1987 Suzuki Samurai – Supercharged 1.6L, Propane Conversion
This 1987 Suzuki Samurai is far from stock, transformed into a highly modified off-road machine built for trail performance and durability.
Originally equipped with a small factory drivetrain, it now features a later-model 1.6L inline-four enhanced with a Camden Superchargers kit and converted to run on propane fuel.
Finished in black with both a removable bikini top and rear hardtop, this Samurai blends classic compact 4×4 simplicity with serious modern off-road upgrades.
Key Highlights
- Supercharged 1.6L inline-four (1993 Suzuki sourced)
- Propane fuel conversion with dual 10-gallon tanks
- Five-speed manual transmission
- Re-geared dual-range transfer case (4.9:1)
- Spring-over-axle (SPOA) lifted suspension
- 35” Mud Claw tires on 15” steel wheels
- Electric power steering conversion
- Front winch with synthetic line and remote control
- Rear swing-out spare carrier
- Full roll cage and stripped interior build
Exterior & Armor
Finished in black, this Samurai has been outfitted for serious trail use with pocket-style wheel-arch flares, rock sliders, and protective off-road armor.
Up front, a heavy-duty brush guard integrates a Badland electric winch equipped with a synthetic rope, hawse fairlead, and wireless remote fob.
Additional exterior modifications include LED headlights, dual side mirrors, front mud flaps, and a rear swing-out carrier from Trail Tough Products.
The truck retains a removable bikini top along with a rear hardtop for flexible weather protection. Notably, the windshield wipers have been removed, and the windshield has been treated with Rain-X.
Suspension & Wheels
This Samurai rides on black 15” steel wheels wrapped in aggressive 35×12.5” Mud Claw radial tires, giving it a commanding stance and serious off-road capability.
The suspension system has been heavily upgraded and includes a spring-over-axle conversion paired with a 2-inch lift. Components include:
- Bilstein 5160 shocks
- Trail Tough Products Bonz-Eye Jeep Wrangler YJ-spec leaf springs
- ZuksOffRoad SPOA kit
- Trail Tough Products shackles
Factory Aisin manually locking hubs remain in place, along with front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.
Drivetrain & Performance
Power comes from a 1.6L inline-four engine sourced from a 1993 Suzuki, enhanced with a Camden Superchargers kit and converted to propane fuel delivery.
Supporting modifications include a Tri-Y exhaust header and Champion aluminum radiator paired with an electric cooling fan.
Fuel is stored in two 10-gallon propane tanks mounted in the rear cargo area and plumbed in parallel for extended range.
Power is delivered through a five-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case with extensive gearing upgrades:
- 4.9:1 transfer case gear set
- 4.75:1 ring and pinion gears
- Replaced rear differential
- Longfield chromoly axle shafts
- ZuksOffRoad frame reinforcement kit
Interior & Equipment
The interior has been purpose-built for off-road use, featuring stripped carpets, a locking center console, and a full Petroworks roll cage.
Two black-trimmed bucket seats are fitted with shoulder belts, while a Pioneer AM/FM stereo connects to Pyle speakers for basic audio functionality.
Additional features include a heater, overhead fans, and auxiliary gauges integrated into the dash.
The driver is presented with an aftermarket split-spoke steering wheel and a gauge cluster including a 95-mph speedometer, 8,000-rpm tachometer, coolant temperature, and fuel level gauges.
Specifications
- VIN: JS4JC51C1H4157782
- Mileage: 57,000 miles (TMU)
- Engine: Supercharged 1.6L Inline-Four
- Fuel: Propane (dual 10-gallon tanks)
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Transfer Case: Dual-range, re-geared
- Exterior: Black
- Wheels: 15” steel
- Tires: 35×12.5” Mud Claw radial
- Suspension: Lifted SPOA with upgraded leaf springs
- Recovery: Front winch, rear swing-out carrier
- Interior: Black bucket seats, roll cage, aftermarket audio
A compact classic with extreme off-road capability, this 1987 Suzuki Samurai stands out as a purpose-built trail rig combining lightweight agility with modernized power and drivetrain upgrades.
