Which engine

[lukey4x4]

Hi guys so got a few plans for the sj this year as got a few parts already , and was thinking in putting a different engine in aswell , i already have the 1.6 8v spi vitara init and was just wondering what people though on the vit 1.6 16v as didnt want to go down diesel route is it worth changing hurd there was quite a diffrence, thanks

[Anton]

The 8v and the 16v have similar torque, but the 16v has more HP. Basically they should behave similarly until you start approaching the redline, where the 16v will pull harder. The 8v might even pull harder at low RPM.

If the swap is simple (i.e. you can just swap the block in an afternoon) then it's probably worth it. If it needs more mods (ecu etc) then maybe not.

Do you have a 16v sitting around?

[donkeychomp]

Well worth it. Either engine. Fuel injection means more wiring. Avoid diesels as with so much weight over the front and sod all at the back you won't go anywhere in mud!

[lukey4x4]

Thanks lads the plan was to just get a full car and go from there , i already have the 1.6 spi engine goes well and would swap to the 16v if there was a massive difference some people say yes n otheres say not much difference that it would be worth swapping for, so not sure , yea al keep away from the diesel side mate thanks

[ScottieJ]

The 16v is the better engine power wise. Has more bhp and torque throughout the Rev range. There’s a dyno graph comparison floating around on pirate4x4 somewhere.

Personally I’m never fitting another 8v after doing a few 16v conversions

[lukey4x4]

Cheers scottie think al keep my eye open for a cheap car if one comes up do u know what models and year the best one , thanks