Customizing the High-Performance 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT

Overview of the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Hood

The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT model features an aggressive, high-performance hood design that helps set it apart from the standard Grand Cherokee models. The SRT hood is made from lightweight materials and has a unique dual-scoop design that provides enhanced engine cooling for the high-output 6.4L V8 HEMI engine under the hood.

Carbon Fiber SRT Hood

One of the most popular aftermarket upgrades for the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT is replacing the stock hood with a carbon fiber hood. Carbon fiber is an incredibly strong yet lightweight material that is commonly used in high-performance vehicles. The carbon fiber construction helps reduce overall vehicle weight while retaining strength and rigidity.

Many Grand Cherokee SRT owners install carbon fiber hoods for both aesthetic and functional benefits. The carbon fiber weave pattern provides a premium, exotic look that complements the SRT's aggressive styling. And the lightweight carbon fiber hood helps improve weight distribution and handling by reducing front-end weight.

There are a few options for carbon fiber SRT hoods from companies like Seibon, Anderson Composites, and 3D Carbon. These hoods are direct replacements for the stock hood and are available with different types of carbon weaves and finishes, including a high-gloss clear coat or matte clear coat.

Benefits of the SRT Hood Design

There are a few key benefits to the unique dual-scoop hood design on the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT:

• Improved Engine Cooling - The large hood vents allow for increased airflow into the engine bay which helps keep the high-output 6.4L V8 cooler.
• Aggressive Styling - The power dome and vents give the SRT hood an aggressive, performance-oriented look.
• Lightweight - The SRT hood is made from lightweight materials to help reduce overall vehicle weight.
• Aerodynamics - The scoop design improves aerodynamic performance at high speeds.

So the SRT hood not only looks great, but also serves important functional purposes for engine cooling and weight reduction. The design optimizes the Grand Cherokee SRT's capabilities as a high-performance SUV.

Customizing the SRT Hood

The stock SRT hood already has a very aggressive design, but some owners take customization even further with aftermarket add-ons like hood vents and heat extractors.

Hood vents can be installed on the SRT hood to allow even more airflow into the engine bay for increased cooling. Popular options include hood vents from Mopar as well as universal vents from companies like VIS Racing.

Another popular customization is adding heat extractors on the hood. These aerodynamic fins mounted along the rear edge of the hood help draw hot air up and out from the engine bay. Brands like RK Sport and Spec-D Tuning offer heat extractors designed to integrate cleanly with the SRT hood's shape and vents.

For a more subtle change, some owners opt for custom hood graphics or wraps in unique finishes like satin black or gunmetal grey. Custom pinstriping along the hood vents is another way to add personalized style.

How to Remove and Install the SRT Hood

While it's recommended to have a professional mechanic take care of any major parts swaps, it is possible for DIY-ers to remove and install an SRT hood at home with some mechanical skill and the right tools.

Here is an overview of the process:

1. Disconnect the battery to avoid electrical shorts.
2. Remove windshield wiper arms and cowl cover from the base of the windshield.
3. Remove the strut bar that connects the hood hinges by unbolting it.
4. Unbolt the hood hinges from the hood itself.
5. Lift the hood off and place it securely on a work bench.
6. Transfer any necessary hardware to the new hood if reusing the stock hinges.
7. Bolt the hinges back to the new hood and reinstall the strut bar.
8. Carefully place the hood back on the vehicle and bolt the hinges back to the chassis.
9. Reinstall the cowl cover and windshield wiper components.
10. Reconnect battery and test for proper hood opening and closure.

Safety precautions like wearing gloves and eye protection are strongly recommended. And be sure to have help lifting the hood on and off the vehicle - it's heavy! With some patience and proper care, an SRT hood swap can be completed by seasoned DIY mechanics.

Customizing the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Interior

In addition to exterior mods like a carbon fiber hood, many Grand Cherokee SRT owners choose to customize and upgrade the interior of their high-performance SUVs as well. From new steering wheels to upgraded audio systems, there are many options to tailor the SRT's cabin to your preferences.

Aftermarket Steering Wheels

One of the most common interior upgrades for the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT is an aftermarket steering wheel to enhance the driving experience.

