i am in need of a replacement engine for my 8v '96 vitara (sidekick). I can get both an 8v engine, and a 16v is also available, however i can grab the 16 for half the price than the 8v. Would it be worth (considering the extra labour costs) converting my zuki to the 16v engine??

what exactly needs changing under the bonnet for such an opperation?

Anybody tried it? what went wrong?

also, and finally, would any other driveterrain need replaceing if i dump a more powerful engine in there? e.g. would anything break?

cheers in advance!

andy

drivetrain should be fine, the 16v would mean a new ECM (and probably some of the donor harness) I expect.

from what I have been told, new motor (obviously!   ) the complete wiring harness the dash and the harness for the dash.

Complete intake and exhaust manifold

Some other things:

If the 16-valve is equipped with a crank sensor in the oil pump assembly, you need the harness and ECM associated with that engine setup.  Naturally, you can buy and install an earlier version oil pump without the crank sensor and use an non-crank sensor ECM and harness.

As I am in the middle of rebuilding a '93 4-door Sidekick with a 16-valve, I can tell you that:

a) The 93 model year did not have a crank sensor in the North American versions.

b) The harness appears to be pretty much separated from the rest of the vehicle's electrical system in terms of how the wiring is bundled.

c) It is quite a chore getting the engine out (not engine/transmission as a unit) if working alone.  Lots of removing stuff like the grille, radiator, AC condensor, front differential housing, half shafts, right front hub, etc., etc.  It also helps to have an engine hoist and a stand...

I just got home with my rebuilt longblock.  They replaced the crank, new front and rear seals, new oil pump, reground the valves, shaved the head a bit and reset the valve lash.  I'll be installing a fresh water pump (the oil and water pumps are a hedge against having to pull the engine down the road...)

I hope to have it together in time for the ZookiMelt, but if not, I'll be driving the '88 Samurai...  Anyone else going?  I'll be working the Night Run with Murph...