I'm new to strokers - how do I get started?

[JeepFan]

I have a 1990 XJ that is running on 5 cylinders. Since I still need to drive it occasionally, I found a 1994 donor motor to rebuild, (I've read that I will need to retain my '90 flex plate, distributor, etc.). I could rebuild the engine back to stock, but where's the fun in that? I don't need to build a tire-melting, monster of an engine, but I do want a noticeable improvement in power without completely destroying my wallet.

I have built a few modified AMC 401 V8s in the past, but I have NEVER built a stroker motor and am a little concerned about it. I've been trying to research how to build a good, reliable stroker but there is a TON of information out there - with a lot of conflicting info.

Is there any up-to-date source that will list exactly what is needed in terms of parts, machine work, etc.? What is the ideal crankshaft that will work with my stock tranny, what year crankshaft, which rods, bearings, pistons, fuel injectors, etc.?

Is there a good "package" deal where I can purchase everything needed to build a stroker that is not way overpriced?

I hate to ask so many stupid questions, but the thing I hate the most is building a motor and finding out I did something wrong. So, ANY advice or suggestions will be GREATLY appreciated!!! Thanks!!!

[Cheromaniac]

If you click on the link in my sig., you'll find some stroker "recipes" ranging from mild to wild. Decide what your budget is going to be and which recipe is closest to your needs. They're there as a guide so you don't have to build an exact copy. That said, mine's an exact copy of the original poor man's stroker.

[akadeutsch]

Here are a couple sites that are worth checking out. I am currently building the modified option 1 "poor mans stroker". The recipe is below. I have some 258 rods for you if you live in Colorado.

http://www.jeep4.0performance.4mg.com/index.html

http://www.angelfire.com/my/fan/stroker.html

4.6L "poor man's" stroker

Jeep 4.2L 3.895" stroke crank
Jeep 4.0L 6.125" rods
Keith Black UEM-IC945-030 forged pistons
Comp Cam 68-231-4 camshaft
Ported HO 1.91"/1.50" cylinder head
Mopar/Victor 0.043" head gasket
0.088" quench height
Ford 24lb/hr injectors for '87-'95 engines, Accel 24lb/hr injectors for '96-'04 engines, '98 Chevy LS1 25.2lb/hr injectors for '05-'06 engines
248hp @ 4900rpm, 306lbft @ 3250rpm ('87-'95 camshaft)
245hp @ 4800rpm, 315lbft @ 3000rpm ('96-'04 camshaft)

NEW: Modified "poor man's" stroker

Same as above except Jeep 4.0L 6.125" rods, Keith Black UEM-IC945-030 forged pistons, and 0.070" quench height. This is a great stroker build for a mild supercharger/turbo application with up to 6psi of boost. The 4.0L connecting rod/IC944 piston combination offers 155g less reciprocating mass than the 4.2L rod/677P piston combination (1275g v 1430g), thereby giving this engine a potentially higher rpm capability than the traditional "poor man's" stroker.

[Wombat Ranger]

I would recommend buying a used 4.2 out of a YJ for your donor crank and rods. If you use the 4.2 rods you can used regular 4.0 overbore pistons. If you use the stronger and longer 4.0 rods the pistons you have to use are more expensive. I used the 4.2 rods in my cheap mild build and it rips compared to my old 4.2, as well as the HO 4.0's I have driven since the build. Reason I recommend the YJ crank is that they will accept the serpentine balancer, no spacer needed etc. My '88 engine had v-belts and the balancer fits perfect. The machine work necessary is no more than any other 4.0 rebuild, no extra clearancing is necessary.