Jeep TJ Golen 4.6 stroker engine UPDATE

[@ruggedindsoup2135]

Thanks for taking the time to show/tell people about this stroker option. Very good insight. I have an ‘06 LJ and I’m considering options for an engine upgrade.

[@MatthewBerginGarage]

Perfect choice. Inline sixes are tougher than any V8. Having 7 main bearings makes the bottom end almost indestructible. I will also do the 4.6 stroke to my jeep's engine when it gets rebuilt. Your new engine is still tight so after you get some more miles on it the fuel mileage will improve a bit. 😊

[@oldschool240]

Thanks for the complete breakdown! I'm in the exact spot, except haven't broken a piston skirt yet. Just using oil, leaking oil, tapping like a diesel & 224K miles. Time for a swap.

[@Mikes600r]

Something I learned with this engine, flatt tappet cams require high Zink oil..... I never used it before, but I will be from now on

[@shamuscella9769]

I as well have a GOLEN 4.6 Stroker motor. Mine is in a 02 Grand Cherokee with tons of mods. She’s heavy……. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK ! Chad GOLEN is the owner of the company and he is the best ! He is always available for any issues and very attentive to his customers! If your looking for a cost friendly upgrade from the 4.slow……..I highly recommend GOLEN !

[@ralphcampisi9696]

Just put one in my 2002 wj, did you change the exhaust, did you go with a cat back, what brand?

[@shamuscella9769]

@@ralphcampisi9696 I got the 3 cats that came on it with the steel header that Golen provides, then no muffler…..just 2.5 inch stainless straight through. Custom routed and tucked. No crush !!

[@ralphcampisi9696]

@@shamuscella9769 thanks for the info, how’s the sound? Don’t want the hot rod open header effect. Built ca for my daughter (she lives the WJ’S) and she going to use it as her daily off to college car

[@shamuscella9769]

@@ralphcampisi9696 little throaty, but it’s a 6, not an 8…….sounds good, won’t wake the neighborhood.

[@archieh4058]

I did the exact same engine swap less than 10K miles ago. So much better performance, however, now i want more speed and better MPG...I know I know I cant have both...Upgraded to 62 MM TB, headers, hi perf water cooler, replaced motor mounts and new radiator to boot. I currently get about 12 MPG...I am looking for a cam upgrade as well...Chad great guy to work with as well.

[@gettinglost8914]

Great video, answered all the questions I had. Im getting closer to this being at 185k. No custom tune makes the deal for me personally. Good job tackling the wrenching and being honest about your abilities at the time.

[@johnguanci2316]

Answered all the questions I've been asking for three years. Excellent video so with 184k on the my 2003 odometer, maybe...

[@michaelmathess1816]

great write up. I Appreciate your honest approach

[@gr7788]

Thanks for a great in depth video👍

[@hi.satiety9423]

Thanks Mike. Great info. Did same swap after a piston skirt break on a 2001 WJ back in 2015. Golen has been great. Trading emails with Chad now in 2024 to work thru an issue. I was stunned to get support this far out. Unfortunately I didnt get a cool valve cover though :)

[@GYMGUYFE]

Amazing review!! Thank you!

[@ManicPandaMedia]

I bit the bullet and bought a crate from Chad.to replace my 2.5l with an AX-5 transmission..$10,000.00 4.7l Stroker drop in..I bought a new ax-15 transmission for it.. anxiously waiting ..the nice thing is the crate motor comes with a Holley Sniper EFI kit and eliminates the need for the damn wiring harness and ECU (stock) that if you spit on it won't run..4 wires to hook up.. from what I understand and viola no more ECU garbage..

[@Coloradohighboy]

Can you update us? Planning on swapping out my 2.5 manche

[@streetstomper]

wanna come swap mine for me lol Great info though man, I just picked up a 98 Jeep TJ and cant believe how much I am falling in love with it already but my 2.5 is a lazy dog. I did just post a video on my channel about it if your interested in having a look.

[@prettywomenclassiccars]

do you have to change the manual fuel pump to and electric pump?because I have a 86 cj7

[@jasonlessard2373]

Is that whine when you started it only when cold? I didn’t hear it at the end. That would drive me crazy.

[@frnchy99]

I put a stroker in my 01 TJ. One comment made in this video is you don't need to tune the engine. I'm not saying you must, but HP Tunner software can now tune a TJ computer. I did this and gained 16 HP and 27 TQ, above what the stroker was doing. The tuner charged me $800. (labor + HP credits). If that's worth it, I'll let you decide.

[@Mikes600r]

So $800 for everything to tune it? Or was the Tuner a separate cost? And what was the back and forth... Did you have to dyno it and work with the tuner to create the tune, or was it a generic tune for a stroker build?

[@frnchy99]

@@Mikes600r The tuner did a dyno to make a baseline, made adjustments, and did a few more dyno tests to get the final results. Took about 4 hours to complete in one sitting. Total cost was $800.

[@Mikes600r]

@@frnchy99 who did you use for dyno and tuning?

[@frnchy99]

@@Mikes600r They went out of business.

[@desertdog2282]

It’s been two years since you have posted this but… I recommend putting the factory thermostat back in, your fuel mileage may improve. 😊

[@Mikes600r]

I'll look into it. I've actually had to replace that thermostat because it stuck open on me... but I went with another 180*.... you think it burns more efficiently at 200*?

[@ManicPandaMedia]

How's she holding up now?

[@rowlinstoned3715]

Great video man. I'm considering one.

[@prettywomenclassiccars]

very nice video with alot of information I'm interested in buying me one with all the bells 🔔

[@IPPredators]

Great video. Can you please tell me the brand of your phone mount? Looks like the perfect fit for the TJ. Thanks!

[@Mikes600r]

Apps2car suction mount... I've had it on there for at least a year now without it ever falling off.... it works great!

[@IPPredators]

@@Mikes600r Just ordered from Amazon. Thanks again!

[@ManicPandaMedia]

I have the 94 YJ with a 2.5l 4 banger with an ax-5 transmission.. I'm in the process of doing the swap.. I have a new ax-15 transmission for the 4.0 I pulled from a 99 TJ did you have to upgrade the flywheel, clutch or anything on the transmission.. or is yours an automatic.. Yes I have to weld on new frame to motor engine mounts..I bought new engine mount bushings..but removed the engine to bushing mounts to sand blast and powder coat..I have an np231 transfer case and the swap gear to swap the ax-5 to ax-15..then it's just figuring out if I want to go carburator or stay with the pain in the ass ECU for the fuel injection system..

[@ManicPandaMedia]

@@Future-Preps35 I'm doing away with the factory ECU..Chad is building me a 4.6l stroker with a Holley Sniper EFI kit..etc.. it's gonna be saaawheat!!!

[@robertsorrentinojr8359]

Question: I looked on Golen’s website for the 4.6 stroker and they are selling for $7500, did you say that you paid $1600 for yours?

[@Mikes600r]

@@robertsorrentinojr8359 nooooo, I wish, it was like $6800,

[@robertsorrentinojr8359]

@ thanks so much for the reply and for taking the time to make a video and inform the community!

[@phoenix_1231]

Very nice! Have been thinking about this. Do you notice a difference? What octane do you use? And what mpg are you getting?

[@Mikes600r]

I always use mid grade or better fuel if I can help it, this is particularly because of less ethanol and better detergents for the engine,, but as far as fuel economy goes if I notice anything at all, its that I get slightly worse fuel economy with say 93 over 89.... but there are so many factors that go into fuel economy that I couldn't pin point what or why really.... a windy day is more of a factor then what grade fuel I go with

[@jhow3d688]

@@Mikes600r Interesting I did not know this. I have been pouring 93 into my stroker thinking I had to do so per Chad's recommendation. Do you hear any pings at all running 89?

[@Mikes600r]

@@jhow3d688 I can answer this now with yes, I need to run 91+ to keep the engine from low octane ping.... I noticed it going over steep mountains in 4th gear. I initially used mid grade but found it went away almost completely when I topped off with high coming home

[@thecomedian4967]

I just put a Golen 4.6 in my 2005 TJ. Only have 100 miles on the engine... How many miles did it take for the rings to seat and the computer to give the appropriate trims before you got full HP and torque? Great video... watched it 50 times before purchasing. Lol Also... Does your camshaft tick? Chad said this was normal. Just wondering Cheers

[@Mikes600r]

So it might take a tank of gas or 2 for your computer to get everything worked out, but your engine is already broke in, so nothing to worry about there.

[@thecomedian4967]

@@Mikes600r Cool! Thanks brother! Do you have a contact tick in the camshaft as well? I didn't hear it on your video🤔

[@Mikes600r]

@thecomedian4967 yeah actually. Long story short, the first engine had a camshaft / lifter failure around 5k miles, Chad took care of it and replaced the engine.... also the whistling noise was the vents on the valve cover were reversed putting a vacuum on the engine... the new engine does have a slight tick, but I have about 7k miles on it and everything seems to be right, I've cut every filter and there clean, so I don't know

[@natesteiner5460]

When I swapped the 4.10's in my 05 LJ Rubicon to 4.56's I picked up 2 MPG (255/85-16 tires). Keep in mind the RPM where the engine delivers peak torque is the RPM of peak efficiency. If I had to abide by communist east-coast speed limits, 4.88's might have been a more reasonable choice

[@NHWilderness]

lol I live in NH it’s slowly turning liberal everyone is flooding here from the liberal states and then they get here and vote the same way and put up their Biden signs..😡

[@edlozano8694]

Do you need to upgrade the automatic transmission if you install a Stroker motor?

