Hey everyone, I am pretty new to the forums so be nice! haha

I have a 93 JL 1.3L Suzuki , My dads lifted it, wheeled it, my brother drove it for school and now I'm driving it taking it off my dads hands when I graduate and move out. The Suzuki still runs like a champ but that 1.3L definitely lacks in power (going up hill on the highway I can barely make 55). I hear a rattling noise every so often from below and I am told that the transfer case needs to be rebuilt. I will probably be moving out to the panhandle of Idaho for a year this summer. I would like to hear this forums opinion!

The problem I have with that is the distance of work. Since the distance between home and my job might be  miles I'm kinda worried on keep it my daily driver. The winter i'm not so worried about since everything is slower, but I should buy a winch haha. My 1.3L has headers and a high flow exhaust, as well as top notch spark plugs and spark wires. My dad tells me hes tried his best to milk as much power as he can. I just want your opinion on anything else that I could milk the 1.3L from so it makes my distance a little faster, since an engine swap can get expensive. Haha

Pic of My Samurai : http://postimage.org/image/e49nk0asx/


Thanks for any replys!

Try running 92-93 octane gas, make sure that the timing is in spec at 10 BTDC, and that the check engine light flashes the 1-2 code when in diagnostic mode. You might also do a Sea Foam treatment to help remove carbon buildup.

But more than likely the engine is just tired and needs a rebuild. Do a wet and dry compression check and see what the readings are on each cylinder.  The FSM recommends a rebuild for anything under 170 psi. Under 150, it will definitely be low on power for your type of driving.  

A rebuild with high-compression pistons would bring it back better than new, but you would definitely need to run the higher octane gas.

I will probably be moving out to the panhandle of Idaho for a year this summer. I would like to hear this forums opinion!
Thanks for any replys!

Don't move. 

Looks pretty good for 2nd/3rd hand me down. If the budget's tight, make it a reliable dd and save for the rebuild.

As said above, highest octane fuel will give it a little more guts if you currently run reg.

Looking at the picture, I can tell that it has about 3" of lift and 29'-30" tires.  Do you have any gearing for the larger tires?