No personal experience, but, I tend to view anything sold through Alibaba with a great deal of scepticism.

Let's start with the description, what are you getting?

Generally speaking, and it's not 100% correct, the G16a is considered to be an 8v engine and the G16b a 16v engine, they've lumped the two together - that gives me a very bad feeling. Now, the reason I say it's not 100% correct, is I've personally seen 16v G16a engines, in Suzukis, and I know the vehicle left the factory with that engine.

They also list it as fitting the Jimny, which never shipped with a 1.6 engine - more "bad feeling" - I'm now wondering if the seller actually knows what they are selling, something which I suspect to be quite prevalent on Alibaba - it's a marketplace where Chinese vendors sell products which they may or may not have manufactured themselves - take for example the knockoff air lockers, several vendors all selling what I believe is the same product manufactured by a Chinese company called HF (www.hf4x4.cn)

What's in the picture appears to be a 16v engine, and as far as I can tell, it's not the OBDII version (no crank position sensor) - I'd be happier if I saw specifications, bore x stroke, valve train details, that sort of stuff - the price isn't bad, it's probably going to cost me more to ship, and I'm not willing to take chance that when it gets here it's not what I'm expecting.

 

...the price isn't bad, it's probably going to cost me more to ship, and I'm not willing to take chance that when it gets here it's not what I'm expecting.

Much of what is sold on Alibaba are big lots to middlemen who plan on a good mark-up to the final consumer. You can't expect these hackers to know much about what they are selling. Have a problem? Don't expect any customer service.

Heck, I just ordered a replacement regulator for $35. It turned out to be the wrong part, and now it's turned into a nightmare.

 

Setting aside any issue about Alibaba, here’s a link to Changan car manufacturer in China. Halfway down this link, there is a paragraph and another link to their association with Suzuki:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Changan_Automobile

 

You have no guarantee, in fact, I'm almost certain the engine on Alibaba is NOT coming from Changan.

so between a used G16 like this at 1500$ and the allibaba at 770$, youd still take the used one form a breaker?

mmm.... thats the question...

That's actually not how I saw the question ...

Anyway - yes - I'd take the one from the breaker, here, I can see what I'm buying before I put my money down, I have a 90 day warranty and can opt for a replacement or a refund - and I don't have to concern myself about quality of the product or whether there will be a problem with replacement parts in the long term.

There’s been a certain psychology here about, say, not buying Chinese timing belts, rotors, brakes, etc., but rather, spending more for factory parts. For example, if you had an interference engine, would you put a Chinese made timing belt in it? Just a thought. I suppose that $770 may be cheap enough so that if it lasts a few years, you might think it was worth it. But I suspect that the used $1500 G16, made by Suzuki, would, at least initially, be a better made engine.

Interesting that you should bring this up - a number of years back I was looking for a timing belt for an interference engine, there was a local supplier who had a Chinese made one for GYD$7000 (about USD$$35), I had the dealer order an OEM belt out of Japan and ended up paying almost GYD$100,000 (USD$500).

It's important that people be aware that there are Chinese products and then there are cheap Chinese products, the Chinese can build quality products, but they also do build many products of dubious quality.

A friend of mine runs what I will call a "power products" dealership, motorcycles, outboard motors, gasoline powered water pumps & generators, has a sole distributorship for one of the better known Japanese brands, but faces competition from similar products of lesser quality coming out of China, so my friend flies off to China and buys two containers of Chinese made motorcycles, he ended up selling most of the first container, and cannibalizing the second container for parts to provide "warranty support" on the bikes that were sold. He has since gone back to China and bought more Chinese made motorcycles, from a different manufacturer, but, the second time, focusing more on quality than cost, he's had better luck with the second shipment, but when I walk through the dealership now, I don't see any Chinese made motorcycles, only the Japanese brands.

This is a man, of Chinese ancestry, who speaks the language, visits China regularly, has taken trade delegations to China, who has been "burned" by Chinese products.

When you buy from Alibaba, you have no idea if you're getting a "cheap Chinese clone" or a good quality product, coming out of a licensed partner, such as Changan Automotive, I'm inclined to say the probability on the "cheap Chinese" is quite high.

On the other side of the scale, I'm buying a used Suzuki motor, it is a quality product, possibly worn out, but one for which I can source bearings, rings, etc.

 

all good points, but the main problem nowadays is that G16 are becoming scarce AND expensive.

so between a used G16 like this at 1500$ and the allibaba at 770$, youd still take the used one form a breaker?

mmm.... thats the question...

