ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: pepatt on September 08, 2010, 07:11:03 PM
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Wow it's been a while since I've been on ZukiWorld!
I got my '95 Tracker fixed up the way I wanted it and have been playing too much to read!
Even drove 75 miles in the pouring rain with no top or doors. Everyone should do that once (and only once.) >:(
OK, to my dilemma;
I am contemplating dropping a 4.3l into the Tracker.
I have a Chevy Astro as a donor. This 4.3 is a non-Vortec.
Does anyone have a link to good info on this swap?
In my research I have read that the stock tranny can be used and I have read that it can't.
If I can keep stock tranny and T-case I would like to.
I've read that van engines may present a problem (though I can't imagine why)
I do mild to moderate offroading with no real rock climbing.
I have strong mechanical skills and moderate fabrication experience.
Two other notes:
1. I am patient and am willing to take the time to do this project correctly.
2. I am not willing to spend $6000 on this project, but I'll throw a few Benjamins at it.
Any help, pictures, links, and comments about how I'm out of my mind would be appreciated.
Paul
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From my reading the 4.3 is too heavy for a stock front suspension,
that being said, an auto (early) trans with a swapped bell housing
might work for this project, other than that, have you thought
about a turbo instead, lots of fun and not very heavy.
A 200 HP Track/Kick would be like a 500 HP engine in a full size
Ford or Chevy truck, to give you a visual >:D
Wild
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From my reading the 4.3 is too heavy for a stock front suspension
Hmmmmm.
Judging by the massive response, I'm guessing the 4.3 may not be a popular mod.
Gotta be a reason for that, eh? ???
have you thought about a turbo instead, lots of fun and not very heavy.
I've dreamed about a turbo, but thought it was too involved and the cost would just be too great.
In looking at your site, it seems to be a precise plumbling project.
What kind of costs are involved, and can a regular old guy with no prior turbo experience achieve success (and stay married :D)?
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All the info you could want: http://www.suzukiconversion.com/ (http://www.suzukiconversion.com/)
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I would only suggest a turbo attempt on a 16V engine, lots
of the problems I had to work around are solved for you
A wrecking yard turbo, $100-150
Stainless weld ells and tubing $200
New exhaust down pipe and 2-1/2" pipe/muffler $200
Some larger injectors from a wrecking yard $~75
Smoking your buddies ricer in a Track/Kick ................. Priceless
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I wheeled with a guy that did a 4.3 conversion in a 4-door sidekick. It went like hell. I think he had it mated to a GM auto tranny, then used an advanced adapter kit to bolt it to a toyota gear drive top shift t-case. he was running toy solid axles. That seems to me like a good way to go. I cant imagine that a suzuki tranny or t-case could stand up to that much torque. I guess you could save money and keep the GM t-case and not get the adapter, but there is less aftermarket for those t-cases and they are a lot heavier than a toy case. I think the toy case is plenty strong for the 4.3L hp.
I am just finishing a 2.0L swap, but I haven't driven it much yet or wheeled it at all to know how much of an upgrade it really is. The swap is relatively easy, especially if you buy the motor mounts from aftermarket 4x4 (http://members.cox.net/aftermarket4x4/index.html (http://members.cox.net/aftermarket4x4/index.html)). With that swap, you definitely keep you stock tranny and t-case.
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I love my Zuk V-6 in my Kick.... With the V-6 auto tranny, you can mount your Kick T-case and use the rest of the driveline... Probably will want to upgrade the axles, but you would want to do that with a 4.3 any way...
Zig