Popular options include:

• Alcantara steering wheels - Provides better grip for aggressive driving. Brands like Grant Products offer Alcantara wheels.
• Carbon fiber steering wheels - Lightweight with sporty style. Makers like NRG Innovations offer carbon fiber wheels for SRT.
• Paddle shift extensions - Makes it easier to shift the 8-speed automatic transmission. Available from B&M Racing.
• Heated steering wheels - Provides comfort and convenience in cold weather. Manufacturers like CoverKing carry heated SRT wheels.

For additional customization, some owners opt for wood or carbon fiber steering wheel trims, colored stitching, and other interior accents.

Upgraded Sound Systems

The stock audio system in the Grand Cherokee SRT is fairly robust, producing 706 watts and 9 speakers. But for true audiophiles, an aftermarket sound system is a popular upgrade.

Upgraded options include:

• Amplifiers - Add-on amps from JL Audio, Rockford Fosgate and others provide more power and enhanced sound quality.
• Subwoofers - Add bass with extra subwoofers and enclosures from brands like Kicker.
• Speakers - Higher end component speakers and coaxial speakers from manufacturers like Alpine and Infinity improve sound clarity.
• Digital processors - DSPs from JL Audio, AudioControl and Rockford allow for advanced tuning and crossover adjustments.

A professional install is recommended to correctly integrate upgraded audio equipment with the SRT's electronics systems.

Interior Style Upgrades

To make the Grand Cherokee SRT cockpit your own, there are many interior styling enhancements available including:

• Shift knobs - Custom shift knobs in materials like carbon fiber, aluminum, or cue ball styles.
• Pedals - Aluminum and stainless steel gas/brake pedal kits provide a racing style touch.
• Interior lighting - Custom LED interior lighting kits in a variety of colors.
• Floor mats - Premium carpeted or all-weather floor mats help protect factory carpeting.
• Seats - Katzkin leather seat upgrades or custom embroidery for factory seats.

By mixing and matching small interior styling details like these, SRT owners can create a truly one-of-a-kind personality for their high-performance Grand Cherokee.

Exterior Upgrades for the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT

In addition to hood upgrades covered earlier, owners of the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT have many options when it comes to enhancing the exterior styling and appearance of their vehicles. Popular exterior upgrades include wheels, tires, suspensions, brakes, exterior trim and more.

Wheels

One of the most common visual upgrades on any vehicle is the wheels. The stock 2018 SRT wheels have a nice aggressive design, but many owners opt for aftermarket wheels to make their SRT stand out even more. Popular options include:

• Forged wheels - High-end forged aluminum wheels from makers like HRE or ADV.1 provide a race-inspired look while being extremely strong and lightweight.
• Black wheels - Matte black, gloss black or smoked black wheels are a popular choice to accent the SRT's sinister look.
• Large diameter wheels - For a more imposing stance, oversized wheels (22" to 24") with low-profile tires from brands like Fuel and Hostile are options.
• Custom colors - For unique style, custom painted or powder coated wheels help an SRT stand out.

Proper fitment and reinforcing are key when installing larger or heavier aftermarket wheels. An experienced mechanic can advise on options to fit your taste while ensuring safety and optimal performance.

Tires

To match upgraded wheels and provide enhanced grip and handling, many SRT owners choose to upgrade the tires as well. Recommended performance tire upgrades include:

• Ultra high performance tires - Maximize grip and cornering with UHP tires from makers like Michelin, Continental and Pirelli.
• Summer performance tires - For warm climates, summer tires like the Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R provide tenacious dry grip.
• All-season performance tires - All-season tires such as the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 balance year-round traction with handling.

It's crucial to choose UHP or performance tires with speed ratings to match the SRT's 190+ mph top speed capability. An expert tire shop can help select the right tire model and sizing to work optimally with your selected wheels.

Suspension Upgrades

To help harness all the power of the SRT's almost 500 hp V8, owners often upgrade the suspension for flatter cornering and improved handling dynamics. Popular upgrades include:

• Lowering springs - Lower the ride height for a more aggressive stance.
• Coilover kits - For fully adjustable ride height, shocks and spring rates.
• Sway bars - Reduce body roll and improve corner balance.
• Strut tower braces - Increase chassis rigidity and steering responsiveness.

Kits from companies like Eibach, Bilstein and Mopar allow further refinement of the SRT's adaptive suspension system for your desired ride and handling balance.

Brake Upgrades

The SRT comes from the factory with Brembo brakes to handle its incredible performance. But for certain driving scenarios, owners may choose to upgrade the braking system even further with options like:

• Big brake kits - Larger rotors and multi-piston calipers provide increased stopping power.
• Performance brake pads - More aggressive compounds offer greater fade resistance on the track.
• Slotted/cross drilled rotors - Improve brake feel and gassing in high heat conditions.

