More power!

[tnoyes30]

I just wanted to know if anyone had an idea for adding just a couple cheap horsepower to my 2000 cherokee, OR any ideas for improving gas mileage. Thanks.

Tyler

[sector95]

Hey Tyler,

Just my 2 cents....

The XJ gets lousy mileage...especially the 4WD version....period. It has the aerodynamics of a brick and all that nice ground clearance adds to the wind drag index. On top of that, the factory fits the rear end with a fairly low (high numerically) final drive ratio....my '00 Sport has a 3.55 ratio..and that's stock. The low final drive helps give the little beastie some zip but destroys your gas mileage. There's not a whole lot you can do about the basic design.

Having said that, I would start with a thorough tune-up:
Plugs
Air Filter
Thoroughly clean the throttle body.
Thoroughly clean the CCV (crankcase ventilation) system (relpace the grommets in the valve cover and the valve cover gasket)
Have the fuel injectors professionally cleaned (not by pouring a can of "Wonder Fix" in the gas tank)

Do you have over-sized tires? Do you have a lift kit installed? Got a light bar on the roof stacked with a half-dozen Cibie's?These are mileage killers on a vehicle that already gets crappy mpg's. Your choice: the "cool factor" or better gas mileage. Unless of course you actually go wheeling in the boonies on a regular basis. Remove the factory luggage rack cross bars...nobody uses them anyway and they create wind drag.

The engine is designed for longevity and as such is in a fairly mild state of tune. To wake it up enough to be noticeable requires large sums of moolah.
(stroker kits, turbos or superchargers, etc). Sure, you can buy a "performance" intake, a hyper chip and big bore throttle body and these will set you back about 700 smackers and will do very little...add a catback system and you're bumping a grand. For all of this you'll get more intake roar, maybe some firmer reprogrammed shifts and a cool sounding exhaust (if you get the right one).... all great inputs to the famous "Butt Dyno" that will make you feel as if someone slipped some Viagra in the gas tank of your little dink....but in reality have done little *real* improvements.

The best mileage improver mod comes free...it's called your right foot. Easy on the gas...get the tranny in OD lock-up as quickly as possible and drive smart....pace the traffic lights, drive like you've got an egg between your foot and the gas pedal....keep an even speed.

Happy trails...

Mike
00XJ

[AlohaBra]

Good write up Mike.

I have relegated my XJ to weekend duty and some off roading.

I use a Mazda Tribute all wheel drive for commuting. Am looking at the new 08 Scion xD though. I drove an 06 xA around as a company vehicle and it was totally fun along with V-good gas mileage.