First Jeep Stroker Build

[MtPockets]

Hi All!
I've been researching a stroker build off and on for a few months now, and almost ready to pull the trigger, but I've got a couple of questions.
I've got a '95 Grand Cherokee with about 260k on it. It's still running good, but I don't want to push it to a point of it coming apart. I have been debating between building the engine I have and buying an already built one from Golen, Titan, or ATK.
Has anyone had experience with any of these (or other) builders?
After seeing different threads talking about differences in some of the base components like the cranks, blocks and heads, I'm wondering if what I have is a desireable starting point?
I read that the '96 and up blocks might be better- what about the heads?
What crank should I be looking for? Or am I better off going with an aftermarket crank?
Also, what about pistons? It sounds like most everyone is using forged, but I always thought that cast were better for anything but racing? I would think that a KB Hypereuctic would be perfect, but apparently they don't make them. Does anyone else make a Hypereuctic piston for the Jeep strokers?
Since this is my daily driver, I want to stress longevity and get some opinions from those who have been there and done that.

Thanks in advance for the help!

[Cheromaniac]

I suggest you send a PM to Russ Pottenger. He builds engines for a living, has a great reputation, and will give you excellent advice.
Might be a good idea to buy a complete running junkyard ZJ or WJ 4.0 engine as a starting point, rebuild it into a stroker, and swap it into your Jeep when it's finished.

[MtPockets]

I suggest you send a PM to Russ Pottenger. He builds engines for a living, has a great reputation, and will give you excellent advice.
Might be a good idea to buy a complete running junkyard ZJ or WJ 4.0 engine as a starting point, rebuild it into a stroker, and swap it into your Jeep when it's finished.

Thanks for the suggestions.
I will definately get ahold of Russ, it sounds like he really knows these things.
That's not a bad idea on the donor engine. I like the idea of continuing to drive the jeep until the motor is ready! That is the primary reason I was thinking about a crate motor, but I don't know who makes a good one.

Thanks!

[SilverXJ]

buy a complete running junkyard ZJ or WJ 4.0 engine as a starting point,

A WJ engine will not bolt into a ZJ, XJ or 99 and down TJ.

[MtPockets]

[/quote] A WJ engine will not bolt into a ZJ, XJ or 99 and down TJ.[/quote]

Thanks! That's good to know, especially in my search for a donor engine.
So basically, am I looking for a ZJ only engine or will others work?

[Cheromaniac]

After searching for more info, I was wrong about the WJ block going into a ZJ so I stand corrected.

You still have a wide choice of engines and they are:
'93-'98 ZJ
'91-'99 XJ
'91-'95 YJ
'96-'99 TJ

'00+ TJ blocks & '99+ WJ blocks have different bolt holes for the engine mounts and accessory brackets so they won't work in a ZJ, and the '00-'01 XJ engines have the crack-prone 0331 head.