SJ vs Samurai

[Cal]

Hi guys,

Sorry - it's silly question time as I know nothing about Zooks - what's the difference between a SJ and a Samurai?

If you had, say around £800 to spend would you be looking at SJs and Sammys or could that get you into Vit territory?

Which is best as a purely fun vehicle for greenlaning and Pay and Play?

Thanks  :D

[V8MoneyPit]

Ooh .... can of worms about to be opened  :lol:

The Samurai is an upmarket version of the SJ. It has wider axles and arches plus a few other differences. All Sammys were 413 (1300cc engines). SJ's were available as 410 or 413 (1000 or 1300).
Both Japanese and Spanish built with differences in components.... a true minefield!!

£800 will get you into Vitara territory, no problem. Coil springs and relative ride comfort!!

The SJ's seem to be favoured by the more hardcore off roaders, but both are very capable.

[Evilgoat]

The Rabbit was £375 with 12 months MOT and 6 months tax and needed a new exhaust and new soft-top. Gave her a full service too. Looked pretty sorry shape when we got her and this is her now (well before tearing the engine apart)

[Cal]

Nice one - thanks guys.

Is there plenty that can be done to Vits to lift them a bit and all that sort of thing?

[V8MoneyPit]

Oh yes! But expect more spending than the original cost of the vehicle ........ I'm sure you know exactly how it is  :lol:

[Evilgoat]

£800 will get you into Vitara territory, no problem. Coil springs and relative ride comfort!!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! A Vit!? Ride Comfort!? I'm sure the word for 'Spring' in Japaneese must also mean 'brick'

[V8MoneyPit]

:lol:  :lol:  :lol:

I did use the word 'relative' in relation to the SJ! I deal with Mini's (proper ones) every day, so I know all about lack of ride quality  :lol:

[rollazuki]

Dont forget the SANTANA spanish built samurais, they have some different parts, but best of all...........

a LANDROVER chassis plate.  Does that mean I can join a Landy club with it? :lol:

[V8MoneyPit]

Both Japanese and Spanish built with differences in components.... a true minefield!!

 :P  

[Evilgoat]

IIRC Isnt there A South African or American build too?

[Cal]

I can see the world of Zooks is gonna confuse me!

Oh yes! But expect more spending than the original cost of the vehicle

 :?  That's exactly what I was trying to avoid this time round - did that last year on my Disco and had to sell it  

Or I could learn some self control...  :lol:

[V8MoneyPit]

IIRC Isnt there A South African or American build too?

Not sure about SA, but I think the US ones are Japanese imports.

Or I could learn some self control...  :lol:

Yeah, right!
My Sammy was going to be a simple laning toy. Just a set of tyres.......

So.... 3" suspension lift, wheels and tyres, spacers, SU conversion, snorkel, etc. later...........  :lol:

[Cal]

Yeah, right

 :lol:  :lol:

I've started looking at stuff for my VW now as well - maybe a bit of tuning and uprated suspension on it...!

Have you got pics of Sammy in your gallery (to save me looking thru all of the photos - lazy, I know!)

[**em**]

suzuki good choice which ever you get in my eyes  :lol:

[V8MoneyPit]

Have you got pics of Sammy in your gallery (to save me looking thru all of the photos - lazy, I know!)

[Cal]

Nice, thanks.

More silly questions - do SJs and Vits have hi and lo range and diff lock?

And am I right in thinking SJs are leafers and Vits are coilers?

Just had a quick look on autotrader - not many Sammys on it (unless they're listed as SJs) but plenty SJs and Vits for the kind of money I will prob spend - which is better out of the box so to speak and which has the most potential for simple and cheap mods - eg a couple of inches lift, rocksliders etc etc...

Thanks guys

[V8MoneyPit]

do SJs and Vits have hi and lo range and diff lock?

Hi/lo - yes (2wd, 4wd hi, 4wd lo).
No centre diff. So you mustn't drive too far on road in 4wd.

And am I right in thinking SJs are leafers and Vits are coilers?

Yes.

