[Jimmbow]

Hi all,

Thought I would ask a bit of advice?

I have had my 91 SWB Hardtop for about 5 years now and love it but I am after something with a little more power so I don't kill my little pride and joy when towing my bike.

My first two choices are a LWB efi 1.6 4 and a LWB 2.0 V6. Last on the list would be a Grand vitara 2.5 V6 (around 2000 model).

I am not after speed, just something that will tow the bike and trailer better. I am not a big fan of the Grand vitara but the 2.5 V6 sounds inviting for what I want. Then again I have no idea what the power/torque difference is between the 1.6 carb (SWB) and the 1.6 EFI (LWB). I have read all the specs and all that and although the numbers look pretty on the computer screen I am after some first hand advice and experience with fellow zookers with a similar set up as to what I am after.

Any help would be great.

P.S Its a 6x4 trailer and a quad bike (little heavier than a two wheel?)

Cheers
Jamie

[christover1]

I drive a 1.6 EFI LWB vit.
I'd recommend you'd want more power.

[atari4x4]

it really depends on the 4wding you're planning on doing

personally if towing you can't go wrong with SQ625 GV 2.5 auto set up as a tough tourer.

[got_bar_work]

I would go the gv
Or a 2l lwb and put a 2.5 in that
What tires do u want to run as that will kill the towing ability more then anything
A auto 2l lwb with 5.12 should do it all right

[bailey08]

I've towed a 1200+kg camper with my auto 2.5v6. you notice it but does it without a problem. it has a 1800kg towing capacity.

[DarkHorse]

2.5 for sure if you're towing any weight. 2.0 would probably cope alright, but don't waste your time with the 1.6. If you're going to all the trouble and expense of upgrading the EFI isn't enough of an improvement to be worth it.

If you don't like the concept of a GV find a 2.5 V6 and put it in something else... a 2.0 would be easier, but it can be made to fit into a 1.6 I'm pretty sure.

[Jimmbow]

Thanx all, I didn't think that there would be to much difference between the carb and efi 1.6.

Another thing that I have to think about is ground clearance compared to the cars roof height. I am permanently in a wheelchair and I use the grab handle inside the door to pull myself into the car. My vit currently has 3" of lift (2" springs and 1" spacers). I could still manage with another 2" on top of that (ie. BL), that is why I like the 2.0 V6 LWB (95 - 98?), it is the same shape and height of my SWB and I plan to put a 3" calmini (or similar) lift on it and maybe a 2" BL?.

That is one of the reasons that I am not too keen on the GV, my vit has a 3" lift but side by side the roof height is about the same as a stock height GV? So if I was to get a GV that would only leave me the option of lifting it about 2", limiting mods and tires etc. (ie. fun).

Another reason that I am not too keen on the GV (and I mean no disrespect to GV owners)... is that they are just to pretty for my liking?

Cheers
Jamie

[atari4x4]

with a few mods to the front end the Calmini kit can be made to work with the SV620 2.0l V6 LWB Vitara, the diff drop brackets will need to be reworked to suit the extra width of the chassis & the crossmember under the sump will need to be clearanced. i'd also look at getting the front coils swapped for the GV 2.5" Calmini coils to carry the extra weight.

the bodylift is straightforward & bung in some 5.12's from a 1.6 Vit & you'll be right to roll around on 31's comfortably.

good to hear you're still getting out & about & yeah your right about the GV's being pretty!

[Joe]

Haha Yeah i agree on the GV comments they do look better with some lift and chunky tyres on though