Is there any benefit to running one set of front drive accessories (GM vs JK) over the other? Right now I'm stuck on LS3 or L86. Also, if one were to plan on mild mods to the engine (intake/heads/etc), can your ECMs be tuned for something like that?
Both work but I am partial to our JK drive. If running the GM drive it's best to have a 3" lift or the passenger UCA will get close to the AC compressor. We do offer a compact Sanden compressor for the GM drive that gives good clearance.
With the JK drive the AC and PS hoses remain stock, with the GM drive we build them.
As far as drivability you will not notice a difference they work equally well. The GM drive is available in a kit and available around the world so that is a consideration, GM parts are less expensive and readily available.
We ceased production on our steel JK brackets due to the costs involved; however, we have designed all new billet brackets that require no alignment. The Truck and LS3 have different accessory drives so each will be supported separately. These brackets will be available soon and we will machine them in house.
The L86 and LS3 are both great engines. Currently I think the LS3 is hard to beat value for dollar. The LS3 is near 450 HP but will idle on the trail all day. The LS3 is about the most supported in the aftermarkt world wide where the Gen V engines have a way to go. The LS3 is a simple engine, high compression, no VVT, no AFM the pinnacle of the old American OHV V8 engine. The Gen V engine with DI, CVVT are pushing Eurepeon technology which is the future.
On a recent road trip an LS3 JKU we built about 4 years ago went up with a Gen V L86 6.2. Loaded down with gear both JK's drove 540 miles from Vegas to Fordyce, ran the trail and then drove back. Both did excellent given the harsh conditions. The LS3 proved it is still very viable against the new technology. What we found is loaded down with gear going 80 mph there is little difference between the two engines. The difference comes when you are lightly loaded cruising around town, the Gen V engine will kick into a 4 cylinder and use the CVVT and DI for better mpg, on regular gas. AFM may annoy some so take that into consideration.
One more aspect of the Gen V is with DI and CVVT it has torque all through the power band so even though the LS3 and L86 are both rated at 430 HP the Gen V has a bit better mid range and does not require as any transmission shifts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUENDigmB40
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwlldY2VtsI