Jeep Strokers

Heya!

So I built my first engine (stroker) and tried to maintain the clearwater head without doing any modifications.. I though i could get away with it with a custom cam profile that was published a while back for the later model coil rail ignition models. Well turns out I have valve float at around 4200 RPM (live at 5500 feet elevation). I just bit the bullet and bought the edelbrock aluminum head bc i don't want to modify the clearwater head nor do i have time to source an older one to get work done etc.

Basics are

97 HO Block bored .030 over and .010 off the deck.
Cleggs stage 2 bottom end
Harland sharp roller rockers
Edelbrock Aluminum head
Banks torque tubes (for 00/01)

Waiting to hear back from comp for what they recommend but interested what yall think for the 01 ignition/elevation or if i'm worrying too much about it? Thanks!

Comp's "Rock Crawler" series has a reduced duration, reduced overlap, and higher lift (still within stock valve spring specs). This is good for better cylinder filling at low throttle angles. For a driver, this should make things better for you. BTW, I'm running one in my 4.6 stroker and am 100% satisfied with it.

Sweet! Which one are you running? Comp recommended the below one as it was developed for the head. I plugged the numbers into an overlap calculator (bc i have no clue) and it says it's 28*. I've read that it was the overlap that seemed to be the issue that didn't play nice with the ECU/Coil pack. is 28* a low overlap? The comp dude is not very forthcoming regarding my questions regarding the ignition stuff. Thanks!

https://www.compcams.com/xtreme-4x4-205 ... 8-cpg.html

The the Comp Cams part number is CL68-232-4. Here are the specs for it:
- Cam Intake Duration: 250 Degrees (vs 270 stock)
- Cam Exhaust Duration: 256 Degrees (vs vs 270 stock)
- Cam Intake Lift: 0.460" (vs 0.405" stock)
- Cam Exhaust Lift: 0.476" (vs 0.405" stock)
- Cam Intake Centerline: 110 ATDC (vs 135 ATDC stock0
- Lobe Separation: 113 Degrees (no stock numbers in my notes)
- Cam Overlap: 26 Degrees (vs 46 Degrees stock)

Some background on my build:
- 1996 block (first year for the bottom-end girdle, and head-locating dowels)
- 2004 head, heavily ported (for fuel economy & torque, not high-RPM HP); (sports smaller exhaust ports which is better for low RPM grunt & MPG)
- Cleggs New Stroker crank with 10.7:1 pistons (with the head work, it's 10.2:1)
- Measured static compression ratio: 10.2:1 (already mentioned??)
- ARP Head Bolts PN ARP 146-3601 (didn't feel the need for head studs with this low RPM low performance build)
- Cloys Adj Timing Chain Set PN 9-3127 (set straight up as per cam specs)
- Clevite MLS Head Gasket PN 695-54249

My goal for my 4.6 stroker build was 500k miles endurance, incredible off-throttle torque, tow with ease, and increased MPG. So far I'm happy with my build. I'm at a lower elevation than you (Oklahoma), but being able to draw in what air is available at normal throttle angles is a concept that applies to sea level or Vale Pass (high point in Colorado).

If you want to see much more detail about my engine build, I created an engine build thread here: https://www.jeepforum.com/threads/high- ... 2/#replies

The vehicle build thread that includes the stand-alone ECU and many many other mods is here: https://www.jeepforum.com/threads/time- ... n.4480984/

I hope there is something here that might help you with your project.

The 163-301-5 cam Comp recommended is advertised to go with the Edelbrock head and the newer blocks that use a thrust plate. Older motors use a cam button. I don't know what that breakover year is but the timing cover is different. An '01 block would have the thrust plate. But I believe that specific cam profile was also available with the older line.

It should match the springs and valve float should not be an issue.

I used an older timing chain cover, so it all matches on mine.

Thanks for the responses. I have already converted to the button/spring older style with the 97 block i didn't have provisions for the thrust plate. I spoke to Russ on the phone and ended up with one of his tweaked comp grinds. See specs below if interested

One other thing on the valve float with the iron head. Not sure if you saw a thread on WranglerTJ Forum ob Dyno Testing the 4.0 by Jezza, but he did some 1.7 roller rockers and had some contact with the head causing valve float at higher RPMs around the point of your issue. There wasn't quite enough clearance as the 1.7 roller rockers pulled the pushrod in just enough to result in some slight contact with the head. The Edelbrock head is more open and shouldn't have that contact issue.

Gorilla wrote: ↑December 10th, 2025, 6:11 am I don't know what that breakover year is but the timing cover is different.

'98 still used the older recessed cam bolt/spring/thrust pin set up
'99 used the newer thrust plate