There’s a persistent narrative on the market that bolt-on efficiency components for the Jeep 4.0L engine simply don’t work. That’s not true, you simply need to handle your expectations. The issue is that as a result of the 4.0 is a low-revving, low-end torque biased design, the facility beneficial properties from particular person components will be underwhelming—we’re speaking low single digits for probably the most half. Throwing all of the out there bolt-on components at a inventory 4.0L ought to internet roughly 15 horsepower and 15 lb.-ft. of torque to the rear wheels, assuming the engine and transmission are wholesome.
Whereas that won’t sound like loads, let’s put it into perspective. A powerful operating four-wheel drive XJ Cherokee with the excessive output engine rated at 190 horsepower and 225 lb.-ft. of torque paired with the strong, however power-sapping, AW4 automated like our challenge, ought to put round 135 hp and 160 lb.-ft. to the tires. That is utilizing the frequent assumption of round 29% loss.
If we had been to extend that rear wheel energy to round 150 hp and 175 lb.-ft. of torque throughout the identical rpm vary (about 212 hp and 246 lb.-ft. on the crank), the outcome shall be noticeable.
In any case, our objective right here isn’t wrapped round peak horsepower or torque numbers. The truth is, we don’t care what they’re. We’ve added weight, top, aero drag, and rolling resistance to our Cherokee with off-road tools, a elevate, metal off-road bumpers, a roof rack and 33 inch tires, so what we’re after is a stronger and broader low to midrange energy band that may enhance off-road efficiency, permit us to cruise extra comfortably at freeway speeds, and hopefully acquire just a few factors of mpg.
We’ve additionally famous that our Cherokee has misplaced some energy and mpg, so we suspect a clogging catalytic converter. Would possibly as effectively make some enhancements if we’ve got to interchange components!
A Recipe for Making Energy in a Jeep 4.0L Engine
For finest airflow out and in of an inner combustion engine, ideally you need easy, wide-open bores with as few bends as doable, and any bends needs to be as mild as doable. A straightforward means to consider that is that air principally flows like water—it hates disturbances, squeezes, and sharp corners. Whereas fashionable consumption and exhaust system parts have change into far more optimized from the manufacturing unit, our Cherokee has room to enhance.
The important thing factor to recollect is that an engine is a giant air pump and, in inventory configuration, they seldom have all of the air they’ll use. In naturally aspirated kind, solely the vacuum created by the pistons transferring down on the consumption stroke attracts air in, and solely the piston transferring upward on the exhaust stroke pushes it out. When air is simpler to pump out and in through much less movement restriction, the result’s decrease pumping losses (the facility it takes to attract air in opposition to a restriction). Within the case of tuned consumption and exhaust methods, we additionally get the benefit of size and diameter tuning of the consumption plenum and exhaust manifold to extend energy.
To appreciate these beneficial properties, our plan is to throw the standard suspects at our Cherokee, together with a tuned and free flowing exhaust with easy mandrel bends and a free-flowing muffler, upgraded catalytic converters, and an improved air consumption plenum that minimizes disruptions to attain laminar air movement into the throttle physique.
We all know all this primary principle works effectively with excessive output muscle automobile and sizzling rod engines, so let’s see what we will do with the comparatively low output 4.0L in our Cherokee!
