Easy Jeep Wrangler YJ, TJ, & JK Upgrades with Performance Parts from K&N Filters
- Jan 6, 2015
The Jeep Wrangler debuted in 1986 as a 1987 model and served as a replacement to the iconic Jeep CJ series. The first generation Jeep Wrangler YJ was designed by the American Motors Corporation (AMC) and released to the public just before the 1987 buyout by the Chrysler Corporation. The Jeep Wrangler YJ, as well as subsequent TJ and JK revisions, still retain the rigid live axles, fold flat windshield, and removable doors that made early CJ models popular with off-roaders, however the Wrangler was designed to be more comfortable on-road as a daily driver. The Wrangler YJ, produced between 1986 and mid-1996 as a 1995 model, is most easily identifiable by its square headlights and a front grill that angles backwards at its midpoint. Owners of Jeep Wrangler YJ models with either the 2.5L L4, 4.2L L6, or 4.0L L6, engines can upgrade their Jeep with the addition of a high-flow performance K&N air filter 33-2046. The reusable K&N air filter for 1987-1995 Jeep Wrangler YJ models is designed as a direct air filter cross reference for Jeep part number 53002184 and is designed to provide a lifetime of performance and protection. The now legendary 4.0L inline 6-cylinder engine became an optional engine for the YJ in 1991 and replaced the old AMC 4.2L engine. Owners of 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, and 1995 Jeep Wrangler YJ 4.0-liter models have the option of bolting on a K&N air intake system for perhaps the best performance gain for the buck. K&N Jeep Wrangler YJ air intake system 57-1521 will provide a guaranteed increase in horsepower and has been shown to provide an estimated additional 12.65 more horsepower when installed on a 1993 Jeep Wrangler 4.0L. This Jeep Wrangler air intake can be installed in approximately 90-minutes using common tools.
Technically there wasn't a 1996 model year Wrangler as the replacement for the YJ, the all-new Wrangler TJ, was introduced in the spring of 1996 as a 1997 model. The Jeep Wrangler TJ is easy to identify as it no longer used the often criticized square headlights. Instead the TJ returned to the classic round headlights of the earlier Jeep CJ series. Engine options for the Jeep Wrangler TJ were carried over from the YJ series and included the 4.0L inline six-cylinder engine and the 2.5L L4. In 2003 the old AMC 2.5L L4 engine was retired and replaced by a newer 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine derived from the Chrysler PT Cruiser. Owners of 1997 through 2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ 4.0L models, and 1997 through 2002 2.5L equipped Jeep Wranglers can equip their daily driver or trail rig with the World's best air filter from K&N. K&N high-flow air filter 33-2114 is designed to increase airflow while still providing excellent engine protection with over 98% overall filtration efficiency. 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ models with the 2.4L inline four can also upgrade to a K&N air filter with part number 33-2261. 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ 4.0L owners looking for more horsepower and torque can easily upgrade their Jeep's performance with K&N air intake system 57-1514-1. When installed on a 1997 Jeep Wrangler 4.0L, K&N air intake system 57-1514-1 was shown to provide an estimated additional 12.13 more horsepower and 13.78 lb-ft of torque. This extra power can come in handy when trying to navigate difficult trails, or simply for turning over-sized tires on the highway.
The 2007 Jeep Wrangler JK was a complete redesign of the TJ chassis. At first glance the most dramatic change is the addition of two extra doors to the Wrangler. Building off the success of the long wheel base Jeep Wrangler TJ Unlimited two-door, Chrysler engineers introduced the option of four real doors and improved seating to the Jeep Wrangler JK. Although the Wrangler Unlimited four-door has a wheel base that is over 20-inches longer than the TJ Unlimited two-door, the JK Unlimited is only 2.4 inches longer overall. Along with the Jeep Wrangler TJ, the 4.0L inline 6-cylinder engine was retired in favor of a 3.8L V6 being used in Chrysler minivans. The 3.8L V6 equipped Jeep Wrangler JK made slightly more horsepower and torque than the outgoing 4.0L L6. The 3.8L EGH V6 was replaced by a more advanced 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine for increased power and efficiency for the 2012 model year. Owners of a 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler JK 3.8L or a 2012-2016 Jeep Wrangler 3.6L V6 model looking for an easy Jeep upgrade can do so with the addition of a washable and reusable air filter from K&N. High-flow K&N air filter 33-2364 is designed to provide increased airflow, which can result in more horsepower, for 2007-2015 Jeep Wrangler JK models. Knowing that a Jeep Wrangler JK might be subjected to some of the most extreme off-road conditions on Earth, K&N engineers perform filtration efficiency testing in accordance with ISO 5011 testing protocol to ensure high airflow without sacrificing engine protection. K&N washable air filter 33-2364 was shown to have an overall efficiency rating of 98.65 %.
