I understand the diff gears are:

4.30X:1  Grand  manual  (XL-7 manual)

4.625:1 Base  2.0L manual


So by keeping the 4.625, but fitting the V6 engine and transmission, you already have a geared down GV fit, ratio 1.075.

As you have upgeared by ratio 1.15 with the 31" tyres, the result would be like having a GV with 29" tyres.  It seems like lots of guys are content with that.

If you later want to fit the 5.13s, you would have the equivalent of a GV on stock tyres.  You can always fit them later, but the cheap V6 fit is a once-in-a-lifetime, isn't it?

Btw, fitting the 5.13s and keeping the 2.0 engine and transmission wouild result in the equivalent of 26" tyres, i.e. undergeared, so your highway cruising revs would be higher than now.

Somehow I doubt you can do an engine swap for $300.

I might as well say that now.  Either the mechanic is a relative, owes him A LOT, or just doesn't know what he's getting in to.  I think beer mentioned that the 99+ 4cyl stuff won't work with the V6 stuff, and I remember someone said that regarding the 1.6L 16v stuff vs the V6 stuff.  So he's talking about a new engine, transmission, and probably transfer case along with all the wiring and computers.  Then there's cooling systems and mounting it all...
Does he even have all of this stuff yet?


$300?  Sure, maybe if you were dropping a small block into a Chevy pickup in place of a 6 cylinder...maybe...

BZZR2, my tracker is a 1999 2.0ltr. I don't know the size of the tank. From a full tank to empty my guage tells me I've usually put around 510 to 525 klms. I don't know the exact difference but I've added 10% on top of that for my bigger tires. That brings me up to about 570 doesn't it or am I doing something wrong.
FYI before the tires swap I was getting well over 625 klms to a tank.

Anyway, that is a little off topic, the truck goes in on monday for 5:13 gears front and rear. Thanks for all the info and opinions. i'm sure some time within the next year I'll probably save up and drop in a V6 anyway.

that's better than i've ever gotten!  2dr or 4dr?  i'll be curious to see how the gears workout!  the way you are calculating is correct, i just to the same 10%, it's close enough and nice and easy to work with!

Gears.

Never mistake added power for proper mechanical advantage.

You are way off base there.  It's common for auto makes to run shorter ratios in higher HP autos.

Just look at Suzuki to see that.

1995 Sidekick 1.6L 16V 4spd auto - 5.12:1
2000 GV 2.5L 32V 4spd auto - 4.88:1
2001 XL7 2.7l 32V 4spd auto - 5.12:1

All of these have the same auto tranny, same tranny gear ratios.  When the V6 came along, the diff ratios dropped, as the HP increased.  5.12s would have been too tall.

XL7 even with increased HP, due to increased weight and seating cap, went back to 5.12.

For a Kick, adding the V6 is going to offset the shorter gears.  The proof is in the puddin'.

Gears are in and the truck drives amazing. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that my 1999 tracker actaully had a 4:67 gear set and not the 4:88 I thought it had. with my 5:12 sidekick gears it's so nice on and off the highway. Night and day difference. also just installed the Iron man suspension lift with coil spacers. The truck is driving and feeling great with these coils. If anyone is considering the gear switch...do it. Thanks for everyones help and imput.

sounds good, keep us posted on how things go!  i'm curious again about your gas mileage...

Good to hear it's going well.  Keep us updated.

I still maintain there's no such thing as a $300 Suzuki V6 engine swap.