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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: bioniconion on December 09, 2004, 03:15:48 PM

Title: real info needed
Post by: bioniconion on December 09, 2004, 03:15:48 PM
ok so im going to be selling a second vehicle.  and im going to have 800 dollar from it. and then when i get income tax back probably closer to around 1500 or so. i want to put a 4.3 vortec into my tracker. i realize i need the 4.3 vortec engine and tranny. but what all is really involved in this? what else do i need to come across. i was going to ebay the motor/tranny combo *4wd of course* and i can make engine mounts out of plate steel. now what all else would i really need to do? i know this is a BIG project but what are we talking? anyone done it yet? advice and info input is appreciated
Title: Re: real info needed
Post by: wildgoody on December 09, 2004, 03:17:01 PM
Rockstar has done that swap
Title: Re: real info needed
Post by: 92Sidekick4x4 on December 09, 2004, 03:49:01 PM
i would love to have that engine in mine, but i wouldnt attempt to do it. i would most likely have a mechanic do it, is this possible?
Title: Re: real info needed
Post by: bioniconion on December 09, 2004, 03:51:38 PM
after reading a bunch of the older posts. i don't think i wanna go with a 4.3. however i do want a nice ammount of torque and hp for my 4wheelin. i'd like to be able to punch it on the street and pick the front end up a bit  :-[ unreasonable? i dunno but what engines would fit nicely that this is a real possibility. and what prices u think im lookin at?
Title: Re: real info needed
Post by: 92Sidekick4x4 on December 09, 2004, 04:04:37 PM
why would u not wanna do it? i would also liek some info on larger engines in it, i want it mostly for on road use, i want to be able to smoek the tires no problem ;D what engines would be a good one?
Title: Re: real info needed
Post by: bioniconion on December 09, 2004, 04:06:37 PM
that's what im saying. i'd love to be able to rev to like 4k rpms and launch off the line on the street and pick the front end up like 3 inches and set er back down about 20 feet later and just watch someone's eyes. of course thats in 2high. but still. im really really interested in a high power engine swap. let's get some real info in here on what would be a good way of doing it effectively both in performance and cost
Title: Re: real info needed
Post by: whitfield on December 09, 2004, 04:29:42 PM
The 4.3 could be done, Or you could keep the Kick 1.6L and mod it for 1/4 mile with a Turbo and a 1/4 shot of NO-2.   (Look for used Street bike kits on EBAY)

If I were going to do a 4.3 conversion I'd buy a complete running S-10 with the Multi port injected Vortec v-6 4wd for less then $500 (Could be crashed or no title, Check the Tow lots).  Use what I need and sell the rest, for $500.   Cooling a swapped motor is usually a major issue.   Adding an oil cooler will help.  My  4.3L 93 blazer uses one in the Radiator for coolling the engine oil.  Coolant/ATF/engine oil,  All cooled by the radiator.
Title: Re: real info needed
Post by: 92Sidekick4x4 on December 09, 2004, 04:32:55 PM
what about crate engines??????? where coudl i get pricesd for those? any oen ever thauhgt of small block chev engine? wasnt CZ thinkin of a 350? coudl that be done??
Title: Re: real info needed
Post by: whitfield on December 09, 2004, 06:21:10 PM
The biggest problem i see with these swaps is often 5 years down the road you are 8k+ in a 12 - 15 year old rig that is worth $1200.  (  :-X Just my $.02  :-X )

Yes a 350 can go in, But is the view worth the climb.  

Crate motors are available from Advance, Autozone, Napa, Jasper, Chevrolet ect.  Most start at about $1200 and can go up to 40k just depending on how you like your enigne.  

If you search the net I've seen 10 second  1/4 mile ROTARY SJ410's at the Drags in Purto rico.   My Bro in law was their and took a few pics.

I've got a 1980 Chev 350 4 blt main with 80k miles (Ran great) that I tore down to build as the eninge for my 1-ton 4dr 4wd.  I bought a new summit cam, intake, headders, Fuel/oil /water pump, & gasket set,  Easily $500+ woth of stuff.  I can't get my money back now that I've changed my mind and am going Caddy 500.

350 is tore down in the Garage looking for a home.  $350 for all but the Intake & headders (No takers)....

Title: Re: real info needed
Post by: SnoFalls on December 09, 2004, 09:53:19 PM
One swap I don't hear considered is the chevy v6-60 ...

Those can be built to quite a high HP level and are quite torqy too.

I think they weigh it at around 300 lbs (aluminum blocks can shave that down to 50 or so lbs), and being a 60 degree they fit in tight spaces well. No wonder midget racers like em.

