97 4.0 motor build/swap questions

[GTemperino]

Ok here is my situation. My 97 4.0 motor is on the fritz pretty sure a lifter is going and prob the crank bearings. So instead of fixing my current motor im thinking of building a new one. So here are my questions.

1. What year block should i get? I know older AMC blocks are better because they have a higher nickle content, but do they have everything for the sensors?

2. I allready have the two piece cast iron exhaust manifolds on my jeep and the newer style intake manifold ready to go. So my question is should i look into getting the newer head so the ports line up? What year is the casting good?

3. What crank should i get the 4.0 stock or a 4.2? Im looking to add a little power but still want to keep the motor reliable.

4. Pistons? I will prob have to bore the block a that i get a little bit.

5. Cam? Like i said i want to add some power but keep it reliable, it is my dd.

6. Roller Rockers? Are they worth the money?

7. What other parts should i upgrade to better after market pieces?

Thanks in advance for any input you guys have.

[Cheromaniac]

Ok here is my situation. My 97 4.0 motor is on the fritz pretty sure a lifter is going and prob the crank bearings. So instead of fixing my current motor im thinking of building a new one. So here are my questions.

1. What year block should i get? I know older AMC blocks are better because they have a higher nickle content, but do they have everything for the sensors? Keep your '97 block.

2. I allready have the two piece cast iron exhaust manifolds on my jeep and the newer style intake manifold ready to go. So my question is should i look into getting the newer head so the ports line up? What year is the casting good? Keep your '97 head.

3. What crank should i get the 4.0 stock or a 4.2? Im looking to add a little power but still want to keep the motor reliable. Use the 4.2 and build a stroker.

4. Pistons? I will prob have to bore the block a that i get a little bit. Use Keith Black IC944 pistons with 4.0 rods.

5. Cam? Like i said i want to add some power but keep it reliable, it is my dd. Keep stock.

6. Roller Rockers? Are they worth the money? You won't need them if you keep the stock cam.

7. What other parts should i upgrade to better after market pieces? Accel 24lb injectors.

Thanks in advance for any input you guys have.

Hope that helps some.

[BigD97TJ]

I'm in the same boat as the OP. What are the specs to the setup that Cheromaniac recommends?

I've been looking at different kits as I'm new to the stroker game and trying to keep this build simple but effective.

Also what else would be needed for this setup, I'm going to be reusing my block and head and does this setup require boring?

Thanks!

[Cybershot]

Check my build up at the "projects" forum. I did exactly what Cheromaniac mentioned above, just with an 2001er Block (not importent, any block will do the job) and an 99 head 0630. I just used an performance Procomp cam, which runs fine in my stroker, but several guys alredy had problems with them, so I would say as well, save the money and ditch the few HP from the cam.

[Cybershot]

I'm in the same boat as the OP. What are the specs to the setup that Cheromaniac recommends?

I've been looking at different kits as I'm new to the stroker game and trying to keep this build simple but effective.

Also what else would be needed for this setup, I'm going to be reusing my block and head and does this setup require boring?

Thanks!

You can find the infos here: http://www.jeep4.0performance.4mg.com/stroker.html

About the boring: You gain additional cc from the bogger size of the piston. Lets keep it simple.

242 Block and stock piston and 258 Crank with connetion rods = 4.5L
242 Block and 030" bigger pistons and 258 crank with connection rods = 4.6L
242 Block and 060" bigger Piston and 258 crank with connection rods = 4.7L

I would go for 030" piston and boring to get new cylinder walls and wit the piston & rings almost an new engine!!

[Cheromaniac]

I'm in the same boat as the OP. What are the specs to the setup that Cheromaniac recommends?

I've been looking at different kits as I'm new to the stroker game and trying to keep this build simple but effective.

Also what else would be needed for this setup, I'm going to be reusing my block and head and does this setup require boring?

Thanks!

OK. To keep the stroker build as simple as possible, everything from the original 4.0 engine should remain stock except for the 258 crank, Keith Black IC944-030 pistons, 0.030" cylinder overbore, and either Ford Racing 24lb injectors ('87-'95) or Accel 24lb injectors ('96+). This will effectively be a modified 4.6L "poor man's" build. The only other machine shop work required is to grind down the balance pads on the 4.0 rod small ends so that there'll be enough clearance between the small end and the piston. Use new ARP 112-6001 rod bolts.
Accel 24lb'ers are probably optimal for this set-up if you have a '96+ Jeep with a 49psi fuel pressure. If you currently have EV6 style injectors, you'll need to buy EV1 to EV6 adapters to plug the EV1 style Accel injectors into the EV6 style injector harness.

[tcervinsky]

I'm looking to possibly do a simular setup, except I have a '95 block and head. I have intentions of putting in the stock spec cam for a '97 (since that's the vehicle it's going into), but I'm wondering if in my case I need to deck the block or increase the combustion chamber of the head?

Thanks!

[Cheromaniac]

No need to do either 'cause the SCR will only be 9.2-9.3:1 Just make sure the head surface is flat and polish the combustion chambers.

[dragginwagon406]

My '98 TJ was already EV1 and no adaptor needed for the Ford blue top injectors. $139 for the set deleivered.

http://fuelinjectorconnection.com/shop/ ... ductId=202