LJ 20 Engine / Tranny options

[A_Lex_Ass]

Based on the lack of new posts in this section, I'm not sure if anyone ever checks it, but here goes.

Reading the "What motors will fit a stock lj80??" post, someone mentioned that the tranny tunnel is very narrow in an LJ.

I'm thinking of buying an LJ20, but I won't be able to live with the 2 stroke in it or a 1.0L from an SJ410. I'm thinking of a Pontiac Firefly 3 Cyl turbo or just the regular 3 cyl non-turbo. Does anybody know if either of these suzuki engines can bolt up to an LJ tranny? I'm assuming I would need some type of adapter, but I'm worried that the LJ tranny is tiny.

Is a Samurai 5 spd tranny too wide for the LJ tunnel? If anybody has a good suggestion for a 5-spd tranny (with no cutting or huge body lifts) I'm all ears.

[TheSarg]

Awe man do u really have to chop one up??

i dont know why u would go a 3cyl instead of the 1.0L as its FOUR cyl and other then monkeying with a few parts it will bolt rite to an LJ80 tranny which fits in the tunnel.

the sami 5 spd will not fit without suffcient lift and/or tunnel mods


goto lj10.com and see what swaps have already been done, but understand you are dealing with a rare pievce of history there and not everybody will be receptive to modification....if it was an LJ80 sure, but a 20?

[meatloaf]

I agree with The Sarg, most LJ20 owners are extremely pleased with the little 2 strokers.
Because they are rare, they have that extra appeal of standing out in crowd and turning heads wherever they go.
Treasure the little rascals for what they are, and modify something more plentiful and, dare I say, commonplace.

[A_Lex_Ass]

You guys are right that it is better to preserve the LJ 20.

If I do any mods they will be only bolt-on and I will preserve the original parts. I will need more than 26 hp though.

[Mudslug]

I have an idea.

I have an R1 motor that will slide into that engine bay no problem. Hook it up via either a rag joint or custom made drive shaft to the T case that already sits in the LJ. Or if your really keen go to the tranny and you would have 48 forward gears with gearing that would be super low.

Just keep all the stock stuff for if you ever want to put it back stock.

1378lbs with a 170hp motor that revs to 150000rpm....it would be a complete monster.