just bought my first suzuki; A 86 JX Tin Top!  It is complete, even with A/C!  I bought this as a project for my two kids and I and need some questions answered.

First, it is going to be a daily driver that may some light off road duty.
Second, I want to build it on the cheap because i am divorced and don't have a lot to spend on it.

So now for the questions.  The owner told me that his kid let it run out of oil and then proceeded to drive it home from Placerville.  I was able to get it to turn over but it was making a really loud knocking sound, most likely a rod or multiple rods.  Based on this, should I try and rebuild the motor or should I just pull it and start over?

I also want to know if it is worth the money and time and labor to get either a 1.6L 8V or 16V and finally, which would be the easier build, since I do have mechanical skills but this will be my first complete build?

Thanks for replying .

do the 1.6l 8V swap and never look back. its very affordable and easy to do.