Suzuki Vitara growing up ... [Archive]

jeffryscott

05-25-2006, 06:37 AM

Have added a few additional mods to my Suzuki since the Expedition Portal rally last year. Have a few more to do, but was out today working and found myself in some pretty country, so took a few pictures.

The snorkel is new, as are the 245/75/16 Goodyear MTR tires ($49 on ebay, half worn, but no shipping as they were local) Other mods, which existed at the time of the rally, or shortly thereafter, are: lockrite locker in rear, 2-inch body lift, Old Man Emu springs and struts, Doetsch Tech rear shocks and spring spacers for about 2-inches. Also, Rocky-Road rock rails for sill protection.

Between tires, suspension and body lifts the little guy is close to 6-inches higher, making it extremely off-road-worthy.

erin

05-25-2006, 12:27 PM

:coffee:
That is definitely one cool little beast. Hopefully I will get to check it out closer at this years rally if you will be attending.

What mods do you have planned for the future?

Scott Brady

05-25-2006, 01:52 PM

Jeff,

I just really dig your truck. Great mods and a solid approach. The snorkel totally transforms it too.

What kind of fuel mileage are you getting now?

What are the next steps?

datrupr

05-25-2006, 02:49 PM

Jeff, with the bigger tires, snorkel, and black painted wheels your Zuk F*@#ING ROCKS!!!!! That looks awesome! I can't wait to see it in person this year at the rally, get first hand comparisons over last year. I think I might have to show Colette a few pics of your truck, and tell her that that is what hers is going to look like one of these days soon. What are your plans for bumpers, I know you had something in the works for the front, what about the back? Keep us posted.

jeffryscott

05-25-2006, 03:13 PM

Thanks guys. I still miss my Rover, but I'm still getting over 20 mpg and with gas prices these days, I'll take that over the 12 to 15 I got in the Rover (plus no need for premium). So far, I've taken this everyplace I could take the Rover, which was my goal when I got it - to make it as capable as I could without breaking the bank.

I have a set of IPF driving lights to put up front, then I'd like to do something about the bumpers. I might take the John Shotts approach to the front bumper, but I'm also hoping for an aftermarket winch bumper (but so far, none are available). I need to work Scott's magic and get somebody to make me one as a test bed ...

I'm also hoping for some sort of roof-rack/sleeping options, like modifying a tent cot to sit atop the roof. I'd like to replace the factory rails with something a little more beefy as well - shouldn't be too tough with the factory mounting options.

Other things I want to do: sliding drawer system for storage in the back ala desertdude's system in his truck (although much smaller, for obvious reasons)

However, things come slowly as between two little girls and full-time work, time to work on the truck is rare.

Thanks again,

Jeff

articulate

05-25-2006, 05:43 PM

Can I say it.....? It's a Vitara on Viagra! ;)

Excellent, sensible, and unique. Way to go.

Mark

Ursidae69

05-25-2006, 07:13 PM

Looks really good Jeff. :victory:

kcowyo

05-25-2006, 11:43 PM

WOW! The snorkel for the Vitara is sweet!! :jumping:

I will echo the unique sentiment. Mega unique points!

Looking really good, nice work Jeff - :beer: :beer:

91xlt

05-26-2006, 01:33 AM

Very nice!

There is a wide variety of rigs here...nice to see the different types

flyingwil

05-26-2006, 01:56 AM

Jeff-

Huge improvement since the last time I saw your rig! Looking good... the snorkel looks slick!:victory:

BajaTaco

05-26-2006, 03:41 AM

Jeff, I have to say that I think your Suzuki is one of my favorite vehicles on this forum. I REALLY like what you have done with it. It's so cool! :cool:

articulate

05-26-2006, 05:18 AM

jeffryscott

05-26-2006, 05:48 AM

http://expeditionportal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=2078&d=1148538975

So where did this crazy snorkel come from anyway? It doesn't have that ARB safari snout, or a cyndrical canister - the two versions I'm used to seeing. But it doesn't look homebrew, either. What's the scoop (so to speak)?

Mark

It's from Taiwan, made by a company called FTS and bought it from a place called VTTR. Some folks in Australia had found some Safari and TJM snorkels that worked, but there is nothing made by either specifically for the Vitara/Grand Vitara. I found one place in Australia that sorta made one for the GV and was working on a group buy with them when a fellow on another board found these folks in Taiwan. He got one, liked it, so I bought probably the second one in the US. Easy install, looks good and as long as it keeps my engine happy, I'm happy.

What is absolutely amazing, is I ordered it on a Monday and had it Wednesday from Taiwan - for a grand total of $266. I don't know if they sell items for non-Suzuki vehicles, but they were great to deal with.

There is so little aftermarket support for this rig, it is amazing - especially considering how cheap, capable and economical they are. They can be an ideal expedition platform for a single person or a couple - take the back seats out and storage space is adequate. Put a roof-top tent on and sleeping space is arranged.

