'96 Grand Cherokee Engine Options

[bgmoss28]

I have a '96 Grand Cherokee Limited with the 4.0L I6 and I want to get a bigger engine for it. I don't know how big an engine will fit under the hood, but I'd like to get the biggest one I can. That, however, brings up two more problems. First, I have a very limited budget. Second, will I need a new tranny to handle the higher power? Also, as far as a turbo or a supercharger goes, which would be better?

Another thing I've wanted to do is lift it a couple inches. Since it's a Grand Cherokee, I don't want anything drastic. I'm thinking 2-3". Just enough to set it apart from other Jeeps.

Thanks for your help!

[dksob81]

There are alot of 3" lifts for ZJ's, it is not recommended to lift it higher then 3".

now as for the Engine not sure which engine would fit in the engine compartment.

Super or Turbo - I always prefer Super Charger 1) Better response and soon as u mash down on the pedal, with turbo - u have to wait for boost to build and for it to open. Nah, not for me. I want that power now and only now. Also turbos arn't really meant for V8 engines more for 4 and 6 cylinders. Sure Supers take a lil power away because of added friction on the drive belt, but it's not enough that would matter. and a good weines super can add up to 200 HP, in which a Turbo the most you will get is around 120-150 added HP.

SO IN THE END I CHOOSE SUPER OVER TURBO.

[mx52nv]

ok, why waste the money on a V8 when you can easily super/turbocharge the I6 for less money and use less gas? the V8 weighs more as well=more weight to move. do a search on Avenger superchargers, I am friends with the owner here in Colorado Springs.

dksob81, do a little more research before you lead the newbie astray. at only 6psi on my turbo, my Jeep can spin through 1st and 2nd in 2wd. in 4hi it launches very hard. A supercharger would be running 8-10psi to get the same results. the stock injectors and ecu can handle 6-7psi before needing upgrades, so another thing to think about.

as for a lift, you can go as high as your wallet allows.

[dksob81]

I wasn't leading no one nowhere, I was giving my personal opinion. I would rather have a super over a turbo. better response - POINT BLANK

[SteveB05]

My opinion would be turbo. There has been a lot of advancements in turbos over the past decade . They are very responsive now. They are designed to keep the turbo spinning just under a boost level until you "get in it", doesn't take any time at all to spool into boost.

I have driven a Dodge Shadow (Shelby CSX acutally) with over 400 HP at the wheels - mind you this is a common block 2.2L 4 cyl turbo II (intercooled) engine. Obviously a little more work was done to it, but the possibility is there.

Plus, turbos are better for daily use when you are not "on it".

BUT, if you tow often, make sure you have done your homework on cooling and lubrication.

[bgmoss28]

Thanks for all your input. If I stay with the I6 and go with a turbo, what other mods will I have to do? I know I'll need a new intake and I want to put on a Flowmaster exhaust anyway, but what about the engine itself? Will it be able to handle the increased hp? And what about the tranny? I'm not completly sure, but I think it's on the way out. If that turns out to be the case, what should I get to replace it?

If I don't stick with the I6, Chrysler has a new Hemi out this year that has a Multi-Cylinder Displacement System, where it turns off 4 cylinders when they're not needed. Anyone know where I could get one of those? The other engine I'm thinking of is the 5.9L Jeep. I don't mind rebuilding it, if it's necessary, but I don't know where I can go to get one.

Thanks for your help.

[mx52nv]

Originally Posted by dksob81

I wasn't leading no one nowhere, I was giving my personal opinion. I would rather have a super over a turbo. better response - POINT BLANK

comparisons are not based on "opinions", but on fact. your opinion was "the most you will get". when the fact here is that a turbo has more power potential than a supercharger, especially on an Inline engine. look at a Supra for example, that Inline 3.0 6cyl is a monster. don't quote hp numbers unless you know what you are talking about. how many turbo or even high performance cars have you owned? I have owned 7, so I rest my case.

[bgmoss28]

If I stick with the 6 and go with a turbo, how much hp will I be making?

[mx52nv]

about 245 at the wheels before you have to do a lot of work.

[dksob81]

OK OK OK - lets get back to the POINT, I was SAYING that if your gonna swap in a bigger engine (V8) then I would go for a super, like I mentioned above Turbos are great for 4 and 6 cylinder engines, not soo much for V8's.

and currently I own own or partially own a VR-4 and a 300 ZX TT.

by all means I was not saying that Turbos suck I do not have anythign against turbos hell both my cars have them, I was just saying for a V8 - I prefer Super over Turbo.

[mx52nv]

Originally Posted by dksob81

OK OK OK - lets get back to the POINT, I was SAYING that if your gonna swap in a bigger engine (V8) then I would go for a super, like I mentioned above Turbos are great for 4 and 6 cylinder engines, not soo much for V8's.

and currently I own own or partially own a VR-4 and a 300 ZX TT.

by all means I was not saying that Turbos suck I do not have anythign against turbos hell both my cars have them, I was just saying for a V8 - I prefer Super over Turbo.

not so much for V8's you say?? you know how many TT V8 Mustangs and LS/LT series motors there are? a lot. you want to talk about compressor graphs or how to build one, not that you have a clue? probably not. how do you partially own something? either you own it or you don't. your parents', brothers', friends' cars don't count, sorry. have a nice day....

[dksob81]

now your flipping everything I say around......
I didn't say you couldn't put turbo on a V8... When I think of Turbo - I think of a 4/6 cylinder import. Supercharger - I think of mean street muscle car. thats all.

Me and a friend own the VR-4 and ZX TT. it isn't his nor mine, WE own it..

[SteveB05]

Guys relax. Geeze!

[bgmoss28]

So, what do I do if 245hp isn't enough for me? I'd like another 100, if possible.

[SteveB05]

Nitrous. Quick and easy HP. 245 HP is plenty for 99% of your driving. I'm guessing you want that other 100 HP in case some teenager pulls up next to you in their daddy's Escalade.