I don't think SC has annual inspections, at least not emissions. I was referencing Fed requirements and the likely insurance issues.
TJ de-computerization help
- Thread starter burtpenguinnn
- Start date
I don't think SC has annual inspections, at least not emissions. I was referencing Fed requirements and the likely insurance issues.
OP
what im confused about is people who say that all i would need to do is install the appropriate hardware for things like a new transmission and a carb kit, which is a lot of stuff but its small things (not saying with small importance) like driveshafts, throttle linkages, modifying the fuel tank, things like that. and then you say id basically need to start from scratch with a clean frame.
specifically talking about decomputerizing my existing engine
also w the 350 thing I can recognize names like 305, 350, 409, etc but I dont know anything about the engines really apart from cylinder count and size (because the name is their volume) I couldnt tell you when the 409 was made or what kinda shit they put on it but I know its american muscle and I know its a big v8. (as an example)
however in the context of what seems to be the easier path, which is removing computers from the existing powertrain (and a transmission swap that's happening either way) its irrelevant, but i cant blame you for thinking im an idiot over that.
You have any experience tuning a carb? Swapping out jets? Checking vacuum? Power valve? Adjusting the float?
I love my 97 because it has just enough computer to make my life easy...that includes automatically adjusting the fuel/air mixture in all conditions and altitudes...to telling me enough information to troubleshoot and narrow down my problem to something manageable...even trail repairable.
I had a 69 Chevy K20. 292 straight six and a Rochester monojet. I spent more time with that carb than I did on anything else on that truck. Got rid of is a few years before LS swaps got easy. Otherwise I would have pulled that engine and dropped in a 6.2.
And with @Wranglerfix and @Flyin' Ryan Performance you can do a lot with that stock PCM.
If you want more power you can stroke it to a 4.7. You could add a turbo or supercharger. There are 5.2 and 5.9 swaps - V-8 power from a Durango or Ram truck. You could LS swap it... Terminator X from Holley is expensive but easy and HP Tuners would let you reprogram a stock GM computer.
Every one of these is a tried and true, proven recipe for making a TJ better.
I think the only time I'd consider carb swapping my Jeep would be after a nuclear war and EMP wiped out the planet and by some remote chance my PCM didn't work...and I believe it was the Navy that tested our Jeeps and discouted this possibility. But then if have zero resources to figure it out and about two months before all the shit ethanol gas went bad.
-Mac
I love my 97 because it has just enough computer to make my life easy...that includes automatically adjusting the fuel/air mixture in all conditions and altitudes...to telling me enough information to troubleshoot and narrow down my problem to something manageable...even trail repairable.
I had a 69 Chevy K20. 292 straight six and a Rochester monojet. I spent more time with that carb than I did on anything else on that truck. Got rid of is a few years before LS swaps got easy. Otherwise I would have pulled that engine and dropped in a 6.2.
And with @Wranglerfix and @Flyin' Ryan Performance you can do a lot with that stock PCM.
If you want more power you can stroke it to a 4.7. You could add a turbo or supercharger. There are 5.2 and 5.9 swaps - V-8 power from a Durango or Ram truck. You could LS swap it... Terminator X from Holley is expensive but easy and HP Tuners would let you reprogram a stock GM computer.
Every one of these is a tried and true, proven recipe for making a TJ better.
I think the only time I'd consider carb swapping my Jeep would be after a nuclear war and EMP wiped out the planet and by some remote chance my PCM didn't work...and I believe it was the Navy that tested our Jeeps and discouted this possibility. But then if have zero resources to figure it out and about two months before all the shit ethanol gas went bad.
-Mac
OP
the main goal is to get rid of the computers, i dislike the idea that my car needs computers. its a personal preference that barely anyone understands, I cant logic my way out of it.
cars are delicate machines that run on just the right amount of air and fuel to create and explosion. if you cant operate the machine you dont deserve to operate the machine.
cars arent supposed to be easy to operate.
where else am i gonna learn carb tuning if not from having to tune one?
people lived with carbs for years without issue.
again this thread isnt about whether i should decomputerize my jeep or not, its about the best way to go about doing it
these threads always spiral into an argument about whether or not the whole premise is a good idea or not which isnt the question im asking because im already decided on doing it, i just want to know from people who are more experienced i am the best way to do it
i already know the trouble involved and im okay with it, i think its better than having a computer run magic rumbling box that turns your wheels with no thought, care, or effort needed.
Fair enough. Here's a suggestion...check out FB, Craiglist and buy an old truck. 60s or early 70s. Probably get something for less than a couple grand. Running or not.
Practice and play and learn a little. Less consequences. Less stress. Heck you might even be able to flip it and make money.
-Mac
You know how to carb it now. But understand that you don't get to decide what this thread is about. You just get to name it. Other people will go wherever they want to with it.
If people who started threads were meant to control them they would also have the power to edit or delete other peoples posts. Which only moderators have.
There have been a lot of hurt feelings over this misconception.
Seriously...it would be better to just buy an old YJ or CJ. Making a TJ run without a computer might be "easy" but making it a road worthy vehicle will not be. You have gauges to figure out, and a manual swap is nothing to scoff at either. I went the other way (manual to auto) and while it wasn't really difficult skill wise, it took a ton of planning and a whole bunch of money to pull it off correctly.
