Stroker recipe help!!

[dirtri4er3]

I'm new to this site and Jeep engines so forgive me if I sound ignorant. Im in the middle of building a stroker and I was wondering if any of you guys know about this type recipe. Compression ratio, quench height, pump gas?, reputable pcm programmer, horsepower, etc... I have a 1998 Jeep xj.

99 xj block
.060 over bore
-.020 off of deck height
4.2 crank (what model will work?)
4.0 or 4.2 rods (which is best?)
Keith black +.060 pistons(will they have to be machined?) Stock 98 4.0 head(will this be OK?)
Comp 68-239-4 cam. 512 lift
P5249464 mopar springs
P4452032 mopar retainers

I'm probably missing something. Like I said I am new. I just want to know that this is a good recipe and I need a few answers on some of the items. Also, what is my cheapest route to buy the parts? Any input is appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[Cheromaniac]

You'll definitely need the 4.0L rods if you're going to use Keith Black IC944 pistons, and I suggest you go for a smaller cam (either 68-231-4 or 68-232-4). You could even opt for one of Russ Pottenger's custom cams (basically a 68-232-4 with a lower valve lift) and keep the stock valve springs.

[dirtri4er3]

Gotcha. Why u say that? I need to learn these things lol

[Cheromaniac]

'Cause you'd want a cam that gives an even spread of torque over the 750-5250rpm operating range.

[dirtri4er3]

Gotcha. OK I see. So why 4.0 rods?

[Cheromaniac]

The IC944 pistons have a compression height of 1.353" and must only be used with 4.0L rods in a stroker.

[dirtri4er3]

Is the 4.0 rods or the 4.2 rods better for a stroker? It seems like kb offers pistons for both. I could be wrong.

[Russ Pottenger]

You'll want the longer 6.123/6.125 4.0 rod.

The biggest problem with the KB piston is because of the compression height you need to remove an unnecessary amount of the block to get to a zero deck.

My Pistons are typically are 1.380 to 1.385 CD with multiple choices in dish volumes.
At $495.00 at set they're comparable to the KB Pistons

[dirtri4er3]

Gotcha. OK so 4.0 rods it is. Plus that saves me money. Is my best option the IC944 KB's in your opinion? I'm decking .020 off the block. Wasn't sure if u saw that.

[dwg86]

If you buy pistons from Russ, you won't need to deck the block.

[dirtri4er3]

I don't know who that is or his contact info. Is the pin height different on them or something? Why does all the stroker recipes call for decking?

[Russ Pottenger]

Feel free to give me a call or email
and will be happy to forward info on all my
products and answer any questions you might have.


Thanks,
Russ Pottenger
Bishop-Buehl Racing Engines
531 N. Lyall Avenue
West Covina, California 91790
Work (626) 967-1000
Fax (626) 967-7836
Cell (626) 673-2293
Email/PayPal: [email protected]

[dirtri4er3]

Awesome thanks!!!

[Cheromaniac]

If you buy pistons from Russ, you won't need to deck the block.

x69
You'll also save yourself the cost of decking the block.

Is the 4.0 rods or the 4.2 rods better for a stroker? It seems like kb offers pistons for both. I could be wrong.

With custom forged pistons being more readily available and affordable nowadays, the use of 4.2 rods in a stroker build has virtually become obsolete.

Why do all the stroker recipes call for decking?

My stroker recipes have evolved over the years and if you look at the current ones, none of them call for decking of the block because the correct height custom pistons are used.

[dirtri4er3]

This is awesome. Thanks for the help gentlemen!