I would like to hear your opinion regarding what engine swap is better for allaround wheeling (Rocks, Oklahoma style muddy trials and dunes) between a GM 4.3/700R4/d18 and Suzuki 2.0/4.16 tcase. (both running Toyota axles). And/or advantages and disadvantages of both alternatives.

Originally posted by GBRAVO
I would like to hear your opinion regarding what engine swap is better for allaround wheeling (Rocks, Oklahoma style muddy trials and dunes) between a GM 4.3/700R4/d18 and Suzuki 2.0/4.16 tcase. (both running Toyota axles). And/or advantages and disadvantages of both alternatives.

Welp, it's kind of comparing apples to oranges but I'll give you my spin.

If you want lots of low end torque, a seriously robust drivetrain, and the wieght disadvantage and fuel consumption that goes with that then the V-6 would be the way to go.

If you want a light drivetrain, good fuel consumption, but lighter duty parts then the 4 cylinder is the way to go.

You will probably have lots of cutting to make either drivetrian fit. For the 4.3 if you end up with a Vortec setup you may have to really push the rad out of the grille to make everything fit. I think the non-Vortec 4.3 engine has a shorter water pump avail that will let you fit everything. I might be muddling this up, I'm sure John (Mudlite) will hop in here and share his experience if he takes a break from building his stadium truck.

The 2.0 will fit in the engine bay but you may need either a body lift and/or some tunnel cutting to get the tranny to fit (you didn't say whether Sam tranny or TracKick 2wd tranny - go with the TracKick tranny to handle the 2.0 power).

There is also the issue of dealling with OBD-II. The 2.0 is OBD, there are non-OBD 4.3 out there. Depends on the year of the engine you get.

The 4.3 will have no problems spinning large tires though, even in the mud. Automatic would make it point and shoot to use but forget about push starting.

If it was my nickles, I'd go with the 2.0 because I like light and high mileage (relative). Plus I'm a Suzuki bigot. :) I appreciate the really modified trucks, just prefer the Suzuki stuff for myself.

I don't care for either:(

I would not trade my 1.3 for anything.......except a 1.9 TDI:D

A buddy of mine is ( going to be ) running a Grand Vitara V6 in his Long body..... I think the Hp is almost as good as the 4.3 and it's waaaaaay lighter ( He's also getting a Kicker2 toy case:D )
it should be sweet when he's finally done

That's an idea......
do the Canadian models run the OBD2 like the US models? I know if there is anyone out there that can figure it out it is you Rick. Your products are AMAZING. I know Brett is anxiously awaiting his kick/toy t-case.

But the point is, how the extra weight affect the off-road behavior in a Samurai?

Where do I start? What do you have now? Is it broke?
I am a firm believer that you build and modify as you go.
As you gain experience in Fabriaction, each mod gets bigger, and requires more and more till you get to where it works for you. I like the build as you go aproach. Bigger tires, alittle SPOA, drive it, alittle gearing, drive it, a little rear locker, drive it, ...........you will appreciate each buck you put in your truck, each mod you make.

The 4.3 is a huge undertaking. It involves, engine, tranny, t-case, suspension, axles, drive shafts, rad, wire harness, gauges, gears, and a sh*t load of fabrication.

When I was all said and done , I had 7K Canadian into it.
And the motor was free!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Its all the bits and pieces that add up.

Offroad, I love it. the extra weight has its advantages or adding traction when a light weight truck will be cratching for traction.

Automatics............I love it. I was a stick man for 12 years, but now I know better:D

Originally posted by jp008
That's an idea......
do the Canadian models run the OBD2 like the US models? I know if there is anyone out there that can figure it out it is you Rick. Your products are AMAZING. I know Brett is anxiously awaiting his kick/toy t-case.

Umm ... Errr .... I'm actually Ben.........and I believe the Canadian and U.S. Vitaras are made in the CAMI plant in Ontario...

My pal Kevin will be running the stock wiring harness /computer so the on board diagnostic shiat should be OK:)

Originally posted by AIRZUKI


Umm ... Errr .... I'm actually Ben.........and I believe the Canadian and U.S. Vitaras are made in the CAMI plant in Ontario...

My pal Kevin will be running the stock wiring harness /computer so the on board diagnostic shiat should be OK:)

OOPS sorry didn't know......... OTT stuff Rocks and will be tested in Moab

Originally posted by GBRAVO
I would like to hear your opinion regarding what engine swap is better for allaround wheeling (Rocks, Oklahoma style muddy trials and dunes) between a GM 4.3/700R4/d18 and Suzuki 2.0/4.16 tcase. (both running Toyota axles). And/or advantages and disadvantages of both alternatives.

Root Moose has got some really good points. Is there some reason why you have to choose between those two engines? Are they what you have access to right now? If you want the best of both worlds (low-end torque, lightweight, and fuel economy, not to mention a few dozen other perks) go with the VW turbo diesel, either the 1.6 or the 1.9. They're as much work to put in as the 4.3 (a bad thing, if you're new to fabrication), and they're naturally water-tight, requiring only a snorkel (no coils, spark plugs or electrics in general). Fuel injection makes your life a lot easier in ANY off-road situation, whether it's off-camber, underwater, or rockcrawling.

Sorry, I think we've all heard this before...I just LOVE these engines tho...:rolleyes:

HaHaHa if my wife blinks twice, I'm gonna steal the V6 out of her Grand Vitara, and put it in my 2-door Sidekick. :rolleyes: :p :D :eek:

Bob

I am actually running a 1.6 8V Carburated engine, and just bought a 4.3 TBI/700R4 (that I can easily sell) and have the option to buy a 2.0L complete engine with 18.000 miles on it.

So, I would like to know in what terrain is better to drive a lighter and low powered rig against a heavier and much powered Samurai.

What rig is better for muddy forest paths? for rocks? for dunes?

Regarding axles, I am moving to D44 or Toys

Personally, I think the lightweight vehicle has the advantage most of the time, regardless of the terrain. This is why a stock samurai does as well as it does. Lightweight also means it takes less power to get over obstacles. The heavyweight guys swear you need that power to spin your tires in loose terrain and mud. But if you're careful with your gearing, you can get most any smaller engine to spin tires just fine.

Somethin' else to think about is how a heavy engine in a samurai throws the balance off. If you're gonna put the 4.3 in, I HIGHLY recommend you slide the front axle forward a minimum of 10". You don't wanna be nose heavy in a tall, short wheelbase sami goin' down some rediculously steep grade. It's a good way to do an endo.

Just my .02