Has anyone ever had the 8 valve, 1.6 liter Track/kick motor stroked? Bored out?  Just wondering how much torque/hp you can extract in a rebuild without adding a turbo or anything.  An all motor build.  Maybe swap the 16 valve head.  Does anyone make a bigger intake manifold?     

I'm not saying I'm going to be rebuilding mine anytime soon....but it's something to think about for the future.  I know where I can get new pistons and a mild camshaft....but are there other internal parts that I would need that maybe don't exist....making this idea completely impossible?


-Mooch

Even if you do all the common hot rod tricks to an 8 valve, ie: cam, headwork, high comp pistons, etc, you'll probably only end up with an engine that has power = to a stock, well tuned 16 valve. The big advantage to the 8 valve is bottom end torque. It's not that it has more than the 16v, it just comes in much sooner, thus makes it easier to drive off road.  That being said, if you could find high compression pistons, use a good header, which I think you already have, you'll probably see some noticeable power gains, but you'll have to run premium. Any real power gains are going to come from raising the compression and stuffing more air/fuel mixture into it, which means modifying the throttle body and injector, or going to a stand alone fuel controller such as a Mega Squirt. By that time you might as well have swapped in another motor.

Yeah, that's what I was thinking after I posted that.....like, why not just stuff a carb'd V6 into it, and throw out all the computer and emissions stuff.    Know of any 6 or 8 cyl engines that would fit in the engine compartment?  And also....a tranny/t-case combo for the big engine that will fit in the tranny tunnel.

Most common swap for a bigger engine is the vortec v6 gm, they're plenty-o-power, and even have swap kits available already. You could also go the late model Suzuki 2 ltr route, more displacement = more hp and torque too. Just what is your goal? If it's more torque everywhere, the 4.3 is the way to go , I hear. If it's just somewhat modest gains everywhere, swap in a 16v and call it a day. If you really want POWER the 4.3 is the way to go. Remember, with that much added power, everything in the drivetrain will have to be beefed up too. You might as well just look for an old blazer, or a Jeep with a 4 ltr in it already.
All that being said, I'd sreally like to try my hand at building a big bore 8 valve with high comp pistons, the 4 carb setup ( off a Suzuki or other 4 cylinder motorcycle) and some head work. The pistons would be the only real headache, although I've seen almost 1800cc big bore pistons from some Aussie outfit. That'll leave the bores pretty thin, but it sure would be a fun build.

 In My first Sammy I built up the 1300 and raised the compression using Turbo Sprint pistons. I had to run premium fuel but in conjunction with the 1600 head and fuel injection and a torque cam it was way more powerful then stock.
 I'm not sure if the 1600 has a larger bore than the 1300 or if its just a stroked 1300 but the turbo pistons will work if it's the same bore.
 However I squeezed 550,000kms out of the stock 1300 and only got 180,000kms out of the high compression engine. Just like muscle cars if you kepp the engine simple and use displacement instead of modifications you will retain reliability.
 The 4.3 chev is a great powerful engine especially the Vortec but it is much heavier than the Suzuki engines. The Samurai and trackicks are very well balanced which makes them perform well on the trail. Adding a bunch of weight only to the front will hinder it's performance on the trail and on the highway from a handling point of view.
 I still like the old 1600 8 valve with a cam and header for simplicity and low end torque. Although my twin cam sammy is a blast on the highway!

Blah blah blah... just my 2 cents

I still think the best swap motor for the trackkick would be the GM 2L ECOtec motor.  They are already set up for RWD in the pontiac solstice/Saturn Sky.  I'm suprised nobody has developed a kit for these motors yet.

Yeah, that's what I was thinking after I posted that.....like, why not just stuff a carb'd V6 into it, and throw out all the computer and emissions stuff.    Know of any 6 or 8 cyl engines that would fit in the engine compartment?  And also....a tranny/t-case combo for the big engine that will fit in the tranny tunnel.

http://www.zukiworld.com/month_020109/feature_suzuki-sidekick-build-up.htm

  Suzuki V-6, Suzuki Auto tranny, Suzuki 4:1 Tcase reduction and has all the power I need for a first gen Tracker. Rolls at 70mph with ease (and still plenty to kick down and pass people if needed), keeps spinning the 37's in the thick mud and is crazy in the dunes. I have been beyond impressed with this engine.

Zig

Some fun head info:
http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=639274

Lots of great reading....thanks for all the input guys!

teamswift.net is into performance Suzuki engine mods as well.