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looking to buy first Zuki Sidekick. 2 door vs 4 door? 8v vs 16v?

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I am hoping to purchase my first Sidekick.  It will be driven on-road in summer (local trips only).  My goal for winter (MN) is to equip with snow tracks.

I am looking at model years 1990-1998.  I do not plan any modification except to lift to accommodate snow tracks.

I like the looks of the 4 door for the extra cargo space (ice fishing gear).  Any downside to 4 door (of course they do not look as sporty as the 2 doors!)?

A local shop with snow track experience prefers the pre 1996 with 8v motor.  They indicate that the 8v has more torque at lower end which is better for snow tracks.

I am not a mechanic.  What do you guys think about the 8v vs 16v?  I thought the 16v with more hp would be better?

Do 1991-1998 four door models all come with 16v?

thanks in advance for your advice/information

Snowjob

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Offline Drone637

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Re: looking to buy first Zuki Sidekick. 2 door vs 4 door? 8v vs 16v?
« Reply #1 on: March 14, 2010, 11:38:55 AM »
In 91-93 you can find the 8-valve engine in the 4 door Trackers along with the 5.38 gears in the diffs.   The 16v has 10lbs of torque and hp over the 8 vavle, but I can't really compare how they pull at low rpm's having not wheeled with the two different engines.  I'll let someone else chime in on that.
96 Geo Tracker, x-SJ-410,  x-White Rabbit, x-Project Trouble
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Offline Bryce132

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Re: looking to buy first Zuki Sidekick. 2 door vs 4 door? 8v vs 16v?
« Reply #2 on: March 14, 2010, 05:09:28 PM »
A 16V motor has more power, period. If your going to use  4dr(might as well) it will probably have the 16V.
This is good.
Look for a 4dr 16V with the 5.12's and 5spd in it. I believe most do anyway, and your all set!

Bryce

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Offline ToyYoda

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Re: looking to buy first Zuki Sidekick. 2 door vs 4 door? 8v vs 16v?
« Reply #3 on: March 16, 2010, 09:03:27 PM »
If your looking for more power/torque, 4door (due to needed room) & don't need a suspension lift kit. I can give you a good answer. Get the 97-98 "Sidekick Sport". It will be younger & better odds of getting one in good cond.Then there's the motor 1800cc twin cam. 1600 16v is better but ! And same body as older ones you want. Air bags too. That was eazy.
« Last Edit: March 16, 2010, 09:06:22 PM by ToyYoda »

Re: looking to buy first Zuki Sidekick. 2 door vs 4 door? 8v vs 16v?
« Reply #4 on: March 17, 2010, 05:26:16 AM »
thanks ToyYoda!  However I WILL need a suspension lift to accommodate snow track system.  I think it takes 3-3 1/2 inch  lift to work.

how much more does a 1997-1998 sport weight vs standard 4 door?

Is there a source for specs on wheelbase and vehicle weight of various modes and years????


thanks, Snowjob

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Offline Skyhiranger

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Re: looking to buy first Zuki Sidekick. 2 door vs 4 door? 8v vs 16v?
« Reply #5 on: March 21, 2010, 07:58:35 AM »
Ok, here is the accurate info.....
The ONLY year you could find a 1.6 8V engine in a 4 door is 91.  If it had the auto (which will be a 3 speed, and also the only year you could find a 3 speed auto in a 4 door.....all other year 4 doors with autos had the 4 speed auto), it will have 4.62 gears.  If it has the 5 speed, then it has 5.38 gears.
92-98 4 door trackicks all had either the 1.6 16V (regular trackicks), or the 1.8 16V (96-98 sidekick sports).  Personally, I would not get a sidekick sport....because the 1.8 engine is hard to find reasonably priced used parts for.
All the 4 doors from 91-98 are going to weigh basically the same (within a few hundred pounds...maybe even closer).
All 4 door trackicks from 92-98 have 5.12 gears, no matter what tranny they have.
Tracker and Sidekick parts for sale.....PM me with your wants/needs.

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Offline ToyYoda

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Re: looking to buy first Zuki Sidekick. 2 door vs 4 door? 8v vs 16v?
« Reply #6 on: March 21, 2010, 08:43:57 AM »
Ok, my bad. I live in San Diego & really don't know what "snow tracks" are. Was thinking chains of some sort. Noted "no mods" as part of your master plans for this veh. I had a 1997 Sidekick sport with a 1800cc motor I bought on Craigs List. Installed spring spacers in it that took it up 1.5". & put larger tires on it. The motor had 135,000 on it & was very powerful compaired to my X90's 16v. That was 2yrs. ago & i hang out with the guy who bought it from me. He has had 0 trouble with it. Your call but still think it's a great option you should consiter. Can you show me a picture of a "snow track" !

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Offline Rubberducky

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Offline NYSIDEKICKER

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Re: looking to buy first Zuki Sidekick. 2 door vs 4 door? 8v vs 16v?
« Reply #8 on: March 21, 2010, 05:57:31 PM »
THATS SWEET LOOKING .... JUST MISSED ONE FROM LOCAL SNOWMOBILE CLUB 2 YEARS AGO  :P
ZUKE MAY BE RUSTY BUT IT SURE IS TRUSTY!