Grand Vitara 98-05 info please

[murcod]

murcod- there's a dark colored GV getting around my neck of the woods (inner south Adelaide) that is lifted and snorkeled... any idea if they're on here or Auszookers?

Any other GV'ers- do you find that you're lacking in grunt when towing? If so, any suggestions for more grunt? I'd like to know how much difference a bigger/better flowing exhaust would make for bottom end. Or would it just give it more up top?

I live out in the north eastern area- can't say I've seen any modded GV's around my side of town. There is a bog stock XL-7 (not even a Limited) with "XL-7" number plates that I've seen; I had a bit of a laugh to myself.

Mine's set up for on road use ; it's modded (Koni's, fog lights etc) but there's nowhere close to go off road so I've fitted Cooper Sport tyres and have left it stock height.

This thread might be of interest to some people- this guy might be able to reflash the ECU. I haven't found anyone who has ever had their ECU flashed. http://www.dwtuning.com.au/forum/viewto ... ?f=13&t=22 I'd look into it a bit more but can't justify spending money on the XL-7 at the moment.

The exhaust should improve things, but once again I've yet to find extractors to suit. The best I've found is place in NZ had exhaust manifold flanges (probably a bad description- flat plate cut out to suit the H25/ H27 head exhaust port shape.)

[grazza]

Well things are progressing with the GV. I have some factory alloys on the way and I am about to order some Kumho KL-78's which are more AT than the KL-71 MT's I had initially looked at.

I have not yet decided on the lift kit but it will involve replacement spings/shocks to bring it up 40mm (at least)

I bought some 100mm spotties for the front bumper and I am looking at a slimline crossbar for the roof (for the rooftop tent)

Will post pics when its not stock...

[grazza]

Got the lift (50mm front, 60mm rear), new tyres Maxxis 751 225/75/16 and factory alloys. Fitted up the UHF and roof bars. Fitted front spotties. New high-flow muffler fitted (not much difference noticed)

Getting the snorkel and front bash plate this week and hopefully get my rooftop tent, then I will know if I want, or need, to get a roof tray (flat platform type)

I have a funny grating noise coming from the rear when changing direction (swerve) which I cannot figure out, spent a long time looking at everything underneath but I cant see anything wrong. I suspected that the handbrake cables were too tight but it made no difference when I disconnected their mounts. Will get a pro to have a look.

About time I had a good look at the bottom of a GV, impressed by the factory high diff breathers - better than those fitted to my Patrols!

Better post some pics

[Mudboy]

I had fitted to my GV an ARB Air Locker, there was a bit of work invloved but kept the original crown wheel etc. makes a big difference off road as you can imagine.
I am also running 235/70/16 tyres with a 50mm lift

[grazza]

Some pics...









Come a long way this thread eh?

[fordy1]

its hard to see how big it is so i have a pic that should help

[murcod]

Here are a couple of pics of my XL-7 from a recent holiday.

Koni shocks (stock springs), Cooper Discoverer Sport 235/60R16 tyres, fog lights off a Citroen (off Ebay UK cheap ), Thule racks, 330 litre Mont Blanc pod, rear row seats removed.

PS: Removing the rear row seats was the best thing I've ever done There's now bucket loads of room in the back and it still seats 5. We took the two dogs, 6 month old baby with two prams, portacot, esky and two adults with associated gear for a week. It fitted in no worries without being loaded up above the middle row seat backrest.





I seemed to be averaging around 10l/100km @ 110km/h with it loaded up that way. The racks and pod would have killed the economy I'd imagine? Acceleration on hills in top gear was a bit lacking, but once it kicked down a gear there was plenty of poke (5 spd auto.) Overtaking other vehicles was never a problem.

[grazza]

Here's some of mine last weekend on Bribie Island with the new rooftop tent.
It a different design to most, very lightweight (17kg) and quick to setup. Free's up a lot of room inside where I used to have a touring tent and mattress. Very comfortable to sleep on. Held on by 4 steel u-bolts making is very quick to remove, under 4 nuts and lift it off. So if you are camping in one spot for a few days its easy to take it off and camp on the ground (still on its frame about 6" up) Useful if a full-on storm is coming, just plonk it under a tarp. One person can lift it off although it is a little bulky, easier with two. My only gripe is the ladder which is a little wide to clear the spare so I am getting a thinner one. The ladder, shovel, maxtrax ,rods, all travel underneath the tent. Enough room for a surfboard too.

[murcod]

That tent is an interesting design. I take it from the pics it sleeps 2 and you sleep lying across the vehicle?

[fordy1]

yes i knew i saw you, i was heading to bribie in the moring and saw you going the other way

[grazza]

That tent is an interesting design. I take it from the pics it sleeps 2 and you sleep lying across the vehicle?

Yes, it sleeps 2 across which makes it fit on the roof better. It would be easier with it flipped around, so its entered with the ladder on the side, but it would hang over the sides a bit when stowed.

They made a bigger one to sleep 2 adults & 2 children.

I got it here for $799. http://www.mmimports.com.au/

More info:
http://www.racktents.com/OasisII.html
http://www.trekking.fr/tente-de-toit-4x4/oasis-62.htm (french)

[bendev]

Hey everyone,
I hope my question doesn't sound stupid but how much weight can the rails of our GV's hold? I all ways wanted a roof top tent but didn't think it could be done. Does it feel safe when your up there? like does the car sway around if you move around up there?
thanks again

[grazza]

I think the usual rooftop tents would be pushing it a bit at around 60kg. Mine is 17kg. Certainly the weight of 2 people would also be far to much if you were driving but I think its no problem at all when stationary.

For the weekend I had the tent at 17kg, tarp poles (aluminium) about 10kg, maxtrax 10kg, fishing rods, 1kg, rhino cross bars 5kg - so all up pretty light really.

Will try to find out what the official limit for the roof bars is, but it will be a limit when driving.

Felt very stable up there, the car did not move around. Might be some movement on a SWB but I would not want a lot of traveling weight on a SWB zook anyway (not a 60kg tent) I am not running factory shocks or springs so that may have a minor influence.

[murcod]

I'm fairly certain the weight limit for my XL-7 is 50kg. But that would be while driving and I'd imagine more weight while it's stationary wouldn't be a big concern?

[grazza]

Some of the latest mods, including my xmas present - an ARB compressor I went halves in... After a number of real cheapy compressors I went the full monty and got an ARB. Very impressed with the wiring, hose kit and instructions - something you dont get with the eBay specials. Also be useful for a future locker as the loom has all the bits.
I made up a plate from some stainless and used the convenient mounts already there, thanks Suzuki!






CB fitted - can you see it?




Fire extinguisher in the back




ERPS anti-rust unit transferred from the Patrol

[grazza]

.
Some pics with the new awning, rear table, fridge and North Stradbroke Island last weekend...

[fordy1]

any updates??

[fordy1]

any updates ?????