Just had a quick look on autotrader - not many Sammys on it (unless they're listed as SJs) but plenty SJs and Vits for the kind of money I will prob spend - which is better out of the box so to speak and which has the most potential for simple and cheap mods - eg a couple of inches lift, rocksliders etc etc...

The SJ range is very harsh on the spine! The Vits are somewhat better in this respect, but still bouncy. Both have pros and cons. Realy comes down to which you like the look of more.

SJ's are very basic. Vits might even have electric windows  \:D/  :lol:

Most of the Vitaras at that money will be 1600cc. Later ones went to injection (not sure of the year). Lots of engine conversions about, but make sure they are done well. Transmissions are pretty bullet proof apart from Vitara front axles which can be a bit weak. No doubt someone else will elaborate on this. (Are you about, Damon????). I believe it only becomes a problem with big tyres fitted.

[Cal]

Thanks Steve - you've been a great help.

It's gonna be a while beore I can get anything anyway, so plenty of time to see what's what.

[V8MoneyPit]

Spotting a Sammy:
Samurai has the wider arches. Also, the side repeater lamp is at the rear of the front wing like in my picture. The SJ lamp occupies the space right near the front where there is a badge in the picture.

Spanish vs. Japanese:
Spanish built SJ's have rear fog lights. Japanese don't (no fog in Japan!).

[Cal]

one more question!

Roughly how much does a Sammy/SJ weigh?

Just seen on on e-blag that's already been lifted and price includes a trailer to take the SJ - just wondering if I could legally tow it with my car (1.5 tons I think).

Thanks again  8)

[V8MoneyPit]

Can't remember.... 850kgs maybe.

Edit: Just found it.... 934Kgs curb weight.

[Cal]

Nice one - thanks Steve

[fudge]

The Samurai is an upmarket version of the SJ.

Oooooohhh get you with ya "upmarket" Zuke..... :lol:

Mines a working class edition..... 8)

Buy an SJ.... Vits are for girls.....

If Ride quality is an issue.... buy neither, its bumpy out there....


Easy to work on..


I've drilled my chassis plate off cause it said llllllaandnddnnd ro.... no cant even bring myself to say it! :lol:

And both Steve (v8) And i have to rescue Lllallaanndorro nope still cant say it, anyway we resucue them there 110's, well, rescue is a bit strong but you know what I mean... hey Ringo?

Not actually Ringo being Recued, but still  Zuke pulling a llllalaaala..... bet Andy (littlepow) was  :oops:  at that!

Never one to miss a wind up opportunity....

That is 970cc 740kg zuke RESCUING a 110! :lol:  :lol:  :lol:

[marjan]

Quote - Buy an SJ.... Vits are for girls.....  :x   :x  :x

Watch it Fudge..... or I"ll come down and slap you with my handbag  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:

[generation-x]

hmmmmm fudge so you think vits are for girls

simon now wonders wot you feel about my x-90??


my swb vitara?


my lwb vitara?


my other swb?



simon :oops: (gets ready for trouble)

[redneck]

which is better out of the box so to speak and which has the most potential for simple and cheap mods - eg a couple of inches lift, rocksliders etc etc...

Thanks guys

Have a look here
http://www.kapsuzuki4x4.co.uk/default.asp
will give you a rough idea of what's available for sj or vit, I couldn't afford those prices so made my own cage  



And yes it did get over that hill......easily  

[Littledan]

:shock:  :shock:

simon is the gen-x now?? have u finished her or is that an old pic?

shes huge there

dan

[generation-x]

hi dan thats how she was she's all stripped down again now see http://forums.mud-club.com/viewtopic.php?t=35222  :lol:

[Littledan]

ah nice one mate

she looks good how she was mate

dan

[V8MoneyPit]

The Samurai is an upmarket version of the SJ.

Oooooohhh get you with ya "upmarket" Zuke..... :lol:

Mines a working class edition..... 8)

'S' class vs. 'E' class, eh???  :lol: Maybe not quite!!

Buy an SJ.... Vits are for girls.....

Oooo...... fight, fight, fight......  :lol: