The Stroker Motor
They say power corrupts and absolute power absolutely corrupts and this maybe very true even for horsepower and torque. The current 4.0L motor used by Jeep® is a great motor. The 4.0L is very dependable and produces 180 HP (net) and 220 ft/lbs of torque. The stock 4.0L will produce a lot of low end torque which makes the motor perfect for off road applications and have the zip for highway driving and city driving.
The stock motor in a stock Jeep is great but once you start adding weight to your Jeep you will start feeling the performance drop. Adding a winch with heavy duty bumpers on the front and rear will easily put 200LBS to your vehicle’s weight. The taller tires and skid plates are a sure way to make your motor work a lot harder on grades. So what is a Jeep owner to do? High performance air filters, bored out throttle bodies, throttle body spacers, headers and cat back exhaust do bring back a few ponies but everyone knows,” There’s no replacement for displacement.”
To obtain real horsepower and torque you will need more cubic inches and in this case more cubic centimeters. I did a lot of considerations on superchargers and switching to a V-8 but after careful consideration I went with Hesco’s stroker motor for quite a few reasons. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Superchargers: Advantages:
Cheaper then a V-8 or stroker motor. Will increase torque and horsepower. Great for high altitudes. Most installs can be done with basic hand tools. Great bragging rights and lots of oohs and ahhs when you open up the hood.
Disadvantages:
May not be smog legal in your area. May need a body lift to clear things under the hood. May need to run premium fuel. May have problem with the check engine light coming on. May shorten the life of the motor.
V-8 Advantages:
Lots of torque and horsepower. Higher displacement then a 6 cylinder. Most V-8s have about the same weight as the 4.0Ls Usually more aftermarket parts for V-8s then 4.0Ls Great bragging rights and lots of oohs and ahhs when you open up the hood.
Disadvantages: Cost is significantly higher for the installation. Welding, cutting and modifications to the driveline maybe required. Many other parts will have to be replaced (IE: radiator, transmission and etc.) New computer will be required for the V-8 and assorted electrical items. You may have a hard time finding parts for a Ford motor when you are on a Jeep run. More cramp engine bay for maintenance and other items like on-board welders and air. May not be legal for smog.
Stroker motor
Advantages: More torque and horsepower. All external parts are the same as stock. Smog legal and it will work fine with the stock computer. No wiring changes. No welding, cutting or driveline modifications. Sleeper mod, don’t ask, don’t tell.
Disadvantages: Not much oohs and ahhs because it looks stock. Cost is more then a stock motor.
Stroker motors will have the same advantages and disadvantages as the stock motor and they will work with the stock computer and regular unleaded fuel. All the external and many internal parts will require no modifications and they are readily available. Smog checks will not be an issue because the stock computer will support the stroker motor and they will be able to keep up with the requirements of the smog checks. You will still be able to use regular unleaded gas and not have to switch to a higher octane fuel. I like building things that is a sleeper and a stroker motor will not draw much attention unless they know what to look for. Another reason the stroker motor was a better choice for me was the fact I have a ton of extra parts for the 4.0L in my garage and I didn’t want to see them go to waste.
The install is a simple remove and replace session. Stock motor comes out and stroker motor goes in. While the motor is coming out I would recommend replacing the motor mounts and installing headers if you don’t have them. The stock headers are known for cracking and it’s a good idea to install performance pipes for your new motor. You will also want larger fuel injectors and replace the stock radiator as well.
The Hesco stroker motor is a great choice and I am very happy with my motor. The motor has gobs of torque and I do a lot less down shifting on grades. The mileage has not been to severely affected but your fuel gauge will quickly show you when you have been heavy on the throttle. The stoker motor easily passed the CA smog check and it does very clean. How does it sound? The low rumble at idle and the loud growl when the gas pedal will let everyone know it’s not a stock motor. The stroker motor is amazing for off-road applications. The low end torque is a blessing for crawling and having a lot of pull without a having to rev up the motor. How does is feel? Punch the gas pedal and the Jeep punches back. The power is smooth and steady and the low end torque is great from crawling and climbing hills.
With any large projects there will be snags and little things to chase down but I will promise you that after everything is done, you will have a big smile on your face when you hit the gas pedal. I would also recommend contacting Bennie at Hesco. Bennie is the guru on Jeep motors and he has forgotten more about the 4.0L then I can remember. Hesco is well know for their performance parts and their in house dyno facility will assure you that they know what works and what doesn’t when it comes to horsepower and torque.
For the complete do it yourselfers Hesco has a kit that will have everything you will need to turn your stock 4.0L to a stroker and with a little machine work you can build up your own motor and save some cash for other items.
