This is on my todo list far in the future--after my 3.7 gives out.
Dodge already did this for SEMA--they put a 5.7 in a Nitro, called it an SRT, but never released any specs or parts for it.
If you look at other models from Dodge/Jeep you'll notice several offered as options the 3.7, 4.7, and the 5.7 Hemi. Turns out the same ECU can run all of them--just needs a different tune and a full harness. (There was a thread where an FCA engineer said they used the same ECU to test the 3.7 and 4.7 between runs--they'd just change the tune and ignore the extra wires not used for the 3.7) Another thread elsewhere confirmed that on those models the ECU part numbers can be used between both the 4.7 and 5.7 engine options--just different tunes.
That said, I think it should be possible to grab a 5.7 and the ECU out one of those models, possibly also the TIPM, repin the harness as necessary to fit the Nitro cluster and it might "just work"... would still be a big project. Now if you want to be able to custom tune that hemi, that might change the available options. Checkout DIY HEMI site for more details about ECU, tuning, unlocking, and other issues. here they have a chart showing some notable differences in ECUs vs model years.
The 5.7 weighs more than the 4.7, but less than the CRD--so you'd probably want to use the CRD suspension (stronger springs). As far as other fitment I really couldn't say. Headers? Front crossmember? Which oil pan would fit? Radiator and reservoir relocation?
I'm pretty sure you can fit a 545RFE, but not sure if it's strong enough for the 5.7. Doubt the Dana 30 up front would last with the 5.7--so not sure what you could do about that. You might need custom drive shafts. The SEMA model used a 5-speed tremec manual--I couldn't find exact part numbers mentioned for it.
Here's all the articles and photos I could find about the 5.7 Nitro build for SEMA:
There have been a few threads over the years detailing V8 swaps into Nitros and JLs, but in every case the posters disappear w/o follow ups.
I've no doubt it can be done--just not sure at what cost or level of difficulty.
If you have to pass emissions... that might be a whole 'nother can of worms.
Dodge already did this for SEMA--they put a 5.7 in a Nitro, called it an SRT, but never released any specs or parts for it.
If you look at other models from Dodge/Jeep you'll notice several offered as options the 3.7, 4.7, and the 5.7 Hemi. Turns out the same ECU can run all of them--just needs a different tune and a full harness. (There was a thread where an FCA engineer said they used the same ECU to test the 3.7 and 4.7 between runs--they'd just change the tune and ignore the extra wires not used for the 3.7) Another thread elsewhere confirmed that on those models the ECU part numbers can be used between both the 4.7 and 5.7 engine options--just different tunes.
That said, I think it should be possible to grab a 5.7 and the ECU out one of those models, possibly also the TIPM, repin the harness as necessary to fit the Nitro cluster and it might "just work"... would still be a big project. Now if you want to be able to custom tune that hemi, that might change the available options. Checkout DIY HEMI site for more details about ECU, tuning, unlocking, and other issues. here they have a chart showing some notable differences in ECUs vs model years.
The 5.7 weighs more than the 4.7, but less than the CRD--so you'd probably want to use the CRD suspension (stronger springs). As far as other fitment I really couldn't say. Headers? Front crossmember? Which oil pan would fit? Radiator and reservoir relocation?
I'm pretty sure you can fit a 545RFE, but not sure if it's strong enough for the 5.7. Doubt the Dana 30 up front would last with the 5.7--so not sure what you could do about that. You might need custom drive shafts. The SEMA model used a 5-speed tremec manual--I couldn't find exact part numbers mentioned for it.
Here's all the articles and photos I could find about the 5.7 Nitro build for SEMA:
- More Chrysler SEMA stuff: HEMI-powered Dodge Nitro
- Mopar Skunkworks
- 5.7L HEMI Dodge Nitro
- 2006 SEMA Show: Hemi Powered Dodge Nitro
- Dodge Nitro Hemi
There have been a few threads over the years detailing V8 swaps into Nitros and JLs, but in every case the posters disappear w/o follow ups.
I've no doubt it can be done--just not sure at what cost or level of difficulty.
If you have to pass emissions... that might be a whole 'nother can of worms.
