have a few transmissions that can be used depending on the year of the engine. 6L80 6 speed automatic, 8L90 8 speed automatic and 10L90 10 speed automatic. We make adapters so they can be adapted to the stock Jeep JK transfer case. For more info on the transmission options click. HERE
GEN3 LS swap questions and builds EMAIL HERE
GEN4 LS swap questions and builds EMAIL HERE
GEN5 LT swap questions and builds EMAIL HERE
General questions? Visit our FAQ or email us HERE for general swap info
LS Install Instructions can be found HERE
LT Install Instructions can be found HERE
Check out our video HERE
With the Gen4 engine swaps we use a GM 6l80 - 6L90 6 speed automatic transmission. Click here for 6L80-90 info
Its very important to match the engine computer to the transmission computer. Click here for info
Converting your JK from a manual to an automatic you will need to source the stock Jeep auto shifter components click here for more info
Our kit supports manual to auto conversions with the factory dash working as designed.
Do you run a big winch or big nasty bumper? Click here to read about airflow
If your ready to purchase or have questions give us a call at the shop 205-631-6768