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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: MonsterZUK88 on May 14, 2010, 06:29:25 AM

Title: Questions about samurai
Post by: MonsterZUK88 on May 14, 2010, 06:29:25 AM
First, are the Sammys warm in the winter? I have a soft top. Will the 1.3 engine pull a 10" lift with 35" tires? or do i need to change the motor? Im new to the zuki thing, so thanks for your help
Title: Re: Questions about samurai
Post by: Zukipilot on May 14, 2010, 06:35:42 AM
Even with proper gearing the 1.3 will be weak on the road with 35's.

The heaters in Sami's with soft tops can keep you comfortable with a good top (if in good working order) but not to comfortable... bring a jacket.

Zig
Title: Re: Questions about samurai
Post by: MonsterZUK88 on May 14, 2010, 06:46:38 AM
so what size lift and tire size can the 1.3 handle?
Title: Re: Questions about samurai
Post by: Drone637 on May 14, 2010, 12:24:25 PM
That depends on how fast you want to go really.  If your ok with speeds around 60 you can gear down so 35" tires will work, but it will be a bit slow up hills.

When you get to a larger tire the model will make a difference as well.  A 33x12.5" Swamper TSL weighs quite a bit more then a 35" BFG. 

I have an SJ-410 with a 45hp 1.0L 4cyl and a 4 speed, I can run around all day at 50 (on flat land) but don't have the gearing to go much faster with a 6.5:1 transfer case and 5.12 gears.  My cousin was running 33x12.5" swamper with a 8:1 transfer case and found it a little underpowered (and scary to drive due to balancing issues) above 60.  He swapped in the 5.12 gears, now he has all the power he needs but doesn't have the gearing to go over 60.
Title: Re: Questions about samurai
Post by: ack on May 14, 2010, 02:00:55 PM
Here is an informative article about SPOA lifts and the Samurai:

http://www.acksfaq.com/sixinchrule.htm (http://www.acksfaq.com/sixinchrule.htm)

Check out Ack's FAQ - nearly 600 searchable links to the Susuki offroading information that your are looking for including articles and forum posts right here at Zukiworld!

I hope that this helps!
Title: Re: Questions about samurai
Post by: Skyhiranger on May 15, 2010, 08:11:32 PM
Samurais and the "6 inch rule".  The 6" rule basically says that 6" of suspension lift the the maximum lift that is recommended for samurais.  The reasoning is because anything more than that and you start running into driveshaft angle issues.
As far as tire size goes....it depends on what terrain you wheel, how you drive, etc.  I run 33s with lockers in both axles and run a lot of rocks and trails and generally have a "light" right foot.  I have no issues.  But there are others that run 31s, no lockers and break axles.  The "general" rule is.....33s are the max. on stock axles, locked or not and using common sense while wheeling.
Title: Re: Questions about samurai
Post by: doughboy0379 on May 18, 2010, 01:51:23 AM
as for the heater one thing I did was I bought heavy clear plastic sheeting stuff as thick as the tops clear windows and I put it in between the targa bar and the stock roll bar then taped it in place like a poor mans windjammer it worked good under the stock top and had me taking off my coat in the middle of winter.   
Title: Re: Questions about samurai
Post by: igaug on May 18, 2010, 09:47:34 AM
i have a hard top but haven't drivin in any extreme cold, olny 30's so far. mine warmed up quickly but was never enough to burn me out or anything. i did have to turn it down to stay comfortable, but again its a hard top and it was in the 30's.
Title: Re: Questions about samurai
Post by: jzap on May 18, 2010, 02:34:34 PM
I went through a few Chicago winters with a Samurai softtop.  The heater put out enough heat to to keep you nice and warm.  In fact, I usually took my coat off, threw it in the back seat because of the limited space.  BUT, when you turned the engine off, it cooled down REALLY FAST.