Jeep HEMI: Dealer Mod

5.7L HEMI engine with 330hp and 375 torque.
2007 Jeep Wrangler Sahara on 33 inch tires.

Dealer mods on factory vehicles?
It wasn't that long ago when dealerships wouldn't even talk about modifying vehicles for resale. Now it seems that some have started answering the cry of offroad enthusiasts. Perkins Motors of Colorado Springs, CO is one of those dealers that has been successfully upgrading factory stock Wranglers for resale with optional lifts, offroad tires, custom bumpers, winches and now even a HEMI engine.

FunTreks test drove a 2007 Sahara Wrangler 4 door sporting a freshly installed used 5.7L V8 HEMI engine. The HEMI produces 330hp and 375 torque compared to the standard 3.8L V6 with 202hp and 237 torque. The power is immediately noticed and moves this big and heavy Wrangler on oversized tires from good to best in the “fun to drive” category. Normally, when increasing the tire size on a vehicle (like this Sahara with 33 inch tires) it will always result in a lack of power due to the vehicle having to push so much more tire. There are two ways people can compensate for this phenomenon. One is to change the stock gear ratio in the axle, called re-gearing, which makes the vehicle think it still is pushing the smaller stock tires. The other way to fight this is to introduce more power, like the HEMI engine. The modified Wrangler was peppy when overtaking slower vehicles on those long 2-lane highways through the mountains. A bonus for the engine is the MDS feature that comes standard with the HEMI. The system allows cylinders to stop if they are not needed improving gas mileage. We filled the tank once for our 300+ mile two day trip deep into the mountains and still had a ¼ tank of gas when we got back.

Fourmile Area just east of Buena Vista, CO.

The engine upgrade has a price tag of $15,000 and Perkins Motors is refining the process to bring that number down. Some of you are thinking that you could do this engine upgrade cheaper, and the answer is yes you probably could but not without losing some hair on your head. Installing a HEMI engine in a Jeep is not a home garage project for the average mechanic. This upgrade takes almost everything from inside a full size Dodge pickup and manages to fit it into a Jeep. Also when thinking you could do this cheaper on your own, consider the peace of mind knowing that a dealer installed HEMI comes with a powertrain warranty.

The Jeep we drove is not a hard core wheeler, but with it's long wheel base and endless surge of power more of a family fun adventurer. Picture your family camping trip, hauling the camper, ATV, UTV or boat to your favorite destination and then being able to explore trails with the top off and the fresh mountain air all around you.