man, oh man... am i in love of that beautiful blue rascal. you´ve made it into quite the piece my friend.

Congradulations, awesome swap! thanks for letting us watch.

Looking at the comment and your reply below, I thought your son didn't want to be identified doing this swap with his old man . It's nice to see this . Looks like a good and tidy job you've done here. Well, good luck with this new powered Sidekick.

Congratulations on a nice swap and really fine video.

Thanks for the video. I am planning a very similar swap and it is so much easier having this info.

Just completed swap. Wow huge improvement. Thank you for posting the video up. After about 4K miles so far no issues. I used a exhaust header from a 200 2.0 tracker.

@MattVerley

7 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Glad it worked out for you! I haven't regretted the swap even once. I wish I would have done it years ago...really makes the sidekick more useful on the highway.

@justinhall4588

4 жыл бұрын

4 speed auto?

@MattVerley

2 жыл бұрын

@@mrbird9146 the outside dimensions of the J18 and the J23 are identical; so there are zero issues with clearance.

Old video just came across it I'm jealous great looking rig I like how it's obviously off road worthy but still a daily very well put together I got 7 geo trackers/ samurais been hobbying them a while great build u got there

Awesome project! Thanks for documenting the process.

Matt, I just purchased a 1997 Sidekick Sport with a blown engine. I am planning the 2.3L swap because of your video. I have already started my search for the 2.3L engine.

What a great swap man ! MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and your family ..

@MattVerley

8 жыл бұрын

+ShawnMrFixit Lee Thanks, and Merry Christmas to you too!

Can't wait till my kids can help. Sweet swap over.

Great vid! I'd love to swap out the J20 on my vitara for a J23, the specs appear to be more interesting without the weight of the 2.5. Hope springs eternal!

awesome swap, i am buying a 98 kick (non sport) that had this motor swapped into it, from what i hear you could get even more power out of it if you swapped the ecu into the sidekick.

great video, you have me wanting a 2.3 for my tracker. Keep up the good work.

@willd3808

6 жыл бұрын

i put a 2.5 6 cyl in my 03 tracker zr2, was loads of fun, tho i must say its easy to fishtail the thing in rain and snow now, so be careful :D

Nice job and nice video - thanks for the effort!

One Year later... Its alive... 2.3 in a 98 sport. Matt I cant thank you enough for the making of this video and also your write up listing all the parts swapped over. And for anyone wondering I can confirm that the 2.3 will run with crank sensor UNPLUGED . Take care Bro

@MattVerley

Жыл бұрын

Sweet! Glad you have it running!

@fil1329

9 ай бұрын

Interesting but I'm sure the cam sensor would need to be plugged in

I just got a sidekick 5 door with the 1.6. The car ran well enough to make it home over an hour away. It was able to comfortably hit 70 mph. I just wanted to see if it could. I only kept it there for a sec, and then back to 60. After the drive home, the engine has felt a lot less confident in it doesn't idle well, and it seems more hesitant to accelerate. I haven't had a good time to do e into the car yet. That may be today. An aerio swap has been at the back of my mind though. This video helped me, just seeing that it can be done

bit disappointing that you did not show the removal and re-installation of the parts on the engine since i am sure this is a swap that many , myself including, have been considering and are actually here to see.

@Matt Verley have you had issues with the inner axle joints? I keep on breaking the one at the front right hand side.. They've told me I could use the axle from a Samurai cut to length and have it machined with the matching pattern. Any thoughts?

The engine when first woke up in the Sidekick : "Wh... where am i? What happend to my streamline body?... no.. no.. moooooo.."

Didn't know that these had cruise control? I got a 1997 3 door soft top 1.6 and never seen any with cruise. Just curious is to where the switches are etc and what's involved? Think if I am right there's an led light on where the dials are?

Muy buen video, una pregunta en el Sidekick 91 también le quedara el motor del Aerial? Gracias

Awesome swap and great explanation.. I have a 1.8 sport as well.... hills in 5th gear it seem it hits a wall unless I give it more rpm.. I do have 235/75 tires may be a factor but since this video I been hunting a wrecked aerio.. did you use the 1.8 harness. And ecu? And just change the intake mani..

