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I was wondering if there is any vehical of a compatible brand (like GM, Honda Passport, Axiom, etc) that has IRS which might (pipe dreams) fit in the VX. Even if it takes some creative adaptation I wondered if the VX could be fitted with IRS. Or is this a totally moronical goal?
I know many of you are super knowledgable on the subject of the VX.
Thank you very much for all input!
In the car-building World, there's an age-old adage: "Speed is just a question of money - how fast do you want to go?"...:)
I've built 23 vehicles from the ground up; most of 'em were "restified" at minimum. Within that category, several were heavily modified - disc brake conversions, front/rear suspension changes, total driveline changes, etc. In answer to your query - not only is it POSSIBLE, but there are probably a dozen different avenues of approach that could be taken to apply IRS to the VX. Though I don't have a VX YET, the same modification has occurred to me too; though if I did it, I'd prolly go ahead and change out the driveline as well, upgrade the brakes, etc. Off the top of my head, the BEST move would be to find a single "donor vehicle" that could supply most/all of the above - wrecked Audi S8, or some other high-end, high-tech AWD-equipped vehicle, would be my thought...
Actually, the VX makes a good "argument" for JUST such a conversion, when ya' think about it! It's a limited manufacture/concept/halo vehicle that is ALREADY unique and reasonably high-end looking; it's an "orphan" (rapidly approaching "no warranty/no support" status); it's built "conventionally" (body-on-frame), which lends itself more readily to the aforementioned change(s); it's reasonably inexpensive as its own "donor car" to actually START such a project; finally, when it's DONE (assuming it was done to a high standard of construction) you'd really HAVE something - the sum total of which would conceivably be worth close to what you had in it to SOMEBODY.
It occurs to me from the heavy research I've invested in this vehicle so far (most of it right here on this fine Forum, I might add!) that most folks who are modding this platform (other than dealing with cosmetic and reliability foibles) are doing so to enhance the VX's 4X4 capabilities. Speaking strictly for MYSELF, I see the vehicle going in a different direction - I see it as a high-end, go-anywhere ALL WHEEL DRIVE high speed "coupe", if you will - on a par w/an AWD Porsche, Audi, or some of the other manufacturer's halo/concept vehicles. My inclination would be a total transplant as alluded to above - the result being a (slightly) lower, squattier, haunchier AWD pocket rocket! IRS would totally fit into that scenario, as would ESP, (of course!) full-time AWD, a 5-6 speed trannie w/paddle shifters, and 300-400 horsepower. Getting the right donor car is KEY, but this kind of thing is being done all the time by the "hot rod crowd". If I still lived back in Charlotte (near my friend Brent VanDervort w/Fatman Fabrications) I'd be ALL over this kind of conversion - ya' got my wheels turnin'!:smilewink
Yeah Man! Its a fantastic idea for such qa unique vehicle. But being on a restricted cash flow the idea of finding a wrecked Audi R8 or something of that class would cost more than my annual income. So if you come up with any more economical transplant that retains all VX stff in front of the rear axle Maybe I'll be able to do it. Thanks for all the enthusiastic support!
I hear ya' on the "budget thang"! Seems like there's a few lower end SUV's that are IRS too, right? Pull some measurements off the VX (rear hub to hub is the BIG one that you'd wanna be close to) and then walk some salvage yards, tape measure in hand. Ideally, you would want to be able to "transplant" the entire RE assembly intact, without having to shorten the half shafts; hopefully the donor rear brakes would be relatively compatible too. That would leave you to weld the donor IRS up to the frame (perhaps using donor "bracketry") and then shorten/lengthen the driveshaft accordingly. Not sure what the electronic "implications" of that would be vis a vis the TOD unit though, given how sensitive that seems to be with respect to brake/torque changes already. It's entirely likely that the VX TOD would end up on the "killing floor", replaced by whatever donor equivalent is up under THERE. Oh, then there's the VX ECU and OBDII situation resulting from changing out the TOD...:(Quote:
Originally Posted by Bieredalsace
How 'bout softer springs all around on that VX...;)
The rear suspension axel combo on the VX is a masterpiece. There’s nothing I’ve ever seen that could give the kind of on road performance and off road strength and articulation that it can. Justin’s right it just seems wrong.:_huh:
x3 You don't put graffiti on a Rembrandt:cool:Quote:
Originally Posted by kodiak
Well, from where *I* sit, I've seen lots of mods done to VX's that I personally consider very VERY "wrong"...:rolleyes:
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder - so are "mods" based on intended/future "applications". For the application of an AWD over-the-road, go 'most anywhere (read: Anywhere there's SOME kind of road!) vehicle, a proper IRS assembly makes a GREAT deal of sense! Fact is, this is a VERY short-wheelbased, heavily sprung/shocked rig with pretty big wheels/tires - ya' feel every PEA you drive over on the road! IRS would most certainly improve the VX's "road manners". Now if you're using the VX for a "rockcrawler", not so much...
