96 prism sleeper build Options

[do7d]

before i even start this- i know there's a lot of cars that are faster and a lot cooler than the prism. i've grown rather attached to my beater, and would like to see what's possible for such a vehicle. if your comment has to do with buying a different starter vehicle, or anything of that sort, don't waste your time. just hit the "back" button on your browser and continue on your web bullying way.

i also know such a project will take time and money. both of which i have a bit of, and am willing to expend. basically, i have some space, some tools, some help, and want to make my ****box a force to be reconned with.

i have done some research and found some 4dr geo tracker/suzuki sidekick has the same wheelbase, all wheel disc brakes, and 4wd. my goal is to swap the aforementioned goodies into said prism. there is quite an aftermarket following of sidekick/trackers in the offroad scene, parts to support higher torque in the drivetrain are available. i've found they (the tracker/sidekick) use the "s" series engine, requiring a 5sfe or 3sgte to be able to bolt to the awd trans. i know i will need a bit more hp to make the 4wd move as quick a fwd, so i believe the 3sgte would be my best bet. clearly, i will be upgrading the turbo- also requiring a build-up of internals. i have read 100's of build-ups of 3sgte so i have an idea abt what im getting into as far as engine misc.

the reason i have chosen the tracker/sidekick as a platform to base this off of is not only because of wheelbase, but cost of parts. i can find junked 4wd trackers/sidekicks for less than $1000.

my questions are as follows:

1. are there any fundamental flaws in my thought process for the build? are there any red flags going up in anyone's mind pertaining to why this project could not happen?

2. are there any suggestions as to alternate engine/trans combos i should be considering?

any constructive input is greatly appreciated-

thanks in advance.

[do7d]

i have the 4afe currently- there's a bit of tapping going on in the higher rpm (and it's not oil level) which sorta prompted the whole project idea. i was really hoping for awd and a motor swap, but it's next to impossible to find the all-trac in any of it's forms. i wanted a new engine altogether because i'd like to see more than 170 horses (or so) for the amount of work i'd be signing up for. to go along with that, i would have to spend a significant amt of money as well for engine internals.

as i said in the first post, i do have a bit of money to spend on the project, but to use it to get to only 170ish horses is kinda foolish. i could use it to get an entirely new car altogether that'd produce significantly better hp/weight ratio and handling.

i need to look into how a 4afe can produce enough ft/lb to make awd zippy, let alone fun. then i'll try even harder to an all-trac part-out.

please keep it coming everyone.. this is really great. most of the other forums im postin on aren't as insightful with their info.. thanks again to all.