Engine SUZUKI VITARA (ET, TA, TD) 13075229 | B-Parts

Buy Online Engine for SUZUKI VITARA (ET, TA, TD) 13075229 and enjoy ✓ Fast Shipping ✓ Warranty ✓ Original Used Parts.

www.b-parts.com

 

There’s been a certain psychology here about, say, not buying Chinese timing belts, rotors, brakes, etc., but rather, spending more for factory parts. For example, if you had an interference engine, would you put a Chinese made timing belt in it? Just a thought. I suppose that $770 may be cheap enough so that if it lasts a few years, you might think it was worth it. But I suspect that the used $1500 G16, made by Suzuki, would, at least initially, be a better made engine.

 

There’s been a certain psychology here about, say, not buying Chinese timing belts, rotors, brakes, etc., but rather, spending more for factory parts. For example, if you had an interference engine, would you put a Chinese made timing belt in it? Just a thought. I suppose that $770 may be cheap enough so that if it lasts a few years, you might think it was worth it. But I suspect that the used $1500 G16, made by Suzuki, would, at least initially, be a better made engine.

Would you use your Chinese manufactured iPhone to write this post?…or prefer your Blackberry?

 

In solely looking up Xuexiang, I find that it’s the name of a ‘Snow Town’, someone’s first name, or this:

Xuexiang Limited - Irish and UK Company Information - Vision-Net

Xuexiang Limited - Sign up to Vision-Net to get CRO Documents such as Company Accounts, Director and Mortgage Information or Credit Reports for this Irish company

www.vision-net.ie

I also get this, with a slightly different spelling:

2019 Changan ALSVIN (Yuexiang) Technical Specs | China Car News, Reviews and More

www.chinapev.com

I certainly agree that I’d take the used engine (particularly considering the fact that trying to research this throws you in so many different directions), but am curious, Fordem, as to where you think this engine actually comes from, if you have any idea…????

 

Optimus Auto Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

Alibaba Manufacturer Directory - Suppliers, Manufacturers, Exporters & Importers

engineopt.en.alibaba.com

The link above will take you to the Alibaba page for the vendor selling that particular product, as you can see, they were established in 2021, but have managed to be a "gold supplier" for three years...

Below you'll find a list of suppliers of similar products, all from page one of a search on Alibaba for "G16 engine"

Ago High Quality G16 Engine Long Block For Sale Jl475 Motor For Suzuki 1600c Engines - Buy High Quality G16 Engine Long Block,Long Block For Sale,Jl475 Motor For Suzuki Product on Alibaba.com

Ago High Quality G16 Engine Long Block For Sale Jl475 Motor For Suzuki 1600c Engines - Buy High Quality G16 Engine Long Block,Long Block For Sale,Jl475 Motor For Suzuki Product on Alibaba.com

www.alibaba.com

1.3l 1.6l Original Quality G13b G16b Engine Assembly For Suzuki For Changan Lj474qe2 Engine Assy - Buy G13b G16b G13a Car Engine Assembly For Suzuki g13b G16b G13a Car Engine Assembly For Suzuki 1300cc Engine g13b G16b G13a Engine Cylinder Head And Cylinder Block For Suzuki 1300cc Engine For Changan Lj474qe2 Product on Alibaba.com

1.3l 1.6l Original Quality G13b G16b Engine Assembly For Suzuki For Changan Lj474qe2 Engine Assy - Buy G13b G16b G13a Car Engine Assembly For Suzuki g13b G16b G13a Car Engine Assembly For Suzuki 1300cc Engine g13b G16b G13a Engine Cylinder Head And Cylinder Block For Suzuki 1300cc Engine For...

www.alibaba.com

Mti High Quality G16b Engine Long Block Bare Engine For 92-98 Suzuki Geo - Buy G16b Engine Long Block g16b Bare Engine g16b Bare Engine For 92-98 Suzuki Geo Product on Alibaba.com

Mti High Quality G16b Engine Long Block Bare Engine For 92-98 Suzuki Geo - Buy G16b Engine Long Block g16b Bare Engine g16b Bare Engine For 92-98 Suzuki Geo Product on Alibaba.com

www.alibaba.com

High Quality G16b Complete Engine Long Block G13b G16b Engine Assembly For Suzuki For Changan For Wuling Jl474 Motor 1300cc 1600 - Buy G16b Complete Engine,Long Block G13b,Engine For Suzuki Product on Alibaba.com

