Best Suzuki Samurai Mods/Upgrades: Top 3 Favorite (for now)

[@philip4x4guy]

I have had the same goal, oem+ keep it reasonable but also capable , I couldn't believe how much cooler it kept it inside when I got my windows tinted, I couldn't care less about the looks, I'm a believer! I'd put lunchbox locker, better low range gears, and OME springs as my top 3 improvements.

[@samuraiszn]

awesome! Tint sounds so silly but it's way easier and cheaper than gears, motor swap, and a lift, so why not haha. Locker and gears have definitely been a game changer as well!

[@johnmca5643]

This brings back memories. I had a 1986 Samurai. I sold it back in 1998. I did the same motor swap. I had to have one motor mount fabricated back then. I had front and rear locker. The nest thing I did was build and install a rock lobster transfer case. It was simple to build. You'll need a gear out of an SJ410 transfer case. I had an Aussie Bull Bar bumper, 3-inch lift, etc. In 1991(?) I went to an all Samurai gathering in Moab. It was great. A picture of me going up the Double Whammy made it in 4 Wheeler magazine....Epic!

[@samuraiszn]

that sounds like a party to me! If you are able to find that photo I would love to see it. You can email me at [e-mail]

[@johnmca5643]

@@samuraiszn I will send you the photo. I still have the magazine. I'm overseas now but will get it to you when I get home.

[@samuraiszn]

@@johnmca5643 looking forward to it!

[@offgridmangogrower]

The rock lobster caught my attention…I’m adding a Yanmar and need very low gearing..

[@Gatsby-r5i]

I’ve had my 86 Suzuki Samurai for close to a year now, it’s my first car and I absolutely love it. But as of everything he said in this video, it is all true. I couldn’t stop laughing because the very first thing you said on your list was your 3rd favorite upgrade; when you said one of the reasons was because your A/C doesn’t work I literally had to sit down 😂😂

[@samuraiszn]

😅 my A/C doesn't work as in - my car never came with it!

[@maximuskhann5318]

Nice sami, I have 1995 sj410, I also going swap engine soon, Love ur sami @ 5.01.

[@samuraiszn]

thank you Maximus!

[@elsuperpollo2273]

I plan on getting one, to use the stick shift keeping up driving stick skills, the 4x4 part, and add a HF mobile transciever and a UHF/VHF mobile transciever with updated Bluetooth am/fm radio

[@samuraiszn]

I finally got a UHF/VHF as well, can't wait to get it fully set!

[@briankirwan9588]

My sj413k basically a Suzuki samurai pick up truck. Has the stock engine with a weber carb modified so it does not flood on angles, cam, headers some other small stuff. It makes around 85hp. With 6.5 to 1 transfer case gears and 30 inch tires it cruises on the highway no problem and is very similar speed and acceleration-wise to a Honda fit. It also will idle over almost every obstacle on trails in low so it's perfect.

[@samuraiszn]

sounds like the perfect mix! What's your highway cruising speed with that gearing and tire size?

[@briankirwan9588]

@@samuraiszn it cruises very nicely anywhere from 100kmh to 120kmh. I believe that is 62 mph to 75 mph. It revs around 3800rpm at 100kph which is about 200 rpm more than stock I believe. I can hold hills in 5th gear cruising no problem as long as it's not super steep. Most it the time I keep it around 100-110kmh just because its loud lol.

[@amlreyesjr]

I dont have a Samurai but I do have a lightly modded 4 dour Sidekick, and a Swift for my more spirited driving sessions. I just wanted to say your Samurai looks awesome! Those mods make the car clean looking I think - great build indeed. Locally here I've seen some Samurai owners go for the Swift's M16A engine. A bit rare compared to the more common M15A but packs a punch; also has better tunning options and bolt on parts. btw I love that slide at the end!

[@samuraiszn]

hey there thank you for the kind words! they are all great cars and share many of the same characteristics 🙌🏻 I will have to look at the M16A & M15A engines, that sounds awesome

[@gerwinferro7755]

Really cool video bro keep pushing 🔥🔥🔥

[@samuraiszn]

Thank you my friend!

[@NuclearSandwich7]

Let me preface this by saying none of you will like the way I went about this.. but I took OEM plus to the max with my build. I kept the stock engine (crazy I know) But I built the heck out of it. High comp pistons, New camshaft Sidewinder carb Low range header MSD coil Aluminum radiator ARP hardware Etc. I know I’m forgetting stuff. Overall I spent way more money than a guy who Just swaps in the 1.6 but I make at least that much power, maybe a hair more. I like being able to say it’s got the “stock“ engine. I also went with the OME lift because it’s supposed to offer the best ride quality and I’ve been thoroughly impressed with its manners. It still feels like something that could have realistically been OEM if the guys at Suzuki were a bit more obsessive.

[@samuraiszn]

ok ok, you win! So what's the word on the engine modifications and OME? How's the power? How's the ride quality? I'm on the fence with trying OME or going YJ again on a Samurai that is in progress.

[@NuclearSandwich7]

@@samuraiszn Engine makes awesome power. It’s still a 1.3 so I won’t act like it’s a v8, but it makes mountains of torque compared to stock and the side draft carb is infinitely better on steep angles than stock. Better on flat too. The OME suspension is better than stock 100%. It’s not a huge lift so you have limitations there, but it approaches the ride quality of my 1986 Toyota pickup with IFS and stock suspension. Not as good, but it’s in the same ballpark.

[@albertramirez797]

Hell yeah bro got one too same engine swap on some Cherokee leaf springs on 33s she rips

[@samuraiszn]

nice! Spring over axle or spring under axle with the lift?

[@albertramirez797]

Springs over the axle also with the front shackles like you got buy trail tough

[@LunarBrony]

I own a .5 liter Japanese market F5A JA71 Jimny. When I get back to the states I need an engine swap 😂

[@jeffreyplumber1975]

.5 liter ? was that the 2 stroke engine?

[@ZUKME]

Love this!

[@samuraiszn]

thank you!!

[@jeffrankin9744]

I know every one has an opinion, here my meaningless one. I engine swapped to a gm 2.8 v6. 1. Million of them easy to fix. 2. 130 hrpr stock. 3. 140 lbs torque. It made my Sammy a lot more reliable and more fun to drive The engine after a full rebuild was 2700 but I now had around 190k on it since the swap. Also love the build keep do cool stuff. Need some videos of it 4x4 outings.

[@samuraiszn]

Awesome! That's a great idea, was it tough to figure out the trans / transfer case configuration? Would love to see some pics or check it out sometime 👍🏼

[@jeffrankin9744]

@@samuraiszn to tell you the truth it was so long ago I can't remember everything but the easy part for me was...I just bought a s10 blazer and had a shop do the swap over. I think the transfer case did bolt to the transmission. I haven't had that Sammy in probably 8 years. Sold it to my ex brother in law. I do see it from time to time in town. So I know it's still going..

[@jessebrown1400]

@@samuraiszn the transfer case does not bolt to the transmission, there is a propshaft and the difficult part is getting the bellhousing to bolt to the engine assuming you didn't swap the transmission as well. Engine swapping in Suzuki's is not a simple affair, most of them need adapter plates even when switching between Suzuki motors and transmissions because AISIN makes the transmissions not suzuki.

[@georgesimpson3113]

@@jessebrown1400 when you swap the engine, use a 2wd engine AND trans. that way there are no adaptors. just shorten the half shaft.

[@jessebrown1400]

@@georgesimpson3113 I have heard ppl recommend the 2wd transmission but it doesn't make sense in my head because the 2wd transaxle does not have output shaft going to rear differential except in the case of the sx4 transverse set up. The Alto maybe the Forenza have this AWD transaxle setup. Do you have a link with anything that could help me wrap my noodle around it. I have heard the light aircraft guys mentioning the 2wd gearbox is possibly the toughest box out of them all. Again it confuses me why this would be but I'm open to ideas.

[@thomassnyder3674]

The simplest way to lift a Sami is to move spring perches from the bottom of the axles to the top. That in itself is a 3” lift, also I’ve been running 31/15.50/15’s my suggestion is a panhard bar due to frame twist

[@samuraiszn]

That is a good option as well! Thanks for the input Thomas. I personally had a goal to keep this build Spring Under Axle. We had a different samurai years back with a Spring Over that we did, and it wasn't really for me and my driving style.

[@benjamincooke1885]

Panhard all day if you're going for SPOA, but I'm keeping my SPUA but with fresh poly bushes etc. Should provide same lift without need for any brake hose extension etc

[@angusbarker5733]

@benjamincooke1885 better off spua man You want these cars to preform better get longer front leafs by moving the front mounts forward and putting 2 sets of rear leafs in then keep it at either stock or 2 inch and guard chop Low centre of gravity is king

[@Jason-zp4ly]

Built my Sammi before this kid was born. Funny how some can think they are inventing the wheel. If he wants more performance out of his Sammi, he will end up doing a spoa w/yj or a coil over. He didn't even realize that with the 6:1 gears and those little tires, he would have never needed an engine swap. Engine swap doesn't even come into play until your running 35's and larger.

