Found a nice amigo xs and had to have it. Only 122k miles on it and the body is super nice still. It has been sitting since 2002. It seems to be comming back to life pretty well. I plan on converting it to late model trooper front suspension and go to the wider 12 bolt rear axle. I have a nice 3.2/mua combo sitting in the shop and I may convert it, but a turbo 2.6 may be a good option as well. Or I could use common sense and just enjoy it as is!........Now where is that old dusty link to Dans turbo site?

It's not in your nature to leave well enough alone :laughing:

Sounds like a good vehicle.

So you are going to keep it IFS then? The 3.2 would make that thing plenty powerful and would be pretty cool.

Yes, ifs for this one. I have learned with the jalopy that a solid axle quickly takes the vehicle from DD to yard ornament. If I go to late model trooper suspension I have basically created a long travel amigo on the cheap.
The 2.6 seems to have enough power as is, but will need more to be a true hooligan truck. Right now I am leaning towards a turbo for the 2.6. Dan was putting down 150 rwhp with his setup, which was not fully developed. A 3.2 will not make that kind of rwhp stock. Dan never blew up the stock motor even when he was pushing 19 psi. Since one of my goals is to have a decent DD that get good gas mileage, the turbo looks good. There is so much more info about turbos, and the parts themselves are much easier to get. Megasquirt is easilly available and fairly cheap as well.
Again using Dan as an example. His amigo made 94 rwhp stock and 151 rwhp with his turbo set up.
Since I have to deal with emmisions testing the 2.6 makes it easier to get past that hurdle.
I have been doing some mpg runs this week and am interested in what kind of numbers I can get with the 2.6.

I suppose that depends on what kind of drivetrain loss you're anticipating with the 3.2l
Assuming the 175hp model and 20% drivetrain loss, you're looking around 140-145hp at the wheels. The higher power 3.2 from either 96 or 97 makes 190hp at the crank.

You will have to build a full turbo kit for the 2.6 to equal the stock 6 cyl. Not sure what the advantage to the turbo 4 is other than fuel mileage and in a brick shaped SUV, how much of an advantage is that?

It seems that 25% is a more realistic drivetrain loss based on isuzus advertised HP numbers and what you see on the dyno. Also, in my particular case I live at 5000 ft. The 3.2 would loose another 15% because of the altitude. The turbo motor can make close to sea level power even at altitude. And lastly the 3.2 I have in my shop is a 175 hp model, so that is what I have to choose from.
I live in an area that requires emission testing, and keeping the stock motor solves some headaches that a motor swap creates.
I do love how smooth the 3.2 is compared to the 2.6. In my crawler that is what I did. It has had a 3.2 now for 10 years or so.
I guess time will tell which way i go. I have the 3.2, but I also have a new T04B vtrim turbo that needs a home.

"I have the 3.2, but I also have a new T04B vtrim turbo that needs a home."

3.2 + T04...I like where this is going.

If your 'new' Amigo is stock with the 2.6L(4ZE1), then it will have a 12 bolt rear already! That's 12 bolts on the ring gear, not the bolts holding the 3rd member to the axle. Same holds true 2WD & 4WD. The 2.3L (4ZD1) engine is a different story. They have the smaller(10bolt on the ring gear) rear axle, with drum brakes and the MSG trans.

Hope this helps!

GB

Yes it has a 12 bolt in it now, but the early axle is 6 inches narower. I plan on using the wider front and rear suspension from a 95+ trooper. This will a low for more front travel and the rear axle will be used to match width with the front. And yes I will convert the newer axle for the leaf springs.

I vote for the turboed 4 banger. And ill even help you dispose of that 3.2 sitting in the corner, taking up valuable shop space. Shipping to 95843? :grinpimp: