To stroke or not to stroke?

[SilverXJ]

My 1995 ZJ w/213,000 miles may need an engine rebuild soon. It has some significant piston slap that doesn't go away when it gets up to operating temp. I also have an abundance of stroker parts. I have a few cams, a 4.2L crank, a set of .030" over pistons on 4.2L rods and a bunch of other crap from the stoker endeavor in my XJ.

A little other info on the ZJ. The front diff whines, and has for a long time. It has the 42REtard transmission that down shifts harshly occasionally as well as slips in the winter. The front fenders have rust by the rocker panels, as well as the rocker panels themselves. The driver's side rocker and fender was held together by paint until driving in the snow dislodged it this winter. The transmission or transfer case leaks at their union. The AC only works for a short time. The interior is in great condition for its age except the steering wheel. Fairly new tires. The brakes work fine and the D35 is fine. This is the vehicle I have been driving when my XJ has been throwing fits. Its a bit rough around the corners, but it always starts. Old faithful.

If all the stroker parts check out I could probably get away with a bore and gaskets on the short block as I should have all the hard parts. The head of course would need a valve job and I have some low mileage 97 valve train I could use. However, given my history I a bit apprehensive putting a stroker into my workhorse. However, a stroker may be cheaper than a stock rebuild.

Stroker or stock?

[CobraMarty]

213,000 miles, That's hard to argue with.

[Muad'Dib]

Always Stroke


If i was to ever do another one i would build it with lower compression and throw boost at it with a turbo or supercharger... but i doubt this will ever happen. My next project is a G20.

Are you sure you want to keep this thing? Sounds like it has quite a few issues..

[SilverXJ]

Are you sure you want to keep this thing? Sounds like it has quite a few issues..

It has a few issues, but nothing stopping it from being reliable. The transmission in it is used and its behavior hasn't changed much from since I installed it years ago. I try to keep my eyes open for deals on craigslist, but if they are good they are snapped up right away or they are so bad there is no point in buying it. I wouldn't mind finding a nice 5.9 ZJ or 4.7HO WJ with a blown engine.

[amcinstaller]

just do a base stroker. keep stock cam and valvetrain for simplicity if youre worried

[SilverXJ]

It would be a base stroker. 4.2L rods, hyper pistons. I may go with an aftermarket cam, but nothing that would require the springs replaced.

[gradon]

Stroke that ZJ

[CobraMarty]

How much cam can you really go with stock springs? Would it make that big of a difference vs. stock cam?

[SilverXJ]

Not a whole lot, but there are ones that will work with the stock springs.