Screwed Stroker

[FearNoFish]

I've been accumulating parts as I find good deals. This is what I have so far and I need to formulate a direction to go and get rid of the rest.
Used Golen 4.6 long block with cam bearing problems - casting # 53008405
# 53010341 long block - lost 2 rods but no block damage
# 0630 head
Hesco Aluminum head
Kenne Bell screw type supercharger made for a Wrangler
Borla header-cat back
Random Tech cat converter
I am going into a 99 cherokee

The compression ratio on the Golen is probably too high for the super charger. I could change out the pistons to take care of that. I don't know about the old block # though. I could forget the stroker and just rebuild the 4.0 and use the Kenne Bell.
But darn the thought of an aluminum headed, screwed, stroker sounds so too good not to look into it. Go ahead and throw your opinions at me. What are the strengths and weaknesses of my dream?

FNF

[SilverXJ]

I've been accumulating parts as I find good deals. This is what I have so far and I need to formulate a direction to go and get rid of the rest.
Used Golen 4.6 long block with cam bearing problems - casting # 53008405

What happened to the cam bearings? Any idea why?

# 53010341 long block - lost 2 rods but no block damage

Lucky. Why did the rods fail?

# 0630 head
Hesco Aluminum head

Which one?

Kenne Bell screw type supercharger made for a Wrangler

Some other options if you don't already have the KB SC: http://www.boostecus.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=3

I am going into a 99 cherokee

What are you going to do about the KB SC clearance with the hood?

The compression ratio on the Golen is probably too high for the super charger. I could change out the pistons to take care of that.

Yes, you could dish teh pistons or choose a cam that bleeds off some compression. If you lost two rods, how are the pistons still intact?

I don't know about the old block # though.

Might fit.. but you want to check how everything mounts prior to doing anything with the old block.

I could forget the stroker and just rebuild the 4.0 and use the Kenne Bell.

Why? You already have a Golen that needs work, so you have the parts. If the Golen block doesn't work use the block you intend to rebuild and use what you can out of the Golen.

But darn the thought of an aluminum headed, screwed, stroker sounds so too good not to look into it.

Whats so magical about the aluminum head to you? The only real benefits I see are lower change of pinging due to lower chamber temps and no need for a modified valve cover or spacer with roller rockers. I like the idea of an aluminum, but not at that price. That is money better spent else where. This is what I would do: if the Golen block doesn't fit, use your current 4.0L and make a stroker. Find some dished pistons (maybe forged) and a good cam for the super charger... maybe get a SC that can clear the hood.

[FearNoFish]

The camshaft problems suposedly are due to incorrect springs and installer (PO) screw ups which lead to the demise of a couple of shafts and lifter sets. Thus it is ready for new bearings before installing another shaft.
The 97 4.0 block was a victim of hydro-lock. #1 & # 6 rods and pistons are missing (removed by the PO). The only visable damage is to the girdle.
I appreciate the options for the S/C but I already own the Kenne Bell. It came with the intercooler, injectors, throtlebody, intercooler water pump, intercooler radiator core, computor, etc. I can get it reflashed by K-B to work with what ever mods I have in the final motor. Clearance is a concern. I need to find out how much of a gain there is with a cowl induction hood and whether or not the "hump" is located in the correct spot. I can always e-bay the K-B and come out ahead. If I did that I could look at the ones that were listed above.
I get a lot of flack about that aluminum head. Minimal HP gains, unequal dimension changes, etc, etc. but I have it I'm going to use it. Considering I am only into the blocks, head, cam, gaskets, timing chain & cover for $1200. The springs on it are for a new Camshaft Inovations cam that is ground for a manual transmission. I have an auto so I will unload the cam and springs and look at options for a blown stroker.

I am leaning toward the Golen with lower compression pistons, the Hesco aluminum head, and the K-B set-up.

FNF

[SilverXJ]

Since you already have the head go ahead and use it. Just cc it to get the true chamber volume so you can do your calculations correctly. From what I read the head comes with a large chamber. I don't think the cowl hood is going to help you. The rise is toward the rear and the clearance issue will be at the front of the super charger where the pulley and snout is. I think it was JP that installed an Avenger kit on an XJ and it stuck up above the hood 2-3". They but a large scoop on the front to cover it, which was over kill. You also have to consider your state laws if you are going to drive it on the road. Some states don't allow anything to stick out more than 2" above your stock hood.