D16 vitara pros/cons
 

I'm thinking of doing a little project motor to do with my step sons next year. I want to do a small build on a d for boost. for those who have built a d using vitaras would you recommend it or go against it? I don't want to make tons of power. maybe 300hp. I know the tune is very important and I will let the experts do that. but I've heard of vitaras cracking ringlands, is this accurate or was it due to pushing the limits? any insight would really help.

Vitara is a great setup. Just use the custom length rods that rcautoworks or p2p0 makes. Rcautoworks sells a piston/rod combo for 425.00. With stock length rods such as eagles with net you a rather low compression ratio. Depending on what head and gasket you use you wil be around 7.5-7.8:1. With the1.63mm longer rod feom rc autoworks it brings the piston back up to the top of the sleeve and raising the compression to about 8.5-9.0:1 and also gives you the torque of a longer rod engine. Never buy standard size (75mm) vitara pistons. They are too small and have too much p2w clearance. Plus going 75.5 or 76mm pistons will help with compression a minimal about. Many people have made over 400 with a completly stock head and valve train. I think its a great way to build a decent power engine for a very small amount of money. I helped a friend build one and I made 431 with it.

He is correct! An it was my brother's car that he is speaking of that made 431! An after onefst91hatch tuned it for us it was a monster!