Bruiser Conversions V8 engine kits for Jeeps

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions about custom jeeps, hot rods, engine solutions, and our coachbuilder services.

No, we don’t offer any diesel conversions or kits at this time.

In our opinion, the two most cost effective Jeep Wranglers to start your build are:

  • 2012 and up JK/JKU Wrangler with automatic transmission
  • 2018 and up 3.6L JL/JLU Wrangler equipped with an automatic transmission.

The Jeep Gladiator JT is also a great option:

  • 2020 and up 3.6L JT Gladiator equipped with an automatic transmission. 

While an early model (2008 to 2011) Jeep Wrangler JK with 3.8L engine may be purchased at a relatively lower cost, they will require additional components and effort (more cost) to complete a V8 engine conversion.

Early model, 2007 to 2011, Jeep Wrangler JK/JKU vehicles require replacement of the factory automatic transmission, center console, shifter, TCM, and transmission wiring harness.

Our V8 engine and transmission conversions for Jeep Wrangler JK, JL, and Gladiator JT vehicles are fully integrated to work with the OEM system and its components. The vehicle comes back to life, repowered, with the correct data sent to the dash for tap shift, cruise control, and all other factory installed functions.

Reusing your OE stock axles will depend on your build.

  • If your build is going to be repowered with a high-performance engine producing large amounts of torque, you should replace the stock OE axles.
  • If your build plan doesn’t include a large change in engine performance (torque and horsepower), you’re probably good with keeping your OE stock axles. However, if your plan includes larger tires you’ll need to replace your OE stock axles when they’re not strong enough. (i.e. If your project is a Jeep with a Dana 30 size axle, it needs to be replaced with a stronger unit.) Even if your stock axle is strong enough, the larger tire diameter will require a gear swap to match the wheel speed to the transmission ratios with the power curve (RPM range) of the engine. (This is a key factor in the performance of your vehicle!)
  • If you engage in “extreme” or “aggressive” driving on a regular basis, we suggest upgrading your running gear.

Possibly. If your build plan includes larger tires and your stock axle is strong enough, the larger tire diameter will require a gear swap to match the wheel speed to the transmission ratios with the power curve (RPM range) of the engine. (This is a key factor in the performance of your vehicle!)

NOTE: If your axles are not strong enough for larger tires, you’ll need to replace your axles. (i.e. If your project is a Jeep with a Dana 30 size axle, it needs to be replaced with a stronger unit.)

We try our best to complete a turn-key, fully integrated, engine conversion project approximately 45 days from the date of scheduling.

Our standard lead time is two weeks from the date which payment is received for shipping of fully integrated JK LS engine conversion kits.

We try our best to complete a turn-key, fully integrated, engine conversion project approximately 45 days from the date of scheduling.

Bruiser Conversions requires a $1,000.00 dollar, non-refundable, deposit to reserve your time slot on the shop schedule to custom build your vehicle project. Then, two weeks prior to the scheduled start date for your vehicle project, we require a payment for the component parts necessary for your conversion. Finally, the balance of your invoice is due prior to picking up or shipping out your vehicle.

Payment for all engine conversion kits is due in full at the time of order placement.
All in-house conversion customers that drop off or pick their vehicle at our facility are subject to Florida sales tax.  
  • LS: Emissions compliance is determined by your local regulatory agency.  The customer is responsible for ensuring that their conversion meets any local or state emissions laws prior to the conversion process.

Bruiser Conversions is not liable for emissions compliance.

 
Stage 1 (450 HP): 15 MPG city / 17 MPG Highway (Average)*
Stage 2 (500 HP): 12 MPG city / 14 MPG Highway (Average)*

(*Test vehicles equipped with 35” Tire, 4.56 Gears, Automatic Transmission. Driving style and operational conditions may affect fuel economy.)
Customers should consult with their insurance agency prior to starting the engine or body conversion process.
All routine maintenance schedules for your Jeep should be followed. We will provide you with a list of service parts and fluid capacities for the new LS engine upon delivery of your vehicle.  The warranty information provided by GM Performance requires that you check the engine oil at every fuel fill up. The engine oil and oil filter should be changed every 3,000 miles, or less, depending on the severity of your driving conditions.
Bruiser Conversions kits rely on the factory radiator and each conversion includes radiator hoses to connect to the existing/factory radiator. The only exception would be if you have a supercharger. If you have a high mileage vehicle we may suggest replacing your old part with a new OEM quality radiator.
Yes. The stock JK radiator, equipped with the late model JK cooling fan, is more than capable of handling the increased heat load from the LS engine.

