GV Diesel

[Momo]

Here's a pic :

[murcod]

It looks nice Momo. But you need to fill those blanked out holes in the bumper with some fog lights.

If I hadn't needed the 7 seats I would have bought the current model instead of my '04 XL-7. Surprisingly enough there isn't much price difference secondhand.

What do you think of the ATR's on road? I need to get rid of the useless Bridgestone H/T 687's because they even suck on road; I'm debating whether to go a better H/T or get an A/T. (Realistically it won't be used off road much because there's nowhere within three hours drive to go off-road!)

I had Coopers A/T's on my last 4WD but they were a bit slippery at times on wet bitumen, however they were streets ahead of the Bridgestone 683's (H/T) they replaced....

[Momo]

I've only done 20ks so far, will let you know after the weekend.
They are comfortable with more sidewall and passenger construction. I wanted LT but can't in that size.
They're rated 70/30 and look better for highway than the typical all terrain.

[MUD-PIGSIERRA]

I like it, the extra lift and tires give it that better stance and more capable look. You'll have to give us all a review when you get back tells us how it went. Im thinking, well me and the GF are thinking of a new Vitara as I like the idea of the TDi, the 300zx is slightly limiting for camping trips and other things we are getting into now.

Momo do you think you will have any problems if there was a need for warranty with the bigger coils and slightly bigger tires....? As this is something I think I would do as well if not just some slightly more off raod terrain bias tires...? I noticed you can get a Goodyear MTR at the size of 235/65R17 104T I wonder if that would be to much of a increase to void warranty.....?

[Momo]

Just got back from the dunes and beach and I'm impressed with the car and the tyres. Only thing was I'm a bit concerned about the fuel the dealer might have filled it up with before handing it over - it got quite rattly on the highway. I don't have any diesel experience to go by, so I topped up with BP ultimate diesel, about 22L worth. I would be fuming if they bought some cheap bio-mix to save a few $ - they destroyed my WRX motor with the wrong fuel a few years ago after I traded it to them.

I really wanted to keep the car away from the salty stuff but ended up down a narrow dropoff above the beach with my friends GV following and a stranger in a Pajero. I made a ramp down to the water and got all 3 cars out no problems. Have just spent 2 hrs washing all traces of sand.

The car had no problems handing the soft sand. I dropped the tyres to 18psi leaving heaps in reserve if needed. I normally stick to low range and that worked well as it disables the ESP and leaves traction control on. I could hear it working furiously at times but it never slowed things down. In the soft dry dune sand it would spin all four wheels till it bogged.

Mud-pigsierra, that tyre size is only fractionally larger than stock and your speedo would still be overstating. Mine is about spot-on now testing with GPS.
By adding only 'taller' coils the travel is still limited by the factory struts and dampers so there is no additional strain on CV's etc.
Having said that, warranty with any mod is up to the dealer/Suzuki to interpret so who knows...

Heres some pics:

[TM1]

I picked up a new one on Thursday and have done about 900 klm over easter about 200 of which was on the beach. Most of my off road is beach and it handles it like a treat. the Traction control worked well on a couple of steep access roads and was turned off in the soft sand.
A little bit extra ground clearance would be nice for some of the beach access tracks but i will put up with it for a while.

[Momo]

Thats why I lifted mine as soon as I got it, I didn't want the underside dragged thru the salty sand. And the right clearance will go along way to ensuring the transfer case and cross bars don't get damaged.
I can understand why someone wouldn't want to modify a brand new car though.

[TM1]

Would you be able to tell me the part numbers for the springs . Pedders in Brisbane say they have not heard of any for that model, and was there any other suspension parts needed and did the brake hoses or any thing else need changing.
I gather you have retained the stock shocks and struts.
i might look at that after the first service. That bit of extra clearance would be a big help.

[Momo]

Front coils 7864
Rear coils 7865

$375 for the set of 4.

Tough Dog will have coils for it very soon also.

Yes I left the standard struts and dampers to keep the travel stock. That way I can say to Suzuki that the CV's won't be affected, and nothing else needs changing (brake lines etc).

You will need a 4wheel alignment afterwards using camber bolts in the front. It cost me $140 and took 30min to get done.

The big test was whether the traction control on the diesel model would make up for the limited travel, and I'm pleased to say it did, even on sandy climbs.

[TM1]

Now that you have had it for a while what are your thoughts
Does the lift effect the road handiling and ride on the black stuff
how is it handing off road
where is most of your driving, city or highway

cheers

[Momo]

My thoughts? Well to be honest I only drove it standard home from the
dealer so a comparison is a bit hard.
But to me there wouldn't be much difference lifted because its only a minor lift plus the higher CoG if offset by increased roll resistance of the firmer springs.
It handles great IMO, the tyres are less grippy on bitumen for cornering I would say but the ride is fine, reasonably firm but not harsh. I've chucked it around on gravel and its fun to drive before the ESP takes over and I've felt very safe doing this 100kph+.

Its really no big deal I think, oh and I've driven about 1/2 city and 1/2 highway so far with tracks and beach each weekend.

[MUD-PIGSIERRA]

How is the TD going Momo.....? How are the fuel figures going as to compared to what the factory claims.

Any more mods or additions since you have got it....?