i've heard a lot about the 16v being a better engine  due to hp and torque, wondering how hard is it to due on a 1989 tracker and what was the best year(s) of engine to look for. Also what extra parts if any i need? thanks

you need the EFI computer, and the head, intake
and exhaust systems, and don't forget the cooling
tube on the side of the block and throttle cables,
over all it''s not a hard swap, but a PITA to fish all
of the wiring and make all the connections

Wouldn't you need to swap the whole vehicle harness? and the dash - the 96 had a different dash setup right? because of airbags..... You could split the 96 harness, take only engine/ecm out and scrap lighting/heating/acc. - and just lay it over top of your 89 harness which would still control lighting, heating and acc. You would have to figure a way to get signal to the guages.

Try to get an OBDI setup which is up to 95...(some 95s may have had obd II)

This will make it alot easier..