It's no secret that JK Wranglers are underpowered. Even the 2012s, while better than earlier JKs, aren't great. Wranglers scream for V-8 power and torque, and the aftermarket answered with Chrysler Hemi swaps, as the Hemi mills and transmissions worked with the JK's CANbus. The HEMIs worked well, but those who liked GM power weren't invited to the party.
GM fans, it's party time! The crew at Motech in Las Vegas, Nevada, has cracked the code and are installing GM LS-series aluminum block V-8s, along with 6L80 (or, 4L60/65/70) transmissions into JK Wranglers. The powerplants integrate seamlessly with the JK's CANbus and there are no warning lights or issues. The cruise control and GM Tap Shift shifter also work fine in the Wrangler. Motech informs us that they now use the 2012 JK paddle shifter to shift the six-speed 6L80.
Motech brought two of their JK Unlimiteds here so we could drive and photograph them. When thinking about that day, the word that comes to mind is “Wow!” Anyone who has driven GM vehicles equipped with V-8s knows how well they work. Remember when we used to put the General's mills in our Jeeps? Remember how well they worked, with two to three times the horsepower yet still returning better fuel economy than stock? Those days are back. The Motech 5.3L- and 6.2L-equipped JK Wrangler Unlimiteds work the way JK Wranglers always should have. They both had plenty of off-idle torque and screamed at higher RPM. The power delivery through the 6L80 six-speed automatics was smooth and immediate. The 6L80 features a low 4.027 first gear and two overdrives, 0.852 fifth gear and 0.667 sixth gear. There is never a time when you can't find the right gear.
The Motech JKs returned great fuel economy, too. The aluminum block 5.3L JK is otherwise stock and regularly returns an average of 20 mpg. The 6.2L LS3 Jeep had just been modified with a complete complement of MetalCloak suspension, armor, and 35-inch Goodyear tires. On its shakedown cruise to the photo shoot in Southern Utah and back to Las Vegas, it averaged 16 mpg. Not bad, especially considering our stock 2012 JK Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon with 3.6L VVT V-6 is averaging around 14 mpg.
We've always been wary of the Wrangler's TIPM, Wireless Module, and PCM. If any of them fail (and they do), our JKs are dead, dead, dead. So might we be if we're too far from civilization. The Motech GM LS V-8s are stand-alone and run even if the OE electronics fail. Those of us who worry about these things can finally have peace-of-mind.
Motech can perform a turnkey...
Motech can perform a turnkey swap at its shop in Las Vegas, Nevada, or sell itsr Basic Builder’s Kit so you can do it yourself. The kit includes a GM E38 computer, MoTech’s JK to LS wiring harness with power distribution center (PDC) that supports AFM/DOD and VVT engines, ECM and PDC mount, emissions kit, aluminum coolant recovery bottle, Motech frame brackets that work with GM hydraulic motor mounts, alternator mount, power steering mount, AC mount, and lots more.
Motech LS swaps look OE as almost all the parts are OE from either Chrysler or GM. The V-8s run cool, no matter how hot the day. The LS-series aluminum block V-8s weigh just a few pounds more than the Jeep cast iron block 3.8L V-6, so there are no suspension problems created by a heavier mill up front. VVT and AFM are supported.
Check out the photos and captions for more information on this, their first 6.2L LS3 JK. Motech has done it. They've put reliable, awesome GM LS V-8 power into the JK Wrangler. GM powertrain lovers can finally come to the party — and be the life of that party!
Included in the swap kit are...
Included in the swap kit are the air-intake tubes with Mass Air Flow sensor (MAF) installed.
The JK Wrangler is drive-by-wire....
The JK Wrangler is drive-by-wire. Motech includes a GM drive-by-wire throttle pedal assembly that replaces the OE unit and looks stock. The LS has a linear throttle, so there are no flat spots or hesitation.
Motech also brought its aluminum...
Motech also brought its aluminum block 5.3L V-8-equipped JK Unlimited to the photo shoot. While this feature is about their 6.2L LS3 Wrangler, I liked the 5.3L’s license plate and stole it for the feature title. The 5.3L JKs use the OE radiator and exhaust system, saving lots of money. The 5.3L runs cool and the stock exhaust scavenges fine. Motech is averaging 20 mpg with the 5.3L and 6L80 in this otherwise stock JK Unlimited.
The aluminum 6.2L LS3 V-8...
The aluminum 6.2L LS3 V-8 is a compact package that produces over 400 horsepower and gobs of torque off idle. The 6.2L Motech swap includes their heavy-duty aluminum radiator. They wanted me to mention their air-intake tubes and PDC are better looking now, as this was the first LS3 JK they had done. It looks good to us. As you can see, the installation looks OE. Motech utilizes the JK’s OE alternator, power steering pump, AC compressor, and cooling fan/shroud assembly. While the installation looks OE, it works much better than OE, with instant throttle response and seamless power to the ground.
The JK Rubicon 44 frontend...
The JK Rubicon 44 frontend is stock, with 4.10 gears and the OE E-locker. There’s so much power and torque available the 4.10s aren’t too high. The track bar is part of MetalCloak’s suspension system.
MetalCloak 6Pak shocks are...
MetalCloak 6Pak shocks are revolutionary and provide more extended length and less compressed length than any shock ever offered before. When teamed with the Metal Cloak coil springs, the JK’s ride is controlled and comfortable. The MetalCloak 3.5-inch suspension for JK has more articulation and more wheel travel than a normal 6-inch lift.
MetalCloak’s 3.5-inch coils...
MetalCloak’s 3.5-inch coils have a good rate.
Control arms feature MetalCloak’s...
Control arms feature MetalCloak’s patented Roto-Bearing Duraflex joints. Front and rear CV driveshafts were built by Tom Wood’s Custom Driveshafts.