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More Power from 3.8

Discussion in 'Wrangler JK (2007-2017)' started by AceMan, Jul 2, 2017.

  1. Jul 2, 2017 at 5:13 AM
    #1
    AceMan

    AceMan [OP] Active Member

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    Hi Everybody, I'm looking for information about how to get more HP from my 3.8L. Thinking about upgrading air intake and exhaust. Any feedback would be welcome.
    AceMan
     
  2. Jul 2, 2017 at 10:08 AM
    #2
    aggrex

    aggrex Well-Known Member

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    Tuffy>AEV>TTO>JW>STech>EVOcage>MagnaFlow>SpiderTrax>RockHard>TF>SpringTail>67design>Bolt>GPCA>Curt>
    There is a limit on what one can expect from CAI or exhaust mods. The 3.8L performs decent off-road at low speed torque situations where high power levels are not needed. However as a DD it can be annoyingly weak for some drivers especially with the AT. Short of supercharging the 3.8L the best bang for your buck are GEARS. Test drive a 3.6L to see the improvement that motor did for the JK.
     
    Last edited: Jul 2, 2017
    OFFGRID and JKBob 25 like this.
  3. Jul 2, 2017 at 6:27 PM
    #3
    AceMan

    AceMan [OP] Active Member

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    Thanks for your input. I understand the newer 3.6L Pentastar produces more HP, wish I had one. Did you lose any ground clearance with the magnaflow? What exactly do you mean by GEARS? Surely more than the obvious?
    The attachment won't open.
     
  4. Jul 2, 2017 at 6:37 PM
    #4
    aggrex

    aggrex Well-Known Member

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    Tuffy>AEV>TTO>JW>STech>EVOcage>MagnaFlow>SpiderTrax>RockHard>TF>SpringTail>67design>Bolt>GPCA>Curt>
    *Just wanted to emphasize that regearing the axles would rank high for increasing the umph from the 3.8L or the 3.6L especially after larger tires are installed.
    *The MagnaFlow muffler is smaller than the OEM "trashcan" muffler.
     
    Last edited: Jul 2, 2017
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  5. Jul 2, 2017 at 6:48 PM
    #5
    JKBob 25

    JKBob 25 Well-Known Member

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    What aggrex meant by gears. Was regearing your axles. I hope I'm not stating the obvious. But if your running 3.21s. If you upgrade to say 4.11s. You will gain torque and better drivablity on the street if it's your DD . And your running larger tires.

    AS far as HP. Yes, you can gain a couple horses by upgrading to one of the better than stock exhaust systems. Cat backs etc. But your only going to pick like 3 - 4HPS if that. And as far as air filters are concerned. Based on what I've seen here and picked up over the years. Stock is best. As one member here put it. The auto manufacturers are under so much pressure to get their vehicles to get 25 and better mpg. If there was a better air filter. They'd be using it.

    Again. I don't mean to state the obvious. And I know there's members here much more knowledgeable than I am on this subject

    ^^^^posted just before I did. Lol
     
    Last edited: Jul 2, 2017
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  6. Jul 2, 2017 at 6:58 PM
    #6
    aggrex

    aggrex Well-Known Member

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    Tuffy>AEV>TTO>JW>STech>EVOcage>MagnaFlow>SpiderTrax>RockHard>TF>SpringTail>67design>Bolt>GPCA>Curt>
    The OEM air+oil filters are top notch compared to some of the parts store products. In my experience, evident in the fit, gasket materials and denser media. OEM costs more but I think its worth it.
     
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  7. Jul 2, 2017 at 7:15 PM
    #7
    AceMan

    AceMan [OP] Active Member

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    Regearing the axels sounds expensive. Any idea how much? Ballpark?
     
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  8. Jul 2, 2017 at 7:22 PM
    #8
    aggrex

    aggrex Well-Known Member

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    Regearing both axles can be expensive. Good price ranges from $900 to $1300. When your ready its a good time to consider other things like traction upgrades while the axles are opened up because you don't want to do it twice.
     
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  9. Jul 2, 2017 at 7:22 PM
    #9
    JKBob 25

    JKBob 25 Well-Known Member

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    Yeah....not cheap. I'm in NJ. And quotes I have. About 500 per axle. Not including parts which can run you, for good quality parts. 600.
    Don't know what your excat plans are for your rig. But you can recalibrate your OB Puter for your larger tires. But you can only go so far before you need to regear.


    ^^^^^once again. 30 seconds before me aggrex. Apparently you took a typing coarse. Lol.
     
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  10. Jul 3, 2017 at 3:23 AM
    #10
    AceMan

    AceMan [OP] Active Member

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    Thanks Fellas. Appreciate the info. Lots to think about.
     
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  11. Aug 11, 2017 at 4:59 PM
    #11
    SCSPerformance

    SCSPerformance Member Vendor

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    A few HP gained from a catback and air intake won't really make much of an improvement. If supercharging it it out of the question, definitely consider going with lower gears. This mod won't help you gain any additional power, but it'll make the engine rev quicker and "feel" torquey. Both are expensive mods, but IMO a bang for the buck.
     
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  12. Aug 11, 2017 at 10:15 PM
    #12
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine Moderator

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    Installed a RIP supercharger on a buddy's 3.8, and it really woke it up. Performs like my 3.6 now.
     
    JKBob 25 likes this.
  13. Aug 12, 2017 at 10:33 AM
    #13
    Rc Jeep

    Rc Jeep Well-Known Member

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    Evo mfg front coil overs Evo mfg rear coil overs Jks drag link flip Je reel 1310 front & rear driveshafts 37" Nitto trail grapplers 17x9 atx slabs Evo mfg quarter pounder w/stinger Evo mfg rear fascia w/ d ring mounts
    Ripp on a 3.6 they are boasting it's around 400hp.
     
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