Hemi-Swapped Jeep Renegade: A Unique and Exciting Build

Unleashing the Power of a Dodge Charger R/T in a Jeep Renegade

Of all the vehicles you’d expect to undergo a V8 swap, the Jeep Renegade would probably be at the bottom of that list. However, in the world of automotive customization, surprises can lead to extraordinary creations. Enter the Hemi-swapped Renegade – a project that defies convention and promises exceptional performance.

The Vision Behind the Build

Mike Martin, the mastermind behind this project, started with a 2015 Jeep Renegade that already boasted a custom-fabricated widebody kit and air ride suspension. But Martin wasn’t satisfied with the ordinary; he sought to inject new life into his Renegade. The solution? Salvaging the powertrain, electronics, and interior from a wrecked Dodge Charger R/T donor car.

The Transformation Process

Dropping a 5.7-liter V8 engine into a front-wheel-drive, transverse-engine crossover like the Renegade presented numerous challenges. Martin had to perform extensive modifications, including cutting out the Jeep’s floor and subframes and custom-fabricating new components. The result was a truly one-of-a-kind vehicle that combines the ruggedness of a Renegade with the power of a Charger.

Power and Performance Upgrades

While a stock Renegade produces a modest 177 horsepower, the Hemi V8 engine pumps out an impressive 370 horsepower – a significant upgrade. Martin didn’t stop there, though. He enhanced the engine with a range of performance upgrades, including a hotter cam, new valve components, and a cylinder deactivation-delete kit. The additions didn’t end there; Martin also equipped the engine with a Holley EFI High Ram intake and a limited-slip rear differential from a Charger Hellcat.

A Work in Progress

While the build is still in progress after two years of dedicated work, the end result promises to be nothing short of extraordinary. This project goes beyond a simple engine swap; it’s a complete transformation of the Renegade’s body and chassis to accommodate the Charger’s powerhouse. Despite the performance upgrades, Martin ensured that the vehicle retains practicality by retaining features like air conditioning and standard electronic systems.

Conclusion

The Hemi-swapped Jeep Renegade stands as a testament to the boundless creativity and innovation within the automotive customization community. By blending the rugged nature of a Jeep with the performance prowess of a Charger, this build is shaping up to be a showstopper. Stay tuned for the final unveiling of this remarkable creation.

FAQs

1. How powerful is the Hemi V8 engine in the Hemi-swapped Jeep Renegade?

The Hemi V8 engine boasts an impressive 370 horsepower, a significant upgrade from the stock Renegade’s 177 horsepower.

2. What modifications were necessary to fit the V8 engine into the Renegade?

Extensive modifications, including cutting out the floor and subframes of the Renegade and custom-fabricating new components, were required to accommodate the V8 engine.

3. How long has the Hemi-swapped Jeep Renegade build been in progress?

The build has been a two-year work-in-progress, showcasing the dedication and meticulous attention to detail involved in the project.