What's the horsepower and torque output of the Golen 4.6L Jeep stroker engine?

The 4.6L stroker significantly increases displacement from the factory 4.0L, delivering enhanced low-end torque ideal for off-roading and towing. While exact figures vary based on optional upgrades, customers typically experience 20-30% torque gains over stock. The forged internals, performance camshaft, and optimized valve job ensure reliable power delivery throughout the RPM range.

Will this 4.6L engine fit my Jeep Wrangler, Cherokee, or Grand Cherokee from 1991-1999?

Yes, this stroker engine is designed as a direct replacement for all 1991-1999 Jeep models originally equipped with the 4.0L inline-six. This includes Wrangler YJ/TJ, Cherokee XJ, and Grand Cherokee ZJ models. The engine uses factory mounting points and includes year-specific Bosch fuel injectors for proper compatibility with your existing fuel system.

What makes this stroker engine better than a rebuilt stock 4.0L?

The 4.6L stroker increases displacement by 15% through precision boring and a performance crankshaft, generating substantially more torque. Unlike basic rebuilds, this engine features forged steel rods, balanced rotating assembly, performance camshaft, professional head work, and dyno break-in testing. These upgrades provide racing-quality reliability and performance far exceeding standard rebuilds.

Does the engine come with a warranty and technical support?

Absolutely. Every Golen Engine includes a comprehensive one-year warranty with no mileage limitations. You'll receive full phone tech support at 603-886-3800 ext 2, complete installation guides, and detailed spec sheets. Mandatory pre-startup consultation ensures proper procedures, protecting your investment and maximizing engine longevity.

How long does shipping take, and is the engine ready to install?

The 4.6L stroker arrives as a complete, turnkey engine ready for installation. It includes all gaskets, injectors, oil pan, timing cover, and valve covers. The engine has been dyno break-in tested with Joe Gibbs Racing oil, eliminating critical initial wear. Contact Golen Engine for current lead times and shipping options to your location.

What is the Golen 4.6L Jeep Stroker engine?

The Golen 4.6L Jeep Stroker is a crate inline-six engine offered by Golen Engine Service as an upgrade or direct replacement for older Jeep 4.0L/4.2L engines. It delivers improved power and torque while retaining the inline-six reliability.

Which Jeep models and years are compatible with the 4.6L crate motor?

Golen offers 4.6L crate motors targeted to several ranges: carbureted 1971–1990 Jeep CJ/Wrangler models, 1991–1999 Jeep CJ/YJ/TJ and Cherokee XJ models, and 2000–2006 Wrangler TJ/LJ (with some 2000–2001 Cherokee XJ compatibility).

How much power and torque does the 4.6L make?

The Golen 4.6L inline-six is rated at roughly 270 horsepower and about 300 lb-ft of torque.

Will I need major modifications to install the 4.6L in place of a 4.0L?

No major modifications are required — the 4.6L is designed as a direct bolt-in replacement and is compatible with the stock automatic and manual transmissions and existing differentials for the covered model years.

What performance features or upgrades are available with the 4.6L?

Key features and optional upgrades include an enhanced intake manifold, tubular stainless steel headers, a high-flow water pump, and performance options such as a 62mm throttle body to improve air intake efficiency.

Why should I replace a 4.0L with the Golen 4.6L?

Owners swap to the 4.6L to gain significantly more horsepower and torque — helping heavy Jeeps perform better (especially on grades and when towing) — while keeping the benefits of an inline-six design.

How can I contact Golen Engine Service for more information or to order?

Golen Engine Service contact info is listed on their site (phone: 1-800-591-9171 ext 2 and local 1-603-886-3800).

Upgrade Your Jeep Engine from 4.0L to a 4.6L Crate Motor

The 4.0L inline-six engine has long been recognized as one of the most reliable engines on the market. It was the stock engine in most Jeep CJ, Wrangler, and Cherokee models between 1971 and 2006. However, despite its reliability, it was notoriously underpowered.

Whether you have an old Jeep that you need an engine for, a Jeep that’s blown its 4.0L motor, or a perfectly fine Jeep that you just want to upgrade, the Golen 4.6L Jeep Stroker Engine is the best crate motor on the market. We offer 4.6L Crate Motors that are direct bolt-in replacements for the stock 4.0L Jeep engines that came in the Jeep CJ, Wrangler, and Cherokee between 1971 and 2006.

What Is Golen Engine Service?

Golen Engine Service was officially started by owner Chad Golen in 1992. The original Lowell, Massachusetts, shop was a small, two-man operation where they built Small Block Chevy performance engines. Eventually, Golen purchased a full machine shop and incorporated in 1998. An even larger shop was purchased in 2002 and serves as the current shop.

Today, Golen builds between 250 and 300 engines per year, primarily of the LS-based Chevy performance engines, the Jeep 4.6L Stroker engines, and early muscle car engines from the Big Three. Golen is an official dealer for reputable brands like Holley, Callies, Manley, ATI Pro Charger, and many others.

4.6L Jeep Carbureted Engine 1971 – 1990 Jeep CJ

Golen’s 4.6L carbureted engine is a direct replacement for any Jeep model that was factory-equipped with a carbureted 4.2L engine. This engine was often found in models of the Jeep CJ and Wrangler YJ made between 1971 and 1990. The Golen carbureted 4.6L Jeep crate engine is a robust and reliable replacement with a meticulous design that delivers a big boost in horsepower and torque.

The 4.6L is an inline-six engine that makes roughly 270 horsepower and around 300 pound-feet of torque. Key performance features include its enhanced intake manifold for better combustion, optimized exhaust flow from the tubular stainless steel header, and a high-flow water pump for improved engine temperature consistency.

