Can't seem to find any info on swaping a Jeep 2.5 L EFI engine into a Samurai. Obviously not a popular swap; not sure why. Seems most Jeep duders are eager to get rid of them for a 6 or 8 cylinder and they are cheap to come by in a still usable state. Also plenty of aftermarket support since it's a Jeep engine. Good options for trannies.

Am I missing something?

In a nutshell, cause it's not a great motor. There are lighter 4 cyl. motors out there that make more horse power and torque than that boat anchor.

It also makes a bit of a long combination as well if memory serves me right. There are alot shorter combos out there.

1996 Sidekick 1.6L 95 HP @ 5,600 rpm; 98 ft lb @ 4,000 rpm
http://www.internetautoguide.com/car-specifications/09-int/1996/suzuki/sidekick/index.html

1995 GMC Jimmy 4.3L v6 195 HP @ 4,500 rpm; 260 ft lb @ 3,400 rpm
http://www.internetautoguide.com/car-specifications/09-int/1995/gmc/jimmy/index.html

Diesel swaps = too expensive for me.

1990 Jeep Wrangler 2.5L 117 HP 138 FT LB
http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Spec_Glance.aspx?year=1990&make=Jeep&model=Wrangler&trimid=

Diesels, 1.6s and the 4.3s are the most common swaps I've seen. Diesels are too damn expensive. The only light weight one is the 1.6L and that thing has as much power as an old Subaru station wagon. 4.3 isnt exactly short and niether are the V8s people have swaped in before; I'm not really worried about length.

What are the weight differences? What engines were you refering to specifically as being lighter, more powerful, and good to swap in a Sami for off roading?

I'm actually very interested in knowing what other motors have and can be swapped in, since the stocker in the sami is burnin oil making smoke screens (watching the drive up window in the rear view is damn funny), I will try to resolve it if it's in the upper piece of motor, but I am not going to disect the thing to figure it out.

Suzuki 2.0 145 hp
Suzuki 2.3 155 hp
New 2.7
Power: 138 kW , 185 HP SAE @ 6,000 rpm; 184 ft lb , 250 Nm @ 4,500 rpm

The 2.7 is the engine I am currently getting my Sammi ready for, ala Chris Geiger style. Cutting the crossmembers and mounts out to make room for the new engine.
As far as has been done, 2.0s are becoming a popular swap. There is a kit out already.

Suzuki 2.0 145 hp
Suzuki 2.3 155 hp
New 2.7
Power: 138 kW , 185 HP SAE @ 6,000 rpm; 184 ft lb , 250 Nm @ 4,500 rpm

The 2.7 is the engine I am currently getting my Sammi ready for, ala Chris Geiger style. Cutting the crossmembers and mounts out to make room for the new engine.
As far as has been done, 2.0s are becoming a popular swap. There is a kit out already.

the 2.7 weighs about 220lbs. i have one sitting on my garage floor - will be my next winter project. i have had a 2.8 v6(305lbs) and currently am running a fi 4.0, not sure of it's weight though.

Its funny the 2.5L was brought up.
Ya know,of the three friends I had that owned Jeeps with that engine,not one of them ran right.They always were rough and stumbled when cold,and generally were big sh*tpiles....and two of them were new from the factory with symptoms almost from the get-go.My father's 4 cylinder TJ is the only stock,non-4.0L Jeep Ive ever seen that was worth a damn.....since it runs a more modern,OHC 4 banger......Benzo based I believe.

That said,Im gonna get some disagee'ers on this one,but I have to stand behind my 2.8L, 60* Chevy V-6 swap.It may not be the most praised engine in the world,but it was very sucessful after the first few years of teething,and was widely used in various forms in countless vehicles.Most of the time people bag in this engine,is when its used in an overly heavy application or fails from neglect,abuse or ignorance....(4WD Blazer,Trooper,Cherokee,Minivans).....overheating, reusing head bolts,treating it like a SBC based 4.3L....which its not.
The Samurai chassis is perfect for the 2.8L.Its short,narrow,not too heavy, and gets 20MPG while still being pretty quick on the road.The 87 and up S10 engines are a dime a dozen and solved all the earlier oiling,crank and carb issues.The TBI injection is super simple,it has serpentine belts,and 130-140HP is easily reached,with good torque availible at all speeds.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v286/rentalguy/DSC01494.jpg

Suzuki 2.0 145 hp
Suzuki 2.3 155 hp
New 2.7
Power: 138 kW , 185 HP SAE @ 6,000 rpm; 184 ft lb , 250 Nm @ 4,500 rpm

The 2.7 is the engine I am currently getting my Sammi ready for, ala Chris Geiger style. Cutting the crossmembers and mounts out to make room for the new engine.
As far as has been done, 2.0s are becoming a popular swap. There is a kit out already.

