Topic: daily driver

[cletz97]

I was looking for suggestion for power
things like tire size, gears, upgrades
what would be good for moderate power on the highway, and then be good for off road also?
also not looking for anything to expensive, like anything over 1000 is out of the question.
thanks

[jfrabat]

I will assume you have a TJ; then things to do could be

• eFan conversion (under $100 if you do a Junk Yard swap with a relay and switch; about $250 if you go to the other end of the spectrum and use a DC Controller like I am using with a FoMoCo fan).
• Ignition upgrade; I recommend the Performance Distributor package (Screaming Demon coil, LiveWires, Cap and Rotor, then gap your plugs a bit wider).
• If you can find one, a more aggressive cam would theoretically be within the price range.
• Some better fuel injectors could also come into play; not sure which ones are the appropiate ones for a TJ, but the mustang injectors work nicely for a YJ (check the FAQ to see which ones the TJ would use).
• Good freeflowing exhaust (Personally I have a Gibson, but the Borla seems to be the better option) and headers (again, Borla seems to be the best one available); maybe even a new cat (not sure if I would spen the dough on the Random Technologies one, but there are other options out there that are less expensive and less restrictive than the stock one).
• The most gain would come from regearing, but I am not sure it would be within your budget range...  As for te gears, it will depend on what size tires you got on and what axles you are using.

Hope this helps pointing you in the right direction!

Felipe

[cletz97]

how do you go about installing a new cam?
do u have to take apart the engine?
and how much would that be?
parts? and if i couldn't labor?

[Jeffy]

My suggestions;  Run 31x9.5R15 or 31x10.5R15's.  Keep the suspension stock.  Lift and large tires will kill your mileage at high speeds.  If you have an automatic then swap axles to 2.5L Manual to get 4.10/4.11's.  I'd switch over to a electrical fan so the engine doesn't have to work as much.  The engine will spool up faster as well.  Maybe do a 4.0L TB conversion.  That will give you a crisper throttle and get more air in at WOT.  Swap the injectors over to 24# (TJ) will smooth out the idle and should give you a bit more torque and mileage.  I'd go with the Performance Distributors Ignition since ti's easy to install and works well.  Stock plug gap is .035".  With the PD setup, you can regap safely at .065".  I haven't tried to go any wider, yet.

If you wanted larger tires then I would go with 33x10.5R15's or the metric equivalent on a 16" wheel.  16" wheels have more skinny tires available then with the Standards.  Keeping them narrow will cut down in wind resistance, and weight as well their rolling resistance.  You'll need a bit of a lift though.  Probably gi with a 2" budget boost.  On teh expensive end, I'd look at ACOS system as it's completely adjustable.

Personally, I'd leave the cam for last if ever.  Cams are pretty expensive since and a bit labor intensive if you're not a shade tree mechanic.  If you do your own work, you can really stretch your money far.  If you have people do the work then it won't go very far.  Probably half will go to labor depending on the job.

[cletz97]

Thank you that cleared up a lot.
and i have a manual trans so those axles are good right?

[Jeffy]

Thank you that cleared up a lot.
and i have a manual trans so those axles are good right?

They're OK if you don't drive like you stole it.  The D35c gets a lot of flack but it's strength is really hit or miss.  Sometimes you get a good once.  Even if you don't, as long as you drive with that inmind you shouldn't have any problems.

[rubberducky]

I've got 05 tj with D35. Just blew out the ring gear. 100k miles and rode hard and put up wet. Pulling loads no jeep should. I think the cause to the axle going out is me having to down shift to slow down fast in traffic. People down here in Houston can't drive for poop. specially if you have a trailer. Cam is not too hard but you need to know some engine knowledge. other than that these guys covered it. Oh I was running 3.73 with 31x9.5 I ran that for like 80k no problem. averaged 16-18 mpg.