Serious questions about putting a turbo on my 2.5L
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 514
Likes: 74
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 2.5
Serious questions about putting a turbo on my 2.5L
I know, why the heck would I want to put a turbo on my 4 banger.
Because I can.
Okay. Let me first start off by saying I might be having the opportunity to snag a turbo off of a 2012 A4, 2.0 turbo. It’s got a boost regulator on it that’s gone bad, and to replace that sensor… you gotta replace the turbo. Boss man said if the customer approves it and I put a new one in, then it’s all mine.
Anyway. I have some questions regarding what I can use to control the AFR, where to mount it, and what I can do to control the boost level if I need to. I’m not worried about blowing this engine up, because it’s starting to knock a little bit. I’m not in the least bit concerned because once this goes, in goes a 2.9 stroker.
So, the most important question is that, where am I going to put it?
I’ve seen some turbo 4 cylinder builds where they put the turbo on the passenger side, but i’m concerned with lag being an issue with how long the manifold will have to run to actually reach the turbo.
I could mount it under the intake, but there’s not a ton of space, and it’s pretty close to the ground and I wouldn’t want that thing getting soaked if it’s raining.
My second question is that since I have OBD1, how exactly would I be able to tune the AFR? I’ve seen some people use piggybacks, but I don’t have any idea on what to buy to make that even work.
I also have the option of upgrading to OBDII, and I'm more than willing to do that so I can just plug any scanner up to it and actually look at all of that data. A major project, sure, but doable.
My last question is controlling the boost, either mechanically or electrically. Obviously this turbo is electronically controlled, somewhat, and I could find a way to make it work, if the boost controller worked. Other than that, I don’t know how exactly I would control the boost, if I needed it. I mean I guess I could just put a bigger wastegate on it and go with that, but it would take a lot of trial and error of getting the boost right and not throwing a rod when taking it down the street.
I also want to make something else clear here. I’m not looking to make this into some sort of race Jeep. I’m looking for something that will give me a bump in power, and to pretty much just give me a little extra something when I want it.
Of course, this whole project relies on the customer actually doing the job, and it’s not a cheap one either.
Because I can.
Okay. Let me first start off by saying I might be having the opportunity to snag a turbo off of a 2012 A4, 2.0 turbo. It’s got a boost regulator on it that’s gone bad, and to replace that sensor… you gotta replace the turbo. Boss man said if the customer approves it and I put a new one in, then it’s all mine.
Anyway. I have some questions regarding what I can use to control the AFR, where to mount it, and what I can do to control the boost level if I need to. I’m not worried about blowing this engine up, because it’s starting to knock a little bit. I’m not in the least bit concerned because once this goes, in goes a 2.9 stroker.
So, the most important question is that, where am I going to put it?
I’ve seen some turbo 4 cylinder builds where they put the turbo on the passenger side, but i’m concerned with lag being an issue with how long the manifold will have to run to actually reach the turbo.
I could mount it under the intake, but there’s not a ton of space, and it’s pretty close to the ground and I wouldn’t want that thing getting soaked if it’s raining.
My second question is that since I have OBD1, how exactly would I be able to tune the AFR? I’ve seen some people use piggybacks, but I don’t have any idea on what to buy to make that even work.
I also have the option of upgrading to OBDII, and I'm more than willing to do that so I can just plug any scanner up to it and actually look at all of that data. A major project, sure, but doable.
My last question is controlling the boost, either mechanically or electrically. Obviously this turbo is electronically controlled, somewhat, and I could find a way to make it work, if the boost controller worked. Other than that, I don’t know how exactly I would control the boost, if I needed it. I mean I guess I could just put a bigger wastegate on it and go with that, but it would take a lot of trial and error of getting the boost right and not throwing a rod when taking it down the street.
I also want to make something else clear here. I’m not looking to make this into some sort of race Jeep. I’m looking for something that will give me a bump in power, and to pretty much just give me a little extra something when I want it.
Of course, this whole project relies on the customer actually doing the job, and it’s not a cheap one either.
