ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Model Specific Suzuki Forum => Suzuki Samurai (All SJ Platform) 1981-1998 => Topic started by: The Goat on September 11, 2011, 07:52:59 AM
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After 210000 miles in my 2005 Toyota, I've gotten bored. I was gonna get another one like I have, but decided something new might be in order.
Been doing a lot of reading on the sammi and I've decided as much as I like em... The mpg in the gas ones isn't something I can live with. Some months I only drive 1-2k miles, other months I'll do 7-8. Obviously at 20 mpg and a lack of interstate speeds, that wouldn't work.
But the diesel... The diesel seems to be just what I want. About the same hp/tq as what I'm in now, better mileage, and it'll prolly tow my quad around better than my car does.
I can tolerate the Spartan nature of it, I can tolerate a ride that will shake your kidneys out. My only requirements are reliability, a/c, tin top, and fuel mileage.
Are the diesel Sammis capable of delivering?
Id probably run a set of 31s, offset wheels, bumpers and guards (parking lot protection mainly), safari rack, HIDs, and I would dynamat, sound proof, and silicone the crap out of it. (gets rid of nearly all the creaks and squeaks)
Is there an alternator option capable of running in dash navi, 600 watt amp (gotta have my mb quart components), and extra lighting?
Just looking for some advice on the vehicle... Or even where to find what I'm looking for if it will work.
Are the vw diesels reliable?
Keep in mind, while I live in the middle of nowhere, the only time this thing will see more offroad than my driveway is during hurricanes.
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I would go with the tracker 1.6 gas engine for torque or the 1.6 tracker or sidekick 16 valve if you like more rpms and a faster driving speed while towing, a stock diesel would probably disappoint you. you will need a 4 to 1 transfer case and a petroworks clutch in it. as far as the safari rack goes it might make it a little to top heavy depending on what you put up there, I tried putting my 12x12 tent on top of mine and it was too much for it even with it being a soft top.
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My stock samurai gets 28ish for MPG and will run 70MPH, no problem. Although, I wouldn't want to put 7-8K on it in a month. It just doesn't ride that nice and is kinda sluggish in the acceleration department.
If I were you, I'd look for a 1.6 16V trackick with a 5 speed manual tranny. You should get 28ish+ for MPG and it has enough power that it is ok for driving in all conditions. Plus it will ride much nicer than a samurai.
Samurais are nice for the short trips or around town driving, but they aren't really a long distance vehicle, IMO.
And have you seen how much the average cost of a diesel swap in a samurai runs? Most guys average about $5K, from what I have read. Yeah, some do it for under $1K, but others spend over $10K.
If you are looking to buy a samurai with the diesel swap already done, good luck. I don't see many for sale. And I don't know that I have ever seen a Tintop with AC and a diesel for sale.
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I have seen only one... The chances o me finding one... Slim.
Everyone talks about how sluggish these cars are, yet their quarter mile times are better than my existing car.
I've found a bunch of cheap stockers that look great, but all are soft top. Found two tintop diesels, one o which was used hard, neither had ac.
I like the look of the samurai... Specifically the tin top. The rest just aren't for me.
I literally do a minimum of 80 miles every day. And I used to do this in a vehicle with crap suspension and rubber band tires. I crushed two sets of steelies and shattered two sets of alloys with my existing car. I drive aggressively, but nothing like the speed demon I once was. My hope was for an suv with decent mileage, something that can clear tires taller than 25s (yes bigger tires on my car to help with the rim crushing behavior).
The sammy's are unique, and with the diesel, meets the above qualities.
Just can't fine one...
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http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content/topic,118362.0.html (http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content/topic,118362.0.html)
I know it isn't exactly what you are looking for....but it comes with a hardtop, some mods, some extra parts, and has a diesel in it. And he is only asking $2K....seems like a good deal, for what it is.
I don't know him, his samurai, or anything about it....just passing on the info.
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The tin top is going to be the hard part, they are pretty limited to begin with...
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Saw that sammi in the classifieds, one problem, dead tranny.
Whatever vehicle I get, it has to be drivable at time of purchase, I wanna drive out, hop in, return a rental, and drive home.
I've found the aftermarket hard tops online for a grand, if they are worth it, I might be interested in any and all rust free running diesels.... Figure if I never take the top off it should hold up pretty good right? I also found a small mounted AC unit that also might work out. Figure buy the sammi in Two weeks. and buy a top. Install the AC in January right before it starts getting brutally hot. I like the blacked out gasser in the classifieds as well, I just think the gas mileage would kill me.
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The tin top is going to be the hard part, they are pretty limited to begin with...
. Very true I love my soft top one! The soft top ones look bigger in my opinion, but the tin top ones are awesome in winter weather! Zack
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Got me one recently: 88 TT, 1.6l 16v, 5spd, Doug Thorley headers, SS exhaust, OME Dakar, 30" MTR's, 2"lift, etc.
Paid dearly for it out here. PO installed a/c unit (not working after barge trip, TPS crapped out too). Had it about 10 days and put 1000miles on it. Hits 75mph no problem, runs at 3300rpm at 60mph, estimated average 22mpg (I like whooping the exhaust, and surprising other drivers with the acceleration of it...)- all with a surging 1500-1900rpm warm idle. Maybe get 25mpg after fix. *I drive minimum 90miles daily if I have to work, put 230miles on it last Sunday touring
I'm DD'ing it and other than a little suspension bounce, slight bump steer, and a mysterious undercarriage clunk off road- it is a great, hard top/all weather vehicle. Probably my last one, will drive this one to my grave.
Motor's from a '92 sidekick.
*edit, one in Reno.. http://reno.craigslist.org/cto/2615755517.html (http://reno.craigslist.org/cto/2615755517.html)
Plenty power, fun driving, head turner, but not too much of a chick magnet...
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Got me one recently: 88 TT, 1.6l 16v, 5spd, Doug Thorley headers, SS exhaust, OME Dakar, 30" MTR's, 2"lift, etc.
Plenty power, fun driving, head turner, but not too much of a chick magnet...
. Sounds like an awesome truck! I drive mine all the time, even though I'm in the middle of doing a yota carb swap. So I be back on the road today or tmrw. I raced a 1990 yota pick up 22re 4.88s I beat him to the speed limit of 45!!!! I was so excited! I still joke him till this day, because I currently have stock gears with 33s, but I shifted at 9000! :) That motor loves me with the straight pipe it can breathe now! Your 88 will smoke some people with that 16v you have no clue, start racing people u will see that they actually have a lot of power. Mines a chick magnet ;) because my rims are lime green and the truck is satin black haha everyone in town knows me because of my cars. Zak