Use old components or stroker kit if the plan is to carb it?

[cuban11182]

Still trying to learn as much as I can. One thing I've found is that it almost seems to be a bit easier to get a kit rather than tear apart two engines. I have both a 4.2 and 4.0 that run, so I have most of the components that I'll need. The question I'm running into is if it's better just to purchase a stroker kit IE http://www.cleggengine.com/stroker-kits ... -kits.html instead of piecing together a kit. Seems to take the guess work out of what I need to buy. I would like to be able to run 87 octane if needs be, so the 8.8 CR listed above with a DUI distributor seems to be the best fit. I'm not looking for a racing engine, but rather as much torque as I could get out of it.

My plan is to get a Holley 470 truck avenger (unless people suggest otherwise) and running my Offy dual plane that I have on my CJ already.

Is there a significant benefit getting the kit over taking the parts from another engine?

Thanks.

[stroked'73]

Maybe cost. How much would the machinework be to achieve the CR you want vs. the cost of the kit.
I chose to go the carb route so I didn't have to worry about a high CR, but it's not my DD and I don't mind putting high test in it. The only machine work I did was a standard bore job, basic valve job and plane the head for flatness. Could've done more if I wanted to do it properly, but I was cheap.
If you decide not to bore the block you could dish the 4.0 pistons yourself (or pay the machine shop to do it) or buy pistons with the right cc to meet your CR needs as a cheaper alternative as well. Most likely you'll need to bore it though.

I run a q-jet on my offy intake and it works great. Truck avenger would be fine too.

[Frankenstien]

Having done that With the two engines, I would by an ATK or one from Summit done and drop it in. To all you that will say you had fun assembling it all are liars like a rock! Lol. What a beach it was! Good luck with cams and matching springs to anything over stock profile. Best wishes with locks and retainers as well with all this unless you drop on an edelbrock head for $1700, (almost wish I would have hindsight now), and I am sure there are a few more headaches I forgotten but hey best wishes if you want to plow thorough the heartache. Oh yeah almost forgot the last nail, its cheaper to buy it done assembled through ATK or summit by couple $k's trust me I got the receipts to prove.


Telling ya, next motors gonna be a 4.3 GM with turbo. Lightweight and packs punch. Using a smaller turbo you are always in power with no lagging, did it in a twin turbo Vetter kit Lingenfelter sold few years ago. Ran two turbo smaller spooled all the time fed one TBI manifold 750hp and I think torque was right around 650.

[cuban11182]

Thanks for the advice.

The reason I'm thinking the kit is that my old man would like to have a stroker for his 94 XJ and I can afford to buy the kit, and he can't. I think it would be a nice gesture on my part.

As far as machine work, I'd find a competent machinist to have all the engine work done (hone or bore, check for warpage, rebuild the head and do a valve job, cam bearings, balancing of running gear, etc). I've been a mechanic for the Coast Guard for 15 years (mostly diesels), but I feel comfortable doing the building myself. I might regret those words, and just purchase an engine, but I hope not. It will be my DD, but I have a 2012 Nissan Titan that I can drive for the time being, I'm in no hurry.

Thanks.

[Frankenstien]

http://www.summitracing.com/search/bran ... g&keyword=

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TITAN-258-Repla ... 3a&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/JEEP-Stroker-Co ... 6c&vxp=mtr

If ya don't have the dough for assembled motor the third kit would be my choice if you insist on straight six


Sorry for the copy m paste issue.

BEST O LUCK AND WISHES.

[Cheromaniac]

Still trying to learn as much as I can. One thing I've found is that it almost seems to be a bit easier to get a kit rather than tear apart two engines. I have both a 4.2 and 4.0 that run, so I have most of the components that I'll need. The question I'm running into is if it's better just to purchase a stroker kit instead of piecing together a kit. Seems to take the guess work out of what I need to buy.

Do you have another 4.0 engine that you plan to rebuild into a stroker, or do you plan to rebuild your existing running 4.0 engine?
The only part you're going to need from the 4.2 engine is the crank but if you don't want to tear that engine apart, just buy another 4.2 crank from ebay.
Apart from pistons (those could be Bulltear custom forged items), oversize injectors, timing set (Cloyes dual roller), and possibly the camshaft (if you decide to go aftermarket), the remaining parts that you'll need to build a stroker will be stock replacement items that you could buy at any good parts store.

[cuban11182]

I have a 4.2 that runs in my CJ and a 4.0 on a stand in the garage that also runs. So I have all the parts. I guess my issue would be based on where I'm going to be stationed when I get back. I'm not sure how easy it is to find a competent machinist that would do the work properly with the stroker. It makes a bit more sense to buy the ATK engine and just take off all the accesories from the 4.0 I already have and toss it on the ATK stroker.