Vitara transfer transplant?

[Impulsive]

Hi all,

I've just picked up a Vitara with a VERY shitted motor. In seeing the glass half full, I've considered it an opportunity to re-power it with something a bit more interesting...(or I could just chuck in another G16A & be done with it...)

It's a '91 model, which had a G16A in it. My main query surrounds the Vitara's combined gearbox/transfer case. Is it either, A) Possible to split them (forgive me, as I haven't got the car here yet to look at it), so that something like a 4AG-ZE and RWD gearbox can drive the original transfer case, or, B) put in a Sierra transfer case, and then use a 4AG-ZE, or SR20, etc from a front cut.

If I can put in a Sierra transfer, will I have to move it, thus requiring driveshaft mods? ($$$$!!) If this were the case, I prolly wouldn't do it anyway, but everyone's advice would be appreciated.

[Beastmavster]

Hi all,

I've just picked up a Vitara with a VERY shitted motor. In seeing the glass half full, I've considered it an opportunity to re-power it with something a bit more interesting...(or I could just chuck in another G16A & be done with it...)

It's a '91 model, which had a G16A in it. My main query surrounds the Vitara's combined gearbox/transfer case. Is it either, A) Possible to split them (forgive me, as I haven't got the car here yet to look at it), so that something like a 4AG-ZE and RWD gearbox can drive the original transfer case, or, B) put in a Sierra transfer case, and then use a 4AG-ZE, or SR20, etc from a front cut.

If I can put in a Sierra transfer, will I have to move it, thus requiring driveshaft mods? ($$$$!!) If this were the case, I prolly wouldn't do it anyway, but everyone's advice would be appreciated.

Vitara runs 1:1 high so using a Sierra high gives 41% high range reduction - cool if you are planning on running 35" rubber but useless otherwise.........

Diff swaps in conjunction with the Sierra TCase could be possible, as are other alternatives.....



A vitara with a better motor can easily cope with some serious rubber but then the IFS will become an issue.

Ask yourself the question what you want to achieve before you spend the money on either the car or the transplant... Best do your research before you commit to the Vitara on these grounds.

[Impulsive]

Thanks Viagra...

Looks like I may be throwing a stocker back in there, or maybe even an EFI (G16B), as I'm prolly not likely to be doing much crawling in it... if at all!!

Maybe delete the transfer case totally and throw a 13B turbo in there.....hmmmmmm

Thanks again...

[Beastmavster]

If you're talking SR20's and 4agze's then go the 16V now..... they're as cheap as $1000 around wreckers for a bare motor (a lot of them around). A full front cut will probably be $2000-2500.

You'll pay extra for manifolds and stuff from there so overall the half cut is a much better deal.

If you want big power I'd say aftermarket EFI and a 4AGZE supercharger is the go.


Power to smoke up 33"s and a dragstrip weapon. The 16V has it's weaknessess but if you're not into submarine work it'll be the ticket for you.

[Impulsive]

lol @ submarine work.

No, will be doing a bit of mild offroad stuff...ie; maybe Sockton and a few fire trails, etc, but certainly no hard core stuff.

Will prolly just get it going with a G16A rebuild/transplant, and then consider EFI options while we're driving it around.

Thanks for your input.

[Beastmavster]

I'm now a padder....

Coool.

By the way this is an obvious excuse for additional PADDING

[02uke]

Don't waste your money on the toyota stuff. get a 4dr wagon vitara front cut from an importer. 16valve fuel injected and legal and hauls arse.

[Impulsive]

Sweet. Seems to be something of a consensus...

Thanks!!