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Hey zookers
SUMMARY:
1. Will the vitara diffs handle the torque from the 2.6?
2. Try running the 32's with current mods or downsize? driveability? reliability with 32's?
3. find vitara gearbox/transfer to keep things easy or try l300 g/box & tfer.
DETAILS:
Ive recently picked up a 94 vitara 4 door, which has been pretty lifted - both body and springs, and is running new 32’s.
I bought it with no motor, box or transfer. Seems to be a dream vision of some previous owner that possibly never came to fruition.
But I think it has the GV front diff housing swap, longer control arms, a locked rear diff apparently, trimmed the wheel arches a bit,
fair bit of effort someone went through.
I got it pretty cheap and the body and interior is in really good shape overall.
Im trying to decide whether to follow through with a previous owners dream for the car, and make it a crazy jacked beast running 32’s,
and do an engine conversion coz im sure a 1.6 wouldnt do too well with 32’s…
Im seriously considering an astron 2.6 or 2.0 swap. Because I have experience with these motors (currently rebuilding one for a mate)
and have done a conversion with one before - albeit into a 85 mitsi 4x4 l300, so was more straight forward.
But the idea doesnt scare me too much until i think about gearing…
So my main question with the astron idea is, can I make the gear ratios work?
and ideally/most easily would i find a vitara box/transfer and make a bellhousing adapter plate and figure out a clutch/flywheel compromise?
OR would i aim to use a 4x4 L300 gearbox/transfer and see if that would fit due to the body lift? And then mess with the shafts etc..
Im happy to make engine mounts, modify sump, attempt an adapter plate, crossmembers, modify shafts if i have to..
im just kinda inexperienced with gearbox internals and gear ratios in general - sorry!
Personally im not really an avid 4wder and going out on tracks much, i enjoy building cars, and the capability to go offroad when needed.
I'm not attached to running the 32’s.
Probably more interested in a daily overall, but If the astron will turn this into a beast on and off the road, even if I come down a tyre size, I'd probs keep it!
And it would be a fun experiment.
But If im walking into a long nightmare with no light at the end of the tunnel trying to run 32’s, or doing the conversion
or itll be super pricey, I’ll just tone it down to make it more comfy to drive on road and daily it.
I couldn't find much info on this conversion or know if anyone's done it before.
So if anyone does know of any leads, or has some insights, its much appreciated!
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