[Inais]

Hey guys,
Total n00b here so go easy.
Ive just purchased an 09 vitara. Pretty happy so far, but have a few questions.
I'm looking to put some sunraysia type rims and all terrains on it, this car is my downgrade from a v8 grand cherokee to save on running costs, rego etc, but i essentially want it to do the same things (mild 4wd etc.)
Ive been quoted about $1200 from bob Jane for some rims and 235 70 16s but also a cheaper tyre and more options of 245 70 16s. My question is if anyone has info or ran bigger tyres , is it legal? Does it strain components? Those kind of things.
Im happy to run bigger tyres, but dont want to destroy the vehicle or get a fine.
At some point I will also look to lift it a little as well, and get a bash plate finance providing.

I also have a question about the starter motor? Coming from the jeep the vitara seems ... lazy .. for lack of a better word. I assumed it needed a new battery, so that was my first purchase, however didn't resolve the issue (if it even is an issue). It starts just fine old or new battery. Just seems to crank slow. So is it normal?

Thanks for any help in advance,

[ZUZUKI]

Hi Inais,

Since no-one else has has a go at replying....
Don't know which engine version you have, but 245/70R16 is a good size to run - preferably not on J20 or 1.9 Diesel - gearing is wacked a bit more than those engines like - especially if coming from a V8 Jeep!.
These cars came out with 225/70R16 (721.4mm O.D.) or 225/65R17 (724.3mm O.D.)
245/75R16 is the biggest comfortable fit. If you need / want more, you've got the wrong car.
VBS14 translates to you can fit tyres up to 50mm larger than the largest size fitted by the manufacture for your model.
The 225/60R18 fitted to "Prestige" versions (with no significant mechanical changes from other versions) work out to be 749.7mm O.D or 29.5".
245/75R16 works out at 774mm, so well within limits.
Or, 245/70R17 if you already have 17" rims.

Suspension lift & bash plate/s definitely worthwhile with these cars.

Going to be hard to advise on the speed or otherwise of the starter motor, but a 2009 model is already 11 years old, starter might be a bit tired.
If it starts fine, that's the main thing, isn't it?

Rgs, Michael

[Inais]

Thanks for the reply Michael, appreciated.
The search function on here wasnt really helpful, but i did find a few old threads since posting that have helped me to decide on the 245 70 16s.
I have the j24b engine so should be ok? Manual transmission.

Ive been doing some research and have pretty much talked myself out of a lift, not that I've heard of any problems, just the extras like camber bolts and the angles of the driveshafts scare me a bit.

Would love a bash plate, but seems only find one manufacturer (ironman) and their pricing is a little steep. Might see if can whip something up out of sheet metal later in the piece.

Ill be honest. Im not going to do crazy 4wding, I dont believe the car is built for it. But just having the ability to suss out a track and not be afraid would be nice. Half of what the jeep use to do would be mint.

I dont want to be throwing too much cash at it realistically, 240000km and i picked it up pretty cheap, funnily enough I don't think its ever been off road. Everything looks brand new. More like a car with 24000 km from my experiences.

Yep, she starts. Ill give her a service soon and have a look at the wiring while I'm under there. Just make sure its all good.

I noticed the other day that these things have an electronic accelerator type thing (my newest car up til now has been the 00 model jeep)
Do these things fail or cause an issue? Ive got a mild form of bunny hopping between gear changes and take offs. Nothing major and if i give it more revs its fine. But just thought i would ask.

Lets say i did talk myself back into a lift... there's an el cheapo on eBay, dobinsons with webco struts and shocks. Has yourself or anyone here had any experience with webco? Shocks are easy, but ill be buggered if i want to change a strut spring twice lol.

My focus atm is the tires now I've got the right sizing, and popping a single din stereo in. Then I'll get some tint. Ill see if i can figure out how to post a pic up.

Thanks again.

[Inais]