[@angusbarker5733]

@@Jason-zp4ly would personally never do spoa keep it low and guard chop it to fit 35s ect... keep ya centre gravity low and itll crawl the rest

[@thedos2922]

Looks mint, id love to have a samurai/sierra one day 😉 what rims are you running?

[@samuraiszn]

thanks! These wheels are from American Racing, and I believe they are the 'Outlaw' 1 or 2

[@thedos2922]

@@samuraiszn sweet 🤙

[@FreddyFunderbunz]

The best mod done to mine, a Nissan ka24de swap. With more than double the horsepower, it’s a bit much 😂😂

[@samuraiszn]

do you have any videos of it... 👀

[@offgridmangogrower]

Perfect compromised add ons….can you list your suspension build…? May recent approach is to add a Yanmar L-100 just for farm use…

[@samuraiszn]

hey there! I actually did a separate video on my channel of the current suspension setup - it is the EPIK TREK SPUA kit from Trail Tough. If you have any specific questions feel free to ask 👍🏼

[@yahyasukarya4523]

Amazinh broo👍👍

[@samuraiszn]

thank you bro!

[@matthewkulhawy864]

Great vid! Subed

[@samuraiszn]

Thanks for the support!

[@JoleenHurley]

Great project

[@josephhernandez2427]

Get a 4:1 tcase gear set from sumo and either a EOS cradle from low range or a zor cradle.

[@samuraiszn]

Just did! That's actually the most recent 'modification' that I have done and so far I love it. Although, I wouldn't say it was absolutely totally necessary unless you do a good amount of intense 4x4 stuff or crawling.

[@guylongley1573]

I have a 86 with soap lift. Locked front and rear too really make it drive down the fwy and see 5th gear I've got 6.50 best-case gears. The biggest thing I've done is I built my 1.3 it will run with the 1.6 eight valve motors. 👍😁

[@samuraiszn]

love to hear it!

[@stephenscroggs5532]

What is the best thing to do to the 1.3 get more power and speed because it is slow

[@guylongley1573]

@@stephenscroggs5532 If you are lifted with big tires you need t-case gears rpm cam helps.

[@lyncallen2912]

I want one of the 1.6 I didn't do the 12 valve I did the 2-in lift I run 18 lb air in my tires I drove it up to 700 miles in one go and I put air conditioning in mind I found a wrecked one it's a really good machine I drive it daily

[@samuraiszn]

Awesome! AC is a great idea and definitely on my list!

[@michaelwomble9899]

I'm getting ready to put a VW 1.9 liter turbo diesel in my Sammy. It's a pretty easy swap since my engine has the mechanical fuel pump. The 1.9 TDI has an electric fuel pump and has a little more power, but is a much tougher swap to do with the electronics involved.

[@samuraiszn]

I still haven't ridden in or driven a TDI swap but if you can make it work it sounds like a great way to go!

[@dennistaylor6486]

I have an 87 Samurai and like the idea if the longer shackles and bigger tires but I have a nice running stock motor and am worried the tires may be more tire than the engine will pull is that a valid concern?

[@samuraiszn]

I think that is a valid concern.. If you go up a little in tire size it should be OK. Most people who go up in tire size find it helpful to re-gear so that it compensates for some of the power lost trying to turn bigger tires.

[@deadbrother5355]

What size tires are you running?

[@samuraiszn]

For this rig I went with the 31x10.5R15 Cooper Discoverer 👍🏼

[@cavekritter1]

No mention of the 2 inch body lift to fit that engine

[@samuraiszn]

Hey Trevor, no mention of a 2" body lift because I didn't do a 2" body lift. I am putting together a video with more details on the swap, but with the motor mounts and oil pan that I used from Petroworks, you will clear the hood up top and axle below without any issues

[@cavekritter1]

@@samuraiszn not familliar with that setup. I do know on stock mounts with that manifold and no body lift it hits bonnet. I have a g16a with stock mounts, 1.3 head and manifold and corolla carby and i had to make a new air hat which is not ideal. No body lift

[@andisrelax2255]

Hallo :) . Ich kann kein englisch , aber war sehr interesant . kann Deutsch und bischen Russische sprache :) , und ich LIBE SAMURAI :) . Abo ist da :)

[@radojovic2329]

I really like your front bumper, where did you get it?

