hello! Looking to get muddy!

[Jordi]

Thanks Jay.

I've noticed a lot of SJs have bitara 1.6 engines in them. Is this a due to the SJ 1.0 litre engines not being powerful enough? Or just for an upgrade?

The 1.0 and 1.3 are ok in standard form and slight mods but as you start to run bigger tyres, even with lower gearing, they are some what under powered. Even standard 1.0s and 1.3s can struggle now given the engines are the best part of 30yrs old and some have not been treated as well as others.

For the weight / power gain the 1.6 gives a lot of extra oomph. It also make longer journeys and general driving much more pleasurable. Also makes a power steering mod a lot easier.

[Jay18]

I wouldn't say the 1.0 is underpowered, when tuned right they are surprisingly quick, because of the SJ not weighing anything it goes well (I left a disco 2 behind at the lights) I agree with jordi about fittin larger tyres, that's when the 1.0 engine starts to struggle, doing the 1.6 conversion will run better with big tyres than the 1.0 or 1.3 would, the 1.6 will help the SJ cruise along the motorway at 60 easier aswel, just make an SJ more road friendly..

[NylonAdmiral]

You should see Ralph's one liter, it easily kept up with all the 1600s on Saturday

I think ScottDabinett found that his struggled a bit on the road once he'd swapped some larger tyres on though. I guess the engine's historic treatment and current state of tune make quite a difference.

JKent, whereabouts are you based?

[OllieSJ]

In Kent mate