VitaraBalenoLux

Weasel · Post by **Weasel** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 12:17 pm

Got an idea for project...I like Vitara's but diff and clearances hold it back somewhat so...SWB Vitara with 1800 Baleno engine (torque) to auto box with samurai tranfer behind it. Hilux beam axles underneath (or anyone suggest other beam axles good to go in?) with coil springs if poss (will be used onroad too and Im soft...need some comfort) and lockers of some type (prob hydraulic).

This will solve Vitara issues:
Weak front diff
Bad travel
Low torque

Any probs people see with this? or sounds good plan?

Any idea's on costs to expect for Baleno engine, Hilux running gear? (Havent done much research yet).

Cheers all
Matt

turoa · Post by **turoa** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 12:42 pm

Sounds good. Find a hilux front diff before you start.

lilpigzuk · Post by **lilpigzuk** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 12:53 pm

looks bloody good on paper.

A few SAS's been done in Aussie, some good buildup threads on outerlimits4x4 site.

There are a few coiled SAS vitaras doing the nationals so you could have a look at there set ups (season has finishes so you will have to wait a while), engines vary from commo V6's to lexus V8s.
A guy in our club did a mint one with hilux running gear, rover V8 and exo cage.

krawlr · Post by **krawlr** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 12:59 pm

use rangie springs etc,cos theres so many different coil rates ,heights etc they really work a treat and there a diamond dozen.......

and use the rangie radius/trailing arms too ........

lilpigzuk · Post by **lilpigzuk** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 1:34 pm

krawlr wrote:use rangie springs etc,cos theres so many different coil rates ,heights etc they really work a treat and there a diamond dozen.......

and use the rangie radius/trailing arms too ........

bugger it, just put a vitara shell on a shortened rangie chassis :lol:

Weasel · Post by **Weasel** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 2:00 pm

considered just putting the Vitara body onto a rolling hilux chassis but it seemed easier in reverse...put driveline under Vitara chassis/body.

Still very much in planning stage so taking notes furiously of everyones opinion that i talk to about it.

Rotazuk · Post by **Rotazuk** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 2:38 pm

The lastest 4wdaction mag has a write up about installing a baleno engine into a vitara and muttered about it bolting straight to the gearbox etc . Anyone know if this is true ?

The baleno engine is a J series I think , j18 . the vitara has a j20 a 2.0 . If it bolts up why change the gearbox . The vitara output is centred on the rear and lux axles are centred , if you use a sami t/case the output is offset . You could then look at rangie axles etc , as they are all offset but not worth it in my opinion .

Soulds like fun

Cheers
Chris

redzuki · Post by **redzuki** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 8:18 pm

I am not to sure but would it be a good idea to use coilovers in the front like the trails guys it would save space so its easyer to fit panhard rod mounts on the diff housing. It would also save you having to fabricate so many spring mounts and dont they give you heaps of travel?

SupraLux · Post by **SupraLux** » Sun Apr 23, 2006 8:45 pm

Great idea to use coilovers, but gets pricey if you get the spring rates wrong and you have to buy new ones - and the initial outlay on the shock bodies alone is nigh-on $1000 per corner.

Even bringing them in on a special order from the US is not much cheaper... I've looked at heaps of options for coilovers for my project but just can't find something at a price I can justify.

I'd have to agree about using the range rover parts... cheap and plentiful, and they work well.

Sounds like a cool project... but no project is truly cool without lots of pics for us to drool over

Steve

Weasel · Post by **Weasel** » Wed Apr 26, 2006 11:57 am

Well feedback so far so good! Thanks for comments so far, is encouraging and am gaining some good info.

Helped bro with bodylift to his surf last weekend and all I can say is its a bit easier than Vitara bodylifts...