From street to track driving, upgraded brakes form StopTech, Wilwood, Powerstop and others give SRT owners the confidence to push harder with less fade.

Exterior Styling

To complement the aggressive SRT hood, additional exterior styling enhancements include:

• Body kits - For an even more sculpted look, body kits from Mopar, Liberty Walk and others accentuate the stock curves.
• Splitter guards - Provide extra protection for the front splitter when parking.
• Graphics/wraps - Matte wraps or custom graphics in flat black or colors alter the look in a subtle or bold way.
• Smoked lighting - For a dark look, tail lights and headlights can be tinted with film or replaced with blacked out assemblies.

With a huge range of options, SRT owners can tweak the exterior to create a look ranging from mildly improved to completely transformed.

Performance Upgrades to Take the SRT to the Next Level

In stock form, the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT is already a beast with 475 hp and a 4.3 second 0-60 mph time. But some performance enthusiasts choose to push their SRT to the next level with these upgrades:

Superchargers and Turbo Kits

For big horsepower gains, many SRT owners add forced induction in the form of superchargers or turbochargers. Examples include:

• Supercharger kits - Add 100+ hp. Popular options from Magnuson, Edelbrock or Whipple.
• Turbo kits - Gain 150+ hp. Options from manufacturers like HPP and INC Designs.

Kits include all necessary hard parts for a complete installation. Professional dyno tuning is essential to dial in the engine management system for maximum power and reliability.

Exhaust Upgrades

To complement forced induction or other mods, common exhaust upgrades include:

• Full exhaust systems - Aftermarket systems from Borla, Corsa and others reduce backpressure.
• Headers - Long tube stainless headers further optimize exhaust flow.
• X-pipe or H-pipe - Replace the stock intermediate pipe for improved exhaust scavenging.
• Muffler delete pipes - Eliminate mufflers for a straight-pipe exhaust tone.

With the right combination of high flow cats, low-restriction mufflers and tuned piping, significant horsepower and torque gains of 20+ hp are achievable.

Engine Internals

To handle the stresses of high horsepower, internal engine upgrades are recommended when modifying an SRT. These include:

• Forged connecting rods
• Forged pistons
• High strength head studs
• Performance valve springs
• Upgraded pushrods

With the right carefully selected internal components, the 6.4L V8 is capable of withstanding 800+ hp for short term bursts.

Of course, pushing an SRT much beyond stock power levels requires supporting mods like engine oil and transmission cooling systems. And professional tuning expertise is a must for optimal drivability.

Key Takeaways on Customizing the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT

• The SRT hood has an aggressive dual scoop design for cooling the high horsepower V8 engine.
• Popular hood upgrades include lightweight carbon fiber construction or heat extractors.
• Interior customizations like steering wheels, audio and styling touches make the cabin your own.
• Wheels, tires, suspension and brakes enhance the SRT's world-class handling capabilities.
• For maximum power, forced induction and exhaust mods can add 100+ horsepower.
• Supporting engine internals and tuning expertise are crucial for high horsepower builds.
• With the right combination of upgrades, the SRT platform allows owners to create a unique high-performance SUV.

The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT provides an amazing starting point for customization and modifications. With this guide, SRT owners can tailor their vehicles to match their individual performance and styling vision.

FAQs

What are some popular exterior upgrades for the SRT?

Common exterior upgrades include installing a carbon fiber hood, new wheels & tires, lowering springs, BBKs, and adding body kits or exterior styling elements like hood vents or graphics.

What kind of performance gains can I expect from forced induction?

Supercharger kits can reliably add 100-150 hp while turbo kits are good for 150-200+ hp gains when properly tuned and installed with supporting mods.

What should I upgrade in the interior?

Popular interior upgrades include new steering wheels, shift knobs, premium floor mats, upgraded sound systems, custom gauges, and Katzkin leather seat upholstery.

Is it difficult to install a carbon fiber hood?

While professional installation is recommended, mechanically inclined DIYers can install a carbon fiber replacement hood at home with proper tools and help. It's about a 1-2 hour job.

What brake upgrades work best for track days?

Many opt for larger slotted & drilled rotors and higher performance pads for track use. Big brake kits with 6/4 piston calipers also provide increased stopping power.