AboutDavid Scott Expertise Questions regarding the advisability of different kinds of modifications to Samurai/Sidekick/Tracker or various kinds of off-road usage. I will not attempt to do more than provide links for questions about other Suzukis such as Vitara, Grand Vitara, etc. I may or may not give generalized advice for newer models, but have no experience regarding newer models, and will not attempt to give more than the most generalized answers for questions regarding vehicles later than '93 manufacture. I will however, if possible, provide a link that will help you contact a professional in your region.
Experience I've been a professional mechanic for over thirty five years, live in the center of the Rocky Mountains, and have been active in exploring the old mining/4wd roads for decades. I've specific experience with Samurai modification, because that's my personal vehicle.
Education/Credentials Thirty five years of advanced, intensive classes for experienced professionals only. Manufacturer seminars and training classes averaging four to six weeks per year. I'm now a professional heavy duty fleet mechanic, and no longer deal with issues such as MIL (check engine) lights
Expert: David Scott Date: 2/11/2008 Subject: suzuki engines
Question QUESTION: Is it impossible to replace a16valve engine with an eight? Will they bolt up to each other's tranny's? Have a 96 sidekick with a loose rod. Rather than rebuild(crank would need reground) I thought i'd replace with an 8v. It seems to me that the sammy's 1.3's were the most rugged. I have two with 130,000 plus each. No smoke no noise. Every 16v sidekick or tracker I find has a bad engine by 100,000. Is this your experience? Thanks Tony
ANSWER: Sidekicks of your vintage are 1.6 liter, both 8 and 16valve versions. Yes, they will mate to the trans. The sammy 1.3 can be replaced (in the sammy) with either the sidekick 1,6, or the vitara 2.0, but both swaps require a special engine to trans adapter. I have never heard of the existence of an adapter to permit the installation of a 1.3 to a 1.6 trans, and strongly advise against it.
The issue of alleged reliability in sidekicks has nothing to do with the vehicle or engine, and everything to do with lack of appropriate maintenance by the owner/operator. I got 345k out of my '89 8valve sidekick prior to an overhaul, and it is now at a little over 475k in the hands of a niece, who DOES follow appropriate service and maintenance procedures.
The stories regarding marginal reliability and longevity for econo vehicles for the past 25 years are all able to be traced to the fact that the owner of the econo car is it's worst enemy. I regularly repair those, and then only see the vehicle when it breaks, and have heard owners brag that they only change the oil every 25k. They are the same who bitch and whine when it dies after 100k of this kind of abuse.
scotty
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QUESTION: Thanks Scotty! So only the Ecu and fuel system would present a problem on a sidekick 16=to 8 valve swap? The fuel pump pressures are the same?. I agree with you, a good machine can be destroyed by an idiot almost instantly.
Answer I'm not certain about fuel pressures, as I've only had 8valve vehicles, and have never checked a 16valve. It's moot, as you have to replace the ecu, injection harness, pressure regulator and injectors and piping with the parts that come from the replacement motor.
scotty
