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General Forums => The Mess Hall => Topic started by: just a 4 bager on January 15, 2008, 09:18:34 PM

Title: Newbie here with lots of Question...
Post by: just a 4 bager on January 15, 2008, 09:18:34 PM
Hey new guy here, im Glade i found a social network for 4 bangers...  I have 1997 wrangler 2.5L.. i had for six years and it was my first car and dont want to get reid of it.   But now i wanna make it big,  but i have that 2.5L problem.  I want to put a 4" lift and 33" tires..


Question 1:   If i re-gear it would i get my stock performance back??   And what gears would i need..

Question 2:   Is there anyway to get more power out of my 2.5L,, intake, thordle body, etc...

Question 3:   3" spacer Vs. 4'' lift kit

Question 4:  doing a engine swap V-8 or I6  Vs.  buying a 4.0 used??

  I do light off-road,, nothing crazy,  i live in Chicago.   I know you guys have a lot of INFO about this stuff..  thanks
Title: Re: Newbie here with lots of Question...
Post by: jcoleman on January 15, 2008, 09:39:51 PM
Hey new guy here, im Glade i found a social network for 4 bangers...  I have 1997 wrangler 2.5L.. i had for six years and it was my first car and dont want to get reid of it.   But now i wanna make it big,  but i have that 2.5L problem.  I want to put a 4" lift and 33" tires..


Question 1:   If i re-gear it would i get my stock performance back??   And what gears would i need..

Question 2:   Is there anyway to get more power out of my 2.5L,, intake, thordle body, etc...

From what I have read (I do not know from experience) most on here will say that with 33" tires, the ideal gearing is 4.88.  If you plan on upgrading to 33's I would highly recommend an axle swap, if you haven't already done so.

As far as improving the intake and exhaust, the hp gain will be slight, and depending on how free flowing the exhaust some torque may even be lost.  However, a 4.0l throttle body will net a noticeable increase in power, and is a very simple swap.  Also an electric fan conversion is a good investment.

Real power gains on the 2.5 will only come from a stroker job, turbo or supercharger.
Title: Re: Newbie here with lots of Question...
Post by: jcoleman on January 15, 2008, 09:42:27 PM
also, if you only do light off roading I would get some 31's maybe a 2-3 in lift and stick an aussie locker up front.
Title: Re: Newbie here with lots of Question...
Post by: just a 4 bager on January 15, 2008, 09:57:25 PM
Yea, i know 33" tires  are a bit much,,,  but what im really looking at  is 3'' spacer and 32" tires
Title: Re: Newbie here with lots of Question...
Post by: Jeffy on January 15, 2008, 10:21:28 PM

Question 4:  doing a engine swap V-8 or I6  Vs.  buying a 4.0 used??

From the other questions, I'd sell the 2.5L and buy a 4.0L.  A swap of any kind will not be cheaper and will take longer.
Title: Re: Newbie here with lots of Question...
Post by: just a 4 bager on January 15, 2008, 10:30:51 PM
yes i know the swap is a lot of $$$$$$$$$$$        what do u think about 32"  and a 3" lift
Title: Re: Newbie here with lots of Question...
Post by: Jeffy on January 15, 2008, 11:28:34 PM
yes i know the swap is a lot of $$$$$$$$$$$        what do u think about 32"  and a 3" lift

I'd maybe consider some 33x10.5R15's for tires and a 3" lift, without having to spend too much money.  Otherwise stick with some 31x10.5R15's and a 2" budget boost.
Title: Re: Newbie here with lots of Question...
Post by: dexetr30 on January 16, 2008, 06:17:38 AM
This is very important: STAY AWAY FROM A 3" BODY LIFT! They put to much strain on the bolts that mount the body to the frame and you could have a catastrophe on your hands. I'd go with a 2" BB and a 1" body lift.
Title: Re: Newbie here with lots of Question...
Post by: 95yjman on January 17, 2008, 05:39:29 PM
Hey new guy here, im Glade i found a social network for 4 bangers...  I have 1997 wrangler 2.5L.. i had for six years and it was my first car and dont want to get reid of it.   But now i wanna make it big,  but i have that 2.5L problem.  I want to put a 4" lift and 33" tires..


Question 1:   If i re-gear it would i get my stock performance back??   And what gears would i need..

Question 2:   Is there anyway to get more power out of my 2.5L,, intake, thordle body, etc...

From what I have read (I do not know from experience) most on here will say that with 33" tires, the ideal gearing is 4.88.  If you plan on upgrading to 33's I would highly recommend an axle swap, if you haven't already done so.

As far as improving the intake and exhaust, the hp gain will be slight, and depending on how free flowing the exhaust some torque may even be lost.  However, a 4.0l throttle body will net a noticeable increase in power, and is a very simple swap.  Also an electric fan conversion is a good investment.

Real power gains on the 2.5 will only come from a stroker job, turbo or supercharger.

People have stroked out a 2.5L before?
Title: Re: Newbie here with lots of Question...
Post by: Jeffy on January 17, 2008, 07:54:49 PM
People have stroked out a 2.5L before?

I've only heard of one person and he ran a custom crank on his Jeepspeed XJ.  He was selling the engine on the mailing list.
Title: Re: Newbie here with lots of Question...
Post by: omnisi on January 18, 2008, 09:45:20 AM
I'd go with 33s and the lift.  Regearing to 4.88 will take you back to where you need to be.  Im running 4.56 and 33s and I do fine....
Title: Re: Newbie here with lots of Question...
Post by: black99tj on January 18, 2008, 10:24:47 AM
I've got 33X12.50's and need lower gearing than my current 4.10:1 ratio. I'd stick with something smaller or at least get some 10.50" width 33''s if you go that route.