Notices
Stock JK Tech Bulletin board forum regarding issues with OE (original equipment) components of the Jeep JK Wrangler (Rubicon, Sahara, Unlimited and X) such as factory suspension parts, engine, transmission, body parts, interior fixtures and the on-board computer.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: DashLynx

Does altitude effect how a JK performs?

Thread Tools
 
Old 02-08-2007, 07:19 AM
  #1  
JK Enthusiast
Thread Starter
 
Kiernan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Does altitude effect how a JK performs?

I just drove my JK from San Antonio, TX to Great Falls, MT and the performance of the Jeep got worse and worse every day of the drive. On the 2nd day going through western KS and CO it struggled to maintain the speed limit. The third day I could barely get to the speed limit.

I'm curious if the increase in altitude and lower O2 content has something to do with this decrease in power. Any thoughts or suggestions?
Old 02-08-2007, 07:26 AM
  #2  
JK Enthusiast
 
Jake_Blues's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Loveland, CO
Posts: 442
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Altitude affects every naturally aspirated engine in basically the same way, lowering performance due to the lower air density. I lost over a second in the quarter mile when I moved from Missouri to Colorado. You can find conversions online for various altitudes, but basically yes, higher altitude=lower performance.

-E
Old 02-08-2007, 07:31 AM
  #3  
JK Enthusiast
 
jeepinoutwest's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: US
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

The altitude most certainly does play a role. In a nut shell higher altitude
=less atmospheric pressure=less oxygen per square inch=less oxygen getting into your intake=smaller explosion=less power. This can be corrected for, however, your fuel to oxygen mixture would be wrong when you return home. Wait until you get back to where you usually drive and see if everything returns to normal. I noticed this big time once in my TJ driving from AZ to CA where I had to ascend thousands of feet.
Old 02-08-2007, 08:15 AM
  #4  
JK Super Freak
 
Rubidon's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Ohio
Posts: 1,139
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Kiernan
I just drove my JK from San Antonio, TX to Great Falls, MT and the performance of the Jeep got worse and worse every day of the drive. On the 2nd day going through western KS and CO it struggled to maintain the speed limit. The third day I could barely get to the speed limit.

I'm curious if the increase in altitude and lower O2 content has something to do with this decrease in power. Any thoughts or suggestions?
Yes........Every time I fly over the rail road tracks my rpm's increase until I land
Old 02-08-2007, 08:35 AM
  #5  
Eternal ***erator
 
HappyCurmudgeon's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Niagara, New York
Posts: 18,270
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Rubidon
Yes........Every time I fly over the rail road tracks my rpm's increase until I land
lmao@that
Old 02-08-2007, 09:10 AM
  #6  
JK Enthusiast
 
Angryitch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: PW, Colorado
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

So... is there such a thing as a HAC (high altitude compensator) for our Jeeps?
Old 02-08-2007, 11:29 AM
  #7  
JK Newbie
 
drojk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Durango CO
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I live @ 7200 ft and I'm always amazed how much more power my vehicles have if I take a road trip to sea level. As for compensating for the power loss you really can't beat a supercharger.
Old 02-08-2007, 12:01 PM
  #8  
JK Super Freak
 
RedRockJK's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 1,313
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Angryitch
So... is there such a thing as a HAC (high altitude compensator) for our Jeeps?
Yes there will be at least a couple of supercharger options available sometime.
Old 02-08-2007, 12:27 PM
  #9  
JK Enthusiast
 
Beel_MT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Bozeman, Montana
Posts: 386
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I know the ECU is supposed to make adjustments based on your driving habits and such, can it make adjustments for elevation as well?

Will it slowly get better over the next week or two?


Beel
Old 02-08-2007, 12:58 PM
  #10  
JK Enthusiast
Thread Starter
 
Kiernan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Beel_MT
I know the ECU is supposed to make adjustments based on your driving habits and such, can it make adjustments for elevation as well?

Will it slowly get better over the next week or two?


Beel
I was wondering the same thing. Maybe if I disconnect the battery for a few, then reconnect and see if it will re-learn and compensate for the lower o2 levels.


Quick Reply: Does altitude effect how a JK performs?



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 04:57 PM.