JEEP PERFORMANCE CHIP....is it worth it?

robtre · 01-28-2009, 08:08 AM

Im looking at performance chips for my 2005 TJ,and I was hoping for some insight from the forum. First and most obvious question is do they really work? Im looking for engine performance as well as fuel economy. This is my first TJ upgrade and if the chip is BS then I will spend money on other things like cold air intake. Forum please advise........

bradbodigon · 01-28-2009, 08:10 AM

i started crawling this thread because i want to know the same thing also. hopefully someone will post with some info.

**Unlimited04** · 01-28-2009, 08:14 AM

NO. search and you will find.

CAIs: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/faq-cold-air-intake-558437/

Tyler99TJ · 01-28-2009, 08:30 AM

I have the stage 2 and no it is not worth it. It "requires" me to run on 91 or higher octane fuel and really does not do much of anything. All it did was make my engine idle very low and it bounces up and down when the A/C is turned on.

I have an air intake, bored out throttle body and spacer. They help a little bit, but really just wish that I had spent all that money on regearing.

Lasher · 01-28-2009, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unlimited04

NO. search and you will find.

CAIs: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=558437

What does CAI's have to do with the op's question?

**2jhanna** · 01-28-2009, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lasher

What does CAI's have to do with the op's question?

if you read the op, he states he would spend money on cai.

then I will spend money on other things like cold air intake. Forum please advise........

patricknolan · 01-28-2009, 08:44 AM

nvm

Dont get a CAI

Eric06Rubi · 01-28-2009, 08:53 AM

save your money.... and get a true COLD air intake. I mean by cold air, not one that draws air from inside the engine compartment. this will require some engineering on your part. ideally air from the cowl, drawing from the low pressure area at the base of the windshield is best.

to notice any real world gains, the air intake temps must be within a couple degrees of ambient. NOT the 200 + degrees that engine compartment is.

**Jerry Bransford** · 01-28-2009, 10:07 AM

I wouldn't bother with a CAI and I sure wouldn't waste my $$$ on a chip. First, chips require you run higher octane fuel to keep the engine from pinging and second, they only help out a little bit at WOT (wide open throttle) at high RPMs, not how anyone but some 16-17 year olds drive a Jeep. It won't help at all for offroading.

And so far as CAIs go, I believe they are overhyped and a lot over very little. If our Jeeps were drag racers, sure... but they don't help in normal driving. I can think of a whole lot of useless things I'd spend my money on before I'd ever even consider buying a CAI.

**SpoiledRotten** · 01-28-2009, 10:25 AM

Jerry, you made the point I was going to hit on... Everyone performance chip I've read about states that makes a difference at 4500 to 5000 RPM. How long would someone's Jeep engine last running at those numbers? I wouldn't have one for the Jeep. I do have a Performance Programmer for my 7.3 PSD and it is great for that kind of application.

RedTeej · 01-28-2009, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric06Rubi

save your money.... and get a true COLD air intake. I mean by cold air, not one that draws air from inside the engine compartment. this will require some engineering on your part. ideally air from the cowl, drawing from the low pressure area at the base of the windshield is best.

to notice any real world gains, the air intake temps must be within a couple degrees of ambient. NOT the 200 + degrees that engine compartment is.

Is this a worthwhile mod to a stock tj, then? I want to tinker but don't have much of a budget. I have been thinking about fabbing an above the hood intake, most likely a small scoop by the windshield that blows into the existing airbox/filter. If it helps with mileage and deep water ability for later on when I can really begin modding it, I may start drawing some designs up. Can anyone chime into this? I'm moderately OCD, so I won't do anything that either looks 'wrong' or rigged. Oh yeah, sorry for the hijack!

**Jerry Bransford** · 01-28-2009, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brton161

Is this a worthwhile mod to a stock tj?

IMHO, not even close to being worth the $$$ or the slightest effort.

RedTeej · 01-28-2009, 10:38 AM

cool, good to know. I'm just looking to tinker for cheap before the summer job rolls around, but I'm sure I'll find something.

srlbotanical · 01-28-2009, 11:44 AM

The other thing to consider with a CAI is water. I really like the way the stock airbox is set up on my 97 TJ.

You really have to be in the hoopla pretty deep to suck water through the stock intake. I would have sucked water by now on several occasions if I were running an aftermarket intake...

Steve

**BomberJeep** · 01-28-2009, 11:48 AM

I have a CAI on my jeep and could care less about it. I got it for the cheap. Thought it would help like it does for imports but yeah I was mistaken. I think its time to make a snorkel