First stroker build

[Jackrabbit41]

I just want to start off by saying this. Yes I know I need to do a lot more research, and sorry for asking common questions but this is what a forum is for. I have a 87 jeep Comanche with the 4.0l renix. I bought a 89 renix last weekend and I've pulled everything out but the crank, pistons, cam, connecting rods, and bearings. I'm keeping ever thin embers organized and labeled. This is my first time ever in an engine so I'm trying my best. I have 33s, 4.10s, ford 8.8, hp30, and a ax15. I wheel twice a month, but this is a daily for me. I'm 17 and just drive to school and work most of the time. I want a stroker mostly just to have one and have more power. Who doesn't want more power? So here's what I want. I want a 4.7. My main 2 questions are, should I get a complete kit with everything included? And should I get my head machined and rebuilt? or just buy a new head? Money isn't a huge issue cus I'm in no rush to do this so I can save and slowly buy stuff. Can someone recommend any 4.7 renix kits? And should I invest in roller rockers? I'm researching a lot but sometimes I like people to just tell me what to do. Thanks y'all I really appreciate the help and input. I love doing this stuff so it's all fun for me!

[Russ Pottenger]

Welcome

I build stroker engines, and offer a wide variety of custom jeep stroker engine kits for all applications and budgets.

There's many on this form that will offer valuable input and answer any questions that you may have.

Feel free to shoot me an email or phone call and I'll be happy to assist in anyway I can with product and services.


Russ
Bishop-Buehl Racing Engines
531 N. Lyall Avenue
West Covina, California 91790
Work (626) 967-1000
Cell (626) 673-2203
Email/PayPal: [email protected]

[Cheromaniac]

I want a stroker mostly just to have one and have more power. Who doesn't want more power? So here's what I want. I want a 4.7. My main 2 questions are, should I get a complete kit with everything included? And should I get my head machined and rebuilt? or just buy a new head? Money isn't a huge issue cus I'm in no rush to do this so I can save and slowly buy stuff. Can someone recommend any 4.7 renix kits? And should I invest in roller rockers? I'm researching a lot but sometimes I like people to just tell me what to do. Thanks y'all I really appreciate the help and input. I love doing this stuff so it's all fun for me!

You're in safe hands with Russ and it's good for you that you can start building slowly as your budget allows.
Keep in mind that it isn't just the added displacement itself that's going to add more power. You''ll also need ancillary performance mods such as a high-flow cold air intake, larger throttle body, header, and a 2.5" free flow exhaust to help that bigger engine breathe.
Some people build the engine but don't pay enough attention to these ancillaries, and then wonder why the engine doesn't perform as well as it should. You'll also need to address the cooling system so there are quite a few more things to factor into your budget.
I had a lot of fun building up my stroker 12 years ago, and 84k miles on I'm still having fun driving my Jeep so you can look forward to a rewarding experience.

[Russ Pottenger]

Well said Dino.

As an engine builder my part usually starts at the throttle body and ends at the exhaust port. With that said as Dino mentioned it needs a free-flowing intake before the throttle body and a free-flowing exhaust system pass the exhaust port.

[Jackrabbit41]

I want a stroker mostly just to have one and have more power. Who doesn't want more power? So here's what I want. I want a 4.7. My main 2 questions are, should I get a complete kit with everything included? And should I get my head machined and rebuilt? or just buy a new head? Money isn't a huge issue cus I'm in no rush to do this so I can save and slowly buy stuff. Can someone recommend any 4.7 renix kits? And should I invest in roller rockers? I'm researching a lot but sometimes I like people to just tell me what to do. Thanks y'all I really appreciate the help and input. I love doing this stuff so it's all fun for me!

You're in safe hands with Russ and it's good for you that you can start building slowly as your budget allows.
Keep in mind that it isn't just the added displacement itself that's going to add more power. You''ll also need ancillary performance mods such as a high-flow cold air intake, larger throttle body, header, and a 2.5" free flow exhaust to help that bigger engine breathe.
Some people build the engine but don't pay enough attention to these ancillaries, and then wonder why the engine doesn't perform as well as it should. You'll also need to address the cooling system so there are quite a few more things to factor into your budget.
I had a lot of fun building up my stroker 12 years ago, and 84k miles on I'm still having fun driving my Jeep so you can look forward to a rewarding experience.

Thanks! And ya I plan on getting the TB bored which leads me to another question. Should I have the same machine shop that does my block and head machine it or is it cheaper to order one from someone and then zone dback your core? I know a guy that does that.

[Russ Pottenger]

I convert a lot of my early Renix Stroker engines over to ported HO's.
Because of that I have an abundance of Renix head cores.
Depending on the capabilities of the engine machine shop that's doing your work now, it would be fairly inexpensive and cost-effective for me to up grade your Renix head to LS valve and spring and do a pocket port.

When upgrading to the LS valve, you'll have to hone the guides a couple thousands. I can sell you all the parts if he has the ability to do the work.

Russ