88.5 samurai 1.3 engine  swap to?  This is going to be my daily driver I would like to remain fuel efficient, and tow a small trailer on occasions.  I have a budget of 2,000 dollars for a motor ect.  What motor did you swap to?  I was thinking about the diesel conversion?   

1.6 from a Sidekick or Tracker.

I would not suggest a diesel for a daily driver - my experience with small diesels leaves me unimpressed, and that was vehicles fitted with diesels, from the factory and presumably with the gearing selected to suit the diesel, something which you will be hard pressed to do with a conversion.

Small diesels lack top end power and as a result acceleration for over taking or merging on highway on ramps, turbo diesels have been marginally better - where they shine is fuel economy & low down grunt.

Ok. Thanks for your input on that. On the 1.6 is there a specific year that's better for the swap? I assume it a direct match to the transmission or......?

1.6 16v sidekick '92+ (egr is easier to clean)

lots of power for road driving with a 5sp, depending upon your lift it drives pretty good at 80+mph, great at 65mph

DD 5sp 60mph 3250rpms- 25mpg average

drove mine 15,000miles since September...

I believe you'll need an adapter plate and maybe some motor mounts. There are some kits out there that give you everything you need for under $1000, add a junkyard motor from a track/kick and your good to go and under your budget. I have an 8v in mine and am pretty impressed, compared to the 1.3.

Thanks . I found a sidekick for 700, the whole thing it has 88 k on it i think ill get it and look up the swap kits on line .once again i appreciate the help with your suggestions