Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 15 of 45

Thread: Suzuki Santana Vitara (Sidekick) 1.9Turbo Diesel Build

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Location
    Aveiro, Portugal
    Posts
    42

    Default Suzuki Santana Vitara (Sidekick) 1.9Turbo Diesel Build

    I thought I share my Build with you all!... Some variety for ya.

    First off, its a 1998n European Suzuki (Santana) Vitara (Sidekick) Metal Top, 3door, 1.9 Turbo Diesel...

    Santana is the Spanish Builder, that assembled the Turbo Diesel versions of the Vitara. They are a bit different than the US/Cdn sidekick in frame(yes, has one!), and accessories, and under the hood of course.

    Its a Vitara, same as a sidekick/tracker, Suzuki used the original name in Europe, The NA OE partners like GM or Geo changed the name for US/Cdn to Sidekick, Tracker a and Sunrunner. Also, North America didn't get metal top 3dr versions.

    The Engine, which is why some of you are here... Turbo Diesel!
    Suzuki didn't product a TD until 2002 ish and therefore used engines that were already smog certified. 1995-98 they used a Citroen / Peugeot 1.9L inline4, IDI Turbo diesel made by PSA, called the XUD9(te, Sd, tey).

    Great engine, and lots out there, used in the Pug 306's 205's and a bunch of European cars, with different injector pumps, injectors and turbos changing the power levels. Whats great tho, internally, not much changed, and most parts can be taken from a Sporty donor and applied.

    Lightly modified (Stage 1 say), they product lots of Torque (200+) and some HP (125).
    125 HP doesn't sound like a lots, but HP depends on RPM, and XUD's don't REV! But the Torque is almost alway on Tap. 2500rpm is near max torque and stays there till the limiter.

    Driving one is like having two engines, Off boost, its slow and very easy to drive, really CALM! with enough torque to idle crawl... Get on the Boost and its a little monster.

    Enough about that!... I'm a Diesel Convert, so I can go on and on!

    The Actual Build Thread is already a couple pages long on another Forum, I'm gonna Transpose it to this Thread over the course of time, and at one point, my Portuguese and XJtalk will sync up.

    Lets start with the Normal "BEFORE" photo!

    Here she is Stock (with some MT's)


    First thing to do with any Build, Suspension. Coming up!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Location
    Oregon
    Posts
    2,489

    Default Re: Suzuki Santana Vitara (Sidekick) 1.9Turbo Diesel Build

    I love a good Turbo Diesel build!
    5" lift, 33's. Armored, Lighted, Chipped, & Locked up Front. Soon to come: winch, gears, axle shafts, and more...
    Built Not Bought - Senior Member
    TheVoiceofJosh.com/

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Location
    Aveiro, Portugal
    Posts
    42

    Default Re: Suzuki Santana Vitara (Sidekick) 1.9Turbo Diesel Build

    Not many Options for Suspension for a Suzuki Vitara (TracKick).

    Theres Spacers and/or Spring, or Full Arms/Link kits, and I can count the producers of the Full systems on one hand.

    Initially was heading for a Calmini 3" system, than found a Clone, that was a bit better, (I could get higher rated front springs needed for the TD's weight), and it was Cheaper than a US to Euro import. (4xFourArt).



    Heres the Kits, including Arms, Springs, Links, Triangle, Shocks. Even a Brake line for the rear(which didn't work... Santana did things different than Suzuki Japan.. Most times better than Japan, Tougher)
    Before: Front & Rear


    After F&R:

    New Stance:


    Played around like that for some time, collecting other parts, but enjoying the new toy, and its added ability. I had plans for the TD, "More Power" of course.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Location
    Aveiro, Portugal
    Posts
    42

    Default Re: Suzuki Santana Vitara (Sidekick) 1.9Turbo Diesel Build

    Around the same period, (Dec 2011) I had to swap out the Radio and so I also Dropped in a CB (got my license too).



    Vitara is a Double Din style, so I got a Cb, with forward facing speaker, and the end result seems nice.

    Enjoyed the Vitara like that until the summer, all the time, making Big Plans for the Summer Pause (Don't do much Offroading in the summer around here, thats beach weather!)
    Last edited by JamesPT; 11-20-2013 at 11:43 AM.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Location
    Aveiro, Portugal
    Posts
    42

    Default Re: Suzuki Santana Vitara (Sidekick) 1.9Turbo Diesel Build

    missing from Photos is my Stack Boost gauge.



    My 2011 Xmas Gifts to myself.
    Snorkel(duh), K&N Apollo air filter, Intercooler, pipers etc ,Boost & EGT Gauge, Gauge pod, 8" MTX Powered Sub and other bit and bolts.


    Also this happened:


    For a Sidekick/Tracker/Vitara Owner, that actually Off-roads there truck, its like losing your virginity!
    Until 96, Suzuki used Iron diff cases and 3rd members, After 96 they swapped to Alloy units to save weight, but they aren't as strong.
    Took this as a Opportunity, and Swapped in some 5.125 gears (from 4.725) as I knew bigger tires are in the plans.
    Also Swapped the Alloy front 3rd and Axle cases for Iron units from a 96.
    Last edited by JamesPT; 11-20-2013 at 11:45 AM.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Location
    Aveiro, Portugal
    Posts
    42

    Default Re: Suzuki Santana Vitara (Sidekick) 1.9Turbo Diesel Build

    Photos are better than words (sometimes) SO.... Photo DUMP!

