ESP Availability for 2006 Grand Vitara

[Coatesy]

Hello All,

I'm trying to chase down whether the ESP module that is installed in the American release of the 2006+ Grand Vitara would be obtainable for my vehicle ...

I've been looking for a rear locker for a while, and I was just speaking with a mate from the US who asked me why I was wasting my time looking for a locker when the ESP feature does such a fantastic job of maintaining traction regardless of how crossed up you are.

I explained that the Australian GV's didn't have ESP ...

I'm hoping that this might be something I can 'bolt-on' to my vehicle and will increase my off road capability enormously.

Has anyone heard anything to this effect??

Thanks.

[Gwagensteve]

ESP is not the same as traction control. Stability program selectively brakes wheels to prevent/counter a skid or slide.

I think what you are after is traction control. They may be ipart of the same package in the US market, but the effect is different.

there are heaps of ways this can be set up. the calibration of it is the key. I have no idea how the system is calibrated but they are no substitute for a locker as they are reactive systems. Even the best systems rely on some slip and get a bit wierd with wheels in the air etc. They are also VERY hard on the brakes in slippery conditions.

I am totally over ESP/Traction control in my road car and I am trying to buy a car at the moment without it. The electronic interferance in what I am trying to do with the car does my head in.

Personally I would hang out for a locker or maybe look at haultech to provide an aftermarket solution.

My guess is you would need a whole US market ECU which will have different calibrations for emissions and lots of small hardware differences for 50 state emissions capability. Sounds too hard to me.

Steve.

[fordy1]

try your local diff repair mob and see if they are willing to pull your rear diff and do some r&d to maybe fab a permanant Locker.

[Momo]

If we had the traction control option on the GV over here , I would probably swap my older model for the new one.
But we don't, and I don't think I would recommend to anyone to try because its such a friggen headache changing anything on your car. (I am still waiting to get the Haultech TC install finished after 10 months!)