TN_Montero
Need a Spot
Reged: 03/17/08
Posts: 6
Loc: Nashville, Tennessee, USA
|
Ryan's Gen1 LWB Montero Build
03/19/08 11:53 AM
|
|
|
Alright, ladies and gents. This is where it begins. The Gen 1 LWB Montero Buildup.
There are so many parts to a vehicle! I will start with a 1989-1991 LS model with V6, Tan interior, sunroof, power doors and locks. Decent condition. Now the improvements. Needing to start somewhere, I arrived at a list. A long list, but it serves me well. Here are the wants/needs/desires of the project, broken down into sections.
Functional Additions:
- Heavier duty front (possibly rear) bumper replacement
- Brushguard
- Roof Rack
- 2 PIAA Lights for Roof Rack
- 35" x 12.5" tires on 15" or 16" steel rims
- Full size spare on back
- Heavier Front Skid Plate
- 3" suspension lift
- 2" body lift
- Engine/ Transmission/ Drivetrain swap
- Gen 2 Brakes
- Gen 2 Trailing Arms
- Gen 2 Rear Axle
- Frame cleared of all rust and POR15 treated
- Other engine and suspension parts are replaced as needed.
Cosmetic Exterior Adjustments:
- Fender flares
- exchange grill for slat-style (non-chrome)
- Debadge vehicle (not that I'm embarassed! I just want CLEAN lines)
- Remove all chrome and plastic pieces and paint them with black enamel (or other). This includes fender flares, headlight surrounds, grill, bumper, brushguard, mirrors, roof rack, door handles, license plate valence, center of wheel (locker), tire carrier bits, windshield surround, tow hitch, etc. (see: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2273033/2)
- paint black b-pillars body color (white)
- paint steel rims (white)
- eliminate all rust the proper way
- respray body in white (either a limestone shade or a brighter chawton white)
Interior Adjustments:
- Restore dashboard (or replace)
- New carpet
- Bouncy seats up front
- Reupolster seats or doors as needed
- Switches for aux lights and other options
- Make sure sunfoof is 100%
- Re-situate Tunnel and trim for new transmission
- Install new speakers
- Carputer (see article: http://forum.planetisuzoo.com/viewtopic.php?t=19394) in Dash and glovebox
WOW! That's a lot over overhauling for the next few years. The cashflow analysis I did put the cost of the project around $18,000. Compare this to a used Suburban or similar. You'd pay around the same price for something with a bigger engine (which I don't need) and less off road ability than my project truck. I don't want to cut corners, but I would like to do this in the most cost-effective manner as possible. As far as these tasks go, does anyone have a favorite parts source for the bolt-on aftermarket items?
The big modification here is going to be the powerplant. I like the idea of a new chevy v6 EFI engine/ tranny/ drivetrain for more power and reliability. Since I've read the pages on other engine conversions, what do the good people of the wire favor when swapping an engine? I know I'd have to have the fuel pump/fuel lines, ecu, and other bits from the Chevy inserted into my Montero. Also the transfer case -> shafts seem tough. Like I'd need custom shafts. These two issues worry me, but I'm open to suggestions - let me hear them!
--------------------
soon-to-be owner of a Gen 1 LWB 
|
|
Previous
Index
Next
Flat
Edit
Reply
Quote