[@Mikes600r]

I was told no, but mines a 5 speed manual, so I wouldn't know

[@edlozano8694]

@@Mikes600r thank you

[@motorheadproductions88]

I have golens 4.6 with the aw4 trans. I did a transgo shift kit in it and it's been great! Towing, crawling, street performance

[@edlozano8694]

Could the 4.7 Stroker damage the automatic transmission on a 2001 TJ due to the horsepower and low gears?

[@Mikes600r]

I'm going to say no, but you might want to ask someone with a 4.7 stroker and an auto....

[@Mikes600r]

I can say if you watch Matt's Off Road recovery, he has a 4.6 stroker in the banana, auto, low gears and big tires, and he hasn't broken the trans.... but he has big coolers on it and who knows what or if he's done anything else to it

[@terranovnicek1567]

No. The aw4 is plenty stout. Low gears are also easier on the transmission than taller gears.

[@mattphalp2182]

If you had to do it again would ya? Or would just go back stock. I researched a lot of motor options. I haven't heard much good about any stroker builds holding up.

[@Mikes600r]

I love the power this thing put out, but I have been having issues over and over with the cams and lifters.... I'm contemplating either going with a different cam and lifter manufacturer, or just going back to stock... it seems that if you can get a good cam, there's not much more to go wrong with these engines. Comp cams and lifters is who Golen uses, and I haven't been impressed with them. Maybe do some more research and see who else is having good luck with their builds... Newcomer Engines?

[@signkutter9218]

​@Mikes600r hmmm, I got this motor coming in this week. Hope this cam/lifter problem isn't a thing with these motors

[@ralphcampisi9696]

Hi I just put the 4.6 in 2002 WJ. Any suggestion on a cat back exhaust? Did you change your exhaust?

[@Mikes600r]

I went with the Banks exhaust, I also replaced the exhaust manifold with stainless headers, I'm still using the factory midpipe with the 3rd cat and it sounds great. It dosnt drone down the highway but has a good deep tone. I think there are louder options out there if that's what you are after, but I'm sure it could be louder if I removed the 3rd cat.... I tried to go with quality and performance over noise...

[@ralphcampisi9696]

@@Mikes600r hi, went with the stainless headers and polished/shot beaded-cleaned exhaust header also. Not looking for loud, dont want the drone, I guess exactly what you installed. Will definitely take a look at banks. Thanks!

[@Chicknontheroad]

Now that you’ve had it for a while, what’s your opinion? Maybe an update video?

[@Mikes600r]

Yeah I need to do an update... lots of stuff to go over... I wish it was that easy to say yeah its been perfect, buts it's not... delt with a bad camshaft, broken valve springs and then something else that I couldn't even diagnose... Chad replaced the engine completely and I have about 3k miles on the new one... I was going to run it a little longer before I gave my update, but so far, so good

[@jeffreyrue4569]

Any issues 2 years later?

[@WinnerTube]

How much was the total swap cost?

[@Mikes600r]

If your ONLY replacing the engine and not preventative maintenance, 7k. Not sure what his prices will increase to in 2022

[@WinnerTube]

@@Mikes600r Thanks really good to know. I'm also in the maryland area, near rockville

[@mightymikee]

7K engine, ~1K shipping (to PNW, plus crate) and etc. I think I am at near 10K with all new parts around the belt.

[@prreith]

Curious if you've ever done any head to head drags with a 3.6 JK 6 spd and how it compared?

[@Mikes600r]

I have not.... but I have had friends with the 3.6 ride in my jeep and said it was way faster then their jeep....

[@prreith]

@@Mikes600r Good to know, thanks! There may be one of these in the garage someday...

[@edlozano8694]

Why you didn’t picked Titan or S&J stroker engine if they are a cheaper on price?

[@wolfodinson5303]

You better look up the reviews ...its really bad for them both.

[@james8518]

Does anyone notice his engine light coming on and off the whole he was driving it. What's that about?

