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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Technical Discussion - Performance / Modify => Topic started by: cornergas on January 08, 2010, 07:32:07 PM

Title: Engine swap in Sidekick Question
Post by: cornergas on January 08, 2010, 07:32:07 PM
Does anyone know if a 2002 Suzuki XL7 v6 (2.7 litre) will fit into a 1995 Sidekick four-door (16 valve 1.6 litre).  The v6 is out of a wrecked XL7 with an auto transmission and my 1995 Sidekick has a 5-speed manual.  More specifically, would the v6 bolt up to the manual transmission? ???
Title: Re: Engine swap in Sidekick Question
Post by: ack on January 09, 2010, 05:01:00 AM
No, the engine will not bolt up directly.

You might contact (via a Google search) Sean DeVinney at Aftermarket4x4.com.  He does this type of stuff a lot.

Also, if this is a offroading truck, you might consider snagging the steel front axle housing if it's any good.  It's almost identical to the aluminum one in your '95 'Kick and is a LOT stronger!  (http://www.zukiworld.com/month_090103/feature_sidekickdrivetrainimprovements.htm (http://www.zukiworld.com/month_090103/feature_sidekickdrivetrainimprovements.htm)).
Title: Re: Engine swap in Sidekick Question
Post by: Rhinoman on January 09, 2010, 08:33:03 AM
A member here has done this swap, I think his username is 94XL7
Title: Re: Engine swap in Sidekick Question
Post by: cj on January 09, 2010, 12:50:21 PM
A member here has done this swap, I think his username is 94XL7

Close but no cigar  ;) 

95XL7

Eric has also done this. You will need to sort out the engine mounts too as the V6 sits in a wider chassis.
Title: Re: Engine swap in Sidekick Question
Post by: 800wildcat on April 03, 2010, 01:05:10 PM
I own a '95 Tracker with a 2.7 and automatic.  Didn't do the swap myself but was thinking about it.  The guy that did it raised the body 2" and used a 1" spacer on the front driveshaft.  I think there is room to mount the engine 2" lower and 1" forward making the body lift unnecessary and helping center of gravity.  However, mine still corners very well without hints of rolling.  I believe he custom made engine mounts himself but not positive.  I had to modify the driver's side mount to get enough clearance to change the filter.  He also used a half inch spacer under the tranny mount so the 4wd lever doesn't get pushed forward into 4wd by the boot because of the lift.  I don't notice the weight difference much from the 1.6; I'm not sure if he changed the springs.  With the stock XL7 speedo gear and 255/70 tires with the stock 5.13 gears the speedo is right on.  But before I realized he didn't change the 4 cylinder tach the rpm readings freaked me out the first time I punched it....
Title: Re: Engine swap in Sidekick Question
Post by: wildgoody on April 03, 2010, 01:57:19 PM
Quote
But before I realized he didn't change the 4 cylinder tach the rpm readings freaked me out the first time I punched it....
Didn't know it could rev that high huh  ;)
Title: Re: Engine swap in Sidekick Question
Post by: ToyYoda on April 05, 2010, 08:53:28 AM
Did you buy the Sidekick with the motor conv. done by owner ?
Title: Re: Engine swap in Sidekick Question
Post by: ebewley on April 05, 2010, 12:48:51 PM
The V6 will not bolt to the 4 cylinder manual or automatic transmission. An adatper would be needed and none exist that I know of. I guess one could be made but I'm not sure of the logic of that. FWIW I have done several 2.5 and 2.7liter V6 swaps into Sidekicks and Trackers... If you want to use "crawler" gears in a t-case you'll need to use a 2.5 liter automatic transmission for the output of that will bolt to a Sidekick t-case and the splines are correct for the 'crawler' gears. I've got some pictures and a bit of information on my shop website if you want to take a look. Also, there is a pretty good article accessible from the Zukiworld main page.

http://www.zukiworld.com/month_020109/feature_suzuki-sidekick-build-up.htm (http://www.zukiworld.com/month_020109/feature_suzuki-sidekick-build-up.htm)

http://liberty-overland.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=7&products_id=7 (http://liberty-overland.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=7&products_id=7)

Also, Muskegtracker has been documenting his V6 swap in our DIY section. About mid-way through the "mr. T" build the swap begins.
http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/build-diaries-how-to-diy/mr-t-the-build/msg219922/#msg219922 (http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/build-diaries-how-to-diy/mr-t-the-build/msg219922/#msg219922)

Good luck, Eric