Page 1 of 1

Late Model Stroker for a CJ

Posted: January 31st, 2014, 10:06 pm
by datmony
I am hoping to get some thoughts on a stroker build I am doing. I am putting this into a CJ that I am building. I want to run the newer style manifold and also want to run the newer style 4.0l serpentine system. I already have a Golen 4.6l that is based on a '95 block and I may use some of the pieces from that for the build as it does not have many miles on it.

Instead of building a ton of custom brackets to run the '95 block, I am just going to pick up a 2000+ block to run. With that I have a bunch of questions on what will work together, what will not, and what recommendations would be for the setup. This CJ is being built from the ground up and I am planning to make this as logical of a build as possible.

Key questions:

1. Heads - already have a low mile 95 head which has had a three angle valve job from Golen. I know I need at a minimum to have the front tapped for the idler pulley but wondered what else would be needed to fit that head to a 2000+ block? Would you run that head or a newer style 2000+ head? The motor I am likely picking up is a 2004 if that matters in your recommendation. I want the best performance I can get versus just trying to stick with the head I've got.
2. ODB I with distributor less ignition - I have the Hesco Mopar computer from the CJ multiport kit, harness, etc. Along with a unichip add on computer that I would like to use for the setup but I am not sure if I can go the distributorless option without having ODBII. If I can't do that, can I run a normal distributor with the 2000+ blocks? Anything special need to be done to make either step work?
3. Headers -What are people having the best luck with other than a Borla? The borla hangs down too far below the frame rail for my tastes and I would like to have a modular exhaust with a stock style flange so that parts are easily replaceable on it.
4. Best Stroker Build kit - not doing this as a budget build so what would you say is the best set of parts to get to complete the build. It could quite possibly have a supercharger put on it at some point but don't want to deal with detonation.

Would love any other insights, thoughts advice that you would have for a build like this. Thanks in advance.

Re: Late Model Stroker for a CJ

Posted: February 1st, 2014, 2:27 am
by Cheromaniac
datmony wrote:Key questions:

1. Heads - already have a low mile 95 head which has had a three angle valve job from Golen. I know I need at a minimum to have the front tapped for the idler pulley but wondered what else would be needed to fit that head to a 2000+ block? Would you run that head or a newer style 2000+ head? The motor I am likely picking up is a 2004 if that matters in your recommendation. I want the best performance I can get versus just trying to stick with the head I've got.

Keep your '95 head. It's better than the '00+ head performance-wise, isn't crack-prone, and will bolt straight onto a 4.0L block of any year.

2. ODB I with distributor less ignition - I have the Hesco Mopar computer from the CJ multiport kit, harness, etc. Along with a unichip add on computer that I would like to use for the setup but I am not sure if I can go the distributorless option without having ODBII. If I can't do that, can I run a normal distributor with the 2000+ blocks? Anything special need to be done to make either step work?

You can't go distributorless with OBD 1 but that's not a problem 'cause a stock 4.0L distributor will fit in ANY 4.0L block regardless of year. In case you're wondering how I know, my stroker is built with an '00 block & my original '92 head.

3. Headers -What are people having the best luck with other than a Borla? The borla hangs down too far below the frame rail for my tastes and I would like to have a modular exhaust with a stock style flange so that parts are easily replaceable on it.

Haven't had any problem with ground clearance from my Borla header.

4. Best Stroker Build kit - not doing this as a budget build so what would you say is the best set of parts to get to complete the build. It could quite possibly have a supercharger put on it at some point but don't want to deal with detonation.

Since you're not on a limited budget get your parts from Hesco.

Re: Late Model Stroker for a CJ

Posted: February 1st, 2014, 7:27 am
by datmony
Perfect in every way on what I thought answers would be. Appreciate the help!!!