K&N Products Upgrade Jeep Grand Cherokee Power and Performance for On Road or Trail
- Feb 25, 2015
The idea for the Jeep Grand Cherokee began in the early 1980’s when Jeep was still part of the American Motors Corporation (AMC). The Grand Cherokee was to be the successor to the Jeep Cherokee XJ and was codenamed the ’XJC’ project. In 1987 the Chrysler Corporation acquired AMC and with it the Jeep legacy. Further development of the Jeep Grand Cherokee was delayed by Chrysler in favor of redesigning its minivans. As a result the first generation Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ was debuted in 1992 as a 1993 model. The Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ emphasized power and luxury in a capable off-road performance package.
When the 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ was released there were few other competitors in the Luxury SUV market segment and three trim levels meant the Grand Cherokee wasn’t out of reach for the average consumer. The standard engine for first generation 1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee models was the AMC-derived 4.0L inline-six cylinder engine used in both the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Cherokee XJ. The 4.0L L6 is a bullet proof workhorse of an engine, but it doesn’t exactly exude power. The superior airflow and superior performance of K&N products can help upgrade the performance of 1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ 4.0L models. In as little as 5-minutes the performance of a 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, or 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ 4.0-liter can be improved with the installation of K&N air filter 33-2048. The next step in Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ 4.0L performance upgrades is a K&N air intake system 57-1520. By increasing airflow, reducing restriction, and promoting efficient combustion K&N air intake 57-1520 was shown to produce an estimated 7.71 more horsepower on a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0L.
A 5.2-liter engine was an option for 1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ buyers, and provided more horsepower and torque than the 4.0-liter inline-six. While the addition of a V8 was helpful in moving the Grand Cherokee ZJ down the highway, or down a trail, a little boost in performance from K&N will come in handy. K&N high-flow washable/reusable air filter 33-2048 will help provide the superior airflow and superior performance edge expected from upgrading to the 1993-1998 Jeep Cherokee ZJ’s optional 5.2L V8 engine. However, a K&N performance air intake system 57-1506-2 will provide a significant increase in horsepower and torque over the stock air intake tract. The Jeep Cherokee ZJ’s 5.2L V8 engine is able to overcome significant restriction with the installation of K&N air intake 57-1506-2. When dyno tested on a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.2L this air intake system provided an estimated 24.74 more horsepower and 29.99 lb-ft of torque. In 1998 a Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited model was released. The same K&N high-flow air filter 33-2048 and K&N air intake system 57-1506-2 will fit the 5.9 Limited models.
The second generation Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ was a complete redesign of the ZJ and the two generations share very few parts. The 1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ was a further step towards luxury and refinement with Chrysler seeking help from Porsche to strengthen the Grand Cherokee’s UniFrame construction to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). The 4.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine was carried over as the Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ’s standard engine. However, with a redesign of the intake manifold it was able to produce 10 more horsepower than previous years. K&N high-flow air filter 33-2139 can further help the 1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ 4.0L engine’s performance. Or upgrade 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ 4.0L performance with the installation of either a black molded K&N air intake 57-1526 or a mirror-like finish aluminum air intake 77-1526KP. Both K&N air intake systems for 1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ 4.0L models are able to provide a guaranteed increase in horsepower over the stock system. K&N 57-1526 was shown to provide an estimated 7.73 more horsepower when installed on a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0L L6.
Another change for the second generation 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ, was the replacement of both 5.2L and 5.9L pushrod V8 engines used in the ZJ with a smaller 4.7L PowerTech overhead camshaft V8. While horsepower output for the 4.7L PowerTech V8 was on par with its predecessors, it was down slightly on torque. K&N high-flow replacement air filter 33-2139 will help the throttle response and acceleration of 1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ 4.7L models. However, for the ultimate bolt on performance upgrade 1999-2004 Jeep grand Cherokee WJ 4.7L owners should consider one of the K&N performance air intake systems. K&N air intake 77-1513KP is guaranteed to increase horsepower and add improve the look of the engine bay with its mirror-like aluminum air intake tube. However, its K&N air intake system 57-1513-1 with its molded high-density polyethylene (HDPE) intake tube that will provide 1999-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.7L V8 owners with the horsepower and torque to take on the ZJ’s larger pushrod V8 engines. When installed on a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.7L, K&N air intake 57-1513-1 was able to provide an estimated 13.10 more horsepower and 14.44 lb-ft more torque.
