Small Block or Stroker

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The 4.0 is getting some miles.. so I am starting to weigh options...

What are your thoughts on rebuilding the 4.0 as a stroker or drop a 350 into the 88 XJ?

I'm running a NV3550 which is compatible with a 350 via Advance Adapters.

Some more info:
88 XJ - NP231 - 6" lift - 33" Tires - NV3550

i would go the 350. that is what i plan on doing when i get my use out of the 4.0. as soon as i reach 200K the 4.0 is done and a 350 w/ about 25-35k on it is going in.

the 4.0 can easily be built to put out numbers similar to a stock 350. if you go to the hassle of swapping something besides a stroker, do something cool, like an LS1

You'll prolly need to start thinking about strengthening the unibody for the added torque, maybe like a cage or something...it might not be all necessary, but just something to think about. What kind of axles are you running?


I was debating on the same thing, but I'm going to build a stroker instead

Stroke it!

once again stroke it, droping a v8 in will be alot more work than you think to get it right where a stoker is a bolt in and is very efective.

dropping a v8 is not hard. you just have to plan out and make custom motor mounts.

Small block if you are doing it with EFI

If you're comfortable doing either and are looking for the most power then by all means drop in the V8. A stroker will give you an increase in HP and torque but it won't equal even a mild small block. TC

I've done the small block swap so I can't really be objective. Yes a stroker will give you the same output as a stock small block but will fall short to a lightly modded SBC.

Think about the cost...stroker builds are not cheap. You dump an injected SBC into your rig for cheaper.

These are somethings that I ran into when doing the swap:
-You need a remote oil filter unless you have a pass drop front axle.
-Headers are a complete custom job...I haven't been able to find anything off the shelf that will fit. This INCLUDES the CRAP headers sold by AA.
-Cooling with a closed loop radiator is a problem.
-SBC with iron heads and Al intake is 175lbs heavier so your front end is going to drop.