Just another cheap stroker in the making

[Divedooddive]

I've spent days researching this, I've seen many different combinations of parts and pieces to make some half decent strokers, here's where I am. I have a 95 xj that had around 240k when it got some gnarly low end rod knock. So I knew the bottom end had to come out. I figured why not get a little bang for my buck and knock out some mods while I had it apart.
Engine is pulled and tore down, 4.0 bearings and crank were nice and etched up. But it hadn't imploded yet thank god.
I picked up a 4.2 crank and rods, took the crank to the machine shop to get it worked over all nice and had them get together all my bearings. Should be getting it all today.
My plan was to throw the crank and Rods in with the new bearings and run it, I figured the shorter rods should work decent with the stock deck height on my compression ratio. I don't really mind running mid grade or supreme. Aside from that a new timing set and 99 xj 49lb injectors would be thrown in also. I'm not looking for huge power gains I just figured I'd get a little something extra if I'm already tearing it down. So I don't see the need for a cam, really trying to avoid waiting for Pistons as well.
The top end of the jeep was already worked and rebuilt, leading to the demise of the bottom end obviously.
My question is will this set up work? If I don't NEED anything else (machine work, mail order parts, etc) I don't want to mess with them. Money isn't a problem it's more of a time thing, I have a fucked up work schedule and I don't get much time for personal. Thanks in advance I really appreciate any input and advice.

[Cheromaniac]

Sounds like you're on your way to copying my stroker combo:

4.6L "poor man's" stroker

Jeep 4.2L 3.895" stroke crank
Jeep 4.2L 5.875" rods
Sealed Power 677CP +0.020" bore pistons
9.25:1 CR
Stock 4.0 camshaft
DIY ported HO 1.91"/1.50" 57cc cylinder head
Mopar/Victor 0.043" head gasket
0.088" quench height
Ford 24lb/hr injectors for '87-'95 engine
249hp @ 4900rpm, 303lbft @ 3500rpm ('87-'95 camshaft)

[Supercompact]

How's the build going? I thought the block had to be decked to fix the quench issues. Is that not the case?

[Russ Pottenger]

How's the build going? I thought the block had to be decked to fix the quench issues. Is that not the case?

You're correct. At .070 you won't have an effective quench. I stock and sell 677 Pistons that I have recut and lowered the existing dish with a CNC program that I set up to increase the volume therefore allowing for a zero deck.

One of the important jobs I have for my customers is to explain all of the pros and cons of the various combinations. The deciding factor usually comes down to one's budget

Example:
I sell my modified cast piston for $200.00. You'll have approximately another $200.00 to $225.00 in cutting .040 off the deck of the block and purchasing a new set of pushrods. My custom 4032 forged aluminum alloy Pistons made to any specification that doesn't necessarily need the block decked costs $495.00.

One of the reasons why my bushed forged steel I-beam connecting rods are increasingly becoming more popular in my engine kits is the cost of the upgrade becomes minimal when you consider the cost of a set of stock cast 4.0 connecting rods.
Figure the cost of pressing your used Pistons off, cleaning and inspecting them, resizing the big end with ARP replacement rod bolts, balancing them, and finally paying your machine shop to press the new pistons on.
After all of this your going to be within $75.00 of the replacement cost of my bushed steel rods that cost $325.00
Plus the added benefit if purchased with my Pistons you'll have an opportunity for a no-cost upgrade to a lighter and stronger .927 Chevy pin.

[Cheromaniac]

How's the build going? I thought the block had to be decked to fix the quench issues. Is that not the case?

That's correct, which is why my original poor man's stroker recipe has evolved into the modified version shown below where it's no longer necessary to deck the block to get the quench down to a more desirable 0.040"-0.050". Russ' stroker parts will help you get there.

4.6L Modified "poor man's" stroker

Jeep 4.2L 3.895" stroke crank
Jeep 4.0L 6.125" rods
Custom forged +0.020" bore pistons, compression height 1.380", dish volume 26cc
9.25:1 CR
Stock 4.0L camshaft
DIY ported HO 1.91"/1.50" 57cc cylinder head
Mopar/Victor 0.043" head gasket
0.043" quench height
Ford 24lb/hr injectors for '87-'95 engines
249hp @ 4900rpm, 303lbft @ 3500rpm ('87-'95 camshaft)