[matt91112011]

Hi guys,

I want to get back into 4WDing again, I was looking at a Sierra a few days ago on Carsales but it unfortunetly got snapped up before I could look at it and they seem to have a huge array of aftermarket parts available. So i'm going to look at a few Vitara's this weekend. What I would like to know is which model's have the most aftermarket parts availble, like lift kits, body lifts, winch bars, rock slidders, long range tanks, snorkels. Are Vitara's good to modify? What is the best tyre size for a 97 model? And what kind of suspension mods would I need to achieve this? Do I need to up the power to run those tyres?

Sorry for all the questions straight up.

Cheers

[lockdup]

With Vitaras it will be expensive to run tyres over 31". It all depends on what you want out of the car. will it be a daily driver or just a weekend car? how extreme do you want to go?

[matt91112011]

Well it will be a daily driver, but I want it to be capable off road as well, I'd like to cross the simpson, but I would also like to do regular 4WD trips to Toolangi, Black Forest State Park, and i'm also thinking of a trip out Dargo way in the next few months. I remember when I had my 4Runner clearance was an issue in Toolangi, and i'd like avoid this with a Vitara.

By expensive, do mean, it wont be economical on fuel or it wont be cheap to get it high enough to fit over 31"?

Cheers

[christover1]

Sierras have a lot more after market parts and modifications available.
And are simpler and cheaper to modify.
sierra best for serious hard off road.

Vitaras have a bit less stuff available, but still enough stuff to produce a good off roader.
Vitara is better for longer trips, bit less capable off road.
vitaras are a little harder, and more expensive to modify.
But are very good in my opinion.

Grand Vitaras and newer Vitaras dont have much available, but can still be built.

I had a LWB 83 Sierra for 15 years, now I have a LWB 93 Vitara.
It has coil spacers, Old Man Emu suspension, 31" tyres and a body lft.
Gearing options are less available.

I fitted a steel front diff housing,
because the alloy housings are a weak point.
Rest of Vitara is very strong and reliable.

Just my opinions.
I am no expert.
I'm also in Suzuki 4wd Club, so won't reply on that thread as well

christover

[matt91112011]

Thanks for the quick replies guys, I suppose I would prefer a Vitara, because I'd like to do some long trips, is the Old Man Emu suspension standard height or lifted?

What are some good websites to look at for aftermarket parts?

Cheers

[christover1]

matt91112011 wrote:

Thanks for the quick replies guys, I suppose I would prefer a Vitara, because I'd like to do some long trips, is the Old Man Emu suspension standard height or lifted?

What are some good websites to look at for aftermarket parts?

Cheers

OME is about a 40mm lift
I'm planning to do a Simpson Crossing in my Vit,
with our club, this year, if my health allows

Lowrange in USA very good
Bits4Vits in UK very good.
There are lots

[christover1]

my vitara build thread

http://auszookers.com/index.php?name=Fo ... pic&t=9990

[christover1]

Early swb vitaras are carby, some no power steer,
not sure what year became efi.
All lwb vits are efi I believe

[BlackZookie]

I have 2 vitaras. Love them reckon they are great cars. Suspension wise if you have the money you cant go past the calmini 3" lift. Ive never been able to justify spending the $$$ on the kit but from what ive seen of the other forum members that have got the kit . It looks well worth it. From what ive seen and reasearched as well this is one of the only bigger suspension lift kits. most are only 30mm-40mm lift range

Tyre wise I reckon 235's are a good sized tyre for the vit. I had a set for ages before going to 30's I did have on my hardtop. But 30's I dont reckon are worth it if its going to be a daily driver. Just my personal opinion.

[matt91112011]

Thanks for all your help, it's really appreciated, lack of power steering doesn't bother me too much i've had a few cars without it. So you can buy hard tops, for them? Because I don't like the soft top to be honest. Thanks for your help again, wish me luck shopping for a good one.

Cheers again

[christover1]

lwb are all hard top
swb come in hard top or soft top.
fibreglass roofs are available for the soft tops, but are very expensive.
new soft tops are very cheap, at least one maker of them is a member here.

[BlackZookie]

my 89 model has power steering still but think it was just introduced when that model came out. think efi came in 93 maybe in the SWB. hardtops seem to be hard to come by second hand but are a few places over seas selling them. good luck with the purchase mate

[matt91112011]

Cheers, thanks for the info. They seem quite overpriced compared with Sierra's I like. There is a Vitara that is for sale, its the 97 model with a 2L motor, done 228000km, sounds expensive at $7500, lol

[matty_wall]

Probably the best thing about the vitara is the factory 1.6. If your planing long trips i think thats the deal breaker for the Sierra. In saying that tho, people on here have done big trips with the little 1.3 carby engine in there sierras.

Ive never looked at the prices of the 2l vitaras, but you get more car for your money. i.e. Bigger engine, EFI, most probably Air Con, more cabin space, less rust ect ect. The seller may want to much for it as well.

[got_bar_work]

If I was going to do it again I would go a v6 auto gv with 3" lift and just do some cutting and drop some 31'under there.
Vit5:12'and tc gears
Airlocker f&r
Custom barwork all
Round and it would be a great allrounder

[atari4x4]

matt91112011 wrote:

Cheers, thanks for the info. They seem quite overpriced compared with Sierra's I like. There is a Vitara that is for sale, its the 97 model with a 2L motor, done 228000km, sounds expensive at $7500, lol

overpriced for the amount of kms.

[matt91112011]

So i'm thinking about buying a stock 92 vitara with a 1.6L. How much lift do these need to fit, 31"-33"s?

[BlackZookie]

for 31's I wouldnt go anything under a 3" lift

[matt91112011]

Hi guys,

I'm having a lot of trouble finding any Sierra's or Vitara's in good nic, in Victoria.

Do the Sierra High Tops have all the same body parts as a normal Sierra. Just wondering for modification purposes, like body lifts and spring lifts?

Cheers

[inbits]

Yeah mate they are the same car just with a high roof It will be a narrow track aswell

[christover1]

matt91112011 wrote:

Hi guys,

Do the Sierra High Tops have all the same body parts as a normal Sierra. Just wondering for modification purposes, like body lifts and spring lifts?

Cheers

Yes mostly the same.
Body lifts and spring lifts be same parts.
Unless its a Hi Top Drover.
They have different grill and square headlights, and better springs, usually.

[matt91112011]

Thanks guys