California specific engine swap vs stroker

[Rec_Rider]

I know this subject has been beat to death however since I'm in CA the rules are different than other parts of the country. I didn't mean to hijack another thread so I thought I would ask here instead. I've been enlightened on the process of an engine swap in CA and found that it is indeed easier than I thought. Easier doesn't mean easy but at least there's a path.

My TJ6 is sitting on 40s and has a lot of rolling weight. I really like the set up and it performs really well off road so I really don't want to change that however getting to the trails is pain. Living in SoCal requires me to either drive into the mtns or out to the desert to get to the trails (no tow rig for me). The stock 4.0 is fine on the freeway if it's flat but give me an incline and it's a bear.

So my question is this, do I plan for a swap or do I build a 4.6 stroker? I'm limited in CA for a stroker as well but I understand if I build a 4.6 and it'll pass a smog test without worry. My thought process is this:

4.6 Stroker

• Does it give me the horsepower I need?
• Probably cheaper than an engine swap
• What is the true longevity?
• No changes to wiring

Engine swap

• More expensive than a stroker
• Way more hassle with wiring and emissions
• CA CARB approval required
• All the horsepower I need

My TJ6 is not a daily driver. It's only used for trails and the occasional drive to the beach. I've had it for a few years and have put on maybe 2500 miles so I may not be too concerned with longevity however if it can cruise on the freeway up inclines I would probably drive it more (the Mrs loves being in it).

I'd love to get your opinions. Again, this isn't just a question regarding a swap vs stroker but specifically due to the hassles built into living in CA.

 

[CodaMan]

The LS would be way more of a benefit to you I believe, but more of a hassle due to CARB. But it is doable. Have you joined the TJ LS swap Facebook group? There are many members there that have went through the CARB process.

 

[Wildman]

Since you have a 2003 if you want to do the engine swap your choices are either a Hemi or a LS engine. If it was mine I would do a Hemi swap just becaue.

Here is what I know about the stroker engines: They are not as reliable as a stoke engine from what I have read. I know a couple of people who have had a stroker motor that ate the cam after a short amount of time.

Find a referee station and get to know the guy there. Go in a talk to them and find out everything that you need to do before hand.

 

[pagrey]

You would need to take a swap in for full inspection. There are plenty of things you have on your Jeep now that would cause you to fail today without even doing a swap. It just isn't a realistic solution for you.

 

[Rec_Rider]

You would need to take a swap in for full inspection. There are plenty of things you have on your Jeep now that would cause you to fail today without even doing a swap. It just isn't a realistic solution for you.

So CARB inspection is not just related to the engine and emissions? What else is involved and what stands out as issues?

 

[Moto Mike]

Google up jeep strokers forum to get their side of the equation. I just did an Silverado 1500 swap. There is no way a stroker will EVER come close to justifying the effort of an engine removal. Do it right the first time.

 

[pagrey]

Google up jeep strokers forum to get their side of the equation. I just did an Silverado 1500 swap. There is no way a stroker will EVER come close to justifying the effort of an engine removal. Do it right the first time.

I don't know much about those engines but you're saying a website entirely devoted to them says they aren't worth it?

 

[Wildman]

You would need to take a swap in for full inspection. There are plenty of things you have on your Jeep now that would cause you to fail today without even doing a swap. It just isn't a realistic solution for you.

I didn't know this part. I always thought a CARB referee just checked to insure that you had all the required emissions stuff. @RangerRick could answer more of these questions.

 

[pagrey]

So CARB inspection is not just related to the engine and emissions? What else is involved and what stands out as issues?

It's been 30 years since I've dealt with it, they inspected everything from how I mounted the radiator to the headlights. Probably best to talk to people with more current experience.

 

[TJ Ben]

Following

 

[CharlesHS]

Contact MR BLAINE.... I am sure he has experience with strokers and knows people to contact....
There is a engine builder name Russ Pottenger of Bishop-Buehl Racing Engines in SoCal; he is the guru of Jeep stroker engines.

 

[Rec_Rider]

I'm reaching out to Russ to get his point of view on failures as well as expected horsepower gains with a smog passable build. I appreciate you guys adding to this subject.

 

[SkylinesSuck]

Cam issues are real, but have nothing to do with whether or not it's a stroker. I think it's a more noticeable issue in the stroker community however because people tend to run big cams with higher pressure valve springs and beat on their motors a lot more.

I will say this to the OP reference on road driving specifically. One upon a time my TJ had 3.07's and 31x11.50 swamper LTB's on it. It was okay in 5th on flat ground going 75 but inclines would always require downshifting at least to 4th and sometimes to 3rd to maintain speed. With the stroker it was absolutely not an issue. 5th all day long with the cruise set at 75 up and down normal hills with the 3.07's.

 

[Feralkid]

Diesel...

just be a God damned outlaw

Swap plates around and dgaf.

 

[CharlesHS]

During a Moab event I talked with an XJ owner who built a 4.7 L stroker; he said that driving up the grade (10,000') to the Eisenhower Tunnel from Missouri was effortless. The stroker was putting out about 270 HP/ 300 FT LBS torque.

 

[Rec_Rider]

I've traded a couple of emails with Russ and he understands what I'm looking for as far as what I would like to see for my TJ. Looks like he does fantastic work and builds these things all of the time. I still have more questions for him and should have answers back soon. His initial build cost is up there but I don't know how to compare it to a swap. Anyone have an idea of what the cost of swapping in a hemi or LS as well as any CARB inspection?

Also, if anyone has a clue as to whether the entire vehicle would need to be inspected for CARB vs just motor and emissions that would be helpful as well. I've cut my frame and tub to do a 15" extension and added 1 tons and hydro-assist. Beadlocks alone could raise eyebrows. Not sure if these would be issues or not.

I know I'm asking a lot of questions but if I mess with the powerplant and I can't pass CARB, let alone smog, then this is a non-starter for me.

 

[Wildman]

I can't give you definite figures on a swap for a hemi. Part of the price point will depend on how much you have to pay for the takeout engine and tranny. Next will depend on what you do or don't decide to do to the engine and tranny before you install it. Here is one person you might want to talk to a little about this. He had a supercharged 4.0 before he decided to go with the hemi. It's not a stroker but it's not a stock 4.0 either. So he can give you an idea of the difference in power.

https://bit.ly/3bYYJ5M

 

[Wildman]

I'm not trying to sway you one way or the other just trying to supply you with information. Here is someone doing a hemi swap and he is in California so hopefully he can answer some of your questions about C.A.R.B. stuff.

https://bit.ly/2xhYmo7

 

[Rec_Rider]

Thanks for that Wildman. $9K and 8 months of work. Looks like it's the little things that make it difficult. I have to admit that having that kind of power would be nice. I have a 5.7 Hemi in my GC so I know what they feel like.

I'll probably end up going with a stroker due to not having to change so much as well as working with a ref. I can build a stroker while still having fun with the Jeep then throw it in over a weekend (or a couple). I figure the cost will be about 2/3 of a motor swap or less, unless someone sees an error in my thinking.

 

[Wildman]

Yes a swap isn't CHEAP and it is the little things that nickel & dime you to death. And they take time which always seems to take longer than we planned or allocated.

Good luck with the stroker. Any stroked engine can be a TON of fun.