Sorry if this is already posted somewhere....but i didnt see it

Just trying to get everyones opinion on the best engine swap for a samurai

Rocky road sells a bunch of conversion kits ranging from turning your 1.3 into a 1.6 or a 1.9 VW turbo diesel or a Vortec V6

just curious as too peoples experience with these different motors and which are best for the money. Thanks for your help

I smell a poll coming on!

This is a tough one because the use of the vehicle plays a significant role in what engine may be best. Let's assume overall driving enjoyment, performance, and reliability as the key points.

-Eric

Don't forget ease of installation.

I'm a big fan of the 1.6L installs so you can put in a Kicker 3 or Shogun setup and get a two speed transfer case.  

I have been (passenger and/or driver) in :
4.3L V-6 Sami
305 V-8 sami (really does not count due to front suspension being way overloaded and we could not get it out of the parking lot
1.3L Zuk
1.6L Zuk

The most impressive performance I experienced was in a near stock 1.6L (Zuk) Sami. BUT, I did see group of guys at a ZukiMelt one year running RX-7 rotary motors in their Sami's  WOW those things were fast in the sand. Never saw them on the trails though.

Zig

I have been (passenger and/or driver) in :
4.3L V-6 Sami
305 V-8 sami (really does not count due to front suspension being way overloaded and we could not get it out of the parking lot
1.3L Zuk
1.6L Zuk

The most impressive performance I experienced was in a near stock 1.6L (Zuk) Sami. BUT, I did see group of guys at a ZukiMelt one year running RX-7 rotary motors in their Sami's  WOW those things were fast in the sand. Never saw them on the trails though.

Zig

Oh yeah, rotary... I forgot... I'll add that and a couple others that are sort of common that I just thought of.

-Eric

It depends on what you terrain you wheel on as to how much power you need (or want). Ease of installation can argueably be the 1.6/1.8 motors, or the 2.0/2.5/2.7 motors. The 4.3 Chevy is a powerhouse and does fit nicely, but I have heard complaints from people that they are super heavy or that they are a pain to put in (not mention expensive). The diesel swaps are also desirable for the down low power and are not too hard to put in. The downside is that they can be very expensive to collect all the parts and install. The rotory motors makes gobs of power and great for mud/sand racing, but take more fabrications skills to install as there really isn't any conversion kits made for them.......yet. I guess it's all up to the individual driver as to what their needs are.

I would vote 1.6 8V for easiest installation, 1.6 16V for best all round motor. As I only get one vote I'll go 16V for best combination of weight/power and ease of installation.

Diesel all the way. Better fuel economy, and you can make your own fuel from french fry grease.

I'd say the 2.0 for the big jump in power with only a little jump in weight.

Can't tell you for the Sammy but I've driven a '95 Tracker 2 door with a 2.7 for about 30,000 street miles and the power is far more fun than I could imagine with a 4 banger.  Swap is fairly straightforward; I don't notice any evil characteristics from the added weight compared to a stock 1.6L 16v as I imagine you would with the 4.3.  A 4.3 is about 195 hp compared to the 2.7's 183 hp.  Considering power to weight I would imagine the 2.7 would be faster but I've never made an actual comparison.

Can't tell you for the Sammy but I've driven a '95 Tracker 2 door with a 2.7 for about 30,000 street miles and the power is far more fun than I could imagine with a 4 banger.  Swap is fairly straightforward; I don't notice any evil characteristics from the added weight compared to a stock 1.6L 16v as I imagine you would with the 4.3.  A 4.3 is about 195 hp compared to the 2.7's 183 hp.  Considering power to weight I would imagine the 2.7 would be faster but I've never made an actual comparison.

Except for your post----The input was for a Sammy----Is there a thread that shows the same poll for the Trackers with 2dr/4wd.

Happy

I'd say the 2.0 for the big jump in power with only a little jump in weight.

X2. Thats what I voted for, and am planning on. I'm also a fan of the dohc 1.3 out of the swift gti. I want one for the white zuk.

i saw somewhere a samurai sporting a LS 2 corvette engine, id get in too much trouble

Hi everyone, I am new to the site. I have an 86' sammy with a 7" lift, 6.5:1 gears, 31x10.5 tire on 15" wheels and I am now looking into an engine swap. Like everyone else I am troubled as to what to install, although after much deliberation and searching I am very seriously considering the 1.6 16V. Because I believe the 4.3 is too heavy. The 1.6 will also except mt stock sammy tranny, which I like. If anyone can give me feed back on that I would appreciate it. The 1.6 has 120hp stock and there are many performance upgrades that can be done to give more HP and torque.

Zukirat

ill be right at about that same height, do you have a pic of your rig?