High Quality G16b Complete Engine Long Block G13b G16b Engine Assembly For Suzuki For Changan For Wuling Jl474 Motor 1300cc 1600 - Buy G16b Complete Engine,Long Block G13b,Engine For Suzuki Product on Alibaba.com

www.alibaba.com

Ziptek (second link) have been a gold supplier for five years, were established in 2018, but have TWENTY years of experience. Be sure to click on the fourth link and look at the pictures, specifically the oil pan, kind of oddly shaped isn't it? That's because that particular engine is tipped over to fit under the seats of the Every/Carry vans, only problem is, those didn't come with a G16 - there is a version that did have the G16 (known as the APV) and those didn't have that oil pan.

Caveat Emptor - let the buyer beware - or, and this is taken straight from wikpedia - Caveat Emptor, quia ignorare non debuit quod jus alienum emit - Let a purchaser beware, for he ought not to be ignorant of the nature of the property which he is buying from another party.

The onus is on you, the purchaser, to ensure that the product is fit for the purpose you have in mind, I've dealt with enough Chinese to know that as soon as there's a "complication", they'll suddenly "stop speaking English" and do their level best to frustrate you into just giving up.

 

Wow…thanks for such a detailed response. And yes, even to me, a non mechanic, that oil pan in the 4th link looks quite bizarre. If nothing else, the lesson is that you really need to know what you’re doing, when purchasing something like this (or staying away from it). The price might entice those who don’t dig deep enough into this, sadly. But yes, caveat emptor is the thing to always remember.

 

The Carryvan/every version (2011-2011) earlier than the APV came with the tipped engine under the seats. My 2002 carryVan (Japanese market) came with a K6A engine tipped and used the same type oil pan except it was 1 pc cast aluminum rather than 2 pc (cast aluminum & tin lower plate) as in the pic. Some of the same vehicle but for the EU market, and possibly others, came with the G16 engine with the 2pc pan. G413 was the model/series which had the G16 engine.

Fred

 

Sorry Fred the GA413 has a 1.3 engine - most of Suzuki's "model numbers" actually specify the engine, a 413 will have a four cylinder 1.3, in this case the G13 - I used to drive one (the company I was working with back then was a "sister company" to the local Suzuki dealership and all the companies in the group used Suzuki vehicles - we had three SB308 Frontes, two SK410 Carrys & one GA413 Super Carry.

The GC416 Super Carry (also known as the APV) uses the G16 engine but it is not tipped over and it has a conventional pan.

 

Sorry, 1.3 - 1.6, Senior moment. & fat fingers.

Fred

 

Hello, I'd like to chime in with my experiences here. I am right now negotiating with a supplier in China to buy a bare 1.6 block. I have spent literally dozens of hours looking and contacting. What I have learned is that most of the blocks posted on alibaba have mismatched descriptions and or they do not have stock. This includes ziptek. Also some,not all, suppliers won't bother if you are not ordering more than one. There are safeguards in place for trans actions. I did pay for one only to be told oops we don't have stock after the fact. My money was refunded promptly. Why am I doing this you may ask . I own 2 1990 tintops and my daily driver is running out of steam at 242 thousand. my spare motor which purrs with compression at 185 across the board has the infamous #2 main crack. A friend had a motor from hie diesel swap that he let me have 1994 auto. infamous crack at #2 main. This one had the girdle/strengthening braces too. They didn't help. Next I took a leap of faith and bought a low k 1997 auto engine from a wrecker..I told them I was after the block..Good engine they said...160 compression across all cyls..maybe .. major crack in #2 main and moisture in the bottom end. Paid 2100 cad for that and after heated phone calls got 800 back..So here I am looking at overseas blocks..Just waiting to finalize. All these old blocks have high milage now and prices are stupid. IAt this point I have nothing to lose trying an offshore part.... don't even ask about megazip...My 2c

 

Further to the above..I really like my 1.6 and it's a shame these crack up like that. I tried to buy a factory block from ziptek for huge money but they flat out would not or could not verify the specs..IE: bore and stroke. They asked for my serial number which I sent but because it's a Canadian tracker they could not verify that either. I assured them that it was in fact a suzuki engine . I said think sidekick,Vitara . They told me that If I got this block and it was wrong for any reason...no refund and no returns! It's all on you they said .. $3500 cad I gave them in the beginning for a bare block no less! Cancelled the order and got a refund. The very next day Megazip had the price on that block jacked to over $4200 usd ! Diid I say bare block?? not short block.. yikes. you may well be questioning my sanity at this point but that's a different conversation... Now ,if I get the alibaba deal done I will be getting 2...at least they're new...I'll keep you posted..Cheers

 

I tried to buy a factory block from ziptek for huge money but they flat out would not or could not verify the specs..IE: bore and stroke.

