Have a 2011 wrangler, all stock, with the 3.8L engine. Does OK at highway speed but seems to lack low-end torque. I do most 4-wheeling in sand and it bogs down pretty bad particulary in 2WD when the tires start digging. I've read quite a bit about upgrades and it seems a programmer may be the best option. Any opinions? I'd like to eventually put bigger tires on but not until I get some better low end power.
Oldschool66
It really depends on what you can afford and what your goals are for the change.
On the low end, are programmers. They can help you get a small amount more power by changing things like requiring premium unleaded. (Diablosport inTune seems to be the current programmer everyone is using from my experience.)
You can do things like change the axel ratio. While it doesn't give you more performance, it can dramatically change the performance to the wheels.
Then you start getting up to power adders. (Ignore the cold air intakes, they're junk IMHO). What I'm referring to are superchargers or other forced induction. Prices seem to be from about $3500 to about $6000 depending on manufacturer and options.
Then on the high end is an engine swap. This starts at about $15k and goes up from there. (Some claim to have done it cheaper then $15k, but I've not found anything 'easy' for less.)
(I have a 2011 as well, and just added a Sprintex Supercharger myself.)
On the low end, are programmers. They can help you get a small amount more power by changing things like requiring premium unleaded. (Diablosport inTune seems to be the current programmer everyone is using from my experience.)
You can do things like change the axel ratio. While it doesn't give you more performance, it can dramatically change the performance to the wheels.
Then you start getting up to power adders. (Ignore the cold air intakes, they're junk IMHO). What I'm referring to are superchargers or other forced induction. Prices seem to be from about $3500 to about $6000 depending on manufacturer and options.
Then on the high end is an engine swap. This starts at about $15k and goes up from there. (Some claim to have done it cheaper then $15k, but I've not found anything 'easy' for less.)
(I have a 2011 as well, and just added a Sprintex Supercharger myself.)
3.8 JK's need gearing. There's no way around it. If a 3.8 JK has 3.21's and an auto trans., that's a perfect storm for lack of performance.
The 3.8L is a torquey engine but it is poorly geared right from the factory. There are NO 3.21 gears on a 3.8L auto.
For comparison, your 3.8L auto would require 4.10 gears just to match a 3.6L with 3.21 gears on factory tires.
So what does this tell us? You need gears first, then the programmer to dial it in.
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For comparison, your 3.8L auto would require 4.10 gears just to match a 3.6L with 3.21 gears on factory tires.
So what does this tell us? You need gears first, then the programmer to dial it in.
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Yes, my mistake, manual only for 3.21 3.8's. With the old auto gearing is important as stated above.
This thread should help: http://www.wranglerforum.com/f274/what-do-i-need-to-regear-177534.html Traction control operates electronically through the braking system, including engine torque control.
I went through the same conversation 8 months ago and decided to install a supercharger. As of today my jeep is still not running right but it looks like the dealership was able to figure it out.
First thing I would do is to regar. What size tires do you have?
I went to 4.88 with 35"s.
I have dumped enough money in my jeep to justify a LS swap so I would be extremely cautious about going the SC route.
Here are details on my project:
http://www.wranglerforum.com/f202/sprintex-supercharger-project-1977802-2.html#post31218169
First thing I would do is to regar. What size tires do you have?
I went to 4.88 with 35"s.
I have dumped enough money in my jeep to justify a LS swap so I would be extremely cautious about going the SC route.
Here are details on my project:
http://www.wranglerforum.com/f202/sprintex-supercharger-project-1977802-2.html#post31218169
Nmdriver, how much power did you get with the sprintex and in hindsight would it have been more cost effective to sell your rig and pick up a '12+ with the 3.6?
What is your opinion of the Sprintex Supercharger. Like many others I am looking to increase both the power and the torque, and the sound of a supercharger is nice, but not a primary objective. Just looking to gain your opinion and experience after installing the supercharger…
If I need more power from my 3.8 on 35s I just drive it like a fifteen yo that just stole it. If I need more low end power I put in 4L and drive it like I stole it.
The 3.8 makes more peak horsepower and torque than the 4.0 it replaced but at a higher rpm. SPIN THE SXXX OUT IT if needed.
Don’t waste your money on gears or super chargers.
The 3.8 makes more peak horsepower and torque than the 4.0 it replaced but at a higher rpm. SPIN THE SXXX OUT IT if needed.
Don’t waste your money on gears or super chargers.
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