However, your cooling system does require adequate air flow through the radiator to keep the engine at a safe operating temperature.  If you have a big winch, or an aftermarket grille which restricts the OEM grille opening size, you may experience higher cooling system temperatures.  This can typically be resolved by swapping the grille to one which is less restrictive or upgrading your front bumper to a style which allows the winch to be recessed below the grille opening.
No.  The stock NSG370 transmission will not survive after installing an LS engine.
 
We do offer our LS engine conversions with an upgraded TR4050 5-speed manual transmission.
 
No. Our LS engine conversions are fully integrated with the Jeep systems.  Your instrument cluster will work as it did when your Jeep JK Wrangler rolled off the assembly line, without modification.
JL / JT
Bruiser Conversions requires the JL / JT computers to be shipped out for recalibration.
 
JK
All JK computers will be pre-flashed and kits with be charged accordingly with a core fee.
 
Every do-it-yourself engine conversion kit comes with a detailed list of core items that must be returned to Bruiser Conversions.  These parts, which include the stock PCM, should be shipped back to our facility within one week after receipt of the engine conversion kit.
Late model (2012+) JK/JKU Wrangler vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission will retain their current transmission shifter assembly.  Early model (2007-11) vehicles will require a late model shifter to be installed.
No.  Each kit comes with a replacement wiring harness.
No. Your factory installed systems will operate the Jeep’s body components.
No.  Each kit is shipped FULLY ASSEMBLED and requires no modification by the installer.
JL / JT Platform: Recalibration of the speedometer is done using a Tazer.
 
JK Platform: Recalibration of the speedometer is done using an JK Blaster.  This part may be purchased through Bruiser Conversions.
 
TJ Platform: If changing your axle gear ratio or tire size, the speedometer gear will need to be changed.
Yes.  All factory installed safety and convenience features will work after the conversion has been completed.

Yes, any restocking of kits will result in a 25% restocking fee.

JK / JL / JT Platform: If equipped with A/C from the factory, your conversion will include an air conditioning compressor and a complete set of A/C hoses.
 
TJ Platform: If equipped with A/C from the factory, customers have the option of adding an air conditioning compressor and a complete set of A/C hoses to their conversion.  These parts will integrate with the OEM A/C system.
Maybe.  
 
This depends greatly on your chosen engine conversion and how your vehicle has been build (Lift height, Tire Size, Axles, etc.).  
 
2-door JK Wrangler Driveshafts: 2-door vehicles will require aftermarket driveshafts and adjustable rear lower control arms during an LS engine conversion.  This is due to the short wheel base and the increased length of the engine/transmission assembly
 
4-door JKU Wrangler Driveshafts: Jeeps equipped with stock driveshafts and axles may not require aftermarket driveshafts. The ability to use stock driveshafts will be determined by your suspension and axle configuration. We do, however, recommend upgrading them if you intend to subject your vehicle to “extreme” driving conditions or plan to run a large tire (37”+).  Vehicles already equipped with aftermarket driveshafts will require modification or replacement of their existing driveshafts.
The tap shift feature is incorporated into the late model (2012+) JK/JKU automatic transmission shifter assembly.  When in the “D” position, you will tap left to select a lower gear or tap right to engage higher gears. Hold the shifter to the right to return to automatic mode.  If you exceed the “forced shift” RPM, the TCM will automatically engage the next higher gear to prevent damage to the engine or transmission.
Yes.  When scheduling your conversion you will complete a vehicle information sheet.  This provides our team the information necessary to compile the correct parts manifest for your conversion.
Yes.  Your OEM switches will operate the lockers found in OEM Rubicon axles.  If your OEM lockers worked prior to the conversion, they will work once it’s complete.
Yes.  Your OEM switch will operate the electronic swaybar disconnect found in Rubicon models.  If your OEM electronic swaybar disconnect worked prior to the conversion, it will work once it’s complete.
 
JL / JT Platform (with HP75 Transmission). Yes. If your OEM remote start system was active before the conversion it will remain operational after the fully integrated LS engine conversion has been completed.
 
JL / JT Platform (with 850RE Transmission). No.
 
JK Platform:  No, the remote start functionality does not work at this time.
 
A service parts manifest, including fluid specifications, is provided with your conversion.  All fluids must meet or exceed the part manufacturer’s specifications. A complete record of all service must be kept showing the date, mileage, and location of all service. This information must accompany all warranty claims.
 
Bruiser Conversions’ LS engine conversions come fully assembled with the accessories drive components.  Each part is OEM quality and a full service parts manifest is provided with your conversion.
 
A Controller Area Network (CAN bus) is a robust vehicle bus standard designed to allow microcontrollers and devices to communicate with each other in applications without a host computer. It is a message-based protocol, designed originally for multiplex electrical wiring within automobiles to save on copper, but is also used in many other contexts.
 

JK / JL / JT Platform: Yes

TJ Platform: No

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