Explorer 1 gets a Stroker!

[Explorer 1]

Been reading and thinking about this for awhile, with all the weight I have added over the years in skid plates, bumpers, winches, roof rack, tires etc. I feel a bit underpowered at times.

I wished I had a newer model year 4.0 but after talking with Chad at Golen, I put my order in with a build date of June. I figure the engine should arrive in California sometime in early July. I'll take one more adventure up to Big Bear and do the John Bull trail before Explorer 1 gets it's engine makeover.

More later,

Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1

 

[Maximus Ram]

Good deal. I've been thinking about doing the same thing to my XJ. Where did you order the stroker from ?

edit: just re-read ..I see golen. wow, the long blocks are $$. Guess I'll have to wait, they cost more than I have invested in the whole XJ.

 

[StumpXJ]

Sweet....

I cant wait till my stocker blows up (thats kinda wierd to say....) I am building a stroker for it for sure.

~James

 

[Explorer 1]

How many times have I purchased my XJ?

Good deal. I've been thinking about doing the same thing to my XJ. Where did you order the stroker from ?

edit: just re-read ..I see golen. wow, the long blocks are $$. Guess I'll have to wait, they cost more than I have invested in the whole XJ.

How many times have I purchased my XJ, let me count the ways........

Seems every major fix or upgrade costs more than the value of my rig. Maybe it foolish, maybe it stubborness, maybe it just too far committed to change.

Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1

 

[Root Moose]

XJs are such well rounded vehicles it is worth it IMO. My Jeep is worth ~$2k with over $10k of aftermarket stuff bolted onto it. LOL

 

[Maximus Ram]

Oh don't get me wrong. When it comes time for a new motor, I want to go the stroker way. Just I paid 750 for the XJ and maybe have 1500 in mods(e-bay, craigslist and sales are good) at the moment.

 

[S.Limited]

I put my stroker in about 2 years ago and I do love it. I put a 98 motor in my 89 wagoneer limited. I had Northwest Engine Exchange in Spokane Washington build it for me.

http://www.northwestengines.com/

It was their first one. I did all the research for it and told them what parts to put in so I got a screaming deal. I see that they now offer it on their website. Looks like you have to contact them for a price. I still had to buy the crank pulley spacer from HESCO and other odds and ends because of the year change. But I got a good strong powerfull motor out of it.

She sucks the gas back when I push it but it has lots of nuts. Fully loaded (wife, 2 kids, dog, canoe, 4 or 5 mountain bikes, jayco baja tent trailer, 33 gallons of water, 75 litres of extra fuel and food for a week or more) and I can still maintain the speed limit up almost any pull in the rockies.

Last summer it started running hot in the summer. I put a three row rad in it with the swap so I just put a new fan clutch in yesterday and shimmed the back of the hood half an inch today. Heading out father's day weekend, so hopefully it will be hot enough to give it a good test.

The only down side is that it is never enough. Looking back now I may have given a 5.3L convertion some more thought. Could of had more power!

 

[elcoyote]

Been reading and thinking about this for awhile, with all the weight I have added over the years in skid plates, bumpers, winches, roof rack, tires etc. I feel a bit underpowered at times.

I wished I had a newer model year 4.0 but after talking with Chad at Golen, I put my order in with a build date of June. I figure the engine should arrive in California sometime in early July. I'll take one more adventure up to Big Bear and do the John Bull trail before Explorer 1 gets it's engine makeover.

More later,

Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1

My Golen 4.6 is arriving next week. I too am excited about putting it in. Chad provides excellent customer service. One of my best pals put a Golen 4.6 in his zj. Loved it so much that when he sold the zj, he pulled it out to put into his TJ when the warranty runs out!

 

[Explorer 1]

Hey Mario,

Doubt if you remember me but I purchased a frig. from you about a year ago, it works great, only hope my new stroker works as well.

I agree, Chad rates high with customer service.

Thanks
Fred
Explorer 1

 

[elcoyote]

Mr. Fred T of Whittier?

Doubt if you remember me but I purchased a frig. from you about a year ago, it works great, only hope my new stroker works as well.

I agree, Chad rates high with customer service.

Thanks
Fred
Explorer 1

 

[Bodo]

The opinion of Golen on the JeepStrokers forum is far from stellar. For the kind of money you're spending, you can build one yourself and get it done so that it matches your specific application.

 

[tag187]

Good deal. I've been thinking about doing the same thing to my XJ. Where did you order the stroker from ?

edit: just re-read ..I see golen. wow, the long blocks are $$. Guess I'll have to wait, they cost more than I have invested in the whole XJ.

I built my stroker last year myself have less than 2200 bucks into her and got everything I wanted on it and in it. Completly happy, if you dont want to spend the big bucks but still wanna play the game building is the best way to go. It's also not very hard to do your basic tools, a couple special tools, and a bit of out sourcing will get you through it.

 

[Explorer 1]

Mario, you've got me pegged

Mario,

I installed it right behind the driver seat in the XJ. Only conplaint I have which isn't a reflection on the unit, is that I have had the 12 volt cig. lighter type plug fall out on some bumpy roads sometimes not discovered for hours later.

Know of any twist lock type power cord adaptors?

Thanks and hope all is well with you,

Fred
Explorer 1

 

[elcoyote]

Mario,

I installed it right behind the driver seat in the XJ. Only conplaint I have which isn't a reflection on the unit, is that I have had the 12 volt cig. lighter type plug fall out on some bumpy roads sometimes not discovered for hours later.

Know of any twist lock type power cord adaptors?

Thanks and hope all is well with you,

Fred
Explorer 1

Glad my memory isn't failing me We have a twist lock plug & socket combo that might help you out. give me a call at the shop on Monday.

 

[elcoyote]

The opinion of Golen on the JeepStrokers forum is far from stellar.

So far recommendations from trusted sources have been favorable and the customer service experience excellent.

For the kind of money you're spending, you can build one yourself and get it done so that it matches your specific application.

Actually the money spent vs. the cost of parts, machining & labor (I count the value of my time) is very competitive. I will reserve my opinion for when I have completed the project. Keep in mind that I have 4 years of experience with an intercooled super charger on my 4.0 that I could write volumes of opinion on.