Hello Everyone,
I bought a 2000 Grand Cherokee a few years back to tow a tent trailer and well was a wanting a bit more tow HP. I had done a few turbo installs in the past and thought what the heck, I have John Copper works turbo my buddy gave me so lets slap that on and see how it works. And yes its a small turbo, but what I was after was about 7 lb boost and very drive friendly install, no lag, or crazy stuff to worry about. Now mind you I was putting this on a 192K mile motor and I don't want to blow the poor old girl up. The install came out really good. when on the hwy at 65-75 its pulling almost 0 to -3 lb on the boost gage so very good mileage and turbo is in a nice place, not spun up , but also not lagging behind. the fab work took me a couple months as I was working on it whenever I felt like it and I want it to be a clean almost factory install. I am managing the fuel with 30lb injectors and system management with a Split Second piggy back ECU. Split second already has map programs for the 4.0 with boost defining the map you want to run, they are great guys and it works flawlessly. This install is 4+ years old now and running great. I thought if anyone was thinking about a turbo install this might be helpful. I have a lot of other things done to the old Jeep, most all are just replacement of factory items but I will add to the posts as well, it might help someone else. I am planning to add to this with a step by step whats involved in the turbo install, hope it finds some interest.

One of the main things was the concern for smog checks here in the high desert of California , so everything can be put back to Cal. legal in about a hour. it has been thru smog twice in the last 4 years with this install.

2000 4.0 with turbo install

Basic fab up for 4.0 turbo install

4.0l turbo installed, cross over pipe removed for clarity

fully installed 4.0l turbo conversion

Cross over pipe for hot side, there is another pipe to put it back to stock for smog check

 

Man that cool and the fact you've been running it for over four years is some pretty good proof the 4.0 can handle it. What kind of numbers do you think your running? Seems like you're into it for less than a stroke kit.

 

That is slicker'n snot on a glass doorknob!

 

That's one way to pass CA emissions! The 4.0L can handle significant power increases when good tuning is used. Ive wanted to give the split second controller a try for a while.

 

Forgive my ignorance, but others than the inference that the second ECU runs the fuel mixture, I'm kind of getting lost on how such a system works. Do you mind explaining that in a little more detail? Does this system need to be OBD2 to work, or can it be run with something like the Remix system for us folks with the oldies?

Btw, awesome job, looks factory to me!

 

Hi Eaton, I am running 7 ib boost so approx 10 hp per lb so around 260 hp . it will take a bunch more , but it has 195k miles on it so keeping things pretty tame.

As far a dollars , just guessing but some where between $1000 and $1500.
the turbo is a china knock off of the John Cooper works ebay has them from $200 buck up
split second ECU was one they gave me for $500 ( re-maned , it was a return that was gone thru )
hoses $300
Pan drain $20.
turbo blanket $40
Muffler pipe and fitting, boost gage , misc stuff $300

 

Hi Mayor,
No worries , I was not sure about until I started this project. A piggy back ECU plugs into or better between your current ECU computer ( where you plug in your wire harness to your factory ECU ) Just unplug the harness and this plugs into your harness and then the piggy back plugs into your factory ECU. So what it does is have a internal MAP sensor so when you go from vacuum to boost it tricks the factory ECU to sent the correct timing and fuel maps that you have programmed to the injectors and timing. If your really sharp ( I'm not ) you can do custom fuel curves and timing maps , I use the ones Split second has for free on there web site for a up to 7lb boost and 30 lb injector . Important to match these to get a correct safe fuel/timing map or program . they have a few for even higher boost setups on the 4.0 as well. they are very helpful folks at split second. your OBD2 is not used and if you plug a OBD2 in. it will show all factory setting correct , so Smog testing you can leave the Split second plugged in.

 

Thanks !

 

Hi Cummins,
The split second controller is really nice, if you understand the maps it is really ease to build them and the software for your laptop is on there site to download, along with already dyno proven ( I assume ) maps for a few boost injector setups. If you call them as I did and asked about it for 4.0 they may have one like I bought. I think it was used or installed and then they went thru as new and was a a savings of some $$$

 

I know this Post is a little old but I figured I would try to reach out to you. First off, is the Turbo Set-Up still holding up? My Son and I want to do the same type of set-up on his 2000 Grand. I have a few questions about your solution but I wanted to see if you are still involved with this site. I know a lot can change in 4 years.

Please let me know.