As the luxury SUV market segment evolved so did the Jeep Grand Cherokee. In 2005 the third generation Jeep Grand Cherokee WK was released as well as the 2006 Jeep Commander which shares the Grand Cherokee’s platform and engine options. In a departure from earlier Jeep Grand Cherokee models, the WK placed less emphasis on off-road performance, focusing instead on improving on-road handling and ride quality. As a result the traditional Jeep solid front axle was dropped in favor of independent front suspension similar to what was introduced in the 2002 Jeep Liberty SUV. Also gone for 2005 was the time-tested AMC 4.0L inline six cylinder engine. It was replaced with a 3.7L PowerTech V6 engine capable of producing nearly as much horsepower and torque as the ZJ’s 5.2L V8. To help the 3.7L PowerTech V6 breathe, K&N designed a high-flow replacement air filter 33-2233 for 2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK 3.7L models as well as 2006-2010 Jeep Commander 3.7-liter models. For even more performance owners of 2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK 3.7L models and 2006-2010 Jeep Commander models should consider the installation of a K&N performance air intake system. Two versions are available, number 77-1545KP features a mirror-like aluminum tube, and 57-1545 utilizes a molded HDPE air intake tube to provide an estimated 7.55 more horsepower when dyno tested on a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK 3.7L.
The 4.7L PowerTech V8 was still available in Jeep Grand Cherokee WK and Commander models until the 2009 model year. Early Jeep Grand Cherokee WK models with the 4.7L V8 offered the same performance as the WJ’s 4.7L PowerTech V8. However, the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK 4.7L received enhanced performance and took the engines power rating up over 300 horsepower. K&N high-flow air filter 33-2233 is designed to fit directly in the stock air filter box of 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK and 2006-2009 Jeep Commander 4.7L models for superior airflow and superior performance. But for a guaranteed bolt-on performance upgrade owners of Jeep Grand Cherokee WK 4.7L and Jeep Commander 4.7L models should consider the installation of a K&N performance air intake system. To provide options K&N has made two versions available, number 77-1548KP features a mirror-like aluminum tube, and 57-1548 utilizes a molded HDPE air intake tube to provide an estimated 9.47 more horsepower when dyno tested on an early PowerTech 4.7L V8 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK.
Optional for the 2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK, and 2006-2010 Jeep Commander, was the 5.7L Hemi V8. This larger displacement V8 retained the use of pushrods instead of more advanced overhead camshafts; however for 2009 the 5.7L Hemi V8 received variable valve timing for increased fuel efficiency and improved power output. As a result, the 4.7L V8 was dropped from the Jeep Grand Cherokee WK and Jeep Commander’s list of options for after 2009. Upgrading to a K&N high-flow air filter 33-2233 for 2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7L and Jeep Commander 5.7L models will result in more airflow and improved performance. K&N performance air intake systems are also available for 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 Jeep Cherokee WK 5.7L and 2006-2010 Jeep Commander 5.7L models. K&N air intake system 77-1549KP will provide increased horsepower and a touch of class with its mirror-like aluminum air intake tube. A molded HDPE version, number 57-1549, is also available and has been dyno tested with excellent results. On a stock 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7L, K&N air intake 57-1549 was able to provide an estimated additional 15.3 more horsepower.
Beginning with the 2006 model year Chrysler’s performance tuning division began to offer the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 powered by a 6.1L Hemi V8. The 420 horsepower 6.1L Hemi V8 is said to power the 2006-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 6.1L from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. This kind of acceleration puts the Jeep’s acceleration on par with a BMW M3 of the time. A Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 6.1L deserves the superior airflow and superior performance of K&N replacement air filter 33-2233, at a minimum. A better performance upgrade would be K&N high-flow air intake system 57-1555 for 2006-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee 6.1L SRT-8 models. A stock 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 6.1L was dyno tested with K&N performance air intake 57-1555. This intake kit was able to provide an estimated additional 12 horsepower, and 12.61 lb-ft of torque on an already incredibly powerful Jeep Grand Cherokee.
