VWerks managed to squeeze a 392 Hemi under the hood of this 2012 Jeep Wrangler and debut it at SEMA 2012
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When VWerks embarked upon a build for SEMA 2012, hours of thought and planning had already been dedicated to the project. Their goals had already been determined. As a company who manufactures off road products and builds specialty vehicles, they were focused on showcasing a means of increasing power and ramping up one's rig.
"We're more than a manufacturer,” explained Vice President of Product Development Engineering, Pat Muldoon. "Our goal is to help customers celebrate their passion, whatever it is, through vehicles customized to meet their lifestyle needs."
"We've noticed a trend across the country of Jeeps and trucks becoming the new hot rod. Our inspiration really was a 1932 Ford. We wanted to create the feeling of an old-school hot rod, but in a modern, dependable Wrangler pickup."
This 2012 Jeep Wrangler is one impressive ride as seen during SEAM 2012
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SEMA was the perfect venue to announce their new 392 Hemi conversion package for 2012 Jeep Wranglers and JK-8s. This JK-8 build was the debut of their first production Hemi Jeep, and was nicknamed "Steel-Bender".
As increasing power was one of their main objectives, they would obviously target the engine early on in the build. Having the 392 Hemi calibrated by B&G Chrysler Specialists, they dropped an engine boasting an impressive 465 horsepower at 6,000 RPMs with 465 foot-pounds of torque at 4,200 RPMs between the fender wells.
The VWerks/Jeep Speed 392 conversion kit was an essential element of the modification, as was the VWerks/Hotwire Custom 392 wire harness. Also provided by their company, they installed a Jeep Speed dual battery box and a two-row aluminum performance radiator.
VWerks opted to use a high flow K&N air filter for their custom intake set up on this 2012 Wrangler SEMA Show vehicle
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Keeping the internal components of one's engine clean is crucial, yet optimal air flow must still be maintained. That in mind, they went with a K&N air filter with a VWerks custom intake tube.
Having a long relationship, in excess of ten years, with K&N, Pat Muldoon was confident in the preferred air filtering system. "We're big fans of their product engineering,” he explained. "K&N makes solid products. We also love that they answer the phone; you can call someone up who knows what they are talking about, and get feedback and help."
SEMA 2012 held some relly cool vehicles including the 2012 Jeep Wrangler built by VWerks
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Still focused on the drive train, VWerks opted to install a J.E. Reel CV Style front drive shaft, a modification that is available for both automatic and manual transmissions. While under the rig, they took advantage of the opportunity to attach VWerks differential cover protectors.
With the drive train ready and able to perform, the VWerks crew cast their attention to building a suspension capable of holding up to the rigors that a custom off road vehicle might bring.
Putting a VWerks 4” lift kit under the rig, they went with Fox External Shocks. The suspension would not meet their expectation if not equipped with a dual steering stabilizer kit, provided by their company, as well as their front stabilizer bar link kit.
VWerks offer a 392 HEMI conversion kit for the 2012 Jeep Wrangler
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With the mechanical aspect of the build executed to VWerks high standards, they then directed their attention to aesthetics and launched modifications to the exterior to the Jeep.
Bolting on Pro Comp 17-inch matte black wheels, accentuated with VWerks custom center caps, they would certainly look for quality and performance while choosing a tire. That in mind, they installed four Pro Comp 35X12.5 XMT (mud terrain) tires.
Following their conviction to provide SEMA attendees with an eye-catching ride, they went with a VWerks JK-8 conversion. After attaching a premium hood the VWerks team supplied custom paint, pin striping and graphics.
There is a long list of upgrades for this cool 2012 Wrangler in order to meet SEMA attendees expectations
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A Warn M8000 winch secured to a VWerks premium front bumper with shackles would serve two fold. It added to the overall look and would lend to greater mobility and ease of mind.
Moving to the back of the vehicle, a few more modifications were in order. Opting to coat the bed with a spray-on liner, they topped the project off with VWerks tubular bed rail extensions.
Although demanding and time consuming, the VWerks team had executed their build to the tee. Having previously showed a project vehicle at SEMA, they were aware of what attendees would be expecting.
"The biggest thing about SEMA is every detail will be scrutinized,” explained Muldoon "We like to build running vehicles that are fully functional and operational, yet look really cool, and are aesthetically perfect. We try to look at it from the perspective of a journalist; they might point their camera somewhere our eyes haven't looked closely."
"Everything has to be perfect,” he continued. "So we start by analyzing our booth space, and what we hope to accomplish through our vehicle builds. Then we plan the vehicle out, and of course, have to build it. It takes a lot of long nights to get it done, but it's always well worth it.”
Other Jeeps at SEMA include AEV Conversions Jeep Wrangler JK, Rebeca Olavarrieta's 2011 Jeep Wrangler, the Project Rescue Rubicon 2010 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, BDS Suspension Modified Jeep TJ, Jeep Grand Cherokee Storm Chase Vehicle, Falken Tire's Rubicon Unlimited and the award winning Jeep Wrangler JK Hemi with 4WD.
Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world. |
