2.5 4-cylinder upgrades

[TheBoogieman]

LOL... yeah, I know it would be much better, but the bank account would not be much better. But seriously, I put less the 1000 miles on this a year, probably less the 500 miles. It goes to the beach and the gas station, then back to the garage (after getting a rinse... most times).

Just enjoy it.

 

[Bill W.]

GEARING!!! OMG - GEARING!!!!!

Stock SE TJ's came with 4.10 gears and dinky tires. Now you're up to 33" tires. You need either 4.88 or 5.13 gears.

Not only will you get your 5th gear back, but you'll also enjoy easier take-offs from standing still in first gear with lower gears. It will be a lot more "peppier" off the line and around town. You will notice a huge difference, and you'll wonder why you didn't do it a long time ago.

Other than forced induction, there's really not much you can do to the 2.5 engine itself to make more power. Lots of folks and magazines have tried to no avail. I put a heavier flywheel in my 98 TJ (think inertia ring) and it may have helped maintain speeds, but that's about it.

My Jeep: 98 TJ, 2.5/five-speed. Dana 30 front with Aussie locker/Dana 44 rear with Detroit locker. 4.88 gears (don't know if 5.13 was an option in 2008 - sometimes I wish I had 5.13), 33" tires (285/75/16), 3.5' RE lift. Lots of other stuff too. I have fun with my TJ. That's what I've got it for. Fun and adventure.

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Sometimes I pull a little trailer.

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Upgraded my 1997 Wrangler 2.5L. From Harland Sharp N.C. Roller rockers . Don't order online. Call them you will get a better price. I got $75.00 off and he put the Roller rockers back on machine and made them adjustable. At no cost.
The wife and I just got back from a 5 week vacation. From Anaheim California to Georgia to Maine, Las Vegas then home. Had no problems.
Bill

 

[Bill W.]

I declare shenanigans. You're talking 20-30% gain over stock from rockers and a header. Without dyno proof I think those are seat of the pants numbers.

Got the numbers from Harland Sharp