Help With Camshaft Selection

[Root Moose]

I want to swap the cam on my 2001 4.0 for something that makes more torque than stock.

Ideally, I want something with the most TQ between ~2000 - ~2600 RPM. This is where I spend the most of my time at highway cruise and I feel that the aero drag at these speeds could be overcome by more TQ. (4.56 gears and 32s) I have zero issues with the torque I have curently off-road.

The engine is completely stock and makes good compression - no rebuild in the foreseeable future. As part of this I'll do the obvious bolt-on mods like a header/exhaust and some how free up the intake while adding a snorkel.

What cam should I use?

 

[NorCalChris]

There is a cam spread sheet for the Jeep inline 6 somewhere on the interwebs. If someone has it can you please post it up.

 

[Dr. Dyno]

I want to swap the cam on my 2001 4.0 for something that makes more torque than stock.

Ideally, I want something with the most TQ between ~2000 - ~2600 RPM. This is where I spend the most of my time at highway cruise and I feel that the aero drag at these speeds could be overcome by more TQ. (4.56 gears and 32s) I have zero issues with the torque I have curently off-road.

The engine is completely stock and makes good compression - no rebuild in the foreseeable future. As part of this I'll do the obvious bolt-on mods like a header/exhaust and some how free up the intake while adding a snorkel.

What cam should I use?

Keep the stock one. Yes there are several aftermarket camshafts available and my spreadsheet is at http://www.angelfire.com/my/fan/Jeep4.0Camshafts.htm , but none is going to be a significant improvement and the cost/hassle of a cam swap (plus different timing set) just isn't worth it.
Bolt-ons like CAI, 62mm TB, modified downpipe with 2.5" pipe after the Y, 2.5" high-flow cat, and 2.5" exhaust will add torque across the whole rpm range and might improve gas mileage slightly.

 

[JaVeLiN]

The MOPAR cams look awesome... Use Royal Purple and EOS from GM to make the cam and lifters live for a long time.
---->>> Part Number: DCC-4529228ADCamshaft, Lifters, Hydraulic Flat Tappet, Advertised Duration 240/240, Lift .430/.430, Jeep, 4.0L, Kit

 

[Root Moose]

Keep the stock one. Yes there are several aftermarket camshafts available and my spreadsheet is at http://www.angelfire.com/my/fan/Jeep4.0Camshafts.htm , but none is going to be a significant improvement and the cost/hassle of a cam swap (plus different timing set) just isn't worth it.

Really? That is counter to everything I've read or experienced on other engines.

If it makes any difference to your perspective I won't be paying someone to do the work of the install.

 

[Dr. Dyno]

My reasoning is simple. Adding a performance cam isn't going to help you if the engine's breathing is still restricted by the stock 0331 head and stock intake manifold which were designed with low rev torque in mind. You'd also require performance valve springs which will add to the cost so let's see. Parts alone are going to cost you nearly $700 and you'll need a full weekend to do the cam swap even with a buddy helping you:

Cam & lifter kit $190
Cloyes dual roller timing set $142
Mopar Performance gasket set $68
Mopar Performance valve springs $131
Mopar Performance retainers $119
Mopar Performance keepers $20
Cam bolt, spring, pin & washer from Hesco $20

I honestly believe that it would be a waste of time and money just doing a cam swap. For that much money you could buy a 258 crankshaft plus a set of Keith Black IC944 pistons and turn your engine into a 4.6L modified "poor man's" stroker. Everything else in the engine could remain stock and the torque gain would be noticeable.

 

[Root Moose]

The engine has an Alabama Cylinder Head replacement head.

So, saying I'm willing to spend that money for the parts, then what?

 

[Dr. Dyno]

Then you're left with a much lighter wallet and after a weekend of wrenching, not much extra HP/TQ to show for it, paranoia about valvetrain noise, and anxiety about whether your new flat tappet cam/lifters will fail later on.