Member
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 156
Likes: 57
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
https://www.garrettmotion.com/racing...r-your-engine/
Start with the link above and if you serious, study the info. Also Google 2.5 Jeep turbo builds, but be very careful, because there's more bad info and advice than knowledgeable and factual advice (kinda like everything online). 15 years experience as a turbo systems engineer tells me you would be extremely lucky if that turbo is even close to being a good match. Doing a correct turbo system is not a simple bolt on job if you want good driveability. I don't personally know if there is anyone offering a kit, but even if they are I would be very cautious of the quality.
Start with the link above and if you serious, study the info. Also Google 2.5 Jeep turbo builds, but be very careful, because there's more bad info and advice than knowledgeable and factual advice (kinda like everything online). 15 years experience as a turbo systems engineer tells me you would be extremely lucky if that turbo is even close to being a good match. Doing a correct turbo system is not a simple bolt on job if you want good driveability. I don't personally know if there is anyone offering a kit, but even if they are I would be very cautious of the quality.
::CF Administrator::
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 14,479
Likes: 805
From: Blunt, South Dakota
Year: 97
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.6 stroker
I normally don't comment on threads like this, but I can't help myself on this one.
If you put a turbo on a tired motor, you're nuttier than squirrel turds.
Start building your stroker now...and expect a large bill to do it right. Just ask Dusty, who JUST did exactly this, minus the turbo. Also took several months to get everything sourced.
In my opinion...fix all your other headaches before giving yourself a self induced migraine. Run that motor until it explodes, and build the replacement in the meantime. SERIOUSLY RESEARCH what's involved with installing a turbo or superchargers, as stated above, it's not a simple bolt on affair, and can get just as expensive as the stroker build, maybe more.
But it's your wallet and your headache. And, if you do decide to move forward, don't expect a ton of help here, only because not many, if anyone, has done this on a 2.5, let alone a 4.0. Very few success stories even on 4.0's...which is why I never comment on threads like this, mainly just dreamers around tax season.
Food for thought.
If you put a turbo on a tired motor, you're nuttier than squirrel turds.
Start building your stroker now...and expect a large bill to do it right. Just ask Dusty, who JUST did exactly this, minus the turbo. Also took several months to get everything sourced.
In my opinion...fix all your other headaches before giving yourself a self induced migraine. Run that motor until it explodes, and build the replacement in the meantime. SERIOUSLY RESEARCH what's involved with installing a turbo or superchargers, as stated above, it's not a simple bolt on affair, and can get just as expensive as the stroker build, maybe more.
But it's your wallet and your headache. And, if you do decide to move forward, don't expect a ton of help here, only because not many, if anyone, has done this on a 2.5, let alone a 4.0. Very few success stories even on 4.0's...which is why I never comment on threads like this, mainly just dreamers around tax season.
Food for thought.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 660
Likes: 300
From: Under the Jeep
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 2.9 Stroker 4cyl
[QUOTE=pineapple_tree;3675137]
Well, for starters, I needed something to get me 40 miles away and back every day that was cheap to maintain, reliable, and decent on gas. I had 2k to get me car after my BMW decided to go up in flames, and I found this XJ. 2.5, 2wd, 5 speed manual, and a lot of problems.
When I first got it, the valve cover was spraying oil, and the oil pan was just as bad. Before I got to changing those gaskets, my transmission blew up, because the guy put 31 inch mud tires on a 2wd 4 banger, and that poor AX5 didn’t stand a chance.
Found an AX5 for 250 bucks with 250k miles, put that in, with a brand new clutch, pressure plate, release and pilot bearing, clutch fork and spring, and a new slave cylinder. Fixed the VCG and OPG at the same time, along with plugs, wires, cap, rotor, and a new coil pack. Excluding the transmission, everything else I did totaled about 150.
My point i’m trying to make here is that even though the 2.5 is about as powerful as a lawnmower, and I don’t have 4wd, I didn’t need the gas pig known as the 4.0, and the extra hardware to carry around to further tank my mileage.
Sadly, the AMC 2.5 lives in the shadow of the great 4.0, but it’s every bit as reliable as the 4.0, cheaper and easier to work on, a hell of a lot better on gas, but is really really slow. So slow that if I want to go 70 on the interstate, I have to have the A/C off.