The Jeep Wrangler JK is available as the short wheel base 2-door X, Sahara, or Rubicon and although the long wheel base Wrangler JK is bigger, and heavier, both versions are equipped with the same standard engine and transmission packages. This can leave Jeep Wrangler JK owners, especially JK Unlimited models, searching for a cold air intake system to upgrade power and performance for their Jeep. K&N has these owners covered with a K&N air intake system to suit individual preferences. Owners of 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 Jeep Wrangler JK models with the 3.8L EGH V6 can choose between a black rotomolded air intake system for a factory look, and a 77-series aluminum air intake system for a more custom look with a mirror finish intake tube. K&N aluminum air intake 77-1553KP was shown to provide an estimated 7.92 horsepower increase and 8.65 lb-ft more torque when installed on a 2007 Jeep Wrangler JK 3.8L. K&N's black rotomolded air intake tubes offer more flexibility in design, and often a larger power increase compared to aluminum air intake tubes. In the case of 2007-2011 Jeep Wrangler JK 3.8L models, K&N performance air intake 57-1553, was shown to provide an estimated 8.17 more horsepower and 8.92 lb-ft of torque on an otherwise stock 2007-2011 Jeep Wrangler with the 3.8 liter engine.
The 2012 Jeep Wrangler JK X, Sahara, Rubicon or Unlimited variants received a boost in the horsepower and torque department with the introduction of the 3.6L Pentastar V6 as the new standard, and only available, engine. Rated at 285 horsepower, and 260 lb-ft of torque, the Pentastar V6 promises more power and better fuel economy than the 3.8L V6 engine it replaced. However, that's not to say that Pentastar V6 powered 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 Jeep Wrangler JK models cannot benefit from the increased horsepower and torque offered by the installation of a K&N air intake system. Similar to the 3.8L JK powered models, the Pentastar V6 Powered Wrangler JK's have the option of a black rotomolded air intake system 63-1566 or a mirror like finished aluminum air intake system 77-1566KP. Additionally K&N offers the option of a K&N Blackhawk Induction system 71-1566 for 2012-2017 Jeep Wrangler JK 3.6L models. A K&N Blackhawk Induction air intake is intended to provide a unique appearance with a flat back powder coated finished and an all-black synthetic Dryflow air filter. If performance is the goal, Wrangler JK 3.6L owners should choose K&N air intake system 63-1566. This air intake system was shown to provide an estimated 12.2 additional horsepower and 8.91 lb-ft of torque on an otherwise stock 2012 Jeep Wrangler 3.6L. The Jeep Wrangler is one of the most highly accessorized vehicles on the planet. Nearly everything from wheels and tires, to hard tops, winches, skid plates, and heavy duty bumpers can be added to a Jeep Wrangler. However, it's important to keep in mind that every piece added to a Jeep increases weight and decreases the power to weight ratio. Next time you feel the urge to upgrade your Jeep Wrangler, consider the performance and protection offered by the makers of the World's best air filter, K&N. K&N air intakes and K&N air filters for Jeep Wrangler YJ, TJ, and JK models can be found on the Jeep Wrangler Air Intakes and Jeep Wrangler Air Filters pages. Additional K&N performance products, such as oil filters for Jeep Wranglers, or K&N products for other vehicles can be found using the K&N Product Search. |
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