The 1.3 and 1.6 are basically the same engine.  The 1.6 simply has a longer stroke/taller deck height.  The 16-valve add a much better cylinder head design and multipoint fuel injection.

You definitely need to sit in a Samurai to see how you fit in it.  They are tiny compared to most vehicles on the road and I think you will have a very difficult time fitting in it.  A 4-door Sidekick, which is another smallish vehicle compared to most SUVs, will seem enormous in comparison.  Also, most Sidekicks had power steering, and the heater & ac system are much better.

As far as modding, a stock Sidekick will get you a lot of places that you wouldn't think it could go.  As a Samurai enthusiast, I always thought that they weren't near as good offroad due to the IFS.  However, now that I have owned a 1st Gen 2-door, I must say that it does perform quite well.  Probably equal to a stock Samurai, but it just has less ground clearance.    The modded Sidekicks can definitely hold up with Samurais.  On a recent Moab trip, the 4-door Sidekicks could climb steep ledges that my Samurai could not even think of attempting.

The more I look at them, the more I like them. I really like the 4 doors... and it looks like I can actually save a bit of money (no engine swap, less expensive suspension components, tires can only be so big so no temptation to go tooo big...) in doing the upgrades as well.

One question.. do all Sidekick back seats fold down and flat? Or are there specific years that do?

first gen don't fold flat. the back folds down and the the assy. folds foreward. kinda a pisser.

The second generation (which I own as well-'99 GV) has a funky folding method.  The bottoms fold into the footwells, the you take the headrest off and fold the seat back forward.  The headrest the slides into the bottom.

As far as larger tires.  I would run the stock ones or whatever comes with the vehicle until it comes time to replace them.  My '90 Sidekick just has stock tires and it does really well, for what it is, off-road.  It could definitely handle most logging roads.

That doesn't sound fun at all!

It looks like I can pick up a Sidekick for about $3-$4k around here. After a tune-up and some much needed tools, I should have nearly enough to do exactly what I want to the vehicle. 235's, a lift from ZukNation (they're really close to where I live), bumpers and sliders. And about 10 rattlecans of Olive drab paint.

Don't use the rattle can OD green as it UV fades very quickly.  Been there.

I think that you will find a 4-door with 235s will go alot of places.  Probably won't even need a lift to fit those tires, maybe a mild body lift. 

I personally think your on the right track, but to fit a decent set of tires in the 235 range, spending all that coin on a elaborate lift really isnt necessary. Unless you stick something bigger than 235's on anything with 3" or more inches of lift you'll ending up having a top heavy rig that won't handle as well on the road, and look kinda goofy too. my 2 cents, of course.  A four door, 235' w a couple inches of lift,  minor mods to the drivers seat to get it back further, one with as many options as you can find, as low a milage one as you can, keep up with all the simple maintenence and the thing will take you everywhere you'll want to go in reletive comfort.
Or go for the good lift kit but at least go 31's in a mud terrian. But you'll notice the power loss at higher altitudes, and a real hit in fuel economy that even a gearing change won't bring back.
You may think now hell, I can live with 20 +_mpg, but I'll bet in the long run 235's in a decent tread pattern, moderate lift say 2", rear locker and getting almost everywhere you want to go with fuel to spare is a good argument for not going to extreme. The closer to stock the suspension is the better it will feel also. Go with a good quality coil lift or inexpensive spacer lift in the 2" range with modest 235's and enjoy the savings to spend on going places. Once again, jmho.

On the OD Green Paint,
My Sammy the, "Timber Cruiser" OD Green Base Coat was painted with "Rustoeum" Duck Boat Paint.
Pix on the forum under "Timber Cruiser" a few pages back,
I didn't like the lighter shade of green, so I added 8 oz. of Rustoeum flat black per quart and got a good
"Black Forest OD Green" and it has held up well including 9 months in the Nevada High Desert Sun.

Shot the paint with a Harbor Freight "Small Repairs" sprayer (Cheap). This gun worked great as you will realize the a
Suzuki (Any Model) does not have a lot of surface area.

CAPT

Your paint job does look good.  Reminds me of the old Army camo pattern.

I like that paint a bunch... I do think I want a little more brownish green, it will match nicely with my surroundings.

I am definitely gonna do just a mild lift. OME front and rear coils with the nitrocharger shocks, a 1.5 or 2" spacer in the front and rear, and then 235's. The rest of the budget can be for more important goodies; winch, ARB locker (don't want full time lock, if there is an easier/cheaper option, let me know!) and armor. I'll probably build/buy a larger fuel tank to extend range.

Thanks a bunch guys, for all the help. Can't wait!

Get a Trackick, put a 3" 0r 2" lift by these guys http://www.alteredegomotorsports.com/tracker-suspension.html
235's or 30x9.5 on 7x15's mud terains with a 3 1/4" Back Space rims.
ARB in the back
And TaaaaDaaaa!

Then you can get a plate that says this:

How 'bout a plate like.....

                                          [size=20 CJ HNTR[/size]

Here is an example video I like. This guy, I think only has a 2" lift on 235's with ARB front and back and look at the 4x4ing he is doing. Alot has to do with the driver as well.
Know your rig. Not always, bigger is better.

Vitara 4x4 Trilha Off Road GARU 3

It seems just natural to overthink things as off-roaders I think. knowing how to drive your vehicle and good old fashioned seat time will beat Mr 100k jeep owner that has no idea how to drive it.

just give your ride a smart amount of lift, some good tires (suited for you wheeling), and some traction aid.

take it out and develop a relationship with your rig. learn it wheel it and go right around Mr. 100k jeep with the biggest sense of pride you may ever feel!

mod as necessary from there....