Hii Got a question Did you use same wire harnes from the tracker or did you use the ome from the aerio and which ecu did you use and what maunts thanks will like to hear from you

Hi, good job! i have a cuestion , i need make this work, i have change de ECU?

hi .. bro im from dubai and i have sidekick 89 curb i need to change the engine which it will b fit without cut or i can buy swap kit

Very good video. Thanks for sharing

Can this swap work on a 87 samurai? There’s 6 Suzuki aerios at my local junkyard. Just wondering

This is awesome!! I have a question... if I have a 1996 Geo tracker and found a Suzuki areo like you did, would I be able to just swap a/c components from the areo into my 1996 tracker🤷🏼‍♂️ and another question where did you order your suspension kit from

Okay, so you used the Sidekick ecu and harness. Did you use the Aerio fuel rail, after all? Or did you just use the Aerio longblock?

Nice video, I do the swap recently for 2004 grand vitara 2.0 i fix the 2.3 engine , i fix the old air intake,exhaust manifold,cam position sensor,and the injectors,but i didn’t feel that much difference in the engine power,what’s the reason? Maybe the injectors?!

Nice work! Im looking at a 98 Sport with a bad enginfe for 200$. Do you think the J20 would fit as well? seems to be more J20s around then J23?

Are Suzuki Vitara and Suzuki sidekick headlights on a 92 model are they the same really appreciate the help thank you

I have a 95 tracker 4x4 5spd that I'm itching to do a swap with! What kind of electronics did you need to swap/modify/carry over to make this work? Also, there's a J24B without upwards to 30 more hp than the J23... Any thoughts on that one for a potential swap? Man, I wish I had seen this video sooner!

Im about to do a swap on a white Sidekick sport, not sure what engine to do yet! nice vid

Hey great video! I have a 96 Sidekick Sport and want to do the same swap you did. Any issues? Transmission issues due to swap? My Sidekick is automatic.

Looks like a winner! I had a 2.5 in a Blazer and now have a S-10 with a 4.3. I have to watch it or it tries to get goofy. Glad to see you don't yank stuff around. Good job all the way around. Looks like you had some quality help too!

@MattVerley

8 жыл бұрын

+Lewie McNeely Yep; my son spent a few hours out in the shop helping. I told him to wear something he didn't mind getting dirty, so he chose to wear last years' soccer outfit. :) I'll take what I can get, I guess!

@lewiemcneely9143

8 жыл бұрын

ANY help is better than none unless it's the wrong kind. Does me good to see you fold up like an old-time rule getting in that rig. I remember the flight lessons.

Hi i really enjoyed watching your video's. Tanx for sharing your experience. I have similar sidekick sport can you please advise me how I can upgrade tire size for 2 inches and which suspension size I can use anything that helps me to get more ground clearance please 🙏

Excellent video! Finally what parts did you change from j20 to j23?

Nice video. Well done. One of the few KZread videos I've watched in which the narrator speaks clearly, uses good grammar and diction, and doesn't sound brain dead. What did you think of the SIdekick in stock condition? Nice shop too!

I’m sure this mill would be a power plant for a small hot rod, so does the transfer case come off, allowing me to put it in Morris Minor?

Hi matt was that timing chain rattle when you first started the j23? and did it continue when it was warm. i have a j20a with the same rattle on startup and can faintly hear it when it is warm im not sure if it needs replaced or not did you replace yours before you went on your long drive?

Would this bolt to the 94 geo tracker 8v 1.8 auto trans? I’m looking to do a swap for more power. Awesome video and thank you for the information!

I've done this swap with a very weird byproduct in a 98 auto. The ECT temp readings show way high at up to 240 degrees at idle but engine never overheats and IR temp sensors at key locations (leaving motor at ECT and entering water pump) . read around 180-190 . This with 2 different ECTs and 2 separate scanners. Very strange.

It seems that your transmission is smooth. What do I need to do to have mine like that?

is it necessary to use J23 engine ECU? Can I use the ECU of the J20 in the J23? Do I have to use the harness of the J23 instead of using J20?

Thanks for the insight I now have a 2.3 from a 04 Aerio going into my 98 Suzuki sidekick sport can't wait to take it to the trails. Again thanks

@phila.5221

7 жыл бұрын

Nathanael Pedroza you get this done yet? Is your Sidekick auto or standard?

