Jeep Engines - Oljeep

JEEP HISTORY 19Interior appointments were on par with the new competition (GM’s S Blazer and Ford’s Bronco 11). TheCherokee was ultimately named “4x4 of the Year” by three magazines in 1984.Consumers immediately liked the new package, especially the four doors. American tastes andpurchasing trends had changed and were now geared toward a more practical vehicle. The awkward rearseat entry was a complaint of the two door utility models for some time. With four doors, the Cherokeeallowed for easier access, and supplanted many family station wagons. Four-wheel-drive was alsopopular for its perceived added safety and ability to better navigate poor roads and winter conditions.The Cherokee’s standard powerplant was the 150 cubic inch in-line four cylinder. This engine had beenused previously in CJ models. Given the Cherokee’s relatively light curb weight of around 3,000pounds, this engine offered decent performance. The optional 2.8L V-6 engine offered modesthorsepower gains, but with a negative trade-off.The V-6 was plagued with a marginal performance carburetor and a poorly designed rear main seal thatwas prone to leaks. Worse than the leak, the cure for the main seal involved engine removal and blockmachining to properly seat the upgraded seal. Even with these setbacks, Cherokee sales were still high,and it became AMC’s premier model. Recognizing the need for better performance and to stay on parwith the competition’s growing powerplants, a 4.01- in-line six cylinder engine was made available forthe 1987 Cherokee.A direct descendant of the carbureted 4.2L in-line six introduced in 197 1, the new 4.0L engine offeredmulti-point fuel injection and produced a healthy 177 horsepower. AMC also offered this powerplantin their new for 1987 Comanche pickup. Based on the Cherokee, it was built on the same platform. Thepowerful six cylinder proved to be both an engineering and marketing success for AMC. Salesincreased and AMC claimed a majority market share from GM and Ford.The Cherokee and Comanche had also gained wide popularity in racing circles. As part of JeepMotorsports, the two vehicles (and to a limited extent the CJ models) participated in both on and offroadracing events. Jeep vehicles were posting wins in thousand mile long desert Baja-typecompetitions, as well as 24-hour endurance challenges. Of course, it might be expected for Jeep to havea good showing in these events because of their inherent off-road design, but they performed well onstreet courses as well.1989 Jeep Wagoneer Limited.* . ..