Need help with a Rock Crawler!

[jasonrbitt]

Ok guys I need some help. I want to build a Stroker. I was going to put a V8 in my Jeep but am leaning towards a stroker now. It is used for strictly offroad. It has 42 pitbulls with 5.38 gears in the 60's. Now I would like to beef it up. I have looked at the rock crawler but I'm wondering if thats the best route for me and what I want to do as i spin the tires a lot. I wouldn't say this is a budget build but of course money is going to factor in. I just want something reliable and that will take a beating.

Ok So I need some ideas of how to but this together or should I just base it off the rockcrawler?

[Missourian]

I am building the "Modified Poor Man's" STROKER. I have a 2000 Jeep Wrangler that was driven daily and wheeled frequently. This build is pretty straight forward and will yield a ~25% increase in torque and horse power reusing many stock components and the mods are limited to: pistons, crankshaft and injectors.

This should be plenty more power for your 60's with 5.38's and 42" Pit Bull Rockers!

[Cheromaniac]

I am building the "Modified Poor Man's" STROKER. This build is pretty straight forward and will yield a ~25% increase in torque and horse power

The displacement increase alone won't do it. You also need all the external bolt on goodies (CAI, bored TB, header, 2.5" exhaust, bigger injectors) plus a ported head to achieve those gains. My stroker's HP/TQ outputs are 28% above a bone stock 4.0.

[Missourian]

I am building the "Modified Poor Man's" STROKER. This build is pretty straight forward and will yield a ~25% increase in torque and horse power

The displacement increase alone won't do it. You also need all the external bolt on goodies (CAI, bored TB, header, 2.5" exhaust, bigger injectors) plus a ported head to achieve those gains. My stroker's HP/TQ outputs are 28% above a bone stock 4.0.

This is the guy you should listen to...

[jasonrbitt]

Thanks guys,

The jeep has an intake, 2.5 exhaust, I already have a set of 24lb injectors.

My next question is between the 4.6 and 4.7. Is there a big difference on reliability? Would this be a better choice?

[jasonrbitt]

Forgot to add I am also already running a larger bored throttle body. Cheromaniac thanks for the email back, also.

When we are talking about a 4.7 or even these other 4.6's is there tunning that needs to be done with the computer?

Sorry for all the questions. I just want to do this right the first time.

[Cheromaniac]

To get a 4.7L displacement (actually 4657cc) you'll need to overbore the cylinders +0.060". That won't leave any room for another rebore should it become necessary, so I advise you to overbore +0.030" for a 4.6L displacement (actually 4587cc). All else being the same, you won't feel the extra 80cc of a 4.7 by the seat of the pants.
The stock computer plus larger injectors and either MAP adjuster or AFPR will suffice unless you have a 2000+ model with the DIS. The stock '2000+ computer does work fine if you keep the stroker specs as close to stock as possible e.g. modified 4.6L "poor man's" but if you deviate far from stock, it's better to add a piggyback computer (e.g. Unichip, Split Second FTC) and have it mapped to deliver the correct AFR under varying load conditions.
Two friends of mine have built the engines of their respective '01 XJs into modified 4.6L "poor man's" strokers with my help. Both are using the stock computer and Accel 24lb injectors with EV1 to EV6 adapters. Their engines run beautifully and are very smooth. One of them occasionally runs a 50hp shot of N2O with the Venom kit when he's driving through sand dunes and he loves it.

[jasonrbitt]

Good Deal. 4.6 it is and thanks again for your help. Mine being a 96 the just injectors should be fine right? With the low buck stroker... Is the cam listed still going to be the best with a completely offroad vehicle? I also have a 68-232-4 comp cam sitting at the shop instead of the 68-231-4 outlined on the reciepe how much of a neg would it be using that? I could always sell the on for the 68-231-4

I've been looking into a crank and have had trouble getting one here in WV. How do you guys feel about getting one from advance or napa?

[Missourian]

I know that I am going to get flamed for this but without much effort you can pick up a "NEW" crankshaft directly from SCAT for $399 + freight and move forward with your project. The twelve weight crankshaft is ideal for wheeling but I am not finding too many here around K.C., not sure what your choices are there.

I saw the motivation being getting it done right and quickly but, that's me.

[Cheromaniac]

I've been looking into a crank and have had trouble getting one here in WV. How do you guys feel about getting one from advance or napa?

You could try ebay for the crank, and both your 68-232-4 cam and 24lb injectors will do fine.

[jasonrbitt]

Thanks to everyone. As I start to get the parts I'll post back up with the build.

If anyone has another crank let me know!