Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Hello,
I'm hoping to get a bit of feedback regarding the pros/ cons of using the J20A from a new Grand Vitara 2006 & on.
To get my project (lotus 7 clubman) registered I will need to use the ECU from the J20A, so no aftermarket computers allowed - what are the difficulties with wiring the immobiliser? Is there anything else I should look out for? Do I need a matching key/ transponder/ ecu or does this not apply with this engine?
Is it difficult to wire (will the ecu cut the engine off if I don't wire it correctly within 3 goes like the new corolla?)
What sort of price range would I be looking at for a complete package including a 5 speed box?
Any comments/ suggestions welcome. Ez

thought a usual SR20 or 4a would be more fitting in there but go the J20. be good a zook road car.

would have to find a 2wd gearbox thou as they are together as one, transfer and gearbox. u may be able to split the transfer off and make a plate but i am not sure.

unsure on rest.

The J20A has been available since '96 firstly in the Vitara and then in the Gen 1 Grand Vitara and as a 1.8 J18A in the Baleno (transverse front wheel drive) and now in the Gen 2 grand Vitara and SX4. Do you need to use the later model as the earlier ones don't have the immobiliser? As mentioned although it has a 5 speed and a north-south engine in the Vits and GV's, the box is connected to a transfer case so you will need to sort something out there. It also doesn't have the same aftermarket performance support if you ever want to develop it further. As to your questions about the immobiliser situation with the newer GV your best bet would be to talk to the Workshop at a Dealership and see if they know or will let you look in a Factory Service Manual.

An 04 GV J20A went at Pickles Auction last week for $2400 with 25'ks on it.

5spd Man, had been hit in the side and rear, lotsa panel damage but the rest looked fine.

thanks for the tips - I was concerned that the gearbox would be too big for what I wanted. Problem with building a car from scratch is that it has to have an australian delivered engine less than 3 years old. There aren't many RWD cars out there now with 1.8- 2 litre engines, so adaptor plates need to be made to fit old model gearboxes. I was hoping the zook had a removable transfer case so could be modified to RWD- cheers.

mtbez wrote:thanks for the tips - I was concerned that the gearbox would be too big for what I wanted. Problem with building a car from scratch is that it has to have an australian delivered engine less than 3 years old. There aren't many RWD cars out there now with 1.8- 2 litre engines, so adaptor plates need to be made to fit old model gearboxes. I was hoping the zook had a removable transfer case so could be modified to RWD- cheers.

Just something to check out. Generally the age consideration is in relation to emissions requirements. You may be able to source on older engine but use the later ECM and still be ok. It "might" save some $$$. Suzuki also brings out 2wd (rear wheel) versions in the North American market so there may be options with regards to removing the transfer case that could be sourced.

MtBez - also bear in mind that vitara/sierras have quite low first and second gears that will be unsuitable for a light sports car. shift quality isn't great either.

I appreciate you thinking outside the box but I don't think the J20 will make a very good swap into a clubman for a number of reasons, mostly, it has poor support and gearbox options, but also it's not really designed for a sport car application.

Unfortunately I don't have any much better ideas, but there must be some better options, especially when it comes to gearbox choices.

Steve.