Regardless, I get about 17-18 in the city, and if i’m feeling brave for a long interstate trip, then I can get about 25 depending on hills and such.
As much as I want a 4.0 and 4wd, I don’t need it. This little motor has enough power to get you up to speed, and since i’m only driving it every day to a grand total of about 400 miles a week, it’s all I needed.
Plus I love the paint color and the 2-door design.
Bottom line is, if you want an XJ to drive around for a daily driver, look for the 2.5 with a 5 speed. It might be underpowered, but the difference between 17 in the city vs 13 in the city with the 4.0, you’ll learn to live with it and love it[Quote
Why I love my 4 angry squirrels
A lot of people I work with and know asked me “why the f*** did you get the 2.5 and not the 4.0?” and “why is it 2wd and not 4wd?”Well, for starters, I needed something to get me 40 miles away and back every day that was cheap to maintain, reliable, and decent on gas. I had 2k to get me car after my BMW decided to go up in flames, and I found this XJ. 2.5, 2wd, 5 speed manual, and a lot of problems.
When I first got it, the valve cover was spraying oil, and the oil pan was just as bad. Before I got to changing those gaskets, my transmission blew up, because the guy put 31 inch mud tires on a 2wd 4 banger, and that poor AX5 didn’t stand a chance.
Found an AX5 for 250 bucks with 250k miles, put that in, with a brand new clutch, pressure plate, release and pilot bearing, clutch fork and spring, and a new slave cylinder. Fixed the VCG and OPG at the same time, along with plugs, wires, cap, rotor, and a new coil pack. Excluding the transmission, everything else I did totaled about 150.
My point i’m trying to make here is that even though the 2.5 is about as powerful as a lawnmower, and I don’t have 4wd, I didn’t need the gas pig known as the 4.0, and the extra hardware to carry around to further tank my mileage.
Sadly, the AMC 2.5 lives in the shadow of the great 4.0, but it’s every bit as reliable as the 4.0, cheaper and easier to work on, a hell of a lot better on gas, but is really really slow. So slow that if I want to go 70 on the interstate, I have to have the A/C off.
Regardless, I get about 17-18 in the city, and if i’m feeling brave for a long interstate trip, then I can get about 25 depending on hills and such.
As much as I want a 4.0 and 4wd, I don’t need it. This little motor has enough power to get you up to speed, and since i’m only driving it every day to a grand total of about 400 miles a week, it’s all I needed.
Plus I love the paint color and the 2-door design.
Bottom line is, if you want an XJ to drive around for a daily driver, look for the 2.5 with a 5 speed. It might be underpowered, but the difference between 17 in the city vs 13 in the city with the 4.0, you’ll learn to live with it and love it[Quote
Last edited by DustyWagoneer; May 26, 2022 at 02:42 PM.
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Seasoned Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 328
Likes: 94
From: Around the world
Year: 2001 / 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: Fire breathing 4 point Oh!!!
I know, why the heck would I want to put a turbo on my 4 banger.
Because I can.
Okay. Let me first start off by saying I might be having the opportunity to snag a turbo off of a 2012 A4, 2.0 turbo. It’s got a boost regulator on it that’s gone bad, and to replace that sensor… you gotta replace the turbo. Boss man said if the customer approves it and I put a new one in, then it’s all mine.
Anyway. I have some questions regarding what I can use to control the AFR, where to mount it, and what I can do to control the boost level if I need to. I’m not worried about blowing this engine up, because it’s starting to knock a little bit. I’m not in the least bit concerned because once this goes, in goes a 2.9 stroker.
So, the most important question is that, where am I going to put it?
I’ve seen some turbo 4 cylinder builds where they put the turbo on the passenger side, but i’m concerned with lag being an issue with how long the manifold will have to run to actually reach the turbo.
I could mount it under the intake, but there’s not a ton of space, and it’s pretty close to the ground and I wouldn’t want that thing getting soaked if it’s raining.
