Topic: tbi v/s mpi

[BudgetWheeler]

Almost a year ago I started swapping my vehicles around in order to get my wife into a nicer family vehicle since we had #2 on the way. That trading around included me getting rid of my 93 2.5 but I'm back to the point where I'm ready for another.

Just yesterday I found an 89 2.5 and I'm a bit leary of the tbi, but I don't know if I should be. From what I can find, the tbi only makes about 8hp and 4 ft/lbs tq less than the mpi. Is there a noticeable difference? I would only be going with 31" tires and it would be my daily driver, no rocks or serious offroad. How about reliability? And if it really is that much of an improvement, how hard would it be to swap to mpi?

Thanks for the help, hopefully I'll be jeepin again soon.  Also, it's good to see 4 Bangers United doing so well, it was still on the Hawaii Threads forum last time I was here but this site looks much better!  Didn't take long to find it thru google.

[Jeffy]

I think I posted to the thread on jeepforums.

I don't think you should have any reliability problems as long as you stay on top of the regular maintanance. When new the 2.5L TBI was around 110-112hp. The YJ 2.5L was rated at 123hp. The MPFI is a bit more efficent. Since you don't really plan on anything big you should be fine with it stock.

If you wanted to convert it to MPFI, you'd probably want to drop in a complete engine. Engine and dash wire harness, PCM, Speedo/Tach and you might as well do the smaller gauges since those are different too. Might also need a new fuel pump. Although I'm not certain.

The exhaust should bolt right up and the engine will sit on the old engine mounts. No adapters needed but you might consider swapping the bellhousing for an external slave, while your at it. Might also consider a 9lbs inertia ring so the engine doesn't lose speed as fast. But that's completely optional.