Hi everyone-

I'm new to this forum and I hope someone out there can help me with this question. I'm a backyard mechanic and I've got a 1996 sidekick with the 1.8 engine. The engine has low compression and is consuming motor oil and gets really bad fuel milage. I've been looking for a replacement engine on the internet and have found good 1.8 replacements for about $1800-2000 which is alot. So I started searching for other options. I found that the Suzuki's 2003 Aerio has a very similar engine. It's a 2.0 liter engine that makes about 22 hp, 13 ft lbs. more power than the 1.8 liter engine. I did some checking and found the cylinder heads even have the same part #. So the question is- will the engine bolt in? I did check and find the crank's have different part #'s, I think its because of the cylinder stroke difference.  My main concerns are (1)- will my auto trans. bolt up? (2)- will the oil pans swap out? (3)- will my torque convertor flex plate bolt up to the crank?. What makes this something to really think about is a person can find Suzuki Aerio engine's for about $650 and the engine makes more power.
Please Help!
Chad

I don't know the answer to your question but it may be a good question to pose to Sean DeVinney at Aftermarket 4x4 (http://www.aftermarket4x4.com)  Sean kinda specializes in engine swaps in his business.  He may have a few ideas/tips for you.