Quote:
Originally Posted by kodiak
I see what you’re saying. It just seem like the minimal amount of on road handling you would gain, if any would be over shadowed by the amount of off-road terrain handling versatility you would loss. It would turn the VX in to a BMW x6.
Example Vid. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHK_3...e=channel_page
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheGanzman
What do you think about "sliding" doors!!! That would be awesome! I should be able to figure that one out using van parts.
If we lived near each other we would update the VX to an awesome vehicle!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bieredalsace
NOW you're scarin' me!;)
“Improve the road manners of the VX.” Ganzman, have you test driven a VX yet?:p
This is a kit that might work.:rolleyes:
http://www.factoryfive.com/table/irs/images/irsjig.jpg
Actually, stylistically, that BMW X6 looks really nice. But then I also thought that AM SX4 was cool lookin.
Of course there were alot of bastardisation of cars and 4WD underpinnings like that video of the History of the VX shows. But to do hardly noticable improvements that make a car a smooth custom vehicle including suspension stuff is really improving. Just look at all those Lowriders out in Cali. Certainly not for off road but cool none the less.
What about taking the front suspension from a donor VX switching it around and putting it in the rear? Now that should go really well. All VX parts!
I have 2 models VX. I think I'll try that front axle switch on the model and see how it fits!
Kodiac that is a brilliant setup. What is it a Corvette IRS?Quote:
Originally Posted by kodiak
You're so right. The last thing that the VX can be accused of is giving a comfortable ride.
Where can someone get a setup like that?
That just requires some reverse cut gears.
no offense, to each their own obviously...Quote:
Originally Posted by Bieredalsace
but why transform a well designed vehicle into a van???? i dont know anyone that looks at a van and goes, "wow that thing is cool!!"
secondly, why take an SUV and try to make it perform like a car??? there's no utility in it...just to say you can???
i think the VX is a great vehicle and im sure you would enjoy it a lot if you get one eventually, and if you dont offroad then i could understand creating greater handling but why chop it up???
once again, not trying to offend but are you trying to turn a VX into a subaru??
Take a look.;) Still not as cool as the stock VX rear. But to each his own.:rolleyes:
https://factoryfiveparts.com/product...cat=267&page=1
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bieredalsace
Yes thanks - about 50 miles under quite a few (on-road) conditions. VERY impressed w/the steering response and turning radius; acceleration was good, braking was pretty good. I was able to dial in the seating to be pretty comfortable; visibility was adequate except out the rear window, but the ride was VERY "jittery"or "busy". I don't mind a "firm" ride; hell, I drive a Porsche and a Chrysler 300C SRT8! IMHO, the VX could greatly benefit (at least ON road) with more compliant springs/shocks at minimum; IRS would probably help some too, but is probably cost prohibitive. It pretty much is what it is. I can live with its foibles, but knowing me, I would certainly start messing with the spring rates (I'd likely have a set custom made in a "variable rate" configuration) and I'd try to talk Koni into making their FSD shocks for VX. Custom wound springs are not THAT much $ to have done, and changing out coils is relatively easy with a proper spring compressor...I'm up for the challenge!:)Quote:
Originally Posted by kodiak
sorry about my last post, i didnt mean to be aggressive towards your idea i just dont understand it...
perhaps you would have an intelligent argument for doing it... in comparison to most of the people who lower suv's and trucks just because everyone else they know does it...
Do you think those silly Lamborghini doors look good on the VX?
I don't! I'm not suggesting sliding doors so it will look like a van. I am suggetsing them so they will be as unique as the rest of the VX. I saw them on the proposed Mini SUV and they looked awesome. Besides I'll bet 90 % of VX drivers have been caught parked sideways on an angle and trying to operate those heavy doors up against gravitys pull usually leaving a big gash in your leg as gravity takes over and closes the door for you before you get your leg fully in or out of the vehicle.