Jeep Cherokee XJ 4.0L Exhaust & Air Consumption Improve Components Listing
Banks Energy TorqueTube Exhaust Manifolds – GBE-51306
MagnaFlow California Grade CARB Compliant Direct-Match Catalytic Converter (Y-pipe for EFN 2230 ) – MPE-447190
MagnaFlow California Grade CARB Compliant Direct-Match Catalytic Converter (Rear for EFN 2230 ) – MPE-447224
MagnaFlow Common Catalytic Converters (Y-pipe for EFN 2130 ) – MPE-444504
MagnaFlow Common Catalytic Converters (Rear for EFN 2130 ) – MPE-441005
MagnaFlow Road Collection Efficiency Exhaust Programs – MPE-16464
aFe Momentum ST Professional 5R Chilly Air Consumption Programs – AFE-54-46209
Summit Racing Band Clamps – SUM-692025
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We needs to be clear, there’s nothing horribly flawed with the inventory airbox for the low calls for of the 4.0L. Nevertheless, there may be room for enchancment, and it’s all about making it simpler for the 4.0L to inhale on the consumption stroke. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
The manufacturing unit air field has an inlet that pulls air from the little hole between the headlight and the radiator. Effectively, it’s at the very least pointed in direction of the hole to assemble the good air doable. Our consumption improve would be the very last thing we set up, however we’re eradicating the inventory stuff first to make working room. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
Per aFe testing, the movement numbers for the inventory Cherokee airbox with a normal paper panel filter is about 230 cfm at 7 inches of H2O. That’s not horrible, however that’s additionally the absolute best movement with a brand new filter. This quantity drops rapidly with use. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
Engine air movement is set by the sum of all of the restrictions within the air path. One key to gaining energy from air movement is to reduce disruptions and obstructions to attain laminar air movement, which signifies that the air is flowing easily in a largely parallel path. This convoluted part of the inventory consumption tube principally creates speedbumps for airflow. Eradicating it simply requires unclipping the band that snugs it to the throttle physique. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
Whether or not you’re upgrading the air consumption system or not, we extremely suggest eradicating the airbox to achieve some useful room underneath the hood for the exhaust upgrades. The three bolts on the backside are all that maintain it to the inside fender. Additionally value noting, the mud patterns point out that our air filter might not be making a really tight seal. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
Like many straight six engines, pulling the exhaust manifold on the 4.0L requires eradicating the consumption as effectively as a result of they share a typical gasket and mounting bolts. Our gasket is wanting a bit of tough across the edges in any case. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
To drag the consumption, we’ve got to disconnect the transmission TV cable and throttle cable. The TV cable will slide off should you pull it ahead. The throttle cable will pop off with a small quantity of prying. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
Whereas not completely vital, we opted to drag our throttle physique off the consumption for an intensive cleansing and a brand new gasket. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
Talking of airflow, the inventory throttle physique will be bored from 58mm to 63mm by a professional machinist, which is definitely the diameter of the opening on the consumption manifold. We’ll be trying to make this improve down the street as effectively. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
On the aspect of the consumption manifold are a number of vacuum strains and a wiring harness mount that should be pulled in addition to a mounting tab for the gas line. All will slide proper off, and gas line mount takes a 10mm wrench. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
To take away the gas line, you’ll want a 3/8 inch fast disconnect device. We suggest relieving the gas stress through the Schrader valve on the rail earlier than doing this. When you have a gas stress gauge occupying that port like us, unscrewing it slowly may even relieve stress. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
The bracket that holds each cables additionally must be faraway from the consumption. A 10mm wrench will get this one, however we suggest a deepwell 10mm socket for the second. As soon as free, it might simply be put aside on the alternative aspect of the engine. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
With the gas injector harness unclipped from the injectors and put aside, we will lastly get a very good take a look at the row of higher bolts for the consumption and exhaust. From the look of that grime, we’d as effectively throw a valve cowl gasket on whereas we’re at it. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
This graphic from Banks Energy offers an summary of the mounting bolt placement for the consumption and exhaust, in addition to the steered removing sequence and set up torque sequence. To take away the consumption, however not the exhaust manifolds, we wish to depart bolts 6, 3, and seven. These will maintain the manifolds in place as we slide the consumption off. (Picture/Banks Energy)
In just a few areas, a ratchet with a few extensions and a common joint will work surprisingly effectively. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
