What can I do to get some hp in my v6 86
Seasoned Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 361
Likes: 0
From: NW Montana
Year: 88
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,059
Likes: 1
From: Indianola IOWA
Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
obviously not a good subject on this forum. maybe try a v6 camero forum? or some forum that deals with chevy motors. almost evry one here is guna be die hard 4.0s. i am
CF Veteran
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,220
Likes: 5
From: Arkansas
Year: 1987 & 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Got an 88 S15 Jimmy, same engine.,
its impossible to kill, but its a dog, flat 100hp.
Junkyard items...
Compare headers from a 3.4 Camaro or Firebird.
I would think a cam out of a 3.4 would be worth changing too, move the power band up but its a sacrifice to the low end power.
Next is aftermarket.
If you do the cam swap.
http://www.race-mart.com/items/produ...789-detail.htm
they're cheap enough.
The next step is pricey.
Holley 390 CFM vacuum secondary.
http://www.atlanticspeed.com/product...4&idcategory=7
Don't let someone talk tell you that it will run fine with a Holley 600 or 650 on it. Because it won't. it will run, but it will loose all port velocity and be a pure dog.
With the cam/intake/carb/header swap, I whould guesstimate your little v6 will be close to the 160HP mark.
Remember to use new lifters on the cam, even if its a used cam.
its impossible to kill, but its a dog, flat 100hp.
Junkyard items...
Compare headers from a 3.4 Camaro or Firebird.
I would think a cam out of a 3.4 would be worth changing too, move the power band up but its a sacrifice to the low end power.
Next is aftermarket.
If you do the cam swap.
http://www.race-mart.com/items/produ...789-detail.htm
they're cheap enough.
The next step is pricey.
Holley 390 CFM vacuum secondary.
http://www.atlanticspeed.com/product...4&idcategory=7
Don't let someone talk tell you that it will run fine with a Holley 600 or 650 on it. Because it won't. it will run, but it will loose all port velocity and be a pure dog.
With the cam/intake/carb/header swap, I whould guesstimate your little v6 will be close to the 160HP mark.
Remember to use new lifters on the cam, even if its a used cam.
one doesn't like dealing with error codes and ecu chips. One likes two screws to manage all air/fuel ratio and idle. One thinks it cheaper to rebuild carb rather than try to trouble shoot fuel injection system.
Not to be a smart @** about it but it's just cheaper and easier.
Not to be a smart @** about it but it's just cheaper and easier.

Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: Culpeper, VA
Year: 1986
Model: Cherokee
Engine: V6
Got an 88 S15 Jimmy, same engine.,
its impossible to kill, but its a dog, flat 100hp.
Junkyard items...
Compare headers from a 3.4 Camaro or Firebird.
I would think a cam out of a 3.4 would be worth changing too, move the power band up but its a sacrifice to the low end power.
Next is aftermarket.
If you do the cam swap.
http://www.race-mart.com/items/produ...789-detail.htm
they're cheap enough.
The next step is pricey.
Holley 390 CFM vacuum secondary.
http://www.atlanticspeed.com/product...4&idcategory=7
Don't let someone talk tell you that it will run fine with a Holley 600 or 650 on it. Because it won't. it will run, but it will loose all port velocity and be a pure dog.
With the cam/intake/carb/header swap, I whould guesstimate your little v6 will be close to the 160HP mark.
Remember to use new lifters on the cam, even if its a used cam.
its impossible to kill, but its a dog, flat 100hp.
Junkyard items...
Compare headers from a 3.4 Camaro or Firebird.
I would think a cam out of a 3.4 would be worth changing too, move the power band up but its a sacrifice to the low end power.
Next is aftermarket.
If you do the cam swap.
http://www.race-mart.com/items/produ...789-detail.htm
they're cheap enough.
The next step is pricey.
Holley 390 CFM vacuum secondary.
http://www.atlanticspeed.com/product...4&idcategory=7
Don't let someone talk tell you that it will run fine with a Holley 600 or 650 on it. Because it won't. it will run, but it will loose all port velocity and be a pure dog.
With the cam/intake/carb/header swap, I whould guesstimate your little v6 will be close to the 160HP mark.
Remember to use new lifters on the cam, even if its a used cam.
CF Veteran
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,220
Likes: 5
From: Arkansas
Year: 1987 & 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
No its Fuel Injected, but I remember you posting your was carb'd.
I wouldn't have bought the S15 if it was carb'd. I hate that POS GM used on the 2.8's. they was troublesome and impossible to tune.
One side note if you use a cam out of a 3.4, make sure you use the 3.4 firing order if its not the same as the 2.8.
Good Luck with it.
I wouldn't have bought the S15 if it was carb'd. I hate that POS GM used on the 2.8's. they was troublesome and impossible to tune.

One side note if you use a cam out of a 3.4, make sure you use the 3.4 firing order if its not the same as the 2.8.
Good Luck with it.
CF Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 12,367
Likes: 23
From: Oroville, CA
Year: 1995
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 with all of the noise and clatter
Junkyards are full of Chevy small blocks to help make that 2.8 faster. Fuel injection is far more reliable than any feedback carb ever produced. You can't polish a turd, hopping up a 2.8 is like putting lipstick on a pig.
one doesn't like dealing with error codes and ecu chips. One likes two screws to manage all air/fuel ratio and idle. One thinks it cheaper to rebuild carb rather than try to trouble shoot fuel injection system.
Not to be a smart @** about it but it's just cheaper and easier.
Not to be a smart @** about it but it's just cheaper and easier.

Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: gurnee il
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
U can polish a turd- seen it on mythbusters. But on the 2.8 its hard to do anything to it. Put an electric fan on it and maybe a bottle to spray it. They makes very limited stuff for go fast parts for that motor. Wish ya luck. Could do a 4.3 swap.
OP - I would go to S10forum.com - they're pretty helpful there and have lots of info on the 2.8. I had an 83 S15 with a carb'd 2.8.... worst engine ever, IMO. Everything I've owned has been faster, got better MPG, and all around better performing. Like everyone else says, ditch it for a better engine, it's not worth modding. A CAI will get you a few ponies...it did a little on mine.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: Culpeper, VA
Year: 1986
Model: Cherokee
Engine: V6
I know how to suck hp out of an engine, even this one, I was just hoping that maybe there were some oem parts from other vehicles that were better than whats on my hunk of crap.
I for those who suggested a new cherokee altogether, I agree. But unless you want to buy mine, I can't afford it. Or unless you wanna buy my 1990 integra or my 64 baja bug project car.
I for those who suggested a new cherokee altogether, I agree. But unless you want to buy mine, I can't afford it. Or unless you wanna buy my 1990 integra or my 64 baja bug project car.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: Culpeper, VA
Year: 1986
Model: Cherokee
Engine: V6
Not far. It's got aftermarket adjustable suspension and a wide eye baja body kit and the rear bumper has been cut off. And I have the engine cage and a ton of other crap for it. Of course like pretty much all bugs it needs new floor pans.




I would have done the same..