Topic: I'm a Newb Looking for Basic Perf. Gains 2000 2.5L

[sivlerbullettj]

Hi Guys,

Didn't really know where to post this considering I've read so much here and there on the site regarding these issues, but wanted your input seeing as you seem very knowledgeable. That said, I drive a 2000 TJ 2.5L, 5 speed, in Canada and have owned it for a year. So far I've put on from stock:

-Cheap CAI off Ebay replaced factory Air box (I know it's shit, also the heat sheild didn't fit, should I just put on factory box and KN filter?)
-Airaid TBS
-Recently a Juice Box sensor mod (not sure about this one, hesitant)
-Also running 31x10.5 MT's (Will this kill my jeep?)
-NKG 2 point platinum plugs

Basically want to get a few more ponies out of the beast, nothing too serious.
Looking at:

-Boral catback
-AEM CAI system back to TB
-Stage 1 Jet Chip
-Maybe a 4.0 TB (but unsure of actual gains vs problems)

Also will anything like this make differences:
-ignition wiring
-better fan

I know i'm a bit of a newb and don't know nearly a percentage of what you and others know but your advice would be greatly apprecitated. Feeling a bit overwhelmed with the knowledge on this site and don't want to pester anyone.

thanks,

[dexetr30]

31's won't kill your Jeep. I'm sure you'll feel the difference in top speed and the ability to choose upper gears when going down the road though.

The Stage 1 jet Chip is a good upgrade. I'd also upgrade the ignition wires and possibly the coil also... to go along with the chip.

I'd switch back to the o.e. air box and just remove any restrictions from it's internals and then add a K&N filter. Otherwise, a high quality c.a.i. would be the way to go.

As for the 4.0l t.b.... what problems? As long as you use the sensors (and they're in good working order) that came off of the 2.5l t.b. you shouldn't have a problem.

An upgrade to an electric fan would be a great idea.

I've addressed the items I have experience with. Hope I was some help.

[Jeffy]

Well, if you think your CIA is a problem, go back to stock and see if there is any noticeable differences.  A cheap CIA is more likely a hot air intake.

I'd do think that are simple and known to work.  Just throwing on some platinum plugs won't help.  Actually, some have found platinums not to work well with the Jeeps.  Regular, copper or Iridium's would be better.  Upgrading the coil and wires would be a good idea.  I've been running the Performance Distributor Firewire Kit and like it a lot.  I dumped my old Jacobs and noticed a difference in the way the engine ran.  I run Auto Lite regular plugs gapped at .065" now. (stock is .035")

I haven't heard of any problems with the 4.0L TB.  I've had my 4.0L TB in since '02, when I wrote the article for 4x4wire.com.  I also run a Poweraid TBS.  If I was to do it again, I'd probably look on ebay and I'd defiantly not pay over $70 for one.

Going to an electric fan will help a lot.  It won't make power but it will remove some of the work the engine has to do.  This will make the engine feel a bit more responsive.

If you're going to go with 31" be sure to recalibrate your speedometer.  If you look at the gas mileage thread you'll see that many haven't recalibrate'd and think they're getting lower mileage then what they are actually getting.  The speedometer gear is cheap.  $12USD at the dealer and only takes 10 minutes to do.

I have no experience with chips since I have a YJ and there are none available.  Although I've heard mixed results with the Stage 1.  Better gains with the stage 2 but then have to have some other things done to take full advantage of it.  You also might have to go up an octane rating.

I currently have a Carsound cat with a Borla catback.  I like the exhaust since it's a bit louder then stock and seems to breath better.  Don't believe the HP gains mfg.s put on their products because you'll probably be lucky to get half that most of the time.

The biggest gain you can ever make for the money is to be properly geared.  If you're gearing is too far off, no engine mods short of a complete rebuild and blueprinting at a speed shop or a forced induction will get you enough power.

[dexetr30]

If you're going to go with 31" be sure to recalibrate your speedometer.  If you look at the gas mileage thread you'll see that many haven't recalibrate'd and think they're getting lower mileage then what they are actually getting.  The speedometer gear is cheap.  $12USD at the dealer and only takes 10 minutes to do.

This is one of the reasons I like my g.p.s. so much. I can watch my speed and track my mileage with it very accurately. Even though I'm running 235's in place of the 225's... there is a difference with the speedometer.

[Bounty Hunter]

Very few places carry speedo gears, including the dealerships.  Had to get mine from www.tacomaspeedometer.com , they were great to deal with.

Keep in mind that the correct speedo gear not only corrects your trip meter for mileage calculation, but the jeep will run better as the computer uses the speed sensor as an input on how the engine runs.

Check out the electric fan mod, and the Firepower ignition kit.

[Jeffy]

Very few places carry speedo gears, including the dealerships.  Had to get mine from www.tacomaspeedometer.com , they were great to deal with.

Keep in mind that the correct speedo gear not only corrects your trip meter for mileage calculation, but the jeep will run better as the computer uses the speed sensor as an input on how the engine runs.

Check out the electric fan mod, and the Firepower ignition kit.

Hmm, I've ordered half a dozen from the Dealership.  They are usually special ordered and take a week to come in.   And ditto getting it calibrated; the PCM uses the vehicles speed to help calculate the fuel tables.  So, it's a good idea to have it calibrated.  Otherwise, performance will feel less then adequate.

[sivlerbullettj]

Wow,

Thanks a lot guys for all the input. I've got a lot to go from now. Hope to talk to you guys soon!

cheers,

[dexetr30]

Keep in mind that the correct speedo gear not only corrects your trip meter for mileage calculation, but the jeep will run better as the computer uses the speed sensor as an input on how the engine runs.

I wouldn't think this would be a problem running one step up from stock... would it?

[Bounty Hunter]

I would think it would be more of a problem the further you deviate from the stock tire size without correcting the speedo.

[Jeffy]

Also, the faster you go the more 'off' the speedometer/odometer will be.

[jcsanders79]

I have ran my 97 TJ with proper speedo gearing and without and there has been no difference in performance.

[Bounty Hunter]

I don't think you would notice it from the drivers seat, but the ecm does use the speed sensor in its calibrations.  Why not have it working correctly, even if it's only 1 or 2 HP or half a mile to the gallon difference?

[sivlerbullettj]

So is this replacement speedometer gear a universal or is there a specific one I need to order? What's invovled in installing calibrating, or does simply installing a new fix the calibration? Or does a mechanic/dealer have to do it? Is there a specific name or part # I need?

Thanks

[Jeffy]

So is this replacement speedometer gear a universal or is there a specific one I need to order? What's invovled in installing calibrating, or does simply installing a new fix the calibration? Or does a mechanic/dealer have to do it? Is there a specific name or part # I need?

Thanks

http://4bangerjp.com/forums/index.php?topic=731.0

[dunklervogel]

I'm running 32s and my speedometer is off quite a bit.  I passed a speed check the other day and it said I was going 49 when I was going 44 according to my speedometer (speed limit being 45) ... I'm sure it just gets worse the faster I go.  Replacing the gear is one of the next things on my to do list for the jeep.