In different spots, you’ll want a very good wrench. When you take away all of the consumption bolts (besides 6, 3, and seven), the consumption will slide off and expose the manufacturing unit exhaust manifold. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
Subsequent up are the pre-cats and Y-pipe. These are solely current on 2000-01 Cherokees with California emissions, so in case you have an earlier Cherokee (or 49 state emissions) you’ll have an extended manufacturing unit manifold right here. Apart from enhancing exhaust movement, we’re swapping out our converters as a result of they’re exhibiting indicators of clogging through an consumption vacuum take a look at. We’ve additionally famous general sluggishness and low mpg. If current, the higher oxygen sensors needs to be eliminated and put aside. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
The second set of oxygen sensors for 2000-01 Cherokees is on the underside aspect of the pre-cats. These also needs to be eliminated and put aside. We’re paranoid, so we marked every sensor to place it again in the identical location. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
Earlier than you get began on the bolts that connect the pre-cats to the exhaust manifold, soak them down along with your favourite penetrating oil. A mixture of extensions and common joints, and a gear wrench will work to entry the bolts. Get them free, however don’t utterly take away them but. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
Earlier than utterly eradicating the pre-cats bolts within the exhaust manifold, it’s a good suggestion to unbolt the intermediate pipe. That is the one piece of Cherokee exhaust that isn’t at present reproduced with good mandrel bent tubing. Good factor ours is in good situation with no dents or rust holes. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
With the pre-cats and intermediate pipe eliminated, the manufacturing unit exhaust manifold will nonetheless be hanging on the pinnacle by three bolts. Again these off and the two-piece manifold with slide off. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
Time to unbox new components, and this positively describes how we had been feeling! (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
We benefit from the humorous Easter Eggs Gale Banks contains on this his packaging. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
This lovely piece of 400 grade stainless-steel is the Banks TorqueTubes System for 4.0L outfitted 2000-01 Jeep XJ Cherokee, 1999-2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2000-06 Jeep Wrangler. There isn’t lots of area to work with due to the pre-cats, however Banks engineers had been in a position to develop a tuned header that enhances each torque and horsepower. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
Cherokee manifolds are vulnerable to cracking close to the collectors for varied causes, most of which need to do with worn and sloppy engine, transmission, and exhaust mounts. Banks engineers know this and the TorqueTubes header was designed with elevated energy on the frequent factors of cracking. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
The TorqueTubes flange is a half inch thick, double welded, and machined lifeless flat and exactly fitted to withstand warping and cracking on the head. We’re hoping this implies no header leaks ever. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
Right here’s the TorqueTubes major tube vs the manufacturing unit manifold. Be aware the second flange weld contained in the tube. The Banks tubes are additionally sized and formed to match the 4.0L exhaust ports. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
Our head floor was surprisingly clear underneath the unique gasket. A inexperienced Scotch-Brite pad was sufficient to have the floor prepared for the brand new Banks gasket. The studs at mounting positions 6 and seven and the 2 finding dowels on the underside row will maintain it in place. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
Be sure you see this embossed print over mounting place 3 going through outward in direction of the TorqueTube to make sure a very good seal. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
Take a look at these beautiful tubes! The identical studs will serve to find the TorqueTube. Flippantly tightening the bolt in place 3 between tubes three and 4 will preserve it safe whereas becoming the consumption manifold. Be aware the warmth protect over the diver aspect motor mount. You’ll positively wish to preserve this in place to guard the mount, however it might require a bit of bending to clear the TorqueTube. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
Set up bolts 1, 2, 4, and 5 from the diagram about three turns into the engine block. These will assist find and help the consumption manifold. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
Information the consumption manifold onto the cylinder head dowels, then loosely set up all remaining consumption/exhaust manufacturing unit bolts. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
Make certain the TorqueTube and consumption manifold sit flush as bolts are tightened. If you happen to see any hole or misalignment right here, confirm that the dowel pins are correctly aligned within the consumption manifold. Torque all exhaust and consumption manifold bolts to 25 ft.-lbs. in the identical sequence proven above in picture #15. (Picture/Christopher Campbell) (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
Time to deal with the remainder of exhaust! This rear catalytic converter exists primarily to only assist clear up regardless of the pre-cats don’t catch. They’re often not working that onerous and aren’t even monitored by the emissions system. They’re a restrictive older fashion of catalytic converter, so there are exhaust movement beneficial properties available by upgrading. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
Value noting right here, the exhaust hanger on the transmission mount is the one factor holding up the exhaust from the header all the best way to behind the muffler. This mount must be in fine condition to supply good help and a few flexibility to the system. Worn hangers with aged rubber can put stress on the system and trigger cracks. If yours is unique, we strongly counsel changing it with a brand new rubber mount . (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
Selecting the best catalytic converter will be tough, it’s not all the time as simple as simply selecting the yr, make, and mannequin. Consider it or not, there are sometimes a number of certifications on the identical autos in the identical mannequin yr. The most effective solution to just be sure you get the catalytic converters which can be appropriate on your automobile is to use Magnaflow’s on-line search . We’ll present you why this is a vital verification step. You’ll begin by coming into the essential information about your automobile, a 2000 Cherokee Basic in our case. (Picture/Magnaflow)
That is the display screen the place issues begin getting far more granular to your particular automobile and the place it’s registered. Ours is an unique California emission automobile and is at present registered in California. That is essential for 2 causes. One, the necessities for emissions are totally different per state, and two, specs will be totally different per automobile. (Picture/Magnaflow)
Right here’s an fascinating twist that we weren’t anticipating. There are two Engine Household Numbers (EFN) for a similar mannequin yr Cherokee with two distinctly totally different emissions certifications. Because of this there are totally different converters for every EFN that can not be combined, or the outcome won’t be emissions compliant. (Picture/Magnaflow)
What’s occurring right here? Effectively, all autos bought in the USA have a singular drivetrain identifier often known as an Engine Household Quantity (EFN). This quantity determines the specs and put in emissions management tools. As a result of autos can have a number of totally different configurations, it’s essential to test this quantity to make sure you get the right components. In response to the Mannequin Yr 2000 Inexperienced Automobile Information on FuelEconomy.gov , Cherokees with an EFN ending in 2130 obtained an air air pollution core of two, whereas Cherokees with and EFN ending in 2230 obtained an air air pollution core of 1. This implies the emissions classifications are distinctly totally different and parts can’t be combined. (Picture/California Air Assets Board – CARB)
The Automobile Emission Management Info label is what’s going to show the EFN and is often positioned someplace within the engine compartment in a clearly seen place. For our Cherokee, it’s on the motive force aspect cowl close to the brake booster. This diagram reveals another typical areas for the Automobile Emission Management Info label. (Picture/California Air Assets Board – CARB)
If you happen to’re lucky sufficient to have a California emissions Cherokee with EFN 2230, Magnaflow has you coated with lovely direct bolt-in converters that may precisely exchange your manufacturing unit components. When you have a Cherokee with an EFN that ends in 2130, Magnaflow nonetheless has your converters, however they are going to be a weld-in fashion requiring reuse of the unique Y-pipe. For this text, we’ll be working with the extra consumer pleasant, and extra frequent, 2230 EFN that has direct bolt-in choices. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
Right here’s the unique rearward catalytic converter vs. the brand new Magnaflow 50-state authorized model. Not solely is there an enormous dimension distinction, the Magnaflow is lower than half the load, due to a way more environment friendly fashionable catalyst design. Be aware, it is a common converter that has been CARB accepted for the XJ Cherokee, so there may be an pointless oxygen sensor port that may require a plug . (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
Right here is the manufacturing unit pre-cat Y-pipe vs. the Magnaflow 50-state authorized model. Whereas not as ultimate for energy as a full-length header, these cats are extra environment friendly and higher flowing than the unique. They’re additionally sadly barely bigger in diameter. It’s simply sufficient of a rise to make putting in the nuts fairly a bit more difficult. Each units of converters are eligible for Magnaflow’s recycling program and might be value a pleasant chunk of cash. Get the main points on the converter recycling program right here. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
Along with the improved cats, the Magnaflow Y-pipe encompasses a significantly better collector design that helps enhance exhaust movement. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
Again beneath the Cherokee, let’s end yanking out the manufacturing unit tailpipe. The second exhaust hanger is positioned close to the rear shocks. Be aware, the manufacturing unit tailpipe isn’t mandrel bent, so the interior diameter decreases by as a lot as half an inch by these bends. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
