The Jeep Wrangler is arguably one of Ameria’s most iconic contributions to the auto industry. Its go-anywhere capability is second-to-none, and the launch of the new-generation JL Wrangler in 2017 was seen as the start of the next chapter of the SUV’s long and storied history. The JL Wrangler’s arrival also opened the doors for tuning companies to start working on programs for the off-roader. It certainly didn’t take long for one company to do it because Bruiser Conversions has already performed a successful engine swap on the Wrangler.

As you might expect, the Wrangler now sports a massive 6.2-liter LS3 V-8 engine under its hood. Videos of the finished product were posted on Bruiser’s Facebook page, and as you can see, the whole crate engine barely fitted into the Wrangler’s engine bay. Still, the new LS3 unit remains hooked up to the Wrangler’s factory eight-speed automatic transmission. That gearbox will bear the responsibility of coursing 450 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels of the Jeep, ensuring that its ability to ride roughshod over any surface remains intact.

Bruiser Conversions didn’t elaborate on the full details of the conversion, but it did say that that the LS3 V-8 engine kit can be bought so Wrangler owners can perform the swap themselves. That may be a good idea for those who want to get their hands dirty and know their Wranglers on a more personal level, but if time — and expertise — is of the essence, Bruiser will happily perform the swap itself.

Considering what we already know about the JL Wrangler and its 3.6-liter V-6 unit that produces 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, installing a V-8 into a JL Wrangler and giving it 450 ponies and 450 pound-feet of twist seems like an excessive undertaking. But if you know the Wrangler’s history, nothing about it is excessive. I’m willing to bet that this engine swap will unleash a side of it we rarely get to see.

If you’re interested in getting one, you’ll need to contact Bruiser Conversions directly in order to get a proper price quote. Otherwise, you can sit on the sidelines and appreciate the engine swap and its ability to unleash a side of the Wrangler very few of us get to see.

References

Jeep Wrangler

Read our full review on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler.