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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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" !

Here's one just buy it done.

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-SUVs-trucks-vans-SUV-crossover-1997-sidekick-W0QQAdIdZ177611360

THATS SWEET LOOKING .... JUST MISSED ONE FROM LOCAL SNOWMOBILE CLUB 2 YEARS AGO