1.6 N/A or TD into Sidekick/Tracker q's

[veedubcanuck]

So I am thinking of putting one of my spare engines in my Tracker. Nut sure if I will use the TD or the NA yet. What am I up against? The Tracker is a 91 with an Auto trans. I'd like to keep it like that b/c I don't want the extra work of finding all stuff to change it to a manual. Who makes good complete kits? How much work is involved ie. to the vehicle. And what extra parts will I need. Any input and pictures would really help... Thanks guys!

[arb]

I only voted no because of the auto trans... You have one problem from the word go - the auto trans relies on engine vacuum to govern the shift points. This has to be changed or the auto will not work correctly. I've driven diesel's with converted gasser auto trans on them and they never properly performed. The gasser is nearly always rev'in higher than the diesel.

The second is a possible problem with your torque converter - the Jeep Liberty diesel sold here only had an auto trans. The torque converter was from the gasser and simply can not survive the torque and will in time break. What is the coverter you have designed to sustain ?

Get a manual, and I think you have something worth while.

[mud and diesel]

If were talking about the 1.6 I would go with the td anyday, why make your rig slower? the td is also as efficient as the na in this application. As arb said manual would be a better option for you, for both fuel economy and driveability. Ive done both the 1.9td aaz and the 1.6td gtd engines in a vitara (uk tracker) and have had good results. As far as conversion kits, i would go with acme adapters, http://www.acmeadapters.com/index.php?sound=Y  the service and quality of the kit was awsome. Also jeffs a nice bloke, and will help you all the way through your build too.
My friends vit i did for him.
http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content/topic,66627.0.html

[allsierra123]

I dont know if i agree with your statements on auto transmissions. I have a few friends that have auto vanagons one with a TD and one with a TDI. They seem to do fine. Maybe the vw trans is setup differently I dont know. But they havent had a bit of trouble yet. I am putting A TD in mine as we speak.