Jeep Cherokee Aero mods

[AdrianD]

It's not clogged. 2 other people confirmed that much drop. It's a design problem.

VGT's are not really that expensive in Europe since the large majority of diesel engines here have them. So I can easily find a wrecked car and buy a turbo
VGT is definitely much less restrictive on the exhaust.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by AdrianD

Sadly, an engine swap is not possible because of legality reasons. I wanted to swap in a VW TDI but hit a brick wall with the local DMV equivalent...

Gotta hate bureaucrats for that. Seems like they're too biased to realise that it would be an improvement regarding emissions and all that "eco-conscious" speech they claim to embrace.

[jeff88]

You have 5 posts, lets see some pics!!!

[serialk11r]

Originally Posted by AdrianD

It's not clogged. 2 other people confirmed that much drop. It's a design problem.

VGT's are not really that expensive in Europe since the large majority of diesel engines here have them. So I can easily find a wrecked car and buy a turbo
VGT is definitely much less restrictive on the exhaust.

It's not the VGT, it's getting the vanes to work properly. How are you going to control them? Also keep in mind, a VGT might not be able to "open up" as much as a bypass valve can, and you want to bypass the turbo as much as possible for efficiency.

[AdrianD]

I'm on the phone right now so no pics yet.
Regarding VGT control, my job is in software engineering and it's easy for me to build a controller reading throttle position, manifold pressure and determine vane position based on that and a map. I have no clue if a fully open VGT will be less resttictive than a 1 inch wastegate, if it is that big

[serialk11r]

Originally Posted by AdrianD

I'm on the phone right now so no pics yet.
Regarding VGT control, my job is in software engineering and it's easy for me to build a controller reading throttle position, manifold pressure and determine vane position based on that and a map. I have no clue if a fully open VGT will be less resttictive than a 1 inch wastegate, if it is that big

The problem I see is that even if you're able to sort the controls out, it's expensive to do this, and the primary benefit of VGT is to improve performance.

[AdrianD]

As I mentioned before, VGT turbos are plentiful here, they can be found in all shapes and sizes and for less money than they can be found in the US.
Garrett claims that they can deliver improved mileage by means of VGT because of reduced backpressure when cruising. So only one way to find out...

Anyway, pictures

My Jeep next to a '14 Grand Cherokee


The Jeep's torque, power and bsfc curves


Bumper used on the SCCA Comanche's:


My other ride:

[elhigh]

Well obviously your best bet is to drive as much as possible in the runabout. It'll get better mileage everywhere and be way easier to find parking.

If you were to add a kammback to your Miata's hardtop, your mileage would take a big jump.

That said, the Cherokee is a lot easier to live with when trying to see through traffic.

[AdrianD]

For now I prefer my bicycle around town. I ride to and from work regardless of weather. Last winter I've ridden in -15*C weather. Snow, rain...you name it.

This is what I'm adding to the Miata:

Along with an oem airdam. Front bumper is strangely higher than the sideskirts...

Unfortunately it's not going to be modified for economy. It's meant to be fun

Off to the garage to work on the Jeep's airdam

[elhigh]

I hear you about the no mods on the Miata, but speed = power. If you need less power to hold speed (due to aero mods, for instance), that means more ponies available to pull you around the curve to the next one.

Like the little mini-kamm. A lot of guys here have done mini-kamms and gotten good results.