I used to have a fiero with the 2.8, and I swear it had enuf torque to lift the front tires off the ground.
Title: Re: real info needed
Post by: hcgalvin on December 10, 2004, 01:30:28 AM
We've got a buddy who put a Chevy 283 in his two door with a I think a turbo 400 - and the tcase he's got is HUGE. He's using old jeep truck axles.

Anyway, he tells us it can lift the front wheels on a whim. As well as it snaps back traction bars and makes S's out of leaf springs. He's working on something stronger for the rear.

But,

He'll be in Moab with us. I can only imagine him doing wheelies on the highway out front of Slickrock Campground.

lol

Heather
Title: Re: real info needed
Post by: ppltrak on December 10, 2004, 02:21:33 AM
Check out Advanced adapters .com I don't know how to link so you have to type it. Also Kenedy Adapters Makes kits. I'm thinking of a 3.8L or 3.1/3.4L but I work for GM. Good luck and keep us posted on the progress.


 Later,
   Kevin
Title: Re: real info needed
Post by: bandit86 on December 10, 2004, 09:06:03 AM
buy an older leaf front chev truck, just shorten the frame and driveshafts, and youre done.  remember though, if you wheel, all the extra weight is going to make you sink faster.   its also harder to climb up steep hills, and youre really giving up the trackers advantage.  

I only heard of aftermarket aluminum 60deg 2.8 blocks, dont think factory ever produced other than cast iron
a quad4 2.3L is 180hp, steel block though, can take a turbo safely to about 300, 400 if you know how to use it.
Land rover has a 3.5 aluminum V8, same as the early buick/olds 215 motors, about 220hp if you can find one.  
RX7 rotary engines are heavy for their size, 400# without turbo.  no bottom end torque, so it might suck on the trail

Title: Re: real info needed
Post by: SnoFalls on December 10, 2004, 09:23:32 AM
I also thought a mazda v6 (aka a 626 donor) might be reasnable ... 626's are cheap pickins, and the v6 wasn't too heavy(300 ish lbs) stock 160HP 165torque ...

Title: Re: real info needed
Post by: SnoFalls on December 10, 2004, 09:25:34 AM
Quote
I only heard of aftermarket aluminum 60deg 2.8 blocks, dont think factory ever produced other than cast iron


http://www.gmgoodwrench.com/perfpartsjsp/partlist.jsp?cat=9297&section=ep

(I didn;t say it would be cheap :) ) ,,, block weight 59 lbs ...
Title: Re: real info needed
Post by: brlj on December 10, 2004, 09:42:55 AM
I didnt think you could swap many motors into a Tracker because of oil pan clearance issues. The front diff sits too high.

Bill
Title: Re: real info needed
Post by: bioniconion on December 10, 2004, 09:43:16 AM
ok so what's a reasonably easy swap? and by reasonable i mean can be done for under say...3-4k  ??? maybe an old 283 or something?
Title: Re: real info needed
Post by: real_red_wagon on December 10, 2004, 12:08:11 PM
   Hey onion man let me know if you do decide to go 4.3L I've the complete engine tranny and tcase from an s-10 blazer sitting in the driveway right now! ;D it's yours if you want it.  ;)

   It was TBI but I don't have the TBI, however for practically nothing you could run it with a carb 2 or 4 barrel. and you don' t need any computer for the trans or tcase. ignition is the same as an HEI small block set up. very easy ;D

   We got it out of a 91' blazer for a Heep YJ project :o (yes Lakeview Motorsports was doing a Heep project for a while but not anymore ;D) I live outside Buffalo your in PA right come and get it man!!! ;D ;D


(http://www.eye-irritant.com/august2004/onion man 005.jpg)
Title: Re: real info needed
Post by: real_red_wagon on December 10, 2004, 12:13:57 PM
FREE, ENGINE, TRANS TCASE ;D

MERRY XMAS

Title: Re: real info needed
Post by: kansascitytracker on December 10, 2004, 02:50:09 PM
I have been told by everyone that has driven 4.3's that the gas mileage is sh*t. Anyone have any thoughts on that?
Title: Re: real info needed
Post by: wildgoody on December 10, 2004, 02:58:55 PM
It's the same bore and stroke
as a 350 minus 2 cylinders
Title: Re: real info needed
Post by: explosivo on December 10, 2004, 02:59:12 PM
Quote
I have been told by everyone that has driven 4.3's that the gas mileage is sh*t. Anyone have any thoughts on that?

My friend with a 4.3 vortec Jimmy got 15-20 miles to the gallon depending on how he drove it... hell, I only get 22-25 with 33's and stock gearing with my 1.6L 8v :-/

And as far as being possible... anything is possible with enough money. If you're on a budget like that, an engine swap doesn't seem like a great idea... settling on something you don't really want for $2k+ isn't gonna make you happy in the end.
Title: Re: real info needed
Post by: explosivo on December 10, 2004, 03:02:31 PM
Quote
I didnt think you could swap many motors into a Tracker because of oil pan clearance issues. The front diff sits too high.