[@samuraiszn]

Hi Rado! We actually made it with some scrap tubing that we had lying around. We left the mid section open for a winch but that is still on the shelf. If you'd like more info or photos of that, feel free to send me a message on instagram @samurai.szn

[@Bark2fid]

Hey just wondering what is the bullbar name?

[@samuraiszn]

Hi! We actually made this bumper from scratch with some tubing and a large plate for a winch

[@eduardopella3899]

Great video. How much can i lift my zuk without modifications? 1.5 shackle lift?

[@samuraiszn]

1.5”-2” front shackle lift is probably the easiest and simplest lift you can do without a bunch of other modifications 👍🏼

[@quirinm.]

Mount the axle under the spring instead of over it like it comes from the factory

[@georgesimpson3113]

re-gear it... you can drop in a I4 diesel, or a GM V6 gas, and as others said springs over the axle. IIRC - Front jeep springs fit the back of the sammy. EDIT-Might be the other way... rear jeep springs in the front. Its been quite a few years.

[@samuraiszn]

just did exactly that 👍🏼 personally I like the stock gear ratio for cruising low RPMs on the highway at top speed, but with the 4.6:1 gears I installed, it rides pretty nice now at high and low speeds. The rear leaf springs on this car in the video are rear YJ springs as you mentioned!

[@jimmyrijsdam378]

31 inch tires? What is that in metric size?

[@samuraiszn]

They’re sized slightly larger than a 265/75r15

[@caleeks4217]

That is a really nice zuki! I run a zuki Pickup with turbodiesel and 31", not fast but speed is not important with a lifted zuki...

[@samuraiszn]

Thank you! That sounds awesome as well

[@samuraiszn]

volkswagon TDI?

[@caleeks4217]

@@samuraiszn Nope, Renault ...but if I have to change engine sometime it will be a VW TDI instead.

[@sonnycrockett7588]

I have Suzuki samurai 1986 Sj413 but Long bodyy , Till now I saw only 1 that is long in my life , are these soo rare ?! does anyone knows how many of them are built (long body Samurai , not short one ) ?!

[@samuraiszn]

the long wheel base Samurais are very rare here in the USA. They were originally sold in other countries like India and Canada so that is where they are more common.

[@sonnycrockett7588]

Soo how much will be price of a long wheel base Suzuki for an example in USA!

[@beekeeper7535]

I just purchased a 1988 Suzuki samurai last week. I remember my older cousin had one about 20 years ago I really liked his samurai. Over the years I just forgot about the samurai until last week I was scrolling through Facebook market place and seen one listed for 3500 I contacted the owner and bought it for 2800. I'm thinking about the turbo kit I seen online is anyone familiar with a turbo on a 1.3 liter samurai engine does the turbo give the 1.3 liter a little more power also will the 1.3 last with a turbo

[@samuraiszn]

Awesome! Welcome to the club! I wanted to do a turbo setup for a long long time but honestly I am not super into the technical side of that and needed something with more reliability and less potential of issues down the road. If you aren't on there already, join 'Suzuki Samurai Owners 2.0' group on Facebook as well as 'SUZUKI SAMURAI OWNERS.' All of the info you will ever need to know is within those forums!

[@beekeeper7535]

@@samuraiszn I'm very new to the samurai's. I've restored a couple 1983 through 1986 ford f-250 4x4 6.9 idi diesel trucks. I daily drive my 6.9 diesel trucks but there all idi non turbo engines. I'm not familiar at all with turbos. Thanks I'll definitely join the forum

[@shaunhall6834]

I sure wish I could find one. I kick myself for not getting one years ago.

[@samuraiszn]

it's never too late!

[@shaunhall6834]

@@samuraiszn you're right.

[@torovalenzuela34]

👏👏🔥🔥

[@daviddubek7332]

Leaf is from witch car?

[@samuraiszn]

Hi David! Great question. The setup in the video is "Rear Up Front" springs, so stock rear samurai springs moved to the front of the car. The rear leafs are Jeep YJ springs. I will be doing a full video on the suspension alone here shortly!

[@allengonzalez3253]

Where we're u able to find that engine ? Thanks in advance bro

[@samuraiszn]

Hi Allen! I found a Suzuki Sidekick with the engine I wanted and pulled it out of that car, had it rebuilt, and then I installed it on my car. The Suzuki Sidekicks from the '90s had the 1.6L 16-valve 🤘🏼

[@konstantinosxagoraris5048]

Hi dude, thanks for sharing :-) Regarding the g16b, it will be useful to share info about. Did you find difference after headers (brand?) and exhaust instalation? L sensor still in place? Remapping the ECU? Why did you keep the EGR?

[@marcinS1988]

Great video. I have a problem with my 98 1.3 l EFI samurai. When the engine is cold I have almost 3000 RPM. When it's going warm I have 800/900 RPM. What can I do to lower the RPM on cold engine? Thanks for you time

[@samuraiszn]

Hi Marcin! It sounds a little normal for your engine t0 warm up but maybe 3000 RPM is a little high, how long does it stay like that before it drops down to a normal idle?

[@marcinS1988]

@@samuraiszn 6/7 minutes.

[@connor3288]

Check for vacuum leaks. Smoke test the intake when it's cold. Also check to see if IAC valve is dirty/needs cleaning.

[@nily.6554]

what's the offset of ur wheels?

[@dovydaskaminskas4227]

lockers?

[@samuraiszn]

it has a rear locker but nothing up front yet!

[@dovydaskaminskas4227]

@@samuraiszn this is the number one upgrade for it. I heard that the front diff is weaker than rear. So I am thinking only going for the friction type LSD like the Phantom grip or something similar. It's not a locker but should help to transfer some torque.

[@AndresCastillo_11]

what is the name of the song?

[@fitty50]

What shackles are you using? Did you get them front and rear?

[@samuraiszn]

the suspension setup that I am running is the 'Epik Trek SPUA' kit from Trail Tough. I purchased them with the entire kit that included the correct bushings, leafs, etc.

[@magyarasmrstudio2553]

is this a sj413?because i looking for a hard top for mine and i cant find any.can you help me whit this?If you have someting to help pls write down the link

[@magyarasmrstudio2553]

(sorry for my bad english.I am from hungary)

[@magyarasmrstudio2553]

i found the link in your oder videos description

[@samuraiszn]

@@magyarasmrstudio2553 awesome! Yes, my top is a RallyTop which are made here in the US, if you are international, I would give "Fiberster" a chance! Same concept and I have heard many good things about them.

[@andrewinsinga2993]

What gears are in your transfer case 🤔

[@samuraiszn]

Hey Andrew! I went with 4.16:1 ratio in this Samurai 👍🏼 I wanted closest to stock so I could still cruise on the freeway pretty good but also a bit lower for wheeling

[@CodyBunker]

I wonder if I could fit a 2.4l in one

[@samuraiszn]

Only one way to find out!

[@CodyBunker]

@@samuraiszn indeed

[@ultra4suzukisamurai679]

Stock gears?

[@samuraiszn]

not anymore! I was stock for the longest time but I recently went with 4.16:1 gearing in the T-Case. I probably could have added that as another good mod, but I could go on and on and on about it all 😅

[@zacharyclemesha9163]

Hey mate what's the brand of that hard top? I'm looking at getting on

[@samuraiszn]

it is a 'Rally Top' hard top 👍🏼

[@cecifabio7866]

What about 2.2 R2 engine ?

[@adamlitke8871]

It weighs more than the samurai itself

[@cecifabio7866]

@@adamlitke8871 how could an Engine Weigh 975kg mate ?

[@MrOtiuqsoM]

Or you can always swap a 440 big block in it, Roadkill style. ... Just kidding, imma head out.

[@samuraiszn]

whatever suits your style I say go for it!

[@suzysuzuki8865]

Care to sell me your 1.3 intake and distributor?

[@samuraiszn]

I definitely have a spare intake, and perhaps a distributor lying around. Send me a message on instagram @samurai.szn and I''ll do what I can to help!

[@suzysuzuki8865]

@@samuraiszn alright awesome!

[@bobodean1]

Too much shaky camera

[@samuraiszn]

next video I make will be buttery smooth just for you, Jeff! But after that, the video I'll make one extra earthquake shaky, also just for you 😉

[@luismartins5064]

Se

[@patriot8693]

When ever I hear someone call there Sammy a car I loose all respect for them

[@1187titanium]

Alot of full race trophy truck guys will refer to their vehicles as a car, why? Beacuse race car

[@samuraiszn]

what do you call yours?