Some more stroker q's

GaryMB · #1 (**permalink**) 07-28-2005, 02:57 PM

I've started ordering parts to put my stroker together, and have some questions. First of all, is it a good idea to get a double roller timing set, or should I just stick with a factory replacement? Also, I have heard that the 4.0L high volume oil pump from mopar performance is not emissions legal...is this true? As for pistons, I talked to Bennie at Hesco and he said that with the shorter 4.2l rods, the pistons will travel so far down the cylinder that the rings will nearly pop out and the skirts will be alot more likely to break. This means that custom pistons with the 4.0L rods would be the only way to solve this, or ordering a set of forged stroker pistons from Hesco and using my 4.0L rods. Any input? I have a friend who works at the Jeep dealer and will see if he can get me any discounts from Hesco; if he can get me a stroker kit for under $1500 I think I'll just go ahead and order that. It'll cost me around $1200 anyway to piece together my own kit if I use forged pistons. I'm also considering just installing a stock rebuilt 4.0L to save some $$$...I'm just wondering how highway driveability would be with 35" tires and a stock 4.0L.

Junkpile · #2 (**permalink**) 07-28-2005, 11:39 PM

If geared right, certainly. A 4.0 can be hopped up too.

There's always the AMC V8s......they were used in SJs until when, 91? Wouldn't that be a legal swap in California? If the engine is newer than the vehicle and all emissions are retained?

GaryMB · #3 (**permalink**) 07-29-2005, 12:09 AM

I already ordered Crane Cam 753905 http://www.cranecams.com/index.php?s...05&lvl=2&prt=5 . If I went ahead and installed that, and then maybe installed a mopar performance .043 head gasket to raise compression a bit, what type of power gains would I be looking at (w/o it being stroked)? Apparently the whole piston and rod setup, when pressed together and balanced, is just over $1000. Add the price of rings, and yikes, that's expensive...is it worth the extra $1000 for the extra power a stroker would have? I'm pretty far into this swap (bought alot of stuff that can't be returned), so I think that if i don't go with a stroker I'll at least go with a 4.0L. I'm just debating between 4.0L and 4.6L. For those with 4.0L Wranglers and 33"-35" tires, how is freeway driving? Would you pay $1000 for a 100lb/ft gain and 60hp gain?

montana_jeepn · #4 (**permalink**) 07-29-2005, 08:14 AM

I have a 03 TJ with a 4.0, 5spd, 3.73 gears, 3" lift w/ 33x12.5 AT's. Mods include K&N FIPK, catback (standard turbo muffler), and a TB spacer (verdict is out whether it really does anything). I think my Jeep gets around great! Could it be better? Of course. I cruise down the highway doing 70-75 mph everyday.

How much HP is too much? Silly question. I personally would spend the extra money for the power gain, though I tend to go to extremes in all my hobbies. (though marriage has definitely interrupted my quests for power and speed) You’re looking at $17 per HP and $10 per lb/ft. If you can afford it, I'd say go for it. :) Either way it sounds like you have a nice rig. Good luck!

GaryMB · #5 (**permalink**) 07-29-2005, 04:20 PM

I have decided that I would love to have a stroker, but could invest my money elseware where it is needed more. I already have the cam in the mail, and a performance head gasket would raise compression to about 9:1. If I really wanted to, I could always stroke it later on, though it would be a PITA. I think that I'll take that $1000 for the stroker and buy a set of dana 44's and rebuild them, and throw an Eaton E-locker in the back. One problem is I already bought 24lb fuel injectors and a dual friction clutch on ebay. I guess I can resell the fuel injectors...and I guess the dual friction clutch would work with the slightly modified 4.0L?

Snitty · #6 (**permalink**) 07-29-2005, 09:08 PM

They are full of snot when they are talking about the shorter pistons nearly falling out of the cylinder. The stroker, even using stock parts, has been built MANY times and has always been successful.

GaryMB · #7 (**permalink**) 07-30-2005, 01:00 AM

Well, Bennie at Hesco did seam eager to sell me their stroker pistons and rods. My main concern with building the stroker with the short rods is getting the compression down to about 9:1. According to Bennie at Hesco, California has very poor quality gas due to all the emissions additives in it. He also told me that using spark plugs for a non-high output 4.0L will help prevent detonation due to the shorter spark plug length creating less of a hot spot. Anyway, the largest dish I have found on a production piston is 17.5cc on the Speed Pro cast aluminium 677P/677CP----1.585" 17.5cc piston. This would help with compression, but not get it down to something manageable with low octane pump gas. The local machine shop will not dish out a cast or hypereutectic piston for fear of it becoming too weak (is this really an issue with ALL cast pistons?). Any suggestions? I could mannage with 89 octane, it's just that alot of remote places usually don't carry 91...places where only a Jeep will tread :) . I'm hoping to at least have all the parts on hand in the next couple of weeks so I can build it when I get back from vacation and have it running by the end of August.

GaryMB · #8 (**permalink**) 07-30-2005, 03:58 PM

I just talked to a guy who's friend has a stroker in his YJ. He said that it's fast, but even with dana 44's front and rear he breaks 32 spline axle shafts on steep hills where traction is good. I plan on installing dana 44's, and my tranny isn't bullet proof. Again I'd like the extra power that will leave alot of sports cars in the dust, but am hearing conflicting things about that extra power and what it takes to harness it reliably.