Thanks for the info!

Any idea on weight of a 2.0 and 2.3 ?

Having actually done this swap I can tell you it isn't all bad. The one thing I love about comparing numbers without dyno sheets is how many people think this motor is weak compared to "lighter more available" choices. The power is a lot lower in the RPM range for this motor and that is a good thing for a zuk that already has trouble in that regard. Swapping in a motor for more high end HP at a ridiculous rpm is not the answer. Torque down low with HP that comes on at a reasonable rpm is a lot better. This motor is a boat anchor in that it has a heavy cast iron block (gets it's herritage from the Iron Duke --chevy). However it is really heavy duty as well. They don't quit. No jeep owner (think at least 4000lbs) will ever say they swapped a 2.5 because it quit on them. They say it doesn't have enough power and they wanted more. Now in a 2500-3000lb rig with the appropriate gearing this same motor will feel much different.

The swap we did was a 92 TBI into a a 91 sami. We mated the 2.5 to a 200r4 4spd auto out of a early S-10/15 jimmy/blazer) that originally had a 2.8 in it. Behind that was a d300 (no it doesn't bolt up, but if you use a Novak adapters 27 spline input and a stock 700R4 t'case adapter it will). We ran it on LPG using an older motorcraft distributor and the stock throttle body as a throttleplate and it worked great. More torque and gearing on tap. It fit surprisingly well. A little B/H interference and tranny tunnel massaging to keep the t'case clocked appropriately.
We even fit a decent size radiator in it (older toy truck with an auto tranny) -- simple flip of the brackets.

I really like this package, unfortunately my buddy sold it and the new owner didn't appreciate the automatic and swapped it for a t5 (I believe). Oh, and this is still all in a realtively stock wheelbase.

I say go for it. You bought a zuk to prove the naysayers wrong. So stick with that plan and keep thinking about things differently.

I've always wondered why I haven't seen/heard of people putting Miata engines in zuks

They are relatively light and compact, not too shabby for power, have been on the market for many, many years making them cheap and plentiful at the wreckers, and have a zillion aftermarket hop up parts available.

:confused:

miata engines seem like they would be easy to get. good idea.

I have a GM (pontiac) 151 in mine. It is hooked to a NP435 going into a STOCK samurai Transfer. I have a D44 rear and 5.38s. I rarely ever put it in low range. Most of the time I am in second high range.
Anyways, on the motor. It makes me happy. I like it because I dont have to spin the shit out of it like i did with my 1.3 (and I did like my 1.3) and parts are Readily available GM stuff that was in several years of S trucks and the compact GM cars.

It Seems to spin up well, and I have no issue turning the 34 inch swampers at all. I have had numerous friends tell me horror stories about abusing these 151s and never really killing one off.

It is soon to be Propane fueled, because the carbs that have been on it have refused to run on inclines.

My swap required me to relocate the radiator to ahead of the grille, and extend the frame. I used a Jeep bellhousing to attach it to a 435. It fits in there tightly but well enough.

the V6s are shorter although wider. I went with the 151 because it mated easily to my transmission of choice (NP435) If you are planning on running an auto, and a married tranfercase You could probably Push the motor way back and put the radiator behind the grille
if i was to do it again, I would probably do an EFI 151, or 4.3 with a lightened TH350 or 700R4 and a Toyota Transfercase.

I have been kicking myself for not getting an EFI motor in the first place.

I say go for it. I think I will be very satisified with mine once I get fuel delivery issues sorted out. It has proved to be a nimble and able unit on the trails that I have run this far.

I am guseeing you are talking about the later EFI Jeep motors, and I would think that a swap would hold similar pitfalls and advantages.

