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What could I replace on my wrangler sport to enhance performance?

2K views 26 replies 19 participants last post by  digger531 
#1 ·
I have a 2002 Wrangler Sport 4.0L in line 6. I replaced the engine block about a year ago because it blew up but I have recently been thinking I would like to replace other factory parts with higher performance parts to enhance my vehicle. I have heard that replacing the factory air intake system can make a huge difference in performance. What else could I replace to maximize my jeep's potential? I don't know too much about cars so I would like to get some ideas. Thanks.
 
#5 ·
I moved your Thread to the TJ Tech Forum. You should receive more response in this Forum.
 
#7 ·
Cold air intake and or electric fan and or new exhaust will all only lighten your wallet but might also give your engine more grit to digest and decrease engine life
Stick with stock

For more power first and foremost proper gearing for tires and engine tranny

Then stroker or forced induction or engine swap or learn to enjoy the great a tributes of the 4.0 as is
 
#11 ·
I have heard that replacing the factory air intake system can make a huge difference in performance. What else could I replace to maximize my jeep's potential? I don't know too much about cars so I would like to get some ideas. Thanks.
On SOME vehicles there can be good gains. In the 4.0 TJ engine NO
 
#12 ·
The biggest improvement you will feel would be gearing. I would wager you could bolt on every imaginable aftermarket part available and never tell the difference other than it being louder. Jeeps do not make good race cars. Sure you could put in a monster motor but you will break everything behind it. If you want to go fast buy a car
 
#16 ·
I don't get why people think you can't get more Hp or torque out of a 4.0 I6 with some after market upgrades. No a jeep is not a race car and they are not built for speed. But I can understand wanting a lil more pep in your step even in a jeep. I just installed the Banks Power Pack. Huge difference in response and power gain. More than I expected. And I don't even have the programmer on high output. There are somethings out there that will empty your pocket with no return. But for myself and a few other guys that have installed the power pack money well spent.

Sent from my LG-V410 using Tapatalk
 
#17 ·
If the same engine is to produce more power at a given RPM you either gotta get more air and fuel flowing thru it or burn it mor optimally

For the first increased displacement or forced induction or if the intake or exhaust was inhibiting flow reduce restriction

For the second fix a off mixture or improve spark timing neither should be off optimal far enough for significant potential gain

Now replacing a dirty air filter or obstructed cat or bad plugs or on a 97-99 bad plug wires there you can get significant gain returning to original performance

Not seeing any documented performance gains beyond these

Now if you are talking reprogramming 4spd auto tranny shift points that is not engine output so not really a engine output gain
 
#22 ·
If you wanted more power, you would have been better off swapping to a small aluminum V8 when you blew your head.

The 4.0 was a technological dinosaur even when it came out so there's no much wiggle room for more power and efficiency. Make sure you are geared properly and do routine maintenance (air filter, oil change, throttle body cleaning, etc.) to make sure your motor is running at its peak. Other than that, you can stroke the 4.0 to various displacements, supercharge or turbocharge it, or like I stated first, engine swap. Just a heads up, the options just listed likely will never pay for themselves longterm.
 
#27 ·
Having your axles regeared is like shifting a bicycle chain onto the bigger cogs on the back wheel. Makes your Jeep easier to pedal. Yes you will have a higher RPM at a given speed but your engine wants to run at higher RPMs then it is set at.

As far as the Banks kit that was mentioned above, the only measurable change I have ever seen is the noise level. People always "feel" there is an improvement mostly because it sounds like there is. I have never heard of a measurable HP gain with a programmer of any kind on a 4.0ltr Jeep
 
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