sammy motor build or upgrade

[str8axleguy]

hello i recently purchased an 86 zuk with a 1.3 in it. It has the usual stuff like a weber carb and a header, full exhaust, and performance cam. It is getting kind of old with 107 k miles and i was thinking of having it rebuilt or upgrading it what is the most cost effective way get more power? Should i build this motor? or is it better to do a swap? WHAT WORKS WELL? THANKS

 

[Greg]

I don't know much about Sammis, but the one thing I do know is that the 1.6 Sidekick motor is a huge power upgrade. There's a ton of companys out there that make kits that allow you to bolt in a 1.6. I believe it makes around 90-95hp, which is nearly double the stock 1.3 Sami motor. I wouldn't even mess with trying to build the 1.3 with that 1.6 option out there.

 

[Kiel]

Yeah the 1.6 swap is probably the best swap out there no doubt for the buck. I almost went that route, but I was never that sure about dumping that kind of money to get the power I wanted outta the sami. I just did the gearing instead, and it's worked out well. Anything more then the 1.6 and you start to have to replace the trans and transfer case, so when you get to that point, why do I drive a samurai? The reason- cheap, lightweight, and 1/2 tons are upgrades that people just give away.

 

[str8axleguy]

Cool i have read about the 1.6 swap and found out a lot, I was just wondering if anybody on here had done one, and if it was worth it. My next question is where do i find a good one at a fair price? Thanks you guys are awesome !!!!

 

[Devel]

just Turbo the dam thing:greg:

 

[Kiel]

Your best bet is to find a complete tracker/sidekick motor out of a wrecked donor, that way you could get the complete efi harness etc. The 16 v is your best motor, but the 8 valve is ok too. 16 v came out in 95 I believe through about 98.

 

[str8axleguy]

Anybody done this swap? Is it worth the cost? is there much power difference from a carbed, cam, and webered 1.3?

 

[Kris K]

My 1.3 has the mid range cam, Weber carb, K&N filter, Headman header I also believe it's borad out .30. It's got alot of power I've never drove a stock1.3 so i can't really say how much it really gave it. But i could beat a stock samurai with my samurai with SPOA with 32" swampers anyday.

 

[jp008]

Anybody done this swap? Is it worth the cost? is there much power difference from a carbed, cam, and webered 1.3?

Been there and done a few.

If you have any questions on reliability and performance then go see James at Safelite Auto Glass on 31st and Wall Ave. He usually has his blue sami there. I installed a 16v 1.6 a couple of years ago.

 

[scrit89]

talk to jim(jp008) he has built stock motors and done swaps. 16 valve seems to be one of the better options

 

[str8axleguy]

Cool fellas thanks for the input