My second question is that since I have OBD1, how exactly would I be able to tune the AFR? I’ve seen some people use piggybacks, but I don’t have any idea on what to buy to make that even work.
I also have the option of upgrading to OBDII, and I'm more than willing to do that so I can just plug any scanner up to it and actually look at all of that data. A major project, sure, but doable.
My last question is controlling the boost, either mechanically or electrically. Obviously this turbo is electronically controlled, somewhat, and I could find a way to make it work, if the boost controller worked. Other than that, I don’t know how exactly I would control the boost, if I needed it. I mean I guess I could just put a bigger wastegate on it and go with that, but it would take a lot of trial and error of getting the boost right and not throwing a rod when taking it down the street.
I also want to make something else clear here. I’m not looking to make this into some sort of race Jeep. I’m looking for something that will give me a bump in power, and to pretty much just give me a little extra something when I want it.
Of course, this whole project relies on the customer actually doing the job, and it’s not a cheap one either.
Because I can.
Okay. Let me first start off by saying I might be having the opportunity to snag a turbo off of a 2012 A4, 2.0 turbo. It’s got a boost regulator on it that’s gone bad, and to replace that sensor… you gotta replace the turbo. Boss man said if the customer approves it and I put a new one in, then it’s all mine.
Anyway. I have some questions regarding what I can use to control the AFR, where to mount it, and what I can do to control the boost level if I need to. I’m not worried about blowing this engine up, because it’s starting to knock a little bit. I’m not in the least bit concerned because once this goes, in goes a 2.9 stroker.
So, the most important question is that, where am I going to put it?
I’ve seen some turbo 4 cylinder builds where they put the turbo on the passenger side, but i’m concerned with lag being an issue with how long the manifold will have to run to actually reach the turbo.
I could mount it under the intake, but there’s not a ton of space, and it’s pretty close to the ground and I wouldn’t want that thing getting soaked if it’s raining.
My second question is that since I have OBD1, how exactly would I be able to tune the AFR? I’ve seen some people use piggybacks, but I don’t have any idea on what to buy to make that even work.
I also have the option of upgrading to OBDII, and I'm more than willing to do that so I can just plug any scanner up to it and actually look at all of that data. A major project, sure, but doable.
My last question is controlling the boost, either mechanically or electrically. Obviously this turbo is electronically controlled, somewhat, and I could find a way to make it work, if the boost controller worked. Other than that, I don’t know how exactly I would control the boost, if I needed it. I mean I guess I could just put a bigger wastegate on it and go with that, but it would take a lot of trial and error of getting the boost right and not throwing a rod when taking it down the street.
I also want to make something else clear here. I’m not looking to make this into some sort of race Jeep. I’m looking for something that will give me a bump in power, and to pretty much just give me a little extra something when I want it.
Of course, this whole project relies on the customer actually doing the job, and it’s not a cheap one either.
Maybe by doing some research, you’ll start to see what Chrysler / Dodge / Plymouth did, to help tweak (fuel pressure, fuel injector size, timing, etc…) the 2.5 Jeep engine.
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,203
Likes: 155
From: Northern CT
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: Turbo 4.0
I haven’t done any research, but back in the early 90’s, Chrysler / Dodge / Plymouth had a 2.5 turbo engine. I have no idea if this is the same / close enough related engine to the 2.5 Jeep engine. If it is, this could make life a lot easier, by using the exhaust manifold & turbo, along with the intercooler.
Maybe by doing some research, you’ll start to see what Chrysler / Dodge / Plymouth did, to help tweak (fuel pressure, fuel injector size, timing, etc…) the 2.5 Jeep engine.
Maybe by doing some research, you’ll start to see what Chrysler / Dodge / Plymouth did, to help tweak (fuel pressure, fuel injector size, timing, etc…) the 2.5 Jeep engine.
The omni GLH?
Seasoned Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 328
Likes: 94
From: Around the world
Year: 2001 / 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: Fire breathing 4 point Oh!!!