Bill

if you're gonna do that much fab work to get a V6/V8 into a Tracker, then it shouldn't be that far of a stretch to drop the differential down some... hell, you'd even get some lift ;D

My concern would be strength of the stock axles... I don't imagine either the front or rear liking 200+ hp/ftlbs too much :-/;
Title: Re: real info needed
Post by: real_red_wagon on December 10, 2004, 03:03:47 PM
   In an s-10 or blazer you'll prob get bout 17mpg  :P however in a zuk who knows ??? blazers are very heavy for there size we use one as a tow rig and get about 14-15 mpg towing a zuk. put that much torque 250ftlbs in a vehicle half the weight and who knows??? :) might not be that bad
   
Title: Re: real info needed
Post by: explosivo on December 10, 2004, 03:06:05 PM
Quote
  In an s-10 or blazer you'll prob get bout 17mpg  :P however in a zuk who knows ??? blazers are very heavy for there size we use one as a tow rig and get about 14-15 mpg towing a zuk. put that much torque 250ftlbs in a vehicle half the weight and who knows??? :) might not be that bad
   

Of course you've got to factor in that he's not going to be driving it easy to get the best gas mileage, either ;)
Title: Re: real info needed
Post by: real_red_wagon on December 10, 2004, 03:06:19 PM
   I think you would have to fab your own front axle using s-10 parts A to handle the power an B the driveshaft comes out on the driverside of that style tcase but it has been done before
Title: Re: real info needed
Post by: bioniconion on December 10, 2004, 11:46:24 PM
Quote
FREE, ENGINE, TRANS TCASE ;D

MERRY XMAS



dude if your serious ill come get them like...within the next 2 week! lol i'd just need to arrange to get a truck! :D
Title: Re: real info needed
Post by: real_red_wagon on December 11, 2004, 12:02:03 AM
   no problem just let me know HOHOHO!!! ;D
Title: Re: real info needed
Post by: bioniconion on December 11, 2004, 12:05:15 AM
lol did that thing run when u pulled it out? how many miles etc? oh yeah give me a few days to find a truck.  ;D i don't think it'll fit in the back of the track/kick  ::)

*modify 2* well if it's from an s-10 parts should be REAL easy to find...+ my friends love trucks....I WANT IT! lol give me a little bit to find a way to get it here..unless u wanna deliver it  ;)
Title: Re: real info needed
Post by: j2custom on December 11, 2004, 01:09:15 AM
What about using the kit from Lighting Conversions?  I believe they make one for the 4.3 and a auto trans that is basically a "bolt in".  Not 100% sure on that.  The stock axles are not up to hard core wheelin' with that much power.  It is great that real_red_wagon can help with the main part.  Take pics and keep us posted!
Title: Re: real info needed
Post by: bioniconion on December 11, 2004, 01:22:53 AM
i will definately do my best..
first things first i gotta get a truck to get the engine then we'll see what all happens guys  :)
Title: Re: real info needed
Post by: real_red_wagon on December 11, 2004, 04:24:59 AM
   Oh yeah truck ran fine these 4.3's last forever I think the truck had just over 100K like 103k or 105k or something i don't remember. I also have the yokes and driveshafts which you'll prob need for swap and a few other s-10 parts rad, starters, alts.
   come to think of it my brother the Real Red Sammi has another s-10 blazer '89 i think over at his place. could prob pull some stuff off of it if nesesary, my dad uses it as a field truck. it's a little bit of an eyesore so to speak, runs fine though LOL ;D
Title: Re: real info needed
Post by: real_red_wagon on December 11, 2004, 04:26:34 AM
 do you know digger cause he's supposed to be buying lawdogs 1.3 Sammi motor you guys could do it in one trip save time and gas LOL
Title: Re: real info needed
Post by: szabotage on December 11, 2004, 05:21:45 AM
the power is nice to have with these 'big blocks' but with all that added weight and cash thrown into bigger trannies and axles you might as well be wheelin a J**P!

my .02 canadian cents
Title: Re: real info needed
Post by: MyRig442 on December 11, 2004, 10:43:13 AM
Yea bionic knows digger, so do I.  I'm gonna prolly be the one helping him do this swap & stuff, and unless we can find a truck to haul everything back in, it might be a small convoy of trackers coming out there, peicing everything out, lol.  Me Bionic & Digger all with engins & tcases in each of our rigs  :o
Title: Re: real info needed
Post by: bandit86 on December 11, 2004, 02:16:40 PM
there is an 89 with a 4.3L auto with a 205, 38s I believe, guys asking $6500cdn.  probably open to offers, been selling it for 6 months