Suggestions needed

[Bairdy]

G'day again all...thanks for the info re: bullbars. I now have a far more generic query.
I need to replace my current 4x and the partners car with something midrangish.
I was looking at the 96 LWB V6 and adding 2" susp, 2" BL and running bigger rubber...but the lack of parts and power comments concerns me.
Here's the wish list...what are your expert opinions on vehicle choice.

4 Doors
Daily driving (Majority...the missus car)
Mudruns (Back of otways...noonday, curtis, red-river etc...reasonably serious)
Winchbar compatible
Some towing (Camping, dirtbikes etc...)
10K - 12K somewhere around here complete.

Cheers again
Bairdy

[Bairdy]

Oops...forgot to add....am really looking to a suzuki model. (Coily pref)

[cj]

Well you could always look at a 1.6 Vit lwb. You could get one and do lockers, t-case gears, winchbar, etc for that sort of money. I had a swb 8v that I used to tow jetskis around behind and it coped. The 16v would be even better. Yes, it won't be rocketship but it will do the job you want.

[Bairdy]

Cheers CJ...is the 1.6 with extractors and 2" exhaust a better option than the stock 2L?

[cj]

I wouldn't say better but I personally don't like the 2.0 V6 engine. The 2.0 4cyl is alright but it it didn't come in the lwb. I changed the exhaust on my 16v and it helped and then I did the cam and that made a definate difference. I also ended up adjusting the cam timing to get the power a bit lower in the rev range and I was pretty happy with the way the auto and stock gearing pulled the 31's on the road. The t-case gears made a major difference offroad. To clear 31's on the lwb I needed a 2" suspension and 2" bodylift with some minor trimming plus I needed flares for coverage. I now have my current swb on 7.50x16's with the 3" Calmini suspension and no bodylift and no flares.

[Bairdy]

Thanks again CJ, my main query is what is the downside to the V6. From all the threads and tech info there seems to be very limited info about it?
All the other info given has been fantastic....are the auto's any good for off-road?

[cj]

The downside is the lack of low down torque and the cost to do the timing chains. Suzuki also doesn't seem to keep engine parts in stock either so you may have some delays.

The auto is good offroad but as with autos and petrol engines downhill braking is poor. The simple fix for this some 4:1 t-case gears

There is a guy in our Club with a V6 with the Calmini suspension and 235/85R16's that could be for sale if you were interested. It has a custom bar on it too.

[Bairdy]

As always thanks again CJ, you can PM me any details on the possibility of the Vit for sale. Although I've gotta sell mine before any new aquisition. Still in homework phase at the moment. From all details I may well be better of spending the hard earned on working up the 1.6 to suit!