    The fan need to move down 5cm to not hit the IC, I want to use the original, which is 27cm (11in) , but I may have to use something smaller, 8in or 2x 8in. *For the Winter, maybe I didn't need it, but summer I will.
    s





    Also, in the works, is the Snorkel install, not started tho. just removed body panel.




    And VoaLa
    Last edited by JamesPT; 11-20-2013 at 11:53 AM.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Location
    Aveiro, Portugal
    Posts
    42

    Default Re: Suzuki Santana Vitara (Sidekick) 1.9Turbo Diesel Build

    Top View, Snorkel mounted, Grill View.


    Missing the Fans (2x 8" pusher's)... lets fix that




    The 10" Fan didn't fit anymore, so I got 2x8" and wired them up (they are DEAD NOW... ebay fans suck!)

    I also removed my front swap bar, with the 5.125 gears, she don't go so far anymore, and this helps the IFS get Sexy Flexie

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Location
    Aveiro, Portugal
    Posts
    42

    Default Re: Suzuki Santana Vitara (Sidekick) 1.9Turbo Diesel Build

    Noooooooo!

    Anyone that know what this is, KNOW how much of a PitA it is
    *UGH!

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Chico, CA
    Posts
    29,847

    Default Re: Suzuki Santana Vitara (Sidekick) 1.9Turbo Diesel Build

    What is that, oil cooler on the radiator?
    230 hp 4.3L Chevy
    Built 4L60E with manual lockout
    Atlas 4 speed
    Griffin radiator
    On board air
    Warn 9.5ti on custom bumper
    7.5" RE front and bastard pack rear on custom long arms
    30 gal gas tank
    lockers
    And a bunch of other stuff

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Location
    Aveiro, Portugal
    Posts
    42

    Default Re: Suzuki Santana Vitara (Sidekick) 1.9Turbo Diesel Build

    It's the nasty heater core!!!! The least favorite job

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Chico, CA
    Posts
    29,847

    Default Re: Suzuki Santana Vitara (Sidekick) 1.9Turbo Diesel Build

    What does your antifreeze look like?
    230 hp 4.3L Chevy
    Built 4L60E with manual lockout
    Atlas 4 speed
    Griffin radiator
    On board air
    Warn 9.5ti on custom bumper
    7.5" RE front and bastard pack rear on custom long arms
    30 gal gas tank
    lockers
    And a bunch of other stuff

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    NSW Australia
    Posts
    5,210

    Default Re: Suzuki Santana Vitara (Sidekick) 1.9Turbo Diesel Build

    Good job on the little suzie.

    They have a fairly good reputation down here, in the lighter duty 4x4 class.
    I still miss my 1970's two stroke ..

    Big tuff toyota owners will generally call em junk tho .. ..


    X 2 with 4.3LXJ ... have a look at all your cooling system ... cleanliness and diesels go hand in hand ..
    I hate watching simplicity and reliability being ruined by bureaucracy and technology.

    Quote Originally Posted by MattybPDX
    If my jeep is going to be a grocery getter it's at least going to be a friggin awesome one.

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Location
    Aveiro, Portugal
    Posts
    42

    Default Re: Suzuki Santana Vitara (Sidekick) 1.9Turbo Diesel Build

    New Rubber! (July 2012 ish)

    BEFORE--
    (Fedima MaxiGrip 195(/80)R15 c/ Suzuki Original janes ...15"x6" ET10)



    The Tires and new Rims, O Pneus e Jantes
    (Insa Turbo Special Track 235/70R16 c/ Jantes 16"x7" ET5


    The Result!




  14. #14
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Location
    Aveiro, Portugal
    Posts
    42

    Default Re: Suzuki Santana Vitara (Sidekick) 1.9Turbo Diesel Build

    Updated the Tubes, and got a different non-curved entry into the manifold.
    Also making room for the Bosch injector pump thats coming(came)

    Installed a MBC to adjust pressure.




  15. #15
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Location
    Aveiro, Portugal
    Posts
    42

    Default Re: Suzuki Santana Vitara (Sidekick) 1.9Turbo Diesel Build

    The Bosch injector pumps installed, which has the boost compensating feature.
    *
    First Drive, Fantastic

    Missing is the Pug Sport 306 175Bar injectors, Ebay!?

    Other minor updates inside, including LED lights in the rear etc,...


Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast

Similar Threads

  1. Wanted: Diesel Conversion
    By nunyabidness in forum Wanted! (To buy)
    Replies: 35
    Last Post: 01-10-2014, 08:06 AM
  2. Diesel Mechanic's opinions welcome
    By Paddletrucker in forum General Talk
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 09-29-2011, 10:50 PM
  3. Suzuki Samurai Parts
    By afbond03 in forum For Sale
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 06-21-2011, 05:57 PM
  4. '97 F~350/Dually/Diesel/4 Door.....
    By DETOURS in forum For Sale
    Replies: 13
    Last Post: 11-28-2009, 11:18 PM
  5. picked up a Diesel Xj
    By Voldemort in forum General Talk
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 07-13-2009, 11:39 PM

Tags for this Thread

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •