Small Block or Stroker

[xj-fx]

forums are the best!!

The 4.0 is getting some miles.. so I am starting to weigh options...

What are your thoughts on rebuilding the 4.0 as a stroker or drop a 350 into the 88 XJ?

I'm running a NV3550 which is compatible with a 350 via Advance Adapters.

Some more info:
88 XJ - NP231 - 6" lift - 33" Tires - NV3550

 

[MuddinXJ]

i would go the 350. that is what i plan on doing when i get my use out of the 4.0. as soon as i reach 200K the 4.0 is done and a 350 w/ about 25-35k on it is going in.

 

[BrettM]

the 4.0 can easily be built to put out numbers similar to a stock 350. if you go to the hassle of swapping something besides a stroker, do something cool, like an LS1

 

[woody431]

You'll prolly need to start thinking about strengthening the unibody for the added torque, maybe like a cage or something...it might not be all necessary, but just something to think about. What kind of axles are you running?


I was debating on the same thing, but I'm going to build a stroker instead

 

[Renegade Jpr]

Stroke it!

 

[REDXJ4FUN]

once again stroke it, droping a v8 in will be alot more work than you think to get it right where a stoker is a bolt in and is very efective.

 

[MuddinXJ]

dropping a v8 is not hard. you just have to plan out and make custom motor mounts.

 

[Gary E]

Small block if you are doing it with EFI

 

[TC]

If you're comfortable doing either and are looking for the most power then by all means drop in the V8. A stroker will give you an increase in HP and torque but it won't equal even a mild small block. TC

 

[Goat]

I've done the small block swap so I can't really be objective. Yes a stroker will give you the same output as a stock small block but will fall short to a lightly modded SBC.

Think about the cost...stroker builds are not cheap. You dump an injected SBC into your rig for cheaper.

These are somethings that I ran into when doing the swap:
-You need a remote oil filter unless you have a pass drop front axle.
-Headers are a complete custom job...I haven't been able to find anything off the shelf that will fit. This INCLUDES the CRAP headers sold by AA.
-Cooling with a closed loop radiator is a problem.
-SBC with iron heads and Al intake is 175lbs heavier so your front end is going to drop.