Easter Basket-

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

Kief

Kief

Joined
Apr 24, 2003
Threads
323
Messages
5,695
Location
Southwest Oregon
CASE!!!

So a friend/neighbor loaned out his 80's tin-top sammi out to someone and it came back with a really bad knock.. He was disgusted and decided it was time to sell it. He offered it to me at a fair price. It has a nasty knock, 180k +/- 100k, no rust, torn uphulstery and I'm looking for a replacement or swap motor. 1.6 liter would be cool, any suggestions? I will check the motor out first but I figured I'd start looking. Kid #2 is thinking he might want it and just turned 15. I can barely afford gas for my 'cruiser so this might be a good choice, however, 4x4 raises insurance.. I know y'all have some sammi' experience..
 
Personally I would never own another Sammi again. They are only good for hardcore wheeling and need a ton of upgrades to make them fit 31's and/or do 55mph. Wouldn't let my kids own one since they can be totaled if you hit a fat squirrel. Tin tops don't have a lot of resale value to them either.
 
I've noticed that soft tops seem to be in demand more so than the hard tops. I've stayed away from them as they are so light weight/toy-ish in either version. I don't know if this will be a semi-permanent addition. I've also noticed that all of the cool old 4x4's are getting farther and fewer between. I've also gotten out-wheeled a bunch of times by stock sammi's. We have a lot of squirrels out here so we'll be careful ;)
After owning a soft-top rig at one point I know that they don't get along with the rain if I don't have indoor storage for one and the tracker hard top kid #1 has has been a great rig so I'm OK with a tin-top.
It looks like the motor/ECU out of a 92-96 tracker or a sidekick with the 16 valves is the best way to go, needing an optional (time vs. $$) $579 kit for the wiring and $150 adapter for engine to tranny.. I want to keep expenses under re-sale value.
 
Seriously, call Travis! The tin-tops are rare and worth more. But he may have a line on an engine... He has the diesel that he wanted to drop into his, so there is another engine that may be available. Heck, Sam and him have even talked about getting another one. He also has a pulse on what they are worth...
 
How clean is the tin tip? If its remotely straight they are super desirable! Lately I've been wanting a stockish sized one again, but people want to much money...

Wiring is super simple. Go early 8 valve for the simplest, gain mote torque and no hp. 1990+ 8 valve and you'll gain a little more and the wiring is almost the same. Now the 16valve is the best bang for the buck without going 1.8 or two litern and the wiring is still pretty basic. Same adapter used throughout til you hit the 1.8.

Definitely stick at least a 8 vale in it, if it doesn't have the power you like throw boost at it and things get super fun! Loved playing with the big block jeep with my little worn out boosted 8 valve and 32's. If you decide to sell it let Travis or myself know. I know on of us will take it, if not we got you covered on all the info you'll need.
 
Loren at Johnson's autowrecking has a lot of Suzuki's at his yard might want to look him up :D Tell him James sent ya from mccoy towing and western tow might get a better deal :eek: Also I have a sammy frankenstein with a 4.3 vortec in it with a turbo 350? tranny. I'm trying to part with it for 700$
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 1 (members: 0, guests: 1)

Share this page

Back
Top Bottom