I Just recently purchased a 1985 Cherokee after my Toyota pickup blew up. It is the 2.5L 4 cylinder automatic. Its 4x4. Anyways it accelerates extremely slow. Is there anything I can do to fix up the engine? Its also carbonated.

 

Well, it's an underpowered, carb'd, 4 cylinder motor with an automatic transmission in a mid-size SUV. Not much you can do. Headers, maybe? Performance carb if you can find one.

 

With that combo you should have 4.56 gears.. if not that is your problem. The 2.5 rides are not known for their acceleration, or power. In fact on every aspect but price they were worse

 

Oh okay. Basically I'm kinda stuck with what I got. I am thinking about converting it to manual. I think that might help a bit.

 

I used to have an 86 2.5L 5 speed, and I found there really isen't much you can do to increase the power, nor is it worth it in my opinion. Now that I have a 4.0L, i would never consider going back to the 2.5.. ever. My 4.0L jeep gets better fuel economy than my 2.5L did, not by much but it is better and has loads more power.

Im not sure I would bother with a 5 speed swap unless you can find all the parts you need for a really good price, it would definetly make it a bit more "livable" for power

 

Yes, do a 5 speed manual tranny swap. Im doin this job soon after I rebuild the 5 speed in my 96. Ive got two 84 XJs, one with the 2.5 and a 5 speed that I dont drive anymore, the other 84 with the GM 2.8 and the Ultra crappy ChryCryCrysler 904 3 speed automatic. Im going to swap the 5 speed in place of the 3 speed auto. If you do this swap before I do, I will be interested to hear how it goes.

 

I HAVE a 1985 Cherokee 2.5L WITH a 5-Spd Aisin-Warner. I can tell you that it works better than the Chrysler 904 but not enough alone. If you haven't done this swap yet, remember, you'll also need a pedal assembly, shifter assembly and boot, and the piping for the slave cylinder.

I am completely swapping to a 4.0L / automatic. I start this project next week.

For you, I would take the suggestion of changing your gearing. You might lose a few top end MPH but you'll get more power. My Chero does ok here in the mountains but I don't hold high expectations. The Chero 2.5L was meant for the USPS to putt around and deliver mail in the cities.