1989 Suzuki Swift GTi from North America - Comments

Exhaust rusted out at 220,000km and had to be replaced.

Replaced the brake pads at 250,000km.

Replaced the CV boots, grease and transmission-to-drive shaft seals at 250,000km.

Replaced the water pump at 260,000km.

Replaced the alternator brushes at 270,000km.

The cold start, fast idle air valve became troublesome at 330,00km so I disconnected it.

This is a small, light, very quick car that has overbuilt mechanicals. This makes the car extremely durable mechanically. The old engine doesn't leak or burn any oil and gives like-new performance.

It will take on most V-6 vehicles and V-8 trucks, new or old, and win, while returning almost 50mpg average.

The body is not as tough as the rest of the car, but stands up OK.

The brakes and driveshafts look like those of a midsize car and there are extra reinforcements and braces under the hood compared to the base Swift.

The interior is attractive and the seats comfortable and highly durable. They look almost new after 14 years and over 350,000km.

I have a swift GTI on an N, the car is a beast.I was driving over to my mates house. I pulled onto a duel carriage way. There had been a Vectra V6 behind me and he had been waiting for his chance to overtake. He now had it he dropped it a gear and went for it, and I thought what the hell lets see what its got. I planted my foot to the floor, he could not get round me. I started to pull away. I new the swift I had brought was modified, I had no idea it was that quick. I now plan to do more to it. A proper GTI.

I tell you what I've owned some cars in my time to name a few sapphire 2wd cossworth r5 gt turbo s1 rs turbo xr2,s xr3i, s, but nothing was as much fun or as quick as the 50 pound swift gti that I bought of a mate, where do I start it was chipped had cams in it, apex lowering springs full janspeed exhaust including 4 into 1 manifold and boy was it quick. i advise any one looking for more power out of their gti to fit janspeed manifold as this really helps the high revving engine out mine went to 8000rpm and pulled all the way hard. only ever had a few problems with it these were the usual on swifts like driveshafts, lost 5 gear not that it made much difference still reached 120 in 4 at 7400rpm so all I can say to all non gti owners is just go and try one just wait for the grin on your face after your first go oh and by the way its impossible not to put your foot down on that pedal its addictive.

Sweet.Im just trying to find out how to fit one of these engines to my light weight nova project. I've got the weight down to 637 kg with some perspex windows comming soon. Sadly the standard range of engines are not exactly very exciting with 100 BHP from a 1.6 8 valve OHC unit topping the list. However I have recently become aware of the fact that a lot of the rally boys round here in Northern Ireland and Scotland are dropping Swift GTI engines in there Novas.This was quite a revelation to me as I was planning to fit a 16 valver in the future, but didn't want to go down the usual route of GM's c20xe 2.0litre 16 v from the Cavalier. This engine is heavy (not something you want in a lightweight) and only produces 147BHP@4600RPM.So the Swift is a healthy candidate all I need now are some specs and advice/info. cheers. Stevie in Belfast.