Tuner Stuffs 450HP LS3 V8 Into 2018 Jeep Wrangler

Jeep Wrangler enthusiasts will soon have three engines on offer for the 2018 model. Nevertheless, that hasn’t stopped one tuning shop from adding a different powerplant and create the most manic Wrangler of them all.

Florida-based Bruiser Conversions recently got their hands on a new Wrangler and fitted it with an LS3 V8 from General Motors. The packaging is extremely tight, but the engine just fits.

The tuner says it’s extracted 450 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque from the V8, while the eight-speed automatic transmission of the off-roader has been maintained. It goes without saying that this thing should be an absolute riot to drive.

To put the LS3’s figures into perspective, it’s worth comparing them to the engines currently on offer for the 2018 Wrangler. The current range-topping 3.6-liter V6 produces a healthy 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. By comparison, the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder has 270 hp and 295 lb-ft. Both are pretty good, but certainly no match for the LS3.

Brusier Conversions has yet to say how much it costs to wedge a V8 into the Wrangler, but did confirm that owners will be able to purchase V8 kits and do the swap themselves. Alternatively, the shop will perform the engine swap in-house.