Ok, the Samurai I'm getting has a 1.3 in it.  There is engine knock, and funds aren't endless.  I'm assuming with the engine knock that I will have to pull the engine and rebuild.  Never done this.  I'm mechanically able to learn, but no experience so far. 

My question:

I pull the motor strip it down to the block.  I buy a rebuild kit with pistons, rings, seals, etc.  How do I know if the pistons will fit or if I need to bore it and get larger pistons due to wear?  or should I not worry about this and just have it honed?

Also the kit I speak of was on Calmini.com and I clicked the PureSuzuki link.  It dos not include a cam shaft.  Should a replace that as well?

Is there anything to do about the nock shour of a complete rebuild?

Would it be cheaper to get a working 1.3?  if so where to look?

I'm hoping not to have to poor too much into the engine.  I have to paint, new top, interior, lift, and wheels.  Oh, and roll bars and bumpers

Thanks for any help

I was in the same boat as you.
My original Samurai engine had a knock on the bottom end and burnt valves in the head.
It was only running on 2 cylinders.

The cheapest way I found was to buy a used Japanese, low mileage engine from a place like K. Watanabe motors.  I think they were around $400 with a real short warranty.

In the end I was able to get a brand new short block, new complete head, new intake manifold and new carburetor.  I had Petroworks assemble the motor and install it.
So I didn’t have to buy a used motor.

Good luck.

In my opinion, you are gonna put more money and work into that 1.3 than it would cost to put in a 16v. been there done that.

I would vote for the 16v as well. You won't regret it.

Same agreement here. I rebuilt a 1.3 for my '87 Sammi when I still had it. Went with a rebuild kit from Arizona Engines, bought a head from them with the larger 1.6L valves,  aftermarket cam from Petroworks, blocked off the EGR, put on a header, Pony carb(rebuilt), header with a 2" exhaust with Hi-Flo cat, turbo muffler, and still wouldn't keep up with traffic. I'm talking 60 MPH tops with 31" tires. So I sold it...and kicked myself in the butt later...then I bought my Sidekick.

with my fundage, I'd probably have o purchase a 1.6 that needs to be rebuilt anyways, so  might as well just rebuild what I have.  Would a 6.5:1 T-case ratio help getting the 31' or 32' wheels down the highway with traffic?

6.5:1 T-case will do up to a 33 for normal road driving, but your going to loose quite a bit of speed when you put these in your T-case.  They do lower the overall speed a lot, but i was able to pull 65 (in right conditions) on the free way with 6.5:1 gears, 33s, and one tired engine but mostly it was just 55 - 60 mph.


-Amilla