Think about this for a minute - if you gave me a part number for a cylinder block, and I put that bare block on a workbench in front of you, would you be able to verify the bore and stroke?

The answer is no, it's impossible to do - it's impossible because it is the crankshaft that determines the stroke of the motor - so if all you have is the block, all you can measure is the bore.

It's not so much that they flat out would not do what you asked, but rather you were asking for something that could not, under any circumstances be done. If you came to me with a request like that, I would have given you pretty much the same response you say you got from them, you're buying this at your own risk, if it doesn't work for what you want, no refund, no return.

 

Corrction to above...first line should read Megazip, not Ziptek

 

Interesting - whilst I don't think I'd be crazy enough to order a block from megazip.net (the shipping would be more than I want to pay), I've had excellent service from them.

There has literally been one single occasion on which I didn't get what I paid for - they didn't have the part to ship, so they cancelled my order and gave me a full and very prompt refund. Everything that I have received has been exactly what I ordered, genuine Suzuki - mind you, I'm ordering based on a part number, and I know that the part I'm ordering is what I want, I'm not asking them to verify it's the correct part, I've already done that.

 

If my Chinese manufactured iPhone craps out, it’s not much of a big deal. If my Chinese timing belt breaks, goodbye engine. And I suppose there is the difference in that the Chinese manufactured IPhone is not a ‘knock off’, while the timing belt or rotor is.

 

Some of the links show the same block for 8v and 16v while others show a year break at 92. What if any difference is there between years and 8v versus 16v??

When checking parts manuals I see the rod and main bearings are the same while the pistons and rings aren't. Oil pumps change in 92 as well.

What about head gaskets?

 

The official Suzuki parts manuals don't show a different part number for 8/16v blocks in the 92~95 years, however, pre 1992, the part number for the block is different - this however, doesn't mean that you can't use the newer block in the older models. My manuals show the same part numbers for 8v pistons from 89~95.

 

Soooo would a 93 16v head work on a 91 8v block?

It was a after market supplier I noticed the piston and ring difference between 8v and 16v.

 

no, pistons are markedly different, specially the valve reliefs 2 in the 8V, 4 in the 16V.

you could fit 16V pistons to the 8V block, but thats an engine out car fix

 

That makes sense. Thanks

 

I would not buy it as the engine plus shipping is about the price of a running Vitara here in the Philippines. I would just buy another whole vehicle take out the engine and part out the rest of it.

 

@Zep well, i have the opposite "problem", in italy 1st gen vitaras were so popular that i have no trouble locating almost any part i need from salvage yards that list online.... but thats not going to help our friend in the USA who says he hasnt been able to find ANYHING 8V for a year.... nor an engine, head, or car....

@Off-roaders have you tried your luck finding a head with these guys? HWY 83 SUZUKI SALVAGE

 

At the beginning I contacted him and was told no. I also contacted several other places. Hwy 93 has a video about the #2 journal cracks, in it mentioned having upset customers and quit selling them because of it.

Thanks for the suggestion

 

ask him for just an 8V head, thats what went wrong no?

 

I have.


I have. He indicated that he was staying away from selling motor parts. Sorry I wasn't clearer.

Do you know if 1.3 l heads will work??

Months ago someone had a couple for sale. I'm just not familiar with what interchangeable. 1.3 and 1.6 16v parts aren't to hard to find. One of the local wrecking yards had a 8v that the valve cover had been off for approximately some time exposed to the Montana weather. Everything not aluminum was rusted and the motor would not turn over by hand. You had to buy the complete motor for $600!!!!

Several months ago I found a 8v on ebay, with no information so I sent a message asking a few questions. No response, so I tried again, still no answer. I don't need to buy a warped head. It stayed up for a month or so after before it was removed.

 

Seems like main difference is in slightly smaller valves. on top of the fuel pump noted by fordem, there could be also some differences in the distributor setup.

try digging in more mods oriented forums like auszookers, pirate4x4....