Suzuki Vitara 1998 - 2dr - Upgrades - PLEASE HELP

[stoj19]

Hi guys,

I have recently purchased a Suzuki Vitara 1998 Model which is two door and a soft top. What are the first few things I need to do to:

A. Make it perform better both on road and off road
B. Look Better (even though they are awesome all ready)

I was just wondering if there was like some sort of guide, good website, or parts to get.

(I am also looking to upgrade the sound system)

Cheers, stoj19 (thanks for your time)

[Just Cruizin]

Tyres will be the best thing you can buy but the size you want will determine what you need to do first. To run decent size tyres you will need either suspension lift or body lift maybe both. Suspension upgrade will be a given anyway for both on and off road. Once you've got it gripping and flexing you may consider traction aids, lockers etc. It all depends on what you want to drive and where you live. Victoria mainly mud and slippy hills traction is more important then flex. Queensland more rocks and loose dirt. changes what is required and the way you need to drive.

[GRPABT1]

Don't forget that bigger tyres alters your gearing though so budget for new transfer case gears if you go big. Have a look around at some parts specialists at what they sell to give you an idea where to start on your budget, I'll post some links to get you started.

Suzisport International (http://www.suzisport.com/shop/)
BBM (http://www.bbmotorsports.com.au/)
Snake Racing Australia (http://www.snakeracing.com.au/)
4WD1.com - Australia's Leading Suspension Specialist (http://www.4wd1.com/)
4 Wheel Drive USA - Suspension (http://www.4wdusa.com.au/3.html)
4 Wheel Drive USA - Suspension (http://www.4wdusa.com.au/3.html)

[stoj19]

HI, I live in Newcastle, NSW

thanks for the help

[ODA1]

also do you have a 1.6 or 2L engine??

[stoj19]

2.0 ltr with alloys and tow bar

I am looking to buy:

1. Extractors
2. Nudge Bar

[ODA1]

try any 4x4 shop that supplies ecb for your nudge bar and eny exhaust shop to get the extractors done, do you have bigger tyres than stock as the 2L will smoke the tyres in stock form and pull 110Km in seconed!!
( former 2L owner:cry:)

[kiwi-63]

Don't get a nudge bar, it'll stuff up your approach angle. Throw out the OE bumper & go with an alloy bar.
Cheers, zooknut

[stoj19]

nudge bars just look neat without going over the top

[tomholt]

check out puresuzuki.com and rocky-road.com they have heaps of after market gear

[cj]

2.0 ltr with alloys and tow bar

I am looking to buy:

1. Extractors
2. Nudge Bar

Extractors are made by Hurricane Headers/Liverpool Exhausts in Sydney.

I have an alloy nudge bar if you're interested but it's in Melbourne. Don't know what freight would be. PM me if you want.

[TheOtherLeft]

Not having a go at you but can I ask why you want a nudge bar?

In the bush they don't really serve a purpose.
- If you hit something solid it'll cave in the front of the radiator,
- you lose your approach angle - big negative for a relatively low slumg vehicle,
- it won't help much against an animal strike - unless of course you hit it straight on, but with Mr Murphy as a passenger it'll probably miss the nudge bar and go straight for the headlight.

The only point in having them is so you can mount things off them - lights, aerials etc, but there are other ways to achieve this at less $$$.

Of course I'm sure they're good for pushing shopping trolleys out of the way ;-p

[TheOtherLeft]

Does anyone know what the price differential is between a nudge bar and full bull bar (alloy even)? If it's only a few hundred $$$ then I would say go a full bar. That way you get a better approach angle, especially in front of the tyres since they angle up, and you get more overall protection.

I was looking at getting an alloy bull bar from Suziworld for my GV but will save the $$$ and replace it when my factory bumper falls apart. I even thought about attacking my bumper in front of the wheels with an angle grinder so I can get a better approach.

Besides there's way too many other things to spend $$$ on.

[stoj19]

nudge bars just look neat i reckon.....as I will still be using the zook around town. But I do get your point

cheers
:thumb:

[GRPABT1]

By neat you mean looks like a girls shopping trolley?

[TheOtherLeft]

If you want bling then get the nudge bar. Still a waste of money IMO but each to their own. Then you may as well chrome everything else as well.

P.S I just banged up a few panels on a club trip. A bull bar would've prevented it but a nudge bar wouldn't have.

[stoj19]

hahahah

ok, you all have persuaded me to go for a bullbar....and I agree now the zook has to look TOUGH. (geez what was I thinking :crazy:)

so anyone know where I can get them 2nd hand or for cheap? anyone got one for sale?

cheers

[GRPABT1]

on forums like this, ebay, trading post, local classifieds etc