Thanks everybody for the compliments - this one reason I love this board, the diversity of rigs - and lack of snobbery about perceived "lesser vehicles."

datrupr

05-26-2006, 03:24 PM

There is so little aftermarket support for this rig, it is amazing - especially considering how cheap, capable and economical they are. They can be an ideal expedition platform for a single person or a couple - take the back seats out and storage space is adequate. Put a roof-top tent on and sleeping space is arranged.

I agree, and what aftermarket there is it is a bit more costly than say......My Trooper. And OME 2.5" lift is somewhere around $700+. Our GV has not let us down on the trail as of yet, though it did get stuck at the Bill Williams River, I blame that on tires and inexperienced driver. Mostly tires though in case Colette ever reads this thread. And fuel mileage is still not too bad with our v6.

Thanks everybody for the compliments - this one reason I love this board, the diversity of rigs - and lack of snobbery about perceived "lesser vehicles."

"lesser vehicles"? Does not exist on this board. That is part of what makes ExPo so great. That, and most of us have seen what the Vitaras can do in person.

cshontz

05-26-2006, 03:30 PM

"lesser vehicles"? Does not exist on this board.

:beer:

kcowyo

05-26-2006, 04:26 PM

"lesser vehicles"? Does not exist on this board. That is part of what makes ExPo so great.

Well said Aaron! :clapsmile

It's not about how much you put into your vehicle.
It's about how much you get out of it.

:beer: :beer: :beer:

calamaridog

05-27-2006, 09:35 AM

jeffryscott

05-30-2006, 03:00 AM

I think I've said this before...

We looked seriously at the Vitara before settling on the Liberty.

I much prefered the Vitara, but the cargo area was TINY.

The XL7, which is the longer version, is TOO long.

It really is a great small SUV. I love what you are doing to it.

Thanks. The cargo area is certainly small - enough for an everyday runabout, but for a family trip it's tight. Roof storage is a necessity.

I looked at an XL-7 and really liked it, but went for the Vitara for gas mileage. There are a couple of folks over at zukiworld who have done many of the same mods.

How does the Liberty do off-road? I've seen one or two trickedout ones and think they look pretty sweet.

thanks again,

Jeff

calamaridog

05-30-2006, 10:40 PM

The Liberty is strictly a mall cruiser for my wife. Easy to park and do u-turns:hehe:

But seriously, it's just a daily driver and will stay that way. Only reason we got the 4x4 is because we do some snow driving every year.

I know some people do wheel them, but I question the durability of the front end and unibody. I'll stick to the Land Cruiser for now.

jeffryscott

05-31-2006, 05:04 AM

Took the Vitara out today for a quick night run to test out my newly installed IPF 968 lights (anybody know of a clear cover or wire cover for them?) and to try the 245/75/16s on a trail.

What a difference both make.

I went to one of my favorite little trails near Tucson, of which I have grown familiar, (4436 off of Redington Road) and places I scraped sills, rock rails and skid plates before were never touched. The extra height of the tires, about 1.5 additional ground clearance (3-inches on the tires) was magic.

The lights were definitely an added bonus as well.

Here's a quick pick from tonight:

flyingwil

05-31-2006, 07:33 AM

What a difference both make.

The extra height of the tires, about 1.5 additional ground clearance (3-inches on the tires) was magic.

The lights were definitely an added bonus as well.

Here's a quick pick from tonight:

Dayum! Looks great! The shoes are a nice compliment to the truck, and the lights sure will come in handy!

What's next on your list?

Scott Brady

05-31-2006, 01:14 PM

As always Jeff, super clean and functional.

I cannot find a clear or grill cover for the lights. As they are hardened glass, they will probably be ok.

articulate

05-31-2006, 03:54 PM

Sweet:
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=2153&d=1149051771

Jeff, your Vitara is this month's subject of envy. I'll say it again: I'm impressed with your visionary approach. You've taken a vehicle that the macho-wheeler segment would likely mock for being a "latte getter" and turned it into one cool machine.

I'm watching this with interest!

Cheers,
Mark

BajaTaco

05-31-2006, 04:15 PM

:lurk: Man, I am lovin' this. I wish I could have been riding shotgun. Those are some great pics. Can't wait to see it in person next time around.

kcowyo

05-31-2006, 04:28 PM

jeffryscott

05-31-2006, 09:18 PM

"Latte getter" :xxrotflma

...too funny Mark!

Jeff, just a thought, but would covers from other light manufacturers, with the same measurements, fit the IPF's? They might come with a different companies name on them, but maybe you could paint over them or do something else creative and unique to them....?

Cool pics and nice clearance. How do the girls like Daddy's big little monster truck?

Thanks for the idea KC, I've got the opaque covers that come with them, just wanted to get clear (like the Hella's have) so you don't have to remember to take the covers off. Wire mesh would be fine as well, just need to paint them black. Was hoping somebody else with the IPF's had found a solution ... It really shouldn't be too difficult to get a generic set since they are a fairly standard size (6-inch I think).

