The venerable Jeep Wrangler is no stranger to engine swaps. Folks have been shoving bigger engines behind its grille ever since the U.S. Military defeated the Axis powers in 1945. The small-block Chevrolet V-8 is the standard go-to engine, but small block Fords and even other Mopar engines are a common sight. But, it’s a certifiable rarity to see a Wrangler with the 8.3-liter V-10 from the Viper and 2004 – 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 SRT10.

Nevertheless, that’s exactly what’s for sale right now on eBay.

The project started with a low-mileage 2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. That generation is known as the TJ, but since it’s a long-wheelbase Unlimited version, it’s called the LJ. So, this LJ with 22,500 miles had its 4.0-liter inline six-cylinder, four-speed automatic transmission, and two-speed transfer case removed and replaced with, well, “beefier” components. The transmission is now a 48RE automatic from a Ram heavy-duty and the T-case is a modified RockTrac unit from a Wrangler Rubicon. The front axle is a good ole Ford nine-inch, while the rear axle is a stout Dana 60. Both have 35-spline axle shafts.

The suspension is a long-arm kit from Superlift that accompanies by a one-inch body lift that helps with clearance of the big V-10 under the hood. A set of 20-inch six-spoke, Pro Comp wheels and 35-inch Mickey Thompson Baja ATZ all-terrain tires hide Viper-sized front brakes and upgraded rear disc brakes.

Continue reading for more information on this Jeep Wrangler.

Inside the Jeep, the stock seats were replaced with two-tone suede sport seats and the plastic center console swapped for a lockable, metal unit. Naturally, the stock radio is swapped for an aftermarket head unit. In back, the cargo area features a large steel drawl that is also lockable. A premium soft top is augmented by a full-length roof rack that’s removable. The steel bumpers are from Warn, as are the rock sliders below the doors. Finally, LED taillights finish off the exterior upgrades.

Of course, the big news is under the hood. The 8.3-liter V-10 is in stock condition and makes roughly 500 horsepower and 525 pound-feet of torque. That was enough to accelerate the 5,130-pound regular cab Dodge Ram SRT 10 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. With a lower curb weight, the LJ should finish the run in less time – perhaps around 4.5 seconds.

While this SRT10 Wrangler might outrun ever LJ, it won’t pass every gas station. The EPA estimated the Ram SRT10 to get 9.0 mpg in the city and 15 mpg on the highway.

The eBay classified listing has this 2005 Jeep Wrangler LJ prices at $52,000 and is located in Chicago. That’s a lot of scratch for a 13-year-old Jeep, but it’s not every day when such a clean V-10-powered Wrangler comes up for sale. The 8.3-liter V-10 might not be the most economical or power-dense engine swap ever seen in a Wrangler, but it’s certainly outside conventionality. Let's just say this Jeep would attract quite a crowd at the local Cars & Coffee or Jeep meet. For some, that might be worth the buy-in price.

References

Jeep Wrangler

Read our full review on the 2007 Jeep Wrangler.