Having actually done this swap I can tell you it isn't all bad. The one thing I love about comparing numbers without dyno sheets is how many people think this motor is weak compared to "lighter more available" choices. The power is a lot lower in the RPM range for this motor and that is a good thing for a zuk that already has trouble in that regard. Swapping in a motor for more high end HP at a ridiculous rpm is not the answer. Torque down low with HP that comes on at a reasonable rpm is a lot better. This motor is a boat anchor in that it has a heavy cast iron block (gets it's herritage from the Iron Duke --chevy). However it is really heavy duty as well. They don't quit. No jeep owner (think at least 4000lbs) will ever say they swapped a 2.5 because it quit on them. They say it doesn't have enough power and they wanted more. Now in a 2500-3000lb rig with the appropriate gearing this same motor will feel much different.

The swap we did was a 92 TBI into a a 91 sami. We mated the 2.5 to a 200r4 4spd auto out of a early S-10/15 jimmy/blazer) that originally had a 2.8 in it. Behind that was a d300 (no it doesn't bolt up, but if you use a Novak adapters 27 spline input and a stock 700R4 t'case adapter it will). We ran it on LPG using an older motorcraft distributor and the stock throttle body as a throttleplate and it worked great. More torque and gearing on tap. It fit surprisingly well. A little B/H interference and tranny tunnel massaging to keep the t'case clocked appropriately.
We even fit a decent size radiator in it (older toy truck with an auto tranny) -- simple flip of the brackets.

I really like this package, unfortunately my buddy sold it and the new owner didn't appreciate the automatic and swapped it for a t5 (I believe). Oh, and this is still all in a realtively stock wheelbase.

I say go for it. You bought a zuk to prove the naysayers wrong. So stick with that plan and keep thinking about things differently.

Good to hear; thanks for the pep talk :D

I say go for it. You bought a zuk to prove the naysayers wrong. So stick with that plan and keep thinking about things differently.
I gotta go!!!!! (sobbing)
I think I got something in my eye!!!!

I gotta go!!!!! (sobbing)
I think I got something in my eye!!!!

No comment on what you got in your eye but maybe if you weren't so francais it wouldn't be a problem. :D

Here is a post at TwiatedAndes where are developing such swap;

http://www.twistedandes.com/foro/showthread.php?t=27662

Here is a post at TwiatedAndes where are developing such swap;

http://www.twistedandes.com/foro/showthread.php?t=27662

Muchos gracias senior Bravo =^.^=

Is there an english version ?_?

What exactly are we looking at here? I recognize the last t-cases but that's it!

http://www.twistedandes.com/imagenes/gbravo/Thorax%20038%20Dims.JPG

Muchos gracias senior Bravo =^.^=

Is there an english version ?_?

What exactly are we looking at here? I recognize the last t-cases but that's it!

http://www.twistedandes.com/imagenes/gbravo/Thorax%20038%20Dims.JPG

There is not english version, but you could ask anyway.

That is my current setup, I place that picture to show the total lenght of the stock Suzuki drivetrain to be compared with the TJ setup.

That picture shows the stock one, and my setup builded with a Kick tranny, Kick Tcase and Samy 4.16 T Case.-

Very interesting; thanks for clarifying that picture.

Did you make an adapter plate from the Jeep 2.5 to the Kick transmission? That looks like an automatic transmission, correct?

My dad and I plan to throw in a Ford 3.0 or 4.0 out of a Ranger in his zuk. We have a complete 3.0 now, but there is alot more availble for the 4.0.:rolleyes:

Very interesting; thanks for clarifying that picture.

Did you make an adapter plate from the Jeep 2.5 to the Kick transmission? That looks like an automatic transmission, correct?

No, I married a Kick tcase to zook tcase. Another story is the full 2.5 drivetrain that will mount on the zook.-

Having actually done this swap I can tell you it isn't all bad. The one thing I love about comparing numbers without dyno sheets is how many people think this motor is weak compared to "lighter more available" choices. The power is a lot lower in the RPM range for this motor and that is a good thing for a zuk that already has trouble in that regard. Swapping in a motor for more high end HP at a ridiculous rpm is not the answer. Torque down low with HP that comes on at a reasonable rpm is a lot better. This motor is a boat anchor in that it has a heavy cast iron block (gets it's herritage from the Iron Duke --chevy). However it is really heavy duty as well. They don't quit. No jeep owner (think at least 4000lbs) will ever say they swapped a 2.5 because it quit on them. They say it doesn't have enough power and they wanted more. Now in a 2500-3000lb rig with the appropriate gearing this same motor will feel much different.