Chloe, the 4-year-old, thinks it is pretty cool. She still asks if I miss the Land Rover though, and when I say yes, she says it's OK, you have the green one (which is in a million pieces and will probably be put together in time for her to start driving).

gjackson

06-01-2006, 03:31 AM

Sweet pics! Very nice looking rig. Can't say it better than has been said.

cheers

jeffryscott

10-01-2006, 01:21 AM

A few new things installed today. A Waeco drawer fridge and an as of yet incomplete storage drawer for recovery gear, tools, etc ... And a Blue Top Optima battery. At some point soon, I will by a battery isolator and configure my Red Top as the starting battery and relegate the blue top to fridge and winch duties.

The other new addition you can see in the pictures is my new rear bumper, fabbed up by the amazing GoodTimes. He turned a hunk of steel into a piece of art for the Vitara.

The fridge, the CD-30 model isn't as efficient as the self-enclosed units, but I believe it will serve my purpose without taking up the space a stand alone would (although, with the stand alone I could freeze things and remove it, but this I thought was a cleaner install and a decent tradeoff between design and function.)

I also installed a hot 12v adapter where the compressor is (at the right).

DaktariEd

10-01-2006, 01:48 AM

Wow! That little bugger is really building up nice!
Way to go! :victory: It's terrific!
Looking forward to seeing it again soon.

Ed

jeffryscott

10-02-2006, 01:55 AM

Learned this morning the fridge definitely needs a second battery as the brand new deep cycle wouldn't start the car. I also had the fridge set to max cooling ....

Bought the battery isolator today and in the meantime, I will carry my second battery behind my seat with a pair of jumper cables. I'll need to play a bit with adjustments to figure this thing out.

One step at a time ... but it will be nice to have cold beer at the Expo Rally:luxhello:

kcowyo

10-02-2006, 04:43 PM

Way to go Jeff! :clapsmile

Your drawer system and fridge look like the perfect solution for the cargo space in the back of the 'Zuke. And I didn't know GT did work on foreign jobs, but that bumper does look great.

Sorry I won't be at the Rally to check it out in person but I know you'll have some amazing photos to look at after that weekend.

Hope you enjoy the cold beers at the Rally! - :friday:

goodtimes

10-02-2006, 08:17 PM

Jeff, the fridge sits in there perfect. I love it...and have been thinking about one for my TJ ever since I saw it at SEMA in '04.

The bumper is kinda cool too.:ylsmoke:

articulate

10-03-2006, 01:59 AM

Sorry I won't be at the Rally to check it out in person...

From the Golden Boy: :xxrotflma

I like reading Jeff's updates. Everything he's done to this thing is pioneering. :beer:

4Rescue

12-14-2006, 07:10 PM

this little thing is so impressive, I've caught myself checking out Vit's around town and imagining them with snorkels and taller tires. I love this thing, good work mate!

Cheers

Dave

Jeff@QuadShop

04-18-2008, 04:48 PM

I'm going to revive this old thread. Here is my 2000 GV Limited. I have a set of rock rails to put on hopefully this weekend. The Safari snorkle is for a Toyota Hilux.

http://cdalejef.smugmug.com/photos/254180297_VAyRS-L.jpg

jeffryscott

04-18-2008, 05:14 PM

sweet Jeff. It's fun to have a vehicle that is extremely unique. I do miss that about the Suzuki as 4Runners are everywhere and it seem to be more common to see lifted ones around here.

I occasionally see my old one running around - no others around that are debadged, have black steel wheels and a dent in just the right spot - and it is sad. It sits on street tires. I'm sure the current owner has no idea of its former life.

Jeff@QuadShop

04-18-2008, 05:19 PM

Thanks. The clear coat is flaking off my wheels so I'm thinking of having them powder coated black like yours.
Man I wish someone would make a winch bumper for these.

toyrunner95

04-18-2008, 06:15 PM

you tried calmini? I think they make bumpers for your SUV

Jeff@QuadShop

04-18-2008, 06:17 PM

you tried calmini? I think they make bumpers for your SUV

Yep, they have been saying for the last 6 years that they won't make them untill they get 10 paid orders. :(

chet

04-18-2008, 06:42 PM

nice looking rig. I am thinking of lifting my XL7 and some larger tires as my stock ones are shot. for the price calmini would charge you take the picture to a local fab shop anf they will make it just as nice if not better!

I wish they made a locker for the rear of my XL7 :(

Jeff@QuadShop

04-18-2008, 07:02 PM

I belive its ZukiNation that is getting ready to release a new GV/XL7 lift kit. I have a 2" coil spacer lift on mine now that works pretty good.

Martinjmpr

04-18-2008, 08:53 PM

Very interesting thread! GF just bought an 06 GV (New body style) and since she doesn't like to drive, I get to drive it whenever we go anyplace together. She loves it and so do I!

I seem to recall I saw some tricked out new-model GVs at some kind of outdoor convention at the convention center last year but I haven't been able to find any pics.

Does anyone know if there is anyone making performance parts/accessories for the 2nd Gen GVs?

BTW, when I went to Canyonlands last month, the first night I was there I ended up sharing my campsite with a late arriving visitor who had an older 4 door Sidekick and a tiny little pop-up tent trailer. Looked to me like the perfect solo exploring setup and I'll bet his MPG was better than mine!

I think 'Zuke is poised to be the "sleeper" in the off-road world.