There are many benefits to replacing your original 4.2L with this engine. It offers enhanced performance thanks to the increased displacement and high-quality components. You’ll find that your Jeep drives better and delivers more power on demand. The seamless installation is another perk with direct bolt-in replacement. The 4.6L doesn’t require any major modifications to install.

4.6L Jeep Stroker Engine 1991 – 1999 Jeep CJ, Jeep YJ, Jeep TJ

If you have a Wrangler YJ, TJ, or Cherokee XJ built between 1991 and 1999, the Golen Engine 4.6L Jeep Stroker engine is a direct bolt-in replacement. These models originally came with the 4.0L engine, which was very reliable but not particularly powerful. The 4.6L upgrades power and performance.

You can upgrade this engine further with performance enhancements like a 62mm throttle body to improve air intake efficiency, a high-flow water pump for optimal cooling, and a performance tubular stainless steel header to enhance exhaust flow. Like the other engines, this one delivers up to 270 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque.

Upgrading to the 4.6L engine is a seamless process for the models referenced above. It’s designed to directly bolt in and be compatible with all automatic and manual transmissions that came with the stock models. It also integrates easily with existing differentials. It’s a completely hassle-free, straightforward replacement.

4.6L Jeep Stroker Engine For Jeep TJ 2000 – 2006

If you own a Jeep Wrangler TJ or the long-wheelbase LJ from the 2000 through 2006 model years, you can replace the stock 4.0L with the 4.6L Jeep Stroker Engine. The 2000 and 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ models will also work with this engine. Just like the engine for the earlier models, you can get the same performance options and the same power.

As with all the Jeep Stroker engines, this one features seamless installation that goes with any automatic or manual transmission that came stock with your Jeep. Upgrading your 4.0L might be especially appealing if you own the longer wheelbase Wrangler LJ. The 4.0L was already somewhat underpowered for the regular Wrangler, but when you add more length, it’s even more difficult.

Why Replace Your 4.0L With the Golen 4.6L?

Many Jeep enthusiasts consider the 4.0L to be an iconic engine just in terms of reliability. However, it’s no secret that it’s not the most powerful engine out there, and Jeeps tend to be heavy. If you’ve ever felt that your Jeep could use more power, especially when struggling up a steep grade, the 4.6L is an ideal choice. You’ll get the same reliability from an inline-six design with significantly more power and torque.

Golen Jeep Crate Motors Make the Difference

Whether you go off-road or daily drive your Jeep TJ, YJ, or CJ, you can likely benefit from more power and torque. Give your Jeep the extra performance it needs with a direct replacement Jeep Stroker Engine from Golen Engine Service.

1971-1990 Jeep Replacement Engine FAQs

How much horsepower does a 4.6L Jeep stroker engine make compared to the stock 4.0L?

The 4.6L Jeep stroker engine produces approximately 270 horsepower and around 300 pound-feet of torque, representing a significant upgrade over the factory 4.0L inline-six engine. While the stock 4.0L was known for exceptional reliability, it was notoriously underpowered for Jeep’s heavier vehicles. The 4.6L stroker delivers the same inline-six reliability that Jeep enthusiasts love while providing substantially more power for acceleration, hill climbing, highway merging, and towing. This power increase is especially noticeable in longer wheelbase models like the Wrangler LJ, where the additional torque makes a dramatic difference in everyday drivability.

Which Jeep models can be upgraded with a 4.6L stroker crate motor?

The 4.6L stroker crate motor from Golen Engine Service fits a wide range of Jeep models from 1971 to 2006. For carbureted models, it replaces the 4.2L engine in 1971-1990 Jeep CJ and Wrangler YJ models. For fuel-injected models, it replaces the 4.0L engine in 1991-1999 Jeep Wrangler YJ/TJ and Cherokee XJ, as well as 2000-2006 Jeep Wrangler TJ/LJ and 2000-2001 Cherokee XJ models. Each engine is specifically designed as a direct bolt-in replacement for its respective year range, ensuring compatibility with factory transmissions, differentials, and mounting points without requiring major modifications.

What does “direct bolt-in replacement” mean for a Jeep engine swap?

A direct bolt-in replacement means the 4.6L stroker engine is engineered to install in place of your factory engine without requiring custom fabrication, motor mount modifications, or transmission adapters. The engine is compatible with all factory automatic and manual transmissions from the appropriate year range and integrates seamlessly with existing differentials and drivetrain components. This straightforward, hassle-free installation significantly reduces swap complexity and cost compared to engines requiring custom modifications. You can upgrade to 270 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque while maintaining your Jeep’s original transmission and drivetrain configuration.

What performance upgrades are available for the Golen 4.6L Jeep stroker engine?

The 4.6L Jeep stroker engine can be enhanced with several performance upgrades to maximize power and efficiency. Available enhancements include a 62mm throttle body for improved air intake efficiency, a high-flow water pump for optimal cooling and consistent engine temperatures, a performance tubular stainless steel header to enhance exhaust flow, and an upgraded intake manifold for better combustion. These components work together to ensure the engine delivers its full 270 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque potential while maintaining reliability for both daily driving and demanding off-road conditions.

Is a 4.6L stroker engine worth it for a daily-driven Jeep Wrangler or Cherokee?

Absolutely. If you’ve ever felt your Jeep struggle up steep grades, lack confidence during highway merging, or wish you had more power for towing, the 4.6L stroker engine addresses these issues while maintaining the legendary reliability of the inline-six design. The upgrade is particularly beneficial for daily drivers because the increased torque improves everyday drivability, making your Jeep feel more responsive and capable in all driving situations. Since it’s a direct bolt-in replacement that works with your existing transmission and drivetrain, you get significant performance gains without the complexity or expense of a complete drivetrain overhaul. The 4.6L provides the power your Jeep should have had from the factory while preserving the dependability that makes Jeeps excellent daily drivers.