Need Basics beyond Basics for new build

[jeeperxj2000]

Hi all,

Starting to get kind of lost and overwhelmed by all the info I'm reading about stokers...as I try to nail down the basics I'm just getting more and more confused the more I read.

My 2000 xj had a cracked head and low oil pressure, long story boring I've replaced 3/4 of the motor (head, main and rod bearings, oil pump, lifters, arms, rockers) still couldn't fix the low oil pressure problem. The last possible cause could be the cam bearings so now that I'm stuck pulling the motor why not upgrade the stock 4.0?

Since I'm a garage do-it-yourselfer I decided a swap to an LS1 or 5.2mag would be out of my range of abilities with the transmission and electronic adaptations needed. Decided the easiest improvement would be keeping the current 4.0 and get a stroker kit.

Looking to spend less than $3,000 is that reasonable or laughable? It sounds like buying a basic stroker kit would get me to 4.6 liters but is that the "poor man's stoker"?

Would like a decent motor to accommodate minimal daily driving with the ability to build on my jeep in the future (lift, armor, etc.) I'm pretty lost on where to go from here. Can someone give me a basic step by step? Apologies in advance, I'm sure this is already talked about plenty

I REALLY APPRECIATE THE HELP!!!!

[Cheromaniac]

The simplest upgrade you can do is the modified 4.6L poor man's stroker. This is what you'll need:

Parts: 258 crank, Keith Black IC944 piston/ring kit, rod/main bearings (if yours don't match for the correct clearances), cam bearings, and oversize injectors (Accel 24lb'ers with EV1 to EV6 adapter plugs).

Machine shop work: Cylinder bore/hone +0.030", press in new cam bearings, mill head/block surfaces flat (if out of spec).

You'll be able to reuse all the other parts but make sure that you number the pushrods/lifters so that they go in exactly the same lifter bores that they came from.

[jeeperxj2000]

Thanks for taking the time to explain. What makes a "real" stroker vs. poor man's stroker? Seems like a new cam is the main component missing from your list.

[Cheromaniac]

Poor man's stroker reuses the stock cam and valvetrain to save on cost.