WJ w/ Stroker vs 4.7 V8?

[Root Moose]

If you were considering buying a WJ would you be more inclined to buy a 4.0 with an eye to making it a stroker or would you go ahead and buy the V8 version anyway?

I've heard rumours about the 4.7V8 being hit of miss for long term reliability, especially if you don't have the full history of the vehicle.

The only consistent issue I've heard about the WJ vintage of the 4.0 six is the 0331 head. I've been through the 0331 head issue on two of my XJs so that doesn't really phase me. The oil pump issue only affected the later year TJs, correct?

A stroker can be in the range of the 4.7HO for power and torque or better if you do a more serious build.

Which engine is easier to service in the WJ chassis? The engines are really shoved under the firewall/windshield, no? Is it a wash or is the 4.0 a touch better for access?

Which would you go with? Why?

[wjtom]

If you were considering buying a WJ would you be more inclined to buy a 4.0 with an eye to making it a stroker or would you go ahead and buy the V8 version anyway?

I've heard rumours about the 4.7V8 being hit of miss for long term reliability, especially if you don't have the full history of the vehicle.

The only consistent issue I've heard about the WJ vintage of the 4.0 six is the 0331 head. I've been through the 0331 head issue on two of my XJs so that doesn't really phase me. The oil pump issue only affected the later year TJs, correct?

A stroker can be in the range of the 4.7HO for power and torque or better if you do a more serious build.

Which engine is easier to service in the WJ chassis? The engines are really shoved under the firewall/windshield, no? Is it a wash or is the 4.0 a touch better for access?

Which would you go with? Why?

4.0 All the way.They run forever and super easy to work on.The build doesnt need to be that crazy for v8 power.

[BADASYJ]

4.0 hands down. Reliability, by far goes to the 4.0. Much more room in the engine bay with a 4.0

[SilverXJ]

For the WJ I would go with the 4.7L HO engine. I feel that the dropped valve seat issue is a bit over blown. It happens, yes, but not to the extend that people think. Usually its after the engine has been over heated or just poor maintenance. Slap a the usual mods on it (CAI, exhaust, TB, etc) and it wakes up very well.

Plus you get a far better transmission than the craptastic 42RE.

[Root Moose]

Yeah, I've never been a fan of the Chrysler transmissions. The thought occurred to swap in a AW4 but it's probably more work than it is worth.

[IH 392]

If the POS Mercedes 4.7 in the Jeeps is the same one they put in the Dakota's I'd take the 4.0 any day of the week!
If I were to get a GC I'd take a step back and get a '98 ZJ with the 360 in it, or take a step forward and get a '14 SRT8

[SilverXJ]

If I were to get a GC I'd take a step back and get a '98 ZJ with the 360 in it, or take a step forward and get a '14 SRT8

5.9L & 245hp lol.

[Cheromaniac]

5.9L & 245hp lol.

245hp @ 4000rpm & 345lbft @ 3200rpm.
Easy to upgrade but the 6.1 Hemi sounds far more tempting. The '14 SRT8 comes with a 6.4 Hemi and even more power.