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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: ebewley on December 26, 2015, 05:07:12 PM

Title: Feature article: How To: Installing a 2.3 Aerio Engine Into A Sidekick Sport
Post by: ebewley on December 26, 2015, 05:07:12 PM
Adding some more “sport” to a Suzuki Sidekick Sport

How To: Installing a 2.3 Aerio Engine Into A Sidekick Sport
By: Matt Verley, Photography: Matt Verley


Seaside, OR – Over the last 20 years, I have owned at least a dozen Samurais, several Sidekicks and Trackers, and a couple of Vitara and Grand Vitara.  About 3 years ago, I stumbled across a 1996 Sidekick Sport with a blown engine in my local classifieds.  Though I had never owned a Sport, I knew a little about the sub model and I knew where an “almost new” replacement 1.8L engine was located so I called the seller, made the deal, and ran into town with my truck and trailer.  The following weekend, I had the replacement 1.8L engine under the hood and running, and the Sport turned into a daily driver for my wife for the next 3 years.

click here for more: http://www2.zukiworld.com/adding-some-more-sport-to-a-suzuki-sidekick-sport/ (http://www2.zukiworld.com/adding-some-more-sport-to-a-suzuki-sidekick-sport/)
Title: Re: Feature article: How To: Installing a 2.3 Aerio Engine Into A Sidekick Sport
Post by: Thirty-Nine on December 28, 2015, 03:16:42 PM
Nice video and write up! Man, I'd love to had a 2.3 in the Sidekick!
Title: Re: Feature article: How To: Installing a 2.3 Aerio Engine Into A Sidekick Sport
Post by: fordem on December 29, 2015, 05:53:58 AM
It shouldn't be that difficult - there were a couple of shops (aftermarket 4x4 I think was one) that were offering kits to drop the J20 into a Sidekick, the J23 is not significantly different dimensionally.
Title: Re: Feature article: How To: Installing a 2.3 Aerio Engine Into A Sidekick Sport
Post by: WVzuk on December 29, 2015, 07:09:17 PM
OMG that's awesome!  I would kill to have that motor in my sidekick.  That would solve the gearing issue for putting a little bigger tires on.
Title: Re: Feature article: How To: Installing a 2.3 Aerio Engine Into A Sidekick Sport
Post by: Drone637 on December 31, 2015, 04:38:49 PM
I ran one on Project Trouble for running across the desert.  A lot more power then the stock 1.6, was able to hit 90+ with 30" tires on it without to much trouble.

Great to know you can just drop one in and use the stock hardware.  Now if only the future wife would let me get another project.  :D
Title: Re: Feature article: How To: Installing a 2.3 Aerio Engine Into A Sidekick Sport
Post by: nprecon on January 02, 2016, 06:16:50 PM
That was a very well done video documenting your engine swap Eric.  Thank you for making the time and taking  the time to make it.  Very enjoyable and informative.  Killer garage too.

Now I'm wondering if there are any difference between the exhaust and intake ports of the 2. liter and the 1.8 liter.
Title: Re: Feature article: How To: Installing a 2.3 Aerio Engine Into A Sidekick Sport
Post by: fordem on January 03, 2016, 05:38:47 AM
Now I'm wondering if there are any difference between the exhaust and intake ports of the 2. liter and the 1.8 liter.

I doubt it, but, it might depend on the specific J18 & J20 engines being looked at - a number of years back I came across a forum post claiming that the two engines used the same block & head, and was skeptical, but I have since verified from the parts manuals that certain part numbers for the block & head are shared.
Title: Re: Feature article: How To: Installing a 2.3 Aerio Engine Into A Sidekick Sport
Post by: nprecon on January 05, 2016, 01:59:49 PM
Then maybe a low mileage 2.3 is the future engine swap for Buster ILO another 2.0 liter.  I could probably find low mileage 2.3 liter engine easier than a 2 liter engine, short of buying a re manufactured one from ATK.
Title: Re: Feature article: How To: Installing a 2.3 Aerio Engine Into A Sidekick Sport
Post by: Jonny Rash on January 06, 2016, 08:19:56 AM
Just curious, does anyone know if the J24, 2.4 4-cylinder (3rd Gen Vitara, Kizashi) is also similar to the 1.8, 2.0. and 2.3 engines?  It looks like the J24 has variable valve timing, but I'm curious if the external physical dimensions are similar.