Engine conversions???

Nebraskan_Withapassion · 03-23-2008, 08:26 AM

I have a 89 zuk with a 1.6 i think, and i was wondering if i could put like a honda civic engine or a diesel engine or anything along those lines??? is it possible? and for it to be a easy to do like switch a couple mounts not weld or any fabrication like that, maybe a chevy tranny with overdrive or something like that???? id just like an idea of what is possible..

thank you ...

ranger88den · 03-23-2008, 09:15 AM

I think Extreme 4x4, on Spike TV, is going to do a VW diesel engine swap into a Samurai on upcoming episodes. If you are talking about into a sidekick, it might be applicable. In any event, keep us posted on how you do & good luck.

jtgh · 03-23-2008, 04:15 PM

anythngs possible and few legal on road solutions ,today .
Off road only? you didnt say.
are you just mussing?

89 zuk
do you get smog checks?
you didnt say year of honda engine. but if newer engine, you can go thru a complex recert. process. as newer is ok , but must be proven to be clean.
in some states , you cant change manufactures . Must be Same OEM. (engine to car)

you need Full engine controls harness and doner car ecu.
it must fit, new mounts, new custom adaptor plate form engine to stock tranny.
are you trying to convert RWD to FWD ?/ that is the most perplexing here.
It must clear the front axle pumpkin.

lots of time and labor and no resaleability. (well, you wont get your costs out)

Try a 1.8L 96 Sport into yours. that would be easier. find a doner without a blown engine will be costly. there are V6 running in Zuks in other countries. import one?
or Vitara v6 2.5L ?
might have to bend some metal.

you forget the most important statement, "what are you trying to do?"
make car lighter.
make car more mPG
make car more power.
or with a 89 zuk carb, make car run at any angle (OFFROAD crawler) EFI.
or ?

that could get you going.

if you just want to tune or make what you have better,
read this, non better IMHO:
Amazon.com: How to Tune and Modify Engine Management Systems (Motorbooks Workshop): Jeff Hartman: Books
google amazon hartman , bingo.

Hartman does a good job also of explaining what is legal, etc.

i made this, after doing some research.
EMSrules

best path, where are you now, where are you trying to go.
With that stated, choices abound.

i will watch the spike and see if they gloss over the difficult stuff. < typical.

like we spent $1000 on the custom adaptor plate , alone.
cheers and hope you find your dream.