Manual SUVs (More Suzuki)

"HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles" (hondasfordsvolvo) 02/18/2016 at 20:49 • Filed to: None

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Why do I want a Manual 4x4 so badly?

Also Something I learned today. It is related to the Chevy Equinox, Pontiac Torrent, and Saturn Vue as it’s based on the GM Theta platform which Suzuki designed. However the Grand Vitara has the engine pointed the right way. It’s a RWD based SUV with real 4wd. But sadly unlike the rest of the Theta platform cars it doesn’t have the GM L66 V6, which is actually a Honda J35a with a cheaper cast crank.

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Vicente Esteve > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 02/18/2016 at 20:52

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You can still get a new one in Mexico, I think this is the last year it will be on sale.

MultiplaOrgasms > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 02/18/2016 at 21:02

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Most likely because the J35 isn’t designed for longitudinal use, and the C-series is too old and probably too wide.

Under_Score > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 02/18/2016 at 21:17

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Ten minutes of searching and I finally found the ad that they used to promote these back when they came out.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Under_Score 02/18/2016 at 21:21

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Those poor SUV-asauruses.

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 02/18/2016 at 21:26

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I’ve always wanted a real 4x4 with a manual, but the choices are pretty limited or just plain expensive. I do like the manual XTerra, but couldn’t get over the general ancientness of it. And I accidentally backed my friends into a telephone pole hidden in a blind spot so that kind of soured me on it. Can’t afford an FJ or Wrangler. I like the manual Grand Vitaras but couldn’t find one when I was looking to buy. So I ended up looking at AWD, because I really don’t need an actual 4x4. Ended up with a manual Forester and I’m pretty happy with it. When it’s paid off maybe I can get some weird old 4x4 manual toy like a first-gen Grand Cherokee.

Master Cylinder > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 02/18/2016 at 22:26

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The Suzuki V6 they use is the H27A (or H25A if it’s the 2.5L version). It’s actually a pretty cool engine that shares some ancestry with the Mazda V6es of the same era. It’s not a huge powerhouse in stock form, but can be built up to respectable output levels. The cool thing about it is that it is extremely lightweight - so much so that it is regularly used to power aircraft. The best estimates I could find put it around 300-320lb, or about as much as a relatively lightweight 4-cylinder. I keep an eye out for a chance to snag one cheap for an ultra-light sportscar project or something.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Master Cylinder 02/18/2016 at 22:40

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that is cool.

Master Cylinder > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 02/19/2016 at 06:45

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Suzuki used it as the basis for the powerplant in their kickass Pikes Peak Escudo racer. Actually they used two of them in tandem to make over 900hp!

Sorry, I’m kind of a fan of Suzuki. It broke my heart when they packed up and left the US.

Somethin' 'bout a truck > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com 02/19/2016 at 08:58

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These are great. Can you get higher trims with the manual, or is it just the base models?

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > Somethin' 'bout a truck 02/19/2016 at 09:12

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You can get the base and the mid-level with the manual. It’s a Subaru so even the base has AWD. Mine is obviously the base with the steel wheels. The “premium” is also available with the manual. It adds alloy wheels, a roof rack, body-color mirrors, the big sunroof, a nicer back seat and a few other small things. Above that, you lose the manual option. Sadly the turbo isn’t available with a manual. Now that lots of 2015 WRX wrecks are starting to show up, an engine swap may be something I consider when the warranty is up.

One nice thing about Subarus in my opinion is the extensive accessories catalog and parts interchangeably with other models. You can add fog lamps and speaker upgrades direct from Subaru, which I plan to do. I’m also planning to tighten up the shifter with some aftermarket parts made for the WRX. I have a leather steering wheel in the mail right now out of a Legacy that will bolt right on. I’ve seen people drop WRX bucket seats into them. Wheels from most other Subarus will bolt right on - though I will probably go aftermarket. So part-by-part you can make a pretty nice vehicle with the manual if you are up for that sort of thing.

Also +1 for the Kip Moore username.

Somethin' 'bout a truck > FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com 02/19/2016 at 23:28

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I like that “feature” a lot. I don’t own a subie but ice always wanted one and I’ve always enjoyed seeing how people build them up from other subies. Some day hopefully I can join in. I would love to have a Forester.