[keithpeindl]

Just wanted to say hi! I just bought a 2000 SE with 65000 on it. Wanted to see if anyone had an insight on what I should do first. Was thinking of a 1" lift... does it really make a noticable change? Also debating on new exhaust and intake... was hoping to increase the HP on the 4 cyclinder a little!

 

[mrbigjeep]

so you got the jeep! congrats! if you do a one 1" lift you can do a spacer lift or a body lift...you want to get some bigger tires right? what size...with a 1" lift you can clear 31's easily...cause you can actually clear them without a lift so you could probably put 32's under there...my buddy just put on an aem intake and loves it and i have a flowmaster and it sounds awesome (6 banger) and helped performance...by the way, welcome!

 

[keithpeindl]

I have another question... I havent picked up the jeep yet... I signed all the paperwork but they are inspecting it and I will pick it up in 2 weeks when im back in town (im in philly for 2 weeks for a job) . I was wondering if my stock top will have the ability to fold back in the very front. My uncle has a 94 and his you cant. Just wondering if that is a newer feature or if my 00 soft top will have it.

 

[1BLKJP]

That feature I believe is only a factory option on the 07 models, however you can buy aftermarket tops (Sunriders) I believe they are referred to as.

Congrats on your rig.

 

[amerijeep]

Welcome to WF!

 

[mrbigjeep]

actually i think that sunrider thing your talkin about is available on the unlimited's and maybe some new tj's...where the front flips back like a sunroof but i don't think the 2000 will have it...but you can always unzip the rear softop windows for some extra air

 

[bobinyelm]

Unless your Jeep was garaged and kept under cover while away from home, the OEM top may be close to needing replacement. Most get tired by 5 years or so. Mine (2000 model) in TX was toast and shreaded by this summer.

You can buy an Outlander (by Smittybilt) replacement top for as little as $230, or a fold back sunroof top for as little as $399 (both prices from Collins Bros. Jeep in Dallas-Good People).

Those prices are for hard-door models, BTW. The sunroof type come w/ all new top bows, while direct replacement tops use your old hardware.

As far as more power, etc., I'd suggest running yours a while before deciding that you need the power enough to pay big bucks for minimal improvement. You might find you can live fine with stock hp.

Bob

I have another question... I havent picked up the jeep yet... I signed all the paperwork but they are inspecting it and I will pick it up in 2 weeks when im back in town (im in philly for 2 weeks for a job) . I was wondering if my stock top will have the ability to fold back in the very front. My uncle has a 94 and his you cant. Just wondering if that is a newer feature or if my 00 soft top will have it.

 

[keithpeindl]

Thanks for all the info. The top looked to be in GREAT condition when i test drove it. No fading, rips, tears. I am thinking maybe they had it replaced. The sunrider sounds nice but im not replacing it till needed. For now i will just drop the top and drive it bare! I think the only thing I will purchase right away is a bikini top and possibly a tonneau cover.

 

[Texapple]

welcome to WF & congrats on the new addition

 

[[email protected]]

Congrats on the new jeep first of all. Second you are very right on waiting to replace the top. That sunrider is a waist of money in my opinion, think about it why would you spend that much money on that top to get sun on your face. Just keep what you got and take the whole thing down. I would also be cautious about putting to big a tire on there. I have 31's on my 6cyl with intake and chip and i still struggle up hills. I have to down shift to make it up the big ones. Welcome and good luck....

 

[JeepCrawler98]

Congrats on the new Jeep! Welcome to WranglerForum - great to have another 4 cylinder guy around

 

[hmenker]

Welcome to the Forum!

I had an '01 2.5L Tj and loved it. For more power and better mpg, I have used and currently use two different aftermarket air intake systems and both have provided more power and increased fuel economy. Both are very reasonable price-wise. One is Rocket-Air by Turbo City in CA. You can order it direct from them for about $150 (tube, filter and shipping). The other is from Rusty's Offroad in Alabama and their tube and filter cost about $85 with shipping. Both have added a lot of power and increased gas mileage. Hope that helps! And, by the way, check with some of the guys on the forum regarding tires. I have 30" on mine and it doesn't seem to affect the 2.5L's ability but friends of mine have noticed increased demand on the engine when you try to move bigger tires (32s and 33s). Hope this helps. Good luck!

 

[FuzzyDolly]

Congrats on your new addiction!

 

[DoubleUp686]

I have a 2000 SE and I hit 65k on my way back to school in VA from NY. I have a hi-flow cat, dynomax exhaust, K&N filter, snorkel (improves power a bit), 8mm spark plug wires, and electric fan (doesn't do that much for power). With all of that and some synthetic oil, I never really have any problems on the highway with 31's and I drive back and forth between school and home (640 miles). If there is a big hill I still have to downshift into 4th and if there is a lot of wind it can be tough. I don't regret buying a 4 banger and the new ones are a little more powerful so I don't think you'll have any problems.

 

[OneBoltShort]

Congradulations!! I just bought the same model/year last month (with 45k) and I love it!! So far I've put on the airraid intake and hesko throttle body spacer and noticed alittle more midrange power. Next on my list is the chip, then a 2" lift and a set of 32's!! I struggle with the stock setup on highways, up hills, or in high wind so I gotta give the engine alittle more power before beafing up the tires.

 

[mrbigjeep]

if you get bigger tires then you better regear with just that 4 cylinder