[@Mikes600r]

Not the check engine light.... thats the shift indicator on a manual transmission

[@edlozano8694]

What’s the difference between a 4.6 and 4.7 Stroker? Thanks

[@v12alpine]

.060 over vs .030 over on the bore

[@JeepTJay6]

Still running good? I might have a blow head gasket in my 4.0. This is looking like a petty viable option for me. Thanks for going into such detail. Great video

[@Mikes600r]

To be honest, no, I have had some reoccurring issues on and off again, first was a camshaft/ lifter failure, then shortly after 4 valve spring dampers, and now something else is going on.... all the same engine. I think I just got a a dud.... but let me say this, Chad has been nothing but willing to work with me this entire time, we have both come to the conclusion that enough is a enough and hes building me a fresh engine.... so I wouldn't let this scare you away, Chad's awesome and if anything, this is a testimony to his warranty and customer service. I don't know how many other engine builders would go through this much grief and continue to be pleasant to work with.

[@JeepTJay6]

@@Mikes600r Awe damn that sucks. I'm glad he's working with you though. That's a pretty stand-up thing to do. Good luck with the new one. Maybe make another video when you get it.

[@offrodnolefmr7445]

I saw the check engine light come on several times around the 20 minute mark. What was up with that?

[@Mikes600r]

Thats not the check engine light, thats the shift light... Check engine light is the lower center of the dash, The shift light is supposed to be an indicator to shift up for the most efficiency

[@وليدبنثاني]

How much hp you get

[@Mikes600r]

273hp and 330lbs of torque

[@WayneHarmon-fl4qc]

What caused the CEL to flash on during the drive? Is that related to the swap?

[@Mikes600r]

There was no CEL during the drive... that was the shift light

[@ManicPandaMedia]

Why is your engine light coming on and off over the oil pressure gauge?

[@Mikes600r]

Manual transmission shift light... wants me to shift for optimal fuel economy....

[@jorgezuni2818]

I get smell when going above 60 mph on highway specially up hill . 164k

[@NHWilderness]

I wish more videos were like this no music no BS,drives me nuts when your trying to research something and the video is more about the video.the making of it the editing the music..I have been searching for something to help out with the power I have a 3.5 rock krawler lift with 33x12.5’s coming from completely stock for a couple of years before I had the money to do it all big power difference.as u said don’t care about smoking my tires I baby this thing it just rolled 40k just would be nice not to have to hit 3rd gear everytime I come to a steep hill.i don’t know the 1st thing about mechanics where is this place located would they do the swap for you?

[@Mikes600r]

Golen Engines is out of New Hampsire, don't quote me, but I dont believe he would do the engine swap.... he's strictly an engine builder, I'm sure he could point you in the right direction of a reputable shop. Problem with paying someone else to install it, for me, would be cost. I remember my local jeep dealer / shop quoted me about 4k just in labor, and that was pretty covid pricing... I couldn't spend that kind of money on top of the cost of the engine... Thanks for the compliments!! I know when I did my research you either had guy just doing burn outs in them, or they skip over all the import information of an engine swap and say yeah I swapped the engine.... well no kidding hahahha

[@NHWilderness]

@@Mikes600r I’m looking into it but unfortunately, I have no other route than to have somebody install it for me probably just gonna forget it for now. My jeep only has 40,000 miles on it and it runs like a charm. No need to waste money if I don’t have to..!just would be nice to have some power

[@Mikes600r]

@NHWilderness do you have a Sport model? An easy solution to give you some more power and a better driving experience would be swapping gears.... more then likely you have the 3.07 gears and they make any jeep feel like a dog. Before I replaced my engine, I swapped to some LJ axles, so 3.73 gears with a Trac loc rear and disc breaks all the way around and that helped tremendously on high way cruising. I didn't have to down shift for every grade, and fuel economy was the same. I picked up a set locally for $800 complete from rotor to rotor. Much easier then an engine swap and arguably the best performance gain for the money.

[@NHWilderness]

@@Mikes600r it’s a 04 Columbia edition.. thanks for advice somebody mentioned that to me to change the gearing but I’ve never had any luck with messing around with a rear end. Nobody seems to get it right what you just said sounds like a good idea replace the entire thing

[@eastwindfarms3671]

✌️

[@brianandglendaharkin9457]

👍🏻💯🇦🇺👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@ManicPandaMedia]

Low end tork

[@Nick-rn7uh]

Say "Um" another 1000 times.

[@Mikes600r]

@Nick-rn7uh let's see your video... harder than you think...

[@zachzimmer6922]

Uhh

[@doers8154]

I noticed what looked like the check engine light came on when you were doing the pull. Any idea why that happened?

[@Mikes600r]

Manual transmission... shift light indicator. Check engine light is in the lower left section of the cluster

[@doers8154]

@@Mikes600r ahhh ok not used to seeing that my 99 2 door is automatic.