The swap we did was a 92 TBI into a a 91 sami. We mated the 2.5 to a 200r4 4spd auto out of a early S-10/15 jimmy/blazer) that originally had a 2.8 in it. Behind that was a d300 (no it doesn't bolt up, but if you use a Novak adapters 27 spline input and a stock 700R4 t'case adapter it will). We ran it on LPG using an older motorcraft distributor and the stock throttle body as a throttleplate and it worked great. More torque and gearing on tap. It fit surprisingly well. A little B/H interference and tranny tunnel massaging to keep the t'case clocked appropriately.
We even fit a decent size radiator in it (older toy truck with an auto tranny) -- simple flip of the brackets.

I really like this package, unfortunately my buddy sold it and the new owner didn't appreciate the automatic and swapped it for a t5 (I believe). Oh, and this is still all in a realtively stock wheelbase.

I say go for it. You bought a zuk to prove the naysayers wrong. So stick with that plan and keep thinking about things differently.


AX5 actualy. Only reason I ditched the auto was length, Theres no way I could fit the dual cases with it. I never drove it with the auto because I bought it not running and ripped it all apart right away. With the 5 speed and 3.55's with the small tires it is a PIG to drive. Its even worse now with the 37's on it. I'll be making my final decision once I install the 5.89's sitting here weather or not I keep the motor. If it comes out it will probly be replaced with a V6, GM 3.8 if I find the right one. Never looked into the GM 2.8 though...

http://members.shaw.ca/vifc/jr_16.jpg

Its a bit diffrent since the last time you probly saw it.

No, I married a Kick tcase to zook tcase. Another story is the full 2.5 drivetrain that will mount on the zook.-

What I mean is.... how did you mate the 2.5 to the Kick transmission? Adapter plate?

Horrible motor, dismal power and the disty is way down low where water can get into it. Two friends have these in stock Jeeps and I have been wheeling with them lately and am far from impressed.

AX5 actualy. Only reason I ditched the auto was length, Theres no way I could fit the dual cases with it. I never drove it with the auto because I bought it not running and ripped it all apart right away. With the 5 speed and 3.55's with the small tires it is a PIG to drive. Its even worse now with the 37's on it. I'll be making my final decision once I install the 5.89's sitting here weather or not I keep the motor. If it comes out it will probly be replaced with a V6, GM 3.8 if I find the right one. Never looked into the GM 2.8 though...

http://members.shaw.ca/vifc/jr_16.jpg

Its a bit diffrent since the last time you probly saw it.
Nice to hear from Cody, I didn't mean anything negative about your swap, just that I liked it with the auto. It was a bit of pig without the gears. The plan was 5.13's anyways. Too bad I haven't heard from him since I put the truck back together to sell to you... :shaking:

It looks good. The 37's are a good size for it now. Find a 3.8 if you are going to upgrade. The 2.8 is OK but it ain't much beyond what you have. The 3.8 also has a lot more aftermarket as you know.

Not sure on the motor yet... boost sounds like fun as well. Picking up 38" TSL's this week, make it even slower.
You going to make it overseas next month?

What I mean is.... how did you mate the 2.5 to the Kick transmission? Adapter plate?

I know, but I am saying that I didnt, I am running a 1.6 not a 2.5. The 2.5 that is on such twistedandes' post is bolted to the TJ drivetrian as stock.-

I know, but I am saying that I didnt, I am running a 1.6 not a 2.5. The 2.5 that is on such twistedandes' post is bolted to the TJ drivetrian as stock.-

Thank you for clarifying that Gonzalo. :)

You going to make it overseas next month?

No, Artur's ride is nowhere near ready. We should have the new front end in this weekend. Then it's on to the rear where I have to re-make the frame rails to fix the extreme damage he is capable of over 6 years of abuse and to fit in the new tank. Does 65L sound good? :D It's going to be cool when done but it's a lot of work.

Boost is the only way to go, especially if you leave it on 'pane. Think cheap high octane.

A lot of it depends on the type of wheeling you're going to do, and your wheeling style. If you're a finesse guy who loves rocks, any Zuzuki engine would do you well. They've got great power / weight ratio. It's a little challenging adding a turbo, but mild turbos giveing 30-50% more power are a nice addition to just about every wheeling style. Even rock crawling (turbos spool quickly under load).

If you're a "Mash and go" mudder or sand guy... things are different. Suzuki might not be for you, as you can just build a 'Yota or Jeep with an already more-than-enough power plant in it.

And - Jeep 2.5L engines die too. Everything breaks. That comes with this sport.

hi