I Want a Jeep MJ/XJ for Autocross. Don’t @ Me

"way2blu does a rev update" (way2blu) 11/28/2018 at 10:52 • Filed to: Bad Ideas, Still want, jeep, jeep xj, jeep mj, JOOP, Toyota MR2

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Short wheelbase, manual , light-ish weight (2900 lbs), RWD, reliable & buildable 4.0-liter. Heck, the wheels from my MR2 fit on it. Just a few lowering springs away from greatness.

This or a 2-door, 4x2 XJ Cherokee. Lower the ride height and downsize the wheels a little bit, maybe find a limited-slip for the rear axle.

What’s OPPO think? Autocross & Jeep Oppos, I’d appreciate your honest opinions on this...

Just Jeepin' > way2blu does a rev update 11/28/2018 at 10:57

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I say go for it, but that’s without any actual knowledge of Autocross or   how well an MJ would do for that purpose.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > way2blu does a rev update 11/28/2018 at 10:58

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Due to rust, those pickups are going to be expensive to find in a good enough shape to handle the demands of autocross or track use. Might I suggest a colorado with the ZQ8 suspension package instead?

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > way2blu does a rev update 11/28/2018 at 10:59

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If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Just Jeepin' 11/28/2018 at 11:00

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There was a pair of brothers that tracked MJs in an 80's SCCA truck series and won

vondon302 > way2blu does a rev update 11/28/2018 at 11:00

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It's been done before so why not.

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > way2blu does a rev update 11/28/2018 at 11:01

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Sounds like fun...but finding a MJ at a decent price will be tough. You can probably the 2dr 2wd XJs for pretty cheap though.

shop-teacher > way2blu does a rev update 11/28/2018 at 11:01

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I’ve been contemplating an XJ for rallycross myself.  Anybody know how easy it is to lower a 4x4 XJ?

XJDano > way2blu does a rev update 11/28/2018 at 11:01

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Anything is possible. 

Just Jeepin' > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s 11/28/2018 at 11:03

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You never know.

https://oppositelock.kinja.com/100-and-a-cheap-pistol-1828953105

way2blu does a rev update > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s 11/28/2018 at 11:04

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The one pictured is local to me for less than $2k. Allegedly no rust, but the 4.0 doesn’t run currently.

way2blu does a rev update > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 11/28/2018 at 11:04

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Does the ZQ8 package come with the 5-cylinder engine? I like 5-cylinder engines...

Milky > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 11/28/2018 at 11:09

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Is that a Stroh’s beer sponsorship?  I’m going to assume so and be happy.  

For Sweden > way2blu does a rev update 11/28/2018 at 11:12

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“I want to use a car for something it was not designed to do” is the whole reason Oppositelock exists.

Manny05x > way2blu does a rev update 11/28/2018 at 11:16

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Can you school me on MR2? My gf friend (a girls) had a fight with her ex and she holds the tittle to one and now is trying to get rid of it. I know they are somewhat valuable which i didnt want her to know but my gf spilled the beans, im still hoping i can scoop it up if its worth it.

vicali > way2blu does a rev update 11/28/2018 at 11:17

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Look out for moose-

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > Just Jeepin' 11/28/2018 at 11:25

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That’s a smoking deal

Censored > way2blu does a rev update 11/28/2018 at 11:25

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https://bangshift.com/bangshiftapex/the-humbler-five-buddies-built-this-cheap-turbo-jeep-to-go-12s-and-destroy-on-the-autocross/

Totally cool.

way2blu does a rev update > For Sweden 11/28/2018 at 11:34

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For the record, I also think my MR2 would be pretty good off-road.

I can max out the coilover suspension height and just put on the wheels from the Jeep. Offsets & fitment are fine and it’d have full wheel clearance.

With good torque and weight distribution, it’s a perfect setup.

way2blu does a rev update > Manny05x 11/28/2018 at 11:49

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Do it. MR2s are rock-solid reliable and worth the premium over a Miata of similar vintage. Also, the “fun-factor” of the mid-engine setup is even more amazing.

I bought mine 2 years ago from a tow lot that got title to the car after the previous owner refused to take it back . Car had been neglected and abandoned, paint was chipping and there was lots of wear and tear.

After a basic tune-up on the engine, and replacing some of the more worn-out parts, it’s been 100% reliable across over 20k miles (intense autocross included).

Paint was a “worn-out part” too.

I can’t stress enough how amazing these are to drive. The engine intake is on the driver’s-side vent and you get the raw induction note on acceleration, even with the stock airbox. I haven’t felt a need to make the exhaust louder, because the intake note is already so good.

The handling is sublime and it’s got far more torque than a Miata, even in base 2.2-liter “Camry-engine” form.

I have zero regrets about buying this car. It’s stupidly good and I’ve never, ever had a check engine light.

shop-teacher > way2blu does a rev update 11/28/2018 at 12:01

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I believe the ZQ8 package was available with either the 4-cylinder or the 5-cylinder.

way2blu does a rev update > Censored 11/28/2018 at 12:06

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Heck yes. 

slipperysallylikespenguins > way2blu does a rev update 11/28/2018 at 12:20

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On the Cherokees you may want to consider a 4 door as they have a more rigid structure. They do weigh a little bit more though.

Just a little year information:

In 1994, the roof was strengthened and door beams were added.

In 1996, the body structure was strengthened.

In 1997, the rear hatch changed from fiberglass to steel, adding weight.

Regardless you would probably want to take a lesson from the offroad community and add some frame stiffeners to whatever you find. My vote would be MJ though.

way2blu does a rev update > slipperysallylikespenguins 11/28/2018 at 12:22

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I’ll add extra bracing for sure; the MJ/XJ aren’t listed for any of the Street classes in AutoX anyway, so I might as well just modify whatever I can to go faster. Competing with built Miatas in the modified classes will be fun in a Jeep...

Manny05x > way2blu does a rev update 11/28/2018 at 12:51

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Thats awesome to hear. I just would of wished my gf kept her mouth shit because her friend dont know crap about the car. What does a fair example fetch?

way2blu does a rev update > Manny05x 11/28/2018 at 12:56

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Turbo or non-turbo? I got mine (low mileage, manual, non-turbo) for $1600 but it did have a few repairs to do. My price was definitely on the low end for an MR2.

I’d say a good-condition NA is 4-5 grand and a Turbo should add 2-3 grand above that.

Manny05x > way2blu does a rev update 11/28/2018 at 13:16

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Good to know, thank you so much for filling me in on these. 

shop-teacher > way2blu does a rev update 11/28/2018 at 13:50

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Lookie what just popped up locally on the FB. It’s rusty, it’s a 4-banger, but 2wd manual for only $650.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/767785143553917/

punkgoose17 > way2blu does a rev update 11/28/2018 at 14:11

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The ones I see in good condition and at a good price are always the 4 cylinder models. The 4.0 models always seem a bit pricey when in good shape.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > way2blu does a rev update 11/28/2018 at 14:37

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Yes! That picture is of a college friend’s truck at one of our autocrosses a few years ago (man I miss college....). That is a stick shift, 3.5L 5-cylinder with the ZQ8 package. It did way way way WAY better than it had any right to.

I don’t know if the GMC canyon has a similar package or not and if they do, if the name is different.

way2blu does a rev update > shop-teacher 11/28/2018 at 15:03

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Competing in the modded classes at AutoX anyway, so some chassis bracing & an engine swap sound pretty reasonable.

That’s pretty tempting...

It’s even my color.

Manny05x > way2blu does a rev update 11/28/2018 at 15:14

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Here it is

way2blu does a rev update > Manny05x 11/28/2018 at 15:17

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THAT is a nice MR2. Definitely buy it if you can.

shop-teacher > way2blu does a rev update 11/28/2018 at 16:36

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It’s pretty close to me, so if you decide to go look at it, I’d be willing to go with you.  I may go look at it if it’s still available after the holidays. 

Manny05x > way2blu does a rev update 11/28/2018 at 16:36

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Yes and i heard is a turbo idk much about it i was thinking of buying it to flip it.

way2blu does a rev update > shop-teacher 11/28/2018 at 19:16

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I live in SoCal so Illinois would be a stretch unfortunately.

I could be like David Tracy and road-trip the Jeep :P

shop-teacher > way2blu does a rev update 11/28/2018 at 22:06

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That would be a pretty epic trip!