Sliding the hangar out is a little bit of a problem should you’re retaining the rubber isolator. We discovered {that a} silicone spray lube and a flathead screwdriver work effectively to pry it out. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
Our rear hangar is clearly a customized piece, however eradicating this or the manufacturing unit half solely requires eradicating a single bolt. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
Viewing the unique tailpipe highlights the Magnaflow equipment’s precedence on exhaust movement. The mandrel bends don’t free radius, and the curve over the axle is far smoother and fewer abrupt. The Magnaflow can also be considerably longer than our system, so we’ll see how that works with our customized rear bumper. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
Our restrictive manufacturing unit muffler is lengthy gone and was changed by a chambered fashion muffler. Nevertheless, we didn’t take care of the drone we skilled at freeway speeds, so we’re wanting ahead to the extra muffling from the longer case Magnaflow . It additionally encompasses a straight-through design which helps enhance general exhaust movement. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
One other comparative view of the mandrel bends and smoother curve within the Magnaflow tailpipe vs. manufacturing unit. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
As a result of we’re doing a Banks header similtaneously our Magnaflow pre-cat Y-pipe improve, we’ve got two units of {hardware} to select from. The manufacturing unit fashion flag bolts that got here with the Magnaflow are what we’re going to make use of, however both set will work. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
We discovered that one of many bolts from the Banks equipment labored completely to assist find the Y-pipe. Sadly, snugging them goes to be principally a wrench affair as a result of bigger pre-cat diameter. Don’t absolutely tighten these bolts but, you’ll want some slack within the system to put in the remaining. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
The view from beneath illustrates why a ratchet with an extension received’t get you very far. Even with a common joint, there isn’t sufficient room. No complaints in any other case, the Y-pipe matches properly. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
This connection is the place you’ll want the wiggle room on the Y-pipe probably the most. These flanges want to satisfy flush with zero bind on both aspect. The Magnaflow Y-pipe comes with a brand new gasket. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
Time for the muffler. Since our Cherokee system has a rear catalytic converter immediately forward of the muffler, this adapter flange is required. The muffler slotted to permit the clamp to squeeze it tight to the adapter. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
The rear flange of the converter and the adapter on the muffler pull collectively to create a leak-free seal with no gasket. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
That is how the rear catalytic converter ought to look when put in. These CARB accepted converters are permitted to be used in a number of autos, so you’ll have seen them earlier than. They’re additionally not useful to thieves as a consequence of their very low amount of uncommon supplies—hopefully they know that. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
The Magnaflow muffler case is the biggest you may simply squeeze right into a Cherokee with inventory exhaust configuration, which is precisely what we would like. The straight by movement design doesn’t sacrifice any energy, however it does preserve the exhaust word mellow and may eradicate drone at freeway speeds. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
Issues are a bit of comfortable because the pipe snakes up and over the axle. We discovered that flipping the exhaust hanger to face in direction of the passenger aspect as an alternative of the motive force aspect helped enormously. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
Now we have gas tank armor, which was a serious contributor to our lack of area. Some mild persuasion from our BFH (huge freaking hammer ) gave us sufficient room to slide the tail pipe by and permit for some wiggle. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
The Magnaflow equipment doesn’t embrace a rear mount. We dropped by our native components retailer to choose up this primary exhaust hanger. One 90 diploma bend and it match like a glove. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
The Magnaflow equipment contains this stainless-steel exhaust clamp. Even after grinding giant parts off either side, it simply wasn’t going to clear the leaf spring and the gas tank armor. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
Our simple resolution shall be to swap in a Summit Racing stainless-steel exhaust clamp with a notch lower into it for the hangar. This stuff are a lot robust and can present the utmost room out there. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
We completely love the best way the three.5 inch, polished, and double walled Magnaflow tip seems to be! If you happen to’re a hardcore rock crawler (we’re not), you could discover that it’s essential to trim this again for clearance. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
