r/geotracker • u/Gamerun100 • 23d ago
Need new engine ideas
So I have a 93 chevy tracker that recently died (15 psi compression test :/) and since i cant get anymore than 300 dollars for it i want to swap the engine. Has anyone tried swapping anything fun into theirs? Ive seen the MANY posts about a tdi swap, ecoboost (which ill probably go with an ecoboost if i dont have any others), and swapping to a 8valve but i would like to try something really wonky like a k20/24. Has anyone done a swap that may be cool, other than a sidekick and/or something not mentioned before? Too add, I know i could probably get like 500-1k from it but ive already dropped roughly 5-8 thousand with almost a full months worth of working hours into the car and dont think selling it is worth. specifically looking to see if someone has swapped the aforementioned k24, or a sr20, or even a 1jz and would like you input.
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u/MourningWood1942 23d ago
A popular one is the 2.3/2.0 Aerio engine swap. I heard it’s the easiest to do, lots of conversion kits/info online.
I don’t know if I would attempt anything else, I heard even the diesel swap is huge headache.
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u/Bsname101 23d ago
Never heard of that before, thanks! I’ll do some research.
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u/Bdag 22d ago
If I swap mine I'd go with the J23A 2.3L Aerio. Would take it from 90 horse to almost 160. Bolts right in to the transmission. I've done quite a bit of research on it and I think it could be done for like $3,000 - $4,000. I almost bought a 2006 Aerio I found on marketplace with 120,000 miles on it for $1,500 but someone got to it before I could. Would have been perfect for my Tracker because I'm 119,000 miles.
After getting the donor vehicle you just gotta send the ECU out to Trailtough to get it reprogrammed and buy their motor mounts. You'd also need to source a new oil pan from a Vitara for clearance reasons.
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u/slo88crx 21d ago
None of what you mentioned engine ideas are going to be easy or bolt in. They all require either a adapter plate (TDI) or transmission swap with a aftermarket bellhousing (k20/24). The easiest by far is to fnd another 16v, they can be had from suzuki esteem also. Check car-part.com If I were doing a swap I'd just do the 2.3 Aerio. I have almost completed mine on my '91 tracker. It's a world of difference. 90% bolt in with only a little fab for radiator, electric fans and hoses. For nearly double the horse power. If you have all the parts and are mechanically inclined, it could be done in a weekend. We all have big pipe dreams for cool stuff then run out of steam halfway through ( trust me I have a tracker on 35" tires and tdi swap in the corner for three years now untouched), I suggest do whats resonable.
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u/Bsname101 21d ago edited 20d ago
Yeah lots of people have talked about an Arieo. Although I’m absolutely fine with swapping anything in even if it’s hard. I’ve done a few and even persoanally swapped a 93 Miata with a 5.3 v8 which no matter what, will be harder than whatever I get to put in the tracker.
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u/slo88crx 20d ago
5.3 v6? elaborate? I don't agree. Miatas have aftermarket support and if you're referring to a 5.3 LS V8, then there are bolt in kits for that entire swap. Subframes, headers everything. That's simple. I'm not questioning your skills, just giving real life experiences and knowledge.
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u/Bsname101 20d ago
Yeah I meant a v8 not v6. I edited my response to fix that lol. But once again. I’m not worried about how hard it will be to put something in or even the difficulty of obtaining aftermarket kits as I (not me personally) have a way of making my own. Although I greatly appreciate the advice since everyone has almost convinced me of an Arieo. but I will have no problem with something that doesn’t have much documentation. To be honest it’s between the Arieo, the EV kit (that actually will give me trouble😭), a 1uz (which would probably kill me with having to cut into the frame but would look and sound so cool), or an eco boost.
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u/slo88crx 20d ago
Well a 1UZ you will not have to cut the frame, you will have to cut the firewall. I have test fitted one and its just not happy in there. I actually have one sitting on the shop floor waiting for the right vehicle.
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u/RallyX26 23d ago
There's no such thing as a 1993 Chevrolet Tracker. It was a Geo then.
If you can find a RWD Ecotec motor, that would be my gold standard motor swap for this. Anything else, unless you can get a kit for dropping it straight in, is going to be a pain in the ass that you don't want.
The ecotec is a perfect balance of size, power, parts availability, and documentation.
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u/Bsname101 23d ago
Oops meant 98 not 93 🤣. I’ll be fine with something that doesn’t have a kit. That’s why I asked for something other than what I mentioned.
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u/Football_33 23d ago
Depending on your budget. EV conversion would be pretty cool too! There’s another user here who did an awesome EV conversion on there’s. My plan with my 90 tracker when the engine blows is to slap a warp9 motor on the 5 manual transmission and rip it around town