2011 brought the fourth generation Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 to the car buying public. More changes to the Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 include 4-wheel fully independent suspension to improve the Jeep’s on-road manners. The fourth gen Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 shares its assembly line, running gear, powertrain and chassis parts with the third generation Dodge Durango. The first and second generation Dodge Durango shared its platform with the now discontinued Dodge Dakota. So when Dodge brought the Durango back, it used an extended version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 platform to create a three row full-size SUV. Additional changes to the Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 include the base PowerTech V6 being replaced by Chrysler’s corporate 3.6L Pentastar V6. The technologies incorporated into the 3.6L Pentastar V6, such as dual overhead camshafts with dual variable valve timing, and all aluminum construction help this V6 engine produce more horsepower than the larger 4.7L PowerTech V8 engine of just a few years ago. Helping an engine such as the 3.6L Pentastar breathe a little easier with K&N replacement air filter 33-2457 is a simple, affordable, way to improve performance of the 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 3.6L as well as 2011-2015 Dodge Durango 3.6L models in a matter of minutes. For even more performance K&N high-flow air intake system 77-1560KTK is an excellent bolt-on upgrade for 2011-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 3.6L and 2011-2015 Dodge Durango 3.6L models. When dyno tested K&N air intake 77-1560KTK provided an estimated additional 10.75 horsepower on an otherwise stock 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 3.6L. Additionally, the fourth generation 2011-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 can be equipped with an optional 3.0-liter turbocharged EcoDiesel V6. The common rail diesel (CRD) V6 engine is produced by VM Motori Cento in Ferrara, Italy and produces horsepower and torque numbers that rival the optional 5.7-liter V8 engine equipped WK2 Grand Cherokee models. Where the diesel Grand Cherokee outshines its V8 powered brethren is in miles per gallon and increased fuel range. K&N offers a diesel replacement air filter specifically made to support the airflow and filtration needs of a turbo diesel Grand Cherokee. K&N replacement air filter 33-3029 will fit inside the stock 2011-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 3.0L diesel’s air filter box without modifications to provide superior airflow and superior performance. For those who prefer the deep throaty exhaust note and rumble of a V8 engine, the 2011-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 and 2011-2015 Dodge Durango can still be equipped with a 5.7L Hemi V8. The 5.7L Hemi V8 is rated at 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, however the 2011-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 5.7L V8 utilizes a Multiple Displacement System (MDS), which shuts down four cylinders when that kind of power isn’t needed. This serves to save 2011-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 and 2011-2015 Dodge Durango owners a few bucks when it’s time to fill up. The superior airflow and superior performance offered by K&N replacement air filter 33-2457 will help 2011-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 5.7L and 2011-2017 Dodge Durango 5.7L models both during acceleration and during cylinder deactivation by reducing the amount of effort needed to pull air through the filter. Installation of a K&N performance air intake system on 2011-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 5.7L and 2011-2014 Dodge Durango 5.7L models will also improve performance by substantially reducing airflow restriction and turbulence. Two versions are available for 2011-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 5.7L and 2011-2014 Dodge Durango 5.7L models, number 77-1563KP features a mirror-like aluminum tube, and 63-1563 utilizes a molded HDPE air intake tube to provide an estimated 17 more horsepower when dyno tested on a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 5.7L. The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 took a year off but came back with an even larger 6.4-liter Hemi V8 and an incredible 470 horsepower. The 2012-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 6.4L boasts the most powerful engine ever stuffed into a Jeep making the WK2 SRT8 the fastest production Jeep to date. K&N offers a replacement high-flow performance air filter for 2012-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT 6.4L models, number 33-2457, to help this monster of a Jeep breathe a little easier. A Jeep this powerful shouldn’t be forced to breathe through a standard disposable paper air filter. K&N air intakes and K&N air filters for Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ, WJ, WK, and WK2 models can be found on the Jeep Grand Cherokee Air Intakes and Jeep Grand Cherokee Air Filters pages. Additional K&N performance products, such as oil filters for Jeep Grand Cherokees, or K&N products for other vehicles can be found using the K&N Product Search. |
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