Need stroker advice

[GrimmJeeper]

I would post up on jeepstrokers.com, but I hate to post up and ask the same question that's been asked a million times before.


I have a 98 block and head, just scored a 4.2 long block on craigslist for 45 bux so I need to plan out my budget stroker build. when I say budget I mean 800$ is my max limit.

I can rebuild the motor as stock for ~$300 in parts and gaskets. What I need advice on is:


1.) Cam
2.) Pistons
3.) Fueling
4.) ???


I can get the cleanup and machine work on the block and head, plus cleaning up the crankshaft for about 200$, that leaves me with $300 to drop on a cam, pistons, and hop up parts. Where would you spend your dough?

 

[gradon]

No prob man--glad you going this way instead of the chevy swap--you will not be disappointed, but rather kick yourself for not doing this sooner. Use a stock cam if really on a budget, or the tried and true comp 231 or 232 cams(one for low-mid rpm, one for mid-high) or mopar 29 or 30 cams($200, comp requires additional lifters cause the ones that come w/ em are for 4.2, mopar comes with correct 4.0 lifters), Sealed Power H802 or 825cp pistons(on ebay w/ rings for ~$150 from hdmaddog, specify overbore), and depending on fuel rail you have, 24-27# ford 4-pintle injectors($60-75 rebuilt). Use a homebrew adjustable map to dial in WOT. Don't be afraid to ask away or lurk at Jeepstrokers(only Talyn will give you $#!+

 

[GrimmJeeper]

I live less than 200 yards from arias pistons and have an account through them via my shop, just throwing that out there as an additional wrench in the mind gears

To clarify I am building up the 4.0 block not the 4.2, that will be sold to help fund the build. The XJ it's going into is a 94 so I'm planning on using that fuel rail.

 

[gradon]

Since I didn't see a Jeep piston in the Arias' domestic tab. Custom 3.905"(+.030") or 3.935"(+.060") bore pistons with 25-30cc dish and 1.375-1.38" pin height to be used on the stock 6.123" 4.0 rod. For the injectors get some rated 24#@39psi or 25.5#@43.5psi(typical psi spec).

 

[NorCalChris]

Proper tuning will need a fuel pressure regulator and a wideband 02 kit.

 

[NorCalChris]

Use the mopar performance .043 headgasket too.

 

[GrimmJeeper]

Since I didn't see a Jeep piston in the Arias' domestic tab. Custom 3.905"(+.030") or 3.935"(+.060") bore pistons with 25-30cc dish and 1.375-1.38" pin height to be used on the stock 6.123" 4.0 rod. For the injectors get some rated 24#@39psi or 25.5#@43.5psi(typical psi spec).

so you're saying I should go with the stock rods from the 4.0?

 

[gradon]

Yes, use the 4.0 rods if Arias can give you a deal on custom pistons. I used the 4.2 rods and those h825cp30s(overbore 4.0 pistons), but next build will go long rod(have a set of eagle 6.150s). The only pistons that will work with the 4.0 rods in a stroker are the KB944s, 945s, and custom pistons. The overbore off-the-shelf 4.0 pistons will only work on the 4.2 rods in a stroker.

 

[GrimmJeeper]

I'll talk to arias on monday, probably out of my budget but who knows maybe I'll get lucky

thanks for the info Gradon.

 

[Team Willys]

Are sure about the whole lifter situation in a 4.2 vs. 4.0??? I have built like 5 of these things now and have never heard about a difference i the lifters. I know the cam gears are different on some of them. But from what I remember I just bought the cam kit and used the lifters that came with it... are you sure you didn't mean to say valve springs? Because they are for sure different, so when you order the "kit" you just get cam and lifters because the 4.2 springs wont work. The mopar complete cam kits do come with new 4.0 springs IIRC.

 

[gradon]

Maybe I am thinking about the comp cam springs not working in the 4.0 head. . . Talyn will have the answer. If you can get the custom pistons for under $75/piston w/pins, then it's a good price. I think the cheapest I've seen the KBs were around $350. Ask about rings too.