Suzuki Club UK

Great ride, I've always liked the firenzas, they have such a nice shape and have a real iconic look about them. Keep us updated with the build I love things like this!

Jon Randall wrote:As mentioned I wouldn't mind trying out the 1800 twin cam (Baleno again) , has anyone done that conversion to an sj413 box ?

I *think* the baleno 1800 is Australia only, at least with the M series block (which is what I think you have?) - everywhere else, Suzuki 1800's are J series blocks. And if you're going to fit a J, you might as well fit the 2.0.

I really doubt that any 1800 is going to suit the 1.3 box well. I don't think the strength is the problem, I think you'll struggle to find a clutch that works with that much torque.

If you're going to fit an 1800 or a 2l, you might as well do what ScottieJ is planning - he got a GV2000 and pulled the bits he needs from it.

If you pull a J20 out of a GV2000, then you'll be able to pull the gearbox, ECU, immobiliser etc with it, and bob is your mother's brother.

Thanks for that info Anton.
If the Grand Vitara's box has built in transfer box and front wheel drive shafts , then it won't suit my car as it's traditional rwd.
I looked at this initially and decided to go for the sj box cos it's standard with separate transfer.
On the subject of boxes, is the Jimmy box a good alternative to the sj , just wondered cos I know sj's are getting quite rare now but seem to be a lot of Jimmy around (anticipating future parts requirements).

Jon

The GV box has a bolt-on t-case. Unbolt it, make a blanking plate, and you're away with a RWD gearbox. It has a hydraulic clutch, which is why ScottieJ is using a "normal" vitara gearbox with a cable clutch instead, but they're both unboltable t-cases.

The Vitara gearbox should bolt right up to a J series though. Just has a slightly weaker clutch than a GV gearbox. I *think* they're the same otherwise.

Jimny's come in 3 varieties - G series Jimny's, which should have a gearbox that is pretty much the same as the one you have (might be some minor differences, but it should have the same bellhousing and might have the same output). This is, from memory, all pre-2005 soft top Jimny's.

Then there's the early M series (hard tops) which has a similar gear ratio to G series, but with an M series bellhousing. Should be a fairly easy job to get it to bolt up to your M series engine without an adapter.

Then there's the late M series (soft and hard tops post 2005, I *think*) that has a 1:1 5th gear instead of 1:0.864 5th gear (it's got a longer final drive, or a different ratio t-case, can't remember which - or it might be both) which would probably not be of use to you, as 5th would be where you want 4th to be.

This is all ignoring the autos.

Some people will tell you the pre-2001 Jimny has the G series engine, 2001-2004 has non VVT M13 and .864 5th and 2005+ has VVT M13a and 1:1 5th. This doesn't seem to be true, with many post 2001 soft tops having G13 engines, and many pre-2001 hard tops having M13's.

I'm sure the situation is more complicated than I realise though.

I've got an x90/ 2wd vitara gearbox to use, bigger than an sj gearbox but stronger.

You need to get the G series flywheel modified though as the J series engines crank has a larger PCD.

you can mate a J series to a 1.3 box and get clutches that will handle the power. it's common in the US and there's companies that sell the modified flywheel and clutches to cope etc.

as for Jimny gearboxes, the are almost the same strength wise, the lever/selector set up isn't as reliable on an offroader, but it would be fine on a road car.

Thanks for the info , lots to consider , but very useful , now got a few options .

Hi and welcome. Interesting little build.

Hi from another South Wales newbie

martym wrote:Hi from another South Wales newbie

Hi,
Whereabouts ? Understand your Vitara less at moment .

Jon