@9graff9

2 жыл бұрын

I have a 2005 aerio 2.3 intact for sale if anyone is interested

@JPDeleurme

Жыл бұрын

@@9graff9 you still have it?

HI MATT. DID YOU CHANGE THE ENGINE MOUNTING BRACKETS? i BOUGHT A SPORT WITH A 2.3L AND THE MOTOR IS NOT STRAIGHT IN THE BAY - DRIVER SIDE IS LOWER. I THOUGHT THE MOTOR MOUNT WAS BAD AND REPLACED THEM - NO CHANGE. SO I AM THINKING THAT THE ARM COMING OFF THE BLOCK IS DIFFERENT?

I’m going from a 2.0 to a 2.3 and my question is what fuel rail did you use ? Thanks

Great video :) I really enjoyed watching this one and learnt some things too. Would the 2.4L (J24b) engine from a Suzuki Kizashi fit with no hassles like your 2.3L did? Being a Suzuki J series motor I'd hope so. It makes 185hp at 6,500rpm and 170lb ft at 4,000rpm

@thebanjoman1963

5 жыл бұрын

While considered a J series motor the 2.4 Kizashi motor is entirely different from the J18/J20/J23 type motor used in this swap.

Hello Matt, could you share me what suspension did you get to your SIDEKICK SPORT? Thank you!

intake manfold 1.8 (3''dia.) ((more air flow rate)) give more hp than 2.3 manifold with dia smaller ?? i have and run 1.8 (j18) in my samurai on 36x13,5 and i have aerio (j23) daily drive car what is the best ?? only swap block engine ?? or Full swap with standalone harness job ??? thanks you!

As far as electrical goes what was the major differences as I’m about to do this swap next week on a 2003 2.0 tracker Thank you

Greatly informative video, I was just wondering if you ran into any trouble with smog/ emissions testing and what kind of mpg you are getting with the upgraded engine and all of your modifications?

@MattVerley

6 жыл бұрын

I don't have emissions testing where I live. It SHOULD pass though. ECU still shows correct vin, and all stock 1.8 emissions equipment is in place. Fuel economy varies a lot. If I'm driving 55-65 on local highways, I pull around 24 MPG. Dirt 2 track and higher speed gravel roads return a little lower numbers. Running 90 MPH through the midwest states drops economy down to around 18 MPG.

What flywheel you put on ?? I have a 1.8 aerio engine for my sidekick too , I don’t know wich flywheel and clutch I need

Matt, will all years Aerio 2.3L (2002-2007) engines work for this swap? The later years engines have higher HP & Torque.

I have a 1.6 1995 JLX. will a J23 bolt on to the transmission as well?

I have a 97 sidekick w/ 1.6 16 valve is this swap possible for that setup?

Hey . I do a swap on my Vitara. By car it was before the motor g16a, and now I decided to put j20a. the motor with the box fits perfectly, but the flywheel is not included in the bell of the box. you have the same box as me, and the motor is the same. and you all coincided. how so . What is your flywheel diameter? I have 282 mm and it does not enter

Matt, I see that Oregon follows the same CARB smog standard as California. So I believe that means if your swap passed the Oregon smog test it should also pass the California smog test. Do you know of anyone who successfully passed the California smog test after the 2.3L swap?

I think you do Marvel a job beautiful job I do have a Geo tracker 1999 to door compatible I wish I can do something like that cheap nice Spencer the motor they have factory it's kind of weak I like to do something like you really nice job I believe people from Puerto Rico they love your job thank you for teaching us a lot things

Hello Matt, can I ask you a couple questions on the swap you did? Thank you.

Hey @matt where did you get those front control arms from? They look beefy!

love ur truck where did you get your lower A arms

Did you end up using the wiring harness from the aerio or did you just used the computer only or both?

Would you know someone that can repair rebuild my transmission of my JLX sport in oregon portland that knows sidekicks and reasonable?

Hey I just found this video. It's great the prefect engine swap. Now for the questions I have a 96 tracker 1.6 16v do you know if the trans is the same on the 2.3? And will I need to find a 1.8 for the induction and wiring harness for the 1.8.