I couldn’t recall the Omni GLH or GLHS having the 2.5. I had to do some digging & found this.
http://academickids.com/encyclopedia...ysler_K_engine
The 2.5 turbo was found in the following vehicles:
I’m still not sure if these are the same as the Jeep 2.5 engines.
http://academickids.com/encyclopedia...ysler_K_engine
2.5 Turbo
A final version of the K-car engine was the turbocharged 2.5 liter. These engines had multipoint fuel injection.The 2.5 turbo was found in the following vehicles:
- Chrysler LeBaron
- Dodge Caravan
- Dodge Daytona
- Dodge Spirit
- Plymouth Acclaim
- Plymouth Shadow
- Plymouth Sundance
- Plymouth Voyager
I’m still not sure if these are the same as the Jeep 2.5 engines.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 514
Likes: 74
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 2.5
I had to be talked down by my manger. He said I have a good heart and I had somewhat of a decent plan, but it’s just not worth it.
First off, the turbo I would be getting doesn’t have a boost controller problem, it’s actually caused by a failing wastegate, like those early twin turbo BMW engines. I didn’t realize it at first, but that damn turbo rattles like a rattle snake until it warms up, and clatters around like marbles are inside of it when it shuts off.
Not to mention, the manifold is part of the turbo.
Anyway, I got ahead of myself. I thought, “Hey, free turbo. Let me just slap that on my Jeep and see what happens!”. Well, it’s not a good idea. I don’t really have the money to spend to fabricate everything, let alone the time to do the project. Not to mention, I would probably blow the AX5 to pieces after 1 shift down the road if I did this.
Another thing I forgot to take into account is that you can’t just slap a turbo on any old engine and call it a day. You need to monitor the boost, control the boost, and prevent it from running too lean and melting everything. You need sensors, tuning, long pulls, live data, bigger injectors and a way to control the AFR, and that’s just not something I can tackle in a weekend before I have to drive this thing to work.
So long story short, i’m an idiot.
But that’s not gonna stop me from swapping in a 2.9 stroker with all of the little gimmicks I have my stock 2.5. If i’m going to put in a stroker engine when my inevitably blows up, i’m going to do it right. Anything that give me extra power, i’m gonna take it. But the AX5 won’t last behind that stroker, so I’m trying to source parts for an AX15 swap. I just need the Dodge Dakota AX15, and a shorter driveshaft with the matching spline count. I still have to do some more reading about the driveshaft, because i’ve seen some conflicting info about the length and spline count, etc.
But seriously, I got over zealous because I thought a turbo XJ would be sweet. And don’t get me wrong, it would be sweet. But not on my daily driver
First off, the turbo I would be getting doesn’t have a boost controller problem, it’s actually caused by a failing wastegate, like those early twin turbo BMW engines. I didn’t realize it at first, but that damn turbo rattles like a rattle snake until it warms up, and clatters around like marbles are inside of it when it shuts off.
Not to mention, the manifold is part of the turbo.
Anyway, I got ahead of myself. I thought, “Hey, free turbo. Let me just slap that on my Jeep and see what happens!”. Well, it’s not a good idea. I don’t really have the money to spend to fabricate everything, let alone the time to do the project. Not to mention, I would probably blow the AX5 to pieces after 1 shift down the road if I did this.
Another thing I forgot to take into account is that you can’t just slap a turbo on any old engine and call it a day. You need to monitor the boost, control the boost, and prevent it from running too lean and melting everything. You need sensors, tuning, long pulls, live data, bigger injectors and a way to control the AFR, and that’s just not something I can tackle in a weekend before I have to drive this thing to work.
So long story short, i’m an idiot.
But that’s not gonna stop me from swapping in a 2.9 stroker with all of the little gimmicks I have my stock 2.5. If i’m going to put in a stroker engine when my inevitably blows up, i’m going to do it right. Anything that give me extra power, i’m gonna take it. But the AX5 won’t last behind that stroker, so I’m trying to source parts for an AX15 swap. I just need the Dodge Dakota AX15, and a shorter driveshaft with the matching spline count. I still have to do some more reading about the driveshaft, because i’ve seen some conflicting info about the length and spline count, etc.
But seriously, I got over zealous because I thought a turbo XJ would be sweet. And don’t get me wrong, it would be sweet. But not on my daily driver
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