Thanks Toolman, and um I think Greg :-/

I have considered the X-90 being the next trail ride but I dont want to intentionally distroy a vehicle that is that few and far beteween. Plus it would limit me to draging a trailer everywhere I go camping. It's gonna stay a daily driver

So If I did do a 'Quick fix' of a shortblock in the Kick and kept running it I've got a question. How good would a block that has been sitting in a junkyard for a few years be? The only Kick's and trackers around here have been sitting there for a while, the motors are complete but they have been sitting there for a while.

Zig

Can u say VW Diesel?  

Can u say VW Diesel?  

if you mean TURBO diesel then i have one sitting in my shop.

stu

Thanks Toolman, and um I think Greg :-/

I have considered the X-90 being the next trail ride but I dont want to intentionally distroy a vehicle that is that few and far beteween. Plus it would limit me to draging a trailer everywhere I go camping. It's gonna stay a daily driver

So If I did do a 'Quick fix' of a shortblock in the Kick and kept running it I've got a question. How good would a block that has been sitting in a junkyard for a few years be? The only Kick's and trackers around here have been sitting there for a while, the motors are complete but they have been sitting there for a while.

Zig

FWIW A couple of the vendors on this site sell fresh short blocks.

-Eric

FWIW A couple of the vendors on this site sell fresh short blocks.

-Eric

Who? Ineed to call and get prices so I can better decide on what to do.

Zig

I would definatley leave the X as it is. Like you said they are to hard to find. Also remember guys he HAS a 16v sitting in his shop. I would look at how much it would cost you to put that in before buying another 8v.

I'd rebuild it, it sounds like just the crank bearings are shot. You could probably change just the bearings, and be okay for a while longer,...
A friend of mine JUST had the same problem this weekend with his Toyota, Knocking, drumroll, etc. Spent a few hours to change the crank bearings, and all is fine now.

I would definatley leave the X as it is. Like you said they are to hard to find. Also remember guys he HAS a 16v sitting in his shop. I would look at how much it would cost you to put that in before buying another 8v.

I was planning on leaving the 16v for the X-90 if/when needed. Plus It would have to be completely rewired and the 16V computer installed (that is probably WAY above my head) and I know without a doubt I could not do that by the 25th

Zig

When I swaped in my 16v I had the entire donor wiring harness and it was super easy.  Its all just plug and play; pull out the old, put the new in the same spot, then plug everything back together. I had the whole thing done in a weekend plus a couple nights after work.  That includes pulling the donor motor and harness out.

There was only one rough spot because I was going from a 4door to a 2door but even that wasn't bad.  I just had to change the connector going to the rear harness but everything is color-coded.

Who? Ineed to call and get prices so I can better decide on what to do.

Zig

I'm sure that Hawk Strictly Suzuki would have some.

OK, Thanks alot for all of the info comments and support You guys ROCK!!!!!! After a few days of chillin' and thinkin' I think I am heading towards a path (still not definate though)
1- Get an 8V that will bolt streight into the Kick and get her alive again for the Memorial day trip.

2- Start searching for a newer lower mileage new project vehicle to taker her to the next level.

3- Slowly prep the new ride as I still use  and abuse the Kick till it is readt for retirement.  ( I think she still diserves anoher good trip or two

This would allow me to keep riding through the summer, prep everything on the new ride before transfering all of my cool Calmini stuff over, to reduce downtime during the switch.


Zig

Have you checked http://car-part.com/ for a used engine to get you by?  I know you are from Cookeville, but there was one at the top of OH last time I looked for 300 bucks...not sure how many miles were on it, but as long as it runs to get you by....never know, worth looking.

Ok so here is the Plan.

I'm heading to Savannah in the morning to pick up a factory 8V with 30k miles on it (Thanks Jagular7 for finding it for me )

I plan on driving the Kick as is while I find a good project vehicle to switch my stuff over too. I'm thinking that I will be able to have minimum down time if I do alot of my mods to the new ride and then have one long weekend to switch my stuff over to it.

I can't wait to see her reveved again.

Zig

You are welcome. Glad the heart of the Zukipi is getting a newer beat to it.
Next, is the exterior body work to play with. Hmmm, thinking,....ouch the apple fell and hit me...lol

Anyways, how about something along the lines of Mike's newish 2seater beater or Wildweasel type of thing. You have another body sitting. What's a little sheetmetal clip here, seam weld there.....bar stock added......

hay zig what part of the country are you in?
i think that i woul get it  running, I mean if you can push it and it rolls, then it can be rebuilt,  fix it then go find the year ect that you want, and start rebuilding Her, I have a 57 chevy pickup off road rig at my dads hous in NC "i live in "WA" there is more welding and bondo on that thing then there are from most totaled and rebuilt trucks, i mean i SMASHED the drivers door on a stump in the swamp, and took 2 54 ford doors sliced them and welded them back together, and it looks like a 57 chevy door. have blown 2 motors in it  have a spare tranny under the seet, and have lost more parts in the swamps of chowan county NC then i could shake a stick at, but never had to walk home. Soon as i can get a somone that can  tow it 3400 miles weighing in at over 2 tons , do to the Military mopar 1 3/4 ton full posi running gear "still brass bushings thoe"  i will make the trip to bring it back to were it was built

it is the spirit of the rig, new motor, or body, or any other piecs, its just a little like plastic surgery!

sorry for rambling but that is my opinion.
ps it will live agin,  as said before  it is only dead when it is beyond recognition "bieng hit by a train" see that happen to a jeep once and it was dead. the guy driving it liveed but his truck was rosted tosted and left in the rain.