before to long I will have the money for a new motor. Ive read about the 1.6l and the 1.9tdi. and then the v6. What is the best motor for the sami. Eventually it will be just a trail rig but for now its my daily driver. I have an 86 sami 3" spoa, 30s with a rear locker. ill have about a $2000 budget
Thanks

If you are going with the 1.6L, be sure to get the 16 valve engine.  I have one in my Tracker, and it has been very reliable, and powerful enough for what I have wanted to do with it.

I did see a Sami a few years back with the standard "redneck engine swap for people with no imagination".  ("Let's drop a 350 in 'er".)  Looked good, but very nose-heavy.  Hit a mud hole, and it just plowed right in.  I don't know if the V6 would be quiet as bad...     

Light and small is better than heavy and powerful.

I have a "Webered" 1.6 8-valve in my Samurai.  With the proper gearing (4.625s, stock t-case, 30" BFG ATs), it drives great in almost every situation.  No "rowing", no bogging down in daily driving.  It's not a "super-crawler", but it does what I want off road.

The 16-valve would get you better performance and mileage, but it takes more effort from an electrical standpoint to get it running.

I hope that this helps!

http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/technical-discussion-performance-modify/best-samurai-engine-swap/

Currently the 16valve 1.6 is leading the votes, followed by the VW 1.9 Liter Turbo Diesel and 1.6l 8v respectively. 

I would install a 2.0/2.3 liter out of a Kicker, or better and a little more work out of an Aerio.  130-155 hp in same physical size/weight as the 1.6 liters. That is almost double the hp for approximately same amount of work, and a sweet running FI motor.  If you do the work yourself there might be enough left over from your funds to 4 link the back because those Sammy springs are going to twist around the axle like a cinnamon roll. 
I have the 2.7 V6 in my Tracker, and it is too big and too much for the Sammy.  The 4 cylinders keep most of the Sammy characteristics, and lightness.

http://www.zukiworld.com/forum/technical-discussion-performance-modify/best-samurai-engine-swap/

Currently the 16valve 1.6 is leading the votes, followed by the VW 1.9 Liter Turbo Diesel and 1.6l 8v respectively. 

Looks like that would be the best choice over all. Ive found more parts and conversions for the 16v 1.6l! cant wait to get this. Just have to spend four months in Georgia first!

The 1.6 16-valve is a great engine and it is not costly to swap in.  The 2.0 liter is probably a good choice too, but the swap kit is around $1300 alone.  A $2,000 budget probably wouldn't cover that.

A less expensive, but also less potent version of 1.6 16-valve engine is the 1.6 8-valve.  The 8-valve has better low rpm torque than the 16-valve and would be my choice for a primarily off-road Samurai.  The 1600 8-valve will also be good on the highway, but not as good as the 16-valve, but both engines will need gearing.  If you do not have t-case gearing, at least get a 4:1 case as this will reduce the high-range by 12% too. 

if it'll be a trail rig I'd go with the 1.6/9 turbo diesel. Nothing beats the offroad power, and you're already at your minimum requirements with a spring over and 30" tires.

The diesels are cool for trail rigs.  I would probably try to go the simplest route for one though and use the 1.6NA. 

I have considered just buying another truck to tow with and make the sami just my weekend toy. My biggest speed bump is finding a good donor motor or even one for sale locally or in neighboring towns. It just seems like having one shipped to the middle of colorado would be more money than its worth.

Get in touch with Sean DeVinney from Aftermarket4x4.  He will ship you a 1600 16-valve complete on a pallet for a little over $1,000 plus another $200-300 in shipping.  Trailtough might also be worth giving a call too since they are swimming in Suzuki parts now.

They are definitely becoming harder to find though. 

There is only one choice for me, 1.6L 16v sohc,

just about everything else like the diesels are costly to obtain as well as adapting into the zuk, heavy beasts. cast iron blocks<aluminum

Yes, I think the 1600 16-valve is a great choice as well and I've got them in two of my Samurais. They are great for any Samurai that will see any highway duty.

I also like the 1600 8-valves and I have them in two additional Samurais.  They have more bottom end than the 16-valve and still have a lot longer legs than a 1300cc engine on the highway.

I too do not like the diesel due to it's weight.  I think that even a 1.6NA would have over $1,000 in it when it is all said and done.  It's not a cheap swap by any means.

well looks like the 1.6l 16v will be my motor! I cant wait to get it. Now as far as the wiring harness is concerned is it best to send in my old one, or buy one with the conversion kit?

I you buy the package from Sean, the harness will already be converted for a Samurai.  I've also known people that have converted their own harness and have stated that it wasn't too difficult.