What are you going to do about exhaust...(cats gotta come out). Fuel pump? That pump you have for fuel injection will blow through a needle and seat and flood a carb. Your engine probably doesn't have the necessary mouting bosses for a mechanical pump (or the drive on the crank), so you'll need electric there. How about a speedometer? Cable acutated...which means a different transfer case. This is only about 2 minutes of thought...I'm sure there is more.
Its a terrible idea.
What are you going to do about exhaust...(cats gotta come out). Fuel pump? That pump you have for fuel injection will blow through a needle and seat and flood a carb. Your engine probably doesn't have the necessary mouting bosses for a mechanical pump (or the drive on the crank), so you'll need electric there. How about a speedometer? Cable acutated...which means a different transfer case. This is only about 2 minutes of thought...I'm sure there is more.
Its a terrible idea.
My 1970s Mercedes has the first production fuel injection system. Once in a while someone buys one of those cars and they don't like the stock FI system, or they like to tinker, so they convert it to Megasquirt. That is a third-party FI system that replaces all the stock bits and pieces.
What invariably happens is they run into an issue either with the conversion or several years down the road, and they find that they can't get any help because simply not enough other people have done the same thing to the same engine successfully AND are around on internet forums to answer any and all questions.
IMO if you are going to create a frankenstein vehicle then you have to be prepared to entirely support it on your own. I think that's just being realistic.
I think this particular conversion being proposed will be a lot harder to sell in the future so likely devaluing the vehicle. You will have to find someone that not only wants a TJ but wants what you have done to the engine.
Andy
What invariably happens is they run into an issue either with the conversion or several years down the road, and they find that they can't get any help because simply not enough other people have done the same thing to the same engine successfully AND are around on internet forums to answer any and all questions.
IMO if you are going to create a frankenstein vehicle then you have to be prepared to entirely support it on your own. I think that's just being realistic.
I think this particular conversion being proposed will be a lot harder to sell in the future so likely devaluing the vehicle. You will have to find someone that not only wants a TJ but wants what you have done to the engine.
Andy
Why not take an engine/trans/transfercase/gauges/etc out of something old without a computer and swap it in to your Jeep? Sounds like you've got the money to do it, and it seems like that'd be the best way to do it. Lots of people are looking to swap modern engines into old cars so you probably wouldn't lose that much money once you sell off the frame and body of the donor.
You might also want to figure out places that sell ethanol free gas since your engine isn't going to like modern gas very much. A marina might be your best bet. Or if you go old enough on the engine, airports still sell leaded gasoline.
Real men buy there fuel at the airport. That’s what I heard anyway.
C.J. Roberts
TJ Addict
What you need to consider is that the computer controls EVERYTHING, except maybe the lights, wipers, and radio. Everything the engine does, fuel, air, timing, heat, air conditioning, gauges. It wouldn't be just pull the EFI off and install a carb. It would be a total engine swap. Even if you went with a 258, (4.2) which the 4.0 is descended from, the trans, transfer case and drive shafts might not fit. All gauges and controls would have to change. Including the speedometer and tachometer.
Can you do it? Of course. Is it practical, no. However, if you're hard set on the idea, I'd start by finding as late a model CJ7 with the 258 as you can and using that as a donor vehicle. Aftermarket has a replacement instrument panel that you can mount the mechanical gauges in.
If you've got the time, fabrication skills, tools, equipment and money, I'd like to see how it turns out. Good Luck.
Can you do it? Of course. Is it practical, no. However, if you're hard set on the idea, I'd start by finding as late a model CJ7 with the 258 as you can and using that as a donor vehicle. Aftermarket has a replacement instrument panel that you can mount the mechanical gauges in.
If you've got the time, fabrication skills, tools, equipment and money, I'd like to see how it turns out. Good Luck.
Unfortunately everyone sucking on the pipe resulted in the generation that doesn't know how to tune carbs.
Just swap the motor out of a lawn tractor. Cheap, easy, reliable. 15 HP should get around town okay. A turbo would certainly help
Unfortunately everyone sucking on the pipe resulted in the generation that doesn't know how to tune carbs.
Can confirm. My wife can suck some pipe and can't tune a carb to save her life.
Might even be able to splurge on an AutoChoke! Or find a 2 stroke! Then you can learn how to mix and tune the carb!
Asking how to “decomputerize” your jeep from a computer…..
The juice is not worth the squeeze. This would take lots of money for zero benefits. Like 100% zero!
Would be less costly to get yourself into therapy to get over your fear of a computer.
I come from the CJ carburetor days, I don’t miss them one bit. I’d say the biggest improvement the TJ has over the CJ is fuel injection, I wouldn’t trade it for the world!
You do you, but this would be throwing money away and having a worse jeep at the end of the day.
The juice is not worth the squeeze. This would take lots of money for zero benefits. Like 100% zero!
Would be less costly to get yourself into therapy to get over your fear of a computer.
I come from the CJ carburetor days, I don’t miss them one bit. I’d say the biggest improvement the TJ has over the CJ is fuel injection, I wouldn’t trade it for the world!
You do you, but this would be throwing money away and having a worse jeep at the end of the day.
OP
thats what I figured is the best option,
honestly ever since ive gotten this TJ ive wanted to keep the original engine because I love the 4.0 I just dont like how many electronics and sensors and computers n shit they put in it. (which is why this thread started with me talking about decomputerizing a TJ stock drivetrain) An engine swap has always been on the horizon w this TJ and you have to take out the entire drivetrain anyways for an engine swap so I think I might go a more standard route with something like as was mentioned earlier; a 350.