There are longevity benefits to running the Keith Black Icon forged pistons in that combined with the 4.0L rod the pi height is higher on the piston and this reduces piston skirt slap in the cylinder.
A majority of the early STROKERs used the 4.2L Connecting Rods and 4.0L pistons.
I would say based upon my reading the 4.0L connecting rods and custom pistons is currently the trend.
Not trying to bust your balls but I am trying to speak to this situation clearly:
Provided that you are able to re-use your head and valve-train, and you already have a 258 crank. The difference between rebuilding your 4.0L and STROKING your 4.0L is the cost of the pistons (Keith Black Icon 944's @ $400.00), and increased flow fuel injectors (EBay @ $60). So you are saying that you can't afford an extra $500.00 to rebuild your Jeep engine?
Really?
I have a 4.6L STOKER in my 2000 Jeep Wrangler with 4.5" lift on 35" BFG MT and 4.56:1 gears.
I personally dont feel that its that big of a deal either way. 4.2 Rod with 4.0 Pistons, or 4.0 Rods with Forged Pistons. The only difference is going to be rod length and with what our engines see, the difference is negligible. The reason why the Forged piston is popular now is because Keith Black has them at a nice pricepoint. You will still spend less on 4.2 rods and 4.0 pistons. Another thing to keep in mind is that Forged pistons also have a greater Cylinder wall clearance which makes them Noisy when cold.
FWIW im running 4.2 rods and 4.0 pistons no problem. So really it just depends on what you want to do. There are no "longevity" issues either way.
the kb944's are 4032 material which allow you to run tighter clearances compared to 2618 forged pistons ... another reason making them a bit more popular?
play with the stroker calculator based on the parts you can afford to derive your ideal combo, but the low buck 4.6 has been popular for many reasons.
Missourian wrote:The difference between rebuilding your 4.0L and STROKING your 4.0L is the cost of the pistons (Keith Black Icon 944's @ $400.00), and increased flow fuel injectors (EBay @ $60).
Really???
What about the special air/fuel gauge, FPR, MAP volt adujster, and what kind of injectors cost only 60 bucks??? The injectors recommended to me cost in the neighborhood of $250.
and there is also the machine work.
if it was really that simple everyone and their brother would be doing it.
so, all in all you guys think i should just bite the bullet and fork out the doe for the KBs just to be on the safe side?
it sounds like this is our newest collective verdict. . .
4.0 push rods
4.2 rods
4.2 crank(obviously)
KB pistons IC944 (stand in for the kb944)
but do you think there is somewhere i can get them for less, i know summit charges a premium for convience/name/whatever. parts store? Napa? Oreilly's?
What about the special air/fuel gauge, FPR, MAP volt adjuster.
My system is the 1996+ OBDII non-adjustable.
What kind of injectors cost only 60 bucks??? The injectors recommended to me cost in the neighborhood of $250.
There are many usable fuel injectors for your year of vehicle and very little to go wrong with fuel injectors. A good cleaning will take care of most issues. What I sighted was my EBay purchase of 8 USED injectors.
And there is also the machine work.
Mine needed bored, so I had that cost regardless.
IF it was really that simple everyone and their brother would be doing it.
You are right and that is why you are here. I followed instructions, bought the parts hired a professional to machine and build my engine and I am now enjoying the increased torque and horse power without porting and polishing my head or going extreme with the camshaft.
By the way, if you notice this site, everyone and their brother-in-law is doing it and so are you.
I have a 4.6L STOKER in my 2000 Jeep Wrangler with 4.5" lift on 35" BFG MT and 4.56:1 gears.
i havent seen anyone else mention it but the KB IC944 piston set do not come with rings (or at least the $430 set doesnt). the set with rings are approx $500 from summit. OR you can buy moly rings on their own.
you are on the right track for injectors - you need the Ford blue top 24#. they are VERY abundant on ebay, just keep your eyes out for a deal. the link you sent is $29 EACH injector. theres lots of ebay auctions for 8 injectors for under $100.
ftpiercecracker1 wrote:so, all in all you guys think i should just bite the bullet and fork out the doe for the KBs just to be on the safe side?
it sounds like this is our newest collective verdict. . .
4.0 push rods 4.2 rods
4.2 crank(obviously)
KB pistons IC944 (stand in for the kb944)
but do you think there is somewhere i can get them for less, i know summit charges a premium for convience/name/whatever. parts store? Napa? Oreilly's?
thanks for the contrasting opinions.
You'll need to use 4.0 rods with the 944's. Other than that Summit is usually pretty good on the price for the 944's. You may be able to find them a little cheaper elsewhere, but I like one stop shopping if possible to keep S/H charges lower.
The KB944's were on sale a few times for $365 shipped. Watch eBay, oldyeller204 (Titan) was the seller.
Rings should be under $45 for a set of premium moly. You might actually find a better deal on a set of eight, since the Chev 283 shares the bore size.
Hi-lift cams are budget killers since you have to buy premium springs/retainers/and keepers to run them.... about $250, plus the $200+ for the cam and lifters!
It's your money, and your decision. If you want the extra hp, go for it.
It's only money....you'll make more.
Walt K
Eastern Pa
2001 Cherokee 4.6 stroker 90 day build
Buick GS's and Saab turbos for other days...
