Hi all,

I have never really thought too serious about building a Sami up until now.  It wouldn't have to be too crazy but you never know, I might just go hog wild.

My question here is, how much does a Samurai weigh?  Is it under 2000 pounds?

What place sells the most parts for these little trucks?  I'm fairly competent turning a wrench and would do all the work myself but finding the best parts at a decent price would be imprtant.

Now for my dark side question:  Would the earlier Samurai's be fairly EMP proof?  Carb and simple ignition or were they all electroic ignition.  I know the early Sami's were carburated.

Thanks,

Rob

Stock they are around 2100-2200 lbs.

I wouldn't go hog wild.  A somewhat mild build like the GI Jane Zukiworld project is the most fun to drive in my opinion.  Something with 29-30" tires, some t-case reduction, and maybe a locker or spool (or even open) in the rear.  It will be pretty bullet proof and the stock engine will still be able to power it up to 65mph.

Dark Side: The stock (US) ones have a computer that control the carb and a solid state ignition, so no, not EMP proof.  Besides, if a nuke goes off near your Samurai, I think you'll have bigger things to worry about than your Samurai not running.

Here is a recent thread about Sami weights and what people are weighing with mods. It is easy to add weight quick.
http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content/topic,116262.0/all.html

Some good vendors out there and some not so good. You can search for the vendor names to get some info.
The following are ones that I have personally dealt with.

Here are some places that I have had good experiences with :
Petroworks - http://www.petroworks.com/
Trail Tough - http://trailtough.com/
ZOR - http://www.zuksoffroad.com/

This place probably has the most parts as they sell alot of the other's parts.
LROR - http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/suzuki.html

A couple places that will pop up when searching. You can form your own opinion about these after researching or trying them.
Some people love them and some hate them.
Calmini - http://www.calmini.com/
RRO - http://www.rocky-road.com/

Not sure about an EMP but if you remove all the smog contols , replace the carb with a Weber and put a header on you will not need the computer, mine runs with out it.

Not sure about an EMP but if you remove all the smog contols , replace the carb with a Weber and put a header on you will not need the computer, mine runs with out it.

Yep, just put a weber on one of mine this past weekend.  I think I have webers on three Samurais now.  You can ditch the computer, but the distributor is still solid state.  It doesn't have points or a condensor although I'm sure you could probably retrofit them to it.  I know I converted an old VW dizzy to solid state.