@MattVerley

6 жыл бұрын

Dexter Reid the 1.6 and 2.3 have the same bellhousing bolt pattern, but that's where the similarities end. You'll need several donor parts from a 1.8 or 2.0 tracker/sidekick engine, and the swap isn't nearly as bolt-in as if it was going into a Sport. You might consider contacting trail tough, as they make a kit to swap the j series engines into sidekicks and samurai, and that could save you some headache.

You stick with the sidekick computer or do you also change it?

What all did you have to pull off the sidekick to do the swap? Or did you just swap all the accessories?

I was hoping I would have found it in the comments but to no avail. What are you using for the time lapse conveyor system? Nice job on the truck, much faster than a tdi samurai.

@MattVerley

8 жыл бұрын

+Peter Yeend I built my own timelapse rig out of a drawer slider and a gearmotor. That project is located here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/eHqr2JiQeJzNeNY.html

great job bro, but i have a question, do you have problem with the crank sensor? i think the dents of crankshaft are different than 1.8 l

@MattVerley

5 жыл бұрын

I've heard that too...but in my case it wasnt true. I counted and both had the same number of teeth on the crankshaft and the exact same CPS. Maybe JDM engines are different...I dont know. But this one was the same. I'm not really sure what the CPS is even used for in these engines anyway. Spark and fuel timing comes from the camshaft synchronizer. Maybe misfire monitoring.

hi matt. what kind of control arm and shocks are you using on the sidekick? and i can't see if you have coil springs in the front?thanks

@MattVerley

8 жыл бұрын

Bob Tupper from Kreation Fabrication makes them. They are custom lower control arms and fox dual rate coilovers.

Matt Verley what size tires were you running when you made the swap to the 2.3 and what size are you running now ?

@MattVerley

6 жыл бұрын

I am running LT265/75R16's; they measure out at about 32" in diameter. Same size tires both before and after the engine swap.

Hey Matt. Great video! Did your 96 come with the 1.8 or did you upgrade from the 1.6 16v? If so; what did you have to do to get the 1.8 swapped? I have a 93 2 door Tracker, 5 speed and would love to install either a 1.8 a 2.0 or a 2.3. Any top tips? Thanks

@MattVerley

5 жыл бұрын

Hi Tony, my 96 was a Sport model so it came from the factory with a 1.8L j18. The 1.8, 2.0, and 2.3 are the same family engine and are easily interchangeable. The 1.6L engines are a G series engine, and the swap isn't as easy. The J series will bolt up to the bell housing, but that's where the similarities end.

@BraveHelios

5 жыл бұрын

@@MattVerley I see and that's a bummer. I do have a 1.6 16 valve that I can rebuild and swap it for the original 1.6 8 valve. It's a small performance increase; better than nothing I reckon!

planning on doing the same swap on my sport as soon as a get a donor locked in. what lift are you running and tire size on yours? I'm 2 body and 2 suspension right now and putting in grand vatra springs in the next week or so. but I like you lower a arms and stuff is why I'm asking.

@MattVerley

8 жыл бұрын

+Charlie Stogdale Sweet! Finding the donor was the hard part for me; not a lot of 2004+ Aerios out on the road. But, they are out there. I'm running a 5" lift with custom upper and lower links on the rear, custom A-rams on the front with Fox coilovers in place of the struts. The parts all came from Kreation Fabrication in Salem, OR and were slightly modified to work on the Sport. The tires are metric, but measure out at about 32x11.5

thank you!, I am getting ready to do the same swap to my 'sport. I had heard of an issue, but you are the third person I've talked to to have done swap with mo issues. what year aerio?

@MattVerley

8 жыл бұрын

+Brian Downing the donor was a 2006

@benjaminrodriguez6645

3 жыл бұрын

Buenas tardes q tuvieron q comprar para ser ese invento en un sidekick

Did you change wire harness and ecm?

thank you!

Can I ask you one question I have a 95 Suzuki Vitara with the 1,6L EU or jdm I don't know that for sure will the 1,8 or 2,3 bolt up with some minor modifications??😀😀

@henkjansen1717

5 жыл бұрын

King Whispa Engine mounts and wiring harness/ecu are different i think. Maybe a baleno wich has a g16/j18 can give you some inspiration.

@CristianHaulica

5 жыл бұрын

Even the frame is different in front. I'm afraid that will not be a easy swap.

Hey Sewerzuk, really enjoying the vids! Great Job. What tires are you running on this Sidekick?

@MattVerley

7 жыл бұрын

Travis Hansen thanks! Goodyear wrangler MTR, 265 75 r16. Measure out to about 32x11.5

@travishansen4908

7 жыл бұрын

sweet and thanks. You must be running a fair bit of lift over stock then?

Great video! I'm about to take a swap from the 1.6 16v to the 2.3. Do you have any idea if i can use the 1.6 ecu like you did with the 1.8?

@MattVerley

7 жыл бұрын

Jonas Fordham the 1.6 ecru won't work...the 1.8 and 2.3 are in the same family of engines, but the 1.6 is a completely different animal.

@treeandsprinkler

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I have been researching that and found how true it is. I found a good deal on a donor with the 2.3 and harness. Trying to get a feel for how big of a project it is. How many hours did you have in your swap?

Hey mate, do you know at all if the j20a from the newer vitara would fit in a 1990 model Vitara that has the g16a in it? Cheers

@MattVerley

5 жыл бұрын

The bell housing is the same, so the transmission will bolt up but that's where the similarities end. The G engines have a lot of differences from the J engines; a swap requires a bit of custom work.

did you have any crank position sensor issues, check engine lights?

@MattVerley

8 жыл бұрын

+Brian Downing nope; I counted teeth on both reluctor wheels when I swapped over oil pans and pickups; they were an exact match. No check engine light.

Thanks for posting this video, showing the truth about this swap

Nice job

Did you end up trying the 2.3 ecu?

Thanks for an awesome reassuring video. Through your research, what year model Aerio's will work? Any Aerio with a 2.3 will go as smooth as your swap did?

@MattVerley

8 жыл бұрын

I wish I could tell you with 100% certainty that any Aerio 2.3 will work, but I can't. I'm fairly certain that any us-spec Aerio will work, but I did find some information that leads me to believe the JDM engines are slightly different. I found this swap to be very easy, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I just took this sidekick on a 2000 mile Overland trip, and I love the aerio engine.

@phila.5221

8 жыл бұрын

+sewerzuk And I believe you used a 2006 Aerio?

@MattVerley

8 жыл бұрын

Phil Airheart Yes, I believe that's correct. 2004 and newer had the 2.3L, IIRC. I found a lot of misinformation in my research...lots of people told me it wouldn't work without doing an ECU/harness swap. I have a few months and several thousand miles on it now with no problems. The power gain was significant. Here is the video from my overland trip with it: kzread.info/dash/bejne/o4V6uZidma-eZtY.html

@phila.5221

8 жыл бұрын

+sewerzuk I hate pumping you for info, but as you know, the internet is full of people giving their expert advice on these with no experience. Was the Aerio a standard? Mine is an auto. I wonder if yours being a standard made the swap any easier?

@MattVerley

8 жыл бұрын

Phil Airheart Nope, the donor car was an auto. My Sidekick is a standard. No problem there.

My friend. I have such a machine. I want you to help me. How the engine runs connecting wiring from your computer

Hi! Great video! One question from me. You are using the 1.8 ECU and Install, so what is the output of the J23 motor? samo horsepowers as 1.8 motor or? This is really interesting!

@MattVerley

7 жыл бұрын

yes, I am using the 1.8 ECU. but, with the 2.3 fuel rail and injectors, the ECU has no problem compensating for the extra displacement. The 2.3 has significantly more power than the 1.8.

@brianwynn5081

7 жыл бұрын

Hey sewerzuk how much or an upgrade would a J18engine be from my G16a (8valve carby engine) ? and would it be relitavily bolt in like your J23 ?

@MattVerley

7 жыл бұрын

The J18 is a completely different engine than the G series. It WILL bolt to your transmission, but that's about it. You would need to fab up motor mounts, wiring harness, ECU, fuel system, etc. Not worth it, IMO. Trail Tough does make a swap kit for the 2.0 (basically the same engine as a J18). If I was going to take on a swap like that, I would put down the $$ for the 2.0 kit.

@brianwynn5081

7 жыл бұрын

sewerzuk awesome mate that's about what I expected I can do most if not all of that my self (with help from mates) no worries, how much power difference is there between the J18 and 20 ?

@MattVerley

7 жыл бұрын

Peak horsepower is only a little higher with the 2.0, but it feels like a much more powerful engine because of where it makes that power. Much better low end torque. Not sure about availability where you live, but around here the 2.0's are very easy to find. Not so much with the 1.8 or 2.3.

Wish I had found out that I could plug in a stronger engine sooner. I have lots of power in the 1.8 at higher rpm but I need it at lower rpm off road .

Great video! Are you using the stock sidekick sport harness and ecu?

@MattVerley

8 жыл бұрын

yes, basically the only thing that I changed was the long block. everything else is stock 1.8 stuff.

@jebbittner525

7 жыл бұрын

after watching and reading video and comments perhaps I didn't see the information but are the motor mounts to the frame the same for both motors???

Just wanting to see how your engine swap is still doing? I have a 1998 1.8 that I am thinking about putting the 2.3 into it. Any pointers or things to look out for? Looks fairly easy to do from your video. But could use any info if you have any. Thanks

@MattVerley

6 жыл бұрын

Still running strong 2 years later; no issues at all. It is a pretty straightforward swap. I think most of the details are covered in the video.

@MegaTanker77

6 жыл бұрын

Just finished the swap last week. Works great & I like the extra power. Thanks for the video. What did you do about your air bag sensors on your custom bumper? Can you delete the whole system or can you temporarily disable it. It would suck if they went off while 4X4 ing.

@MattVerley

6 жыл бұрын

Not sure I can help on the airbag sensors; IIRC I didn't need to do anything with the sensor when I did the bumper. Maybe it was mounted on the crossmember behind the bumper? Just don't remember doing anything with that sensor...

I’m doing the conversion now in an automatic and I can’t get the motor to fully connect I have half a inch separation from them mounting all the other things worked any suggestions?

@thebanjoman1963

5 жыл бұрын

I have a J23 in my 98 Sport with Auto and it all mates up properly. You need to have the proper spacing from the crank to the flex plate. I didn't get the spacers correctly and it didn't mate up. This was 3 months ago so you may have already got it.

@bigfoodie9774

4 жыл бұрын

@@thebanjoman1963 does the automatic shift normally?

@justinhall4588

4 жыл бұрын

How well did auto work out

I know this is an old video, but maybe someone will answer. Did you have to do anything special for engine management? Aerio ECU for example?

@MattVerley

6 жыл бұрын

Corey Halverson no, still running the stock 1.8 ECU. Engines are so similar, it has no problem with the 2.3. No check engine light, and no other issues. In fact, I'm on a 1000 mile overland trip with it right now.

@coreyhalverson2126

6 жыл бұрын

Sweet, thanks for the response. Not sure if you even have to where you are, but did it go through smog? Have fun on your trip.

really looking forward to your reply

Do all Suzuki Sidekicks (from the same year era) come with the J18 1.8L?

@MattVerley

7 жыл бұрын

Brian Nolastname nope, only the sport sub-models

@briannolastname6869

7 жыл бұрын

sewerzuk such as the JLX model? I'm wanting to do this engine swap as well, and want to make darn sure I have exactly what you have (except mine is a 1998). great how to video, and we'll done!

Would this same swap work for a 87 suzuki samurai?

@MattVerley

5 жыл бұрын

There are several ways to swap the 2.3 into a Samurai, but it is not a simple as a swap into a Sidekick Sports as shown in this video. The folks at Trail Tough carry all of the necessary parts to do a swap into a Samurai, you can check them out at www.trailtough.com

Would this work for a 1993 geo tracker?

@ZUKIJIMMY

5 жыл бұрын

Mateo Tine no, I mean it would take a lot of work but it is not a direct bolt in replacement for a normal Suzuki 1.6 (non sport model)

What have you got machined on the 1.8 flywheel?

@MattVerley

4 жыл бұрын

Nothing, it bolts right up to the 2.3L crankshaft

Matt, would this swap work if your Sidekick Sport is an automatic instead of a 5 speed?

@MattVerley

Жыл бұрын

Yes, it should work just fine

@brianschultz5696

Жыл бұрын

@@MattVerley Thanks Matt! I'm in California so if this swap is smog legal, that would make a really compelling small off-road vehicle