Airbox upgrades on XJ Cherokees are factors of utmost division. The inventory field is satisfactory, however we’re going to step firmly on the aspect of “issues will be improved.” Specifically, airflow. The aFe Energy Momentum ST field will be considered an airflow engineer’s redesign of the inventory field. It matches within the inventory place and nonetheless protects the air filter from engine bay warmth and extreme mud, whereas additionally enormously rising the engine’s skill to breathe simpler. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
The Momentum ST encompasses a a lot bigger consumption port on the entrance of the field to permit for simpler movement into the field vs. inventory. The aspect port will be left open or be blocked off with the included rubber plug. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
A part of the key of the Momentum’s 13% enhance in airflow is the flexibility to accommodate a large six inch base x eight inch tall conical filter with a 3 inch flange. The 5R materials included with the equipment will provide one of the best horsepower and mpg outcomes. Since we frequently street journey our Cherokee lengthy distances to trails and tenting, we’ll use this on the road and possibly swap on considered one of aFe’s 10R or Professional Guard 7 filters to guard the engine after we head into any excessive mud circumstances. That can preserve our avenue filter clear and decrease upkeep. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
aFe’s movement testing of the inventory Cherokee paper panel filter vs. the 5R materials confirmed beneficial properties of 30 cfm at 7 inches of H2O. The a lot bigger floor space of the aFe filter may even permit it to maintain that movement fee for much longer because it masses up with grime. (Photographs/aFe Energy)
Bear in mind what we stated about air hating turbulence and tight bends? The Momentum ST’s consumption tube removes out the entire manufacturing unit convolutions and makes the curves as swooping as doable to maintain air transferring easily. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
Putting in the Momentum ST is nearly the identical course of because the inventory airbox. These rubber vibration isolators squeeze into the 2 outer holes. The center is a drain gap and needs to be left open. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
When individuals say there’s no true solution to get chilly air right into a Cherokee, that is what they’re speaking about. That is the a part of radiator core help that the airbox inlet faces. As you possibly can see, there may be solely a small hole subsequent to the radiator that permits airflow by the grill. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
Right here’s how the Momentum ST strains up with that hole. We’ve acquired an thought. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
Let’s be clear, that is our hairbrained thought, you wouldn’t have to do that to put in the aFE Momentum ST. We’re utilizing some locking pliers to bend again the flap on the core help to permit a bit freer flowing air to the Momentum ST inlet. That is surprisingly simple to do and can also be utterly reversible. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
We actually don’t wish to open up too giant of a niche that would permit extreme airflow to go round our Cherokee’s upgraded Mishimoto radiator, so we wedged a pool noodle within the higher part to shut off a part of the hole and left the underside part in direction of the Momentum ST inlet huge open. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
Right here’s the air cleaner component’s view of the newly opened up core help from the within of the Momentum ST. Not unhealthy. When in movement, ambient air ought to simply make it by. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
The aFe filter has a proprietary flange that seals it tightly to the Momentum ST field. There’s no probability of mud intrusion right here. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
The Momentum ST equipment features a size of hose that permits use of the inventory crankcase vent tube. We discovered it match finest with the manufacturing unit S-shaped vent hose turned this route. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
It takes a bit of wiggling to get the consumption tubes to line up completely, however upon getting the appropriate English on it, the Momentum ST field matches like manufacturing unit tools. It seems to be nice underneath the hood too. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)
So, did it work? We drove our Cherokee on the identical route from SoCal to Sothern Utah that we took final yr to seek out out. Beforehand, we discovered ourselves continuously shifting out of overdrive, and we had been by no means in a position to actually cruise at comfy freeway pace. On the lengthy grades, we had been struggling to take care of even 55 mph. This time, we had been in a position to simply maintain 65 to 70 mph in any respect factors and with a lot much less downshifting. The 4.0L felt prefer it had extra energy and torque all through the rev vary, it revved greater with ease, and it accelerated from a cease noticeably faster. The flexibility to remain in overdrive extra usually additionally gave us a strong mpg enhance over the two,000 miles journey. Our consumption and exhaust upgrades paired with our earlier cooling system upgrades that eradicated the parasitic drag from the mechanical fan netted us 15 to 16 mpg on the freeway when beforehand we had been seeing 11 to 12 mpg. That’s fairly vital given the present price of gas—plus the general driving expertise is so significantly better. (Picture/Christopher Campbell)