[zok270]

hi guys
I currently have a 89 Vitara with a 2" lift, 2" body lift and 31" tyres, the motor I have is the G16A and has a crack in the head .
I was thinking of getting a later model Vitara one with 2.0L in it, probably a 97, would my suspension parts fit the later model
Vitara as I would trash the 89 as the body on it is fucked, are the 2.0L better motor or should I stick with the 1.6L,
I only use the car off road so it would not be driven on the street.

[watermouse]

You haven't specified which 2.0l Vitara you have in mind. The LWB 2.0 are V6, the SWB are 4 cylinder, SV620 and SV420 respectively.
Some people have issues with the 4 cyl J20A being a bit gutless and bogging down, (myself included).

IMO the g16B is the pick of the bunch,

[Technotron101]

I was under the impression that the J20a had 30% more torque and power than the G16B, as mentioned by someone else on the forum, but I must have been misled. Interesting though, that it seems gutless, is that an issue, or just the motor as it is?

[Gwagensteve]

It’s partially gearing- the 2.0 litre vitara has more torque for sure, but it is also heavier and is taller geared. This can be corrected somewhat by fitting 1.6 diff gears.

I’m interested that you say your car is for off-road use only. Have you upgraded to a steel diff/RHS stubby shaft? If not, I’d expect the 2.0 motor would make that fairly important.

[watermouse]

Technotron101 wrote:

I was under the impression that the J20a had 30% more torque and power than the G16B, as mentioned by someone else on the forum, but I must have been misled. Interesting though, that it seems gutless, is that an issue, or just the motor as it is?

It could be ECU related. I couldn't pin down the issues with my j20a because it would not throw a code. After various changes to coilpacks, probes, fuel pressure regulators, MAF and O2 sensors the biggest improvement I got was from clocking the CAS housing and running 98 octane. I don't think it ever produced anywhere near its alleged 97kw peak. An underwhelming yet reliable engine.

G16B is 74kw IIRC

[Gwagensteve]

74kw is a bit optimistic I think.

Locally, the vitara G16b was rated at 65kw. I’ve seen figures of 70kw for the Baleno, but this was JDM where they (used to) measure power differently so everything rated higher. (Look into SAE/DIN power ratings if you’re interested in following this sort of wormhole)

I drove an empty, new, hardtop 2.0 litre SWB vitara when new and it went quite well but not as well as I was expecting TBH.

[watermouse]

You are probably right. EEC specs 71kw 134NM for Baleno 1999.

74KW for the swift GTI g13b.


but #KWATWorGTFO

FWIW my inlaws have an SX4 hatch with the J20B motor, I own a slightly older BK Mazda3 hatch with an LF 2.0l. On paper these two cars are almost identical. Both manual, "112kw" VVT. Kerb weights within 50kg. The SX4 cannot hold a candle to the Mazda. That SX4 is a total slug. I drive both regularly.
That Mazda is a real example of what a factory can achieve with a NA 2l engine. It is a hoot to drive.

[atari4x4]

Nothing wrong with the J20a or the H20a, i preferred the J over the H, better torque delivery... steal the springs, shocks, bodylift & if the front diff is 26 spline steal the front & rear 5.12 diffs. They return the gearing back to stock when on. 31's

[zok270]

watermouse wrote:

You haven't specified which 2.0l Vitara you have in mind. The LWB 2.0 are V6, the SWB are 4 cylinder, SV620 and SV420 respectively.
Some people have issues with the 4 cyl J20A being a bit gutless and bogging down, (myself included).

IMO the g16B is the pick of the bunch,

Defiantly the short wheel base

[zok270]

Gwagensteve wrote:

It’s partially gearing- the 2.0 litre vitara has more torque for sure, but it is also heavier and is taller geared. This can be corrected somewhat by fitting 1.6 diff gears.

I’m interested that you say your car is for off-road use only. Have you upgraded to a steel diff/RHS stubby shaft? If not, I’d expect the 2.0 motor would make that fairly important.

Off road only as I use it for hunting, is the 16b a better option then?

[vet 180]

zok270 wrote:

Gwagensteve wrote:

It’s partially gearing- the 2.0 litre vitara has more torque for sure, but it is also heavier and is taller geared. This can be corrected somewhat by fitting 1.6 diff gears.

I’m interested that you say your car is for off-road use only. Have you upgraded to a steel diff/RHS stubby shaft? If not, I’d expect the 2.0 motor would make that fairly important.

Off road only as I use it for hunting, is the 16b a better option then?

For hunting I imagine you will just be using low range? The taller gearing of the 2.0 won’t matter so much, in fact it might be more beneficial in low for hunting


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