Now imagine the same off kilter operation with doors that slide open. Pretty cool Huh!? I ain't as krazy as you think.
Now as far as the IRS unit. I will be honest. I have never seen the rear suspension system of the VX. I only know how hard the vehicle rides. Many many SUV owners never see a bush or mud unless they live near the Cali coast like Malibu. So why not try and find a way to give a sophisticated imaginative unique vehicle a sophisticated ride? No, Rock crawling would be out of the question, but isn't that what chopped up Jeeps are for?
With all this talk about reverse cut pinion gears meshing with ring gears etc it would be easier, less confusing and probably the same cost as dropping in one of those units in Kodiak's note above.
ya i suppose it depends on your ultimate goal....
i just get really frusterated when i see lowered trucks or SUV's with body kits. the way i figure it, if you want low center of gravity with good handling buy a vehicle designed for that...
thus is why i have 2 vehicles (along with other owners).. one suv that is used for one thing and a sports car for going fast and throwing you left to right without a worry of rolling or having to seriously modify it...
i dunno, i can understand where you are coming from because i love to have a sporty vehicle...however, i think once you see the abilities of the vehicross you will be happier with the way it is than you think...
but ya driving the VX all the time lately has had me itching for something more sporty and wishing i had the money for an STI...
Sounds like your issue with the VX ride can partailly be attributed to the short wheelbase of the vehicle, not the suspension. Remember, this thing is really short and you are hitting bumps very close together. A different shock package could help with that. How many miles were on the VX you test drove and were they still the original shocks?
I drove a 16,500 mile pampered '99. Stock shocks and highway (non-aggressive tread pattern) tires. And yes, much of the "issue" with the ride on these IS the short wheelbase. It's also "oversprung/overshocked" for a (primarily freeway-driven) SUV. Ya' can't fix the wheelbase - ya' CAN set up the suspension to be more compliant for highway driving, which I would/will do. I've had really good luck w/variable rate springs on previous vehicles that I've owned; those, combined with some high-end "P" road tires and some good quality shocks will go a long way, IMHO. We're talking well under $2K total for virtually "the best of the best" of those three items...Quote:
Originally Posted by NJ99VX
I'll take your stock shocks,when you throw them away.;)
Zeus...No offense taken... However if you look at my note I related my "restricted cash flow" directly to the cost of an Audi R8 ..what are they $$ well over $100K ?Quote:
Originally Posted by ZEUS
pbkid....I agree it would be more desirable to have dedicated vehicles for specific applications....I myself have the VX, a 1998 Ram Air Trans Am, a Cadillac, a new Suzuki Sx4 crossover (which is a really cool but underpowered unit) and I had a Mazda 323 GTX which was a real screaming 4x4. ..........so I guess I have a different vehicle for each driving application .........but the VX is so unique it is a thrill to drive it in the city and on the highway and get so much attention. I've even had people ask if it was a 2010 Isuzu model..and that feels great.Quote:
Originally Posted by pbkid
However if you feel the VX is more dedicated to off road operation then isn't it unnecessary overkill for members to add Superchargers? I assume the S/C is for street performance rather than rock crawling.
So the VX has universal applications. And to modify the suspension to give a more comfortable ride while still lookijng awesome gives it the best of almost all applications. IMHO
Yeah, reading this thread just makes me sit here and wonder....if you want to change all this stuff about the VX, you probably should not buy one and get something else that meets those needs you are talking about. If you want a Caddy smooth ride, then the VX is certainly not the vehicle for you....Quote:
Originally Posted by pbkid
But then again, I do completely understand fantasizing about mods....after all, I want a mini-gun, automatic caltrops dispenser, smoke screen and a canon on my VX, so one might ask, why didn't I join the Army to be a tank driver?? :p
Bart
I think the above statement clearly points out the "friction" here in this thread. There are a group of people on here who have street VXes, and then there are the offroad VXes.Quote:
Originally Posted by TheGanzman
You all know what category I fall into, and I agree with The Paint Ball Kid. You want a street machine, drive a Subi or a Porsche, you want a compact, short wheel based, 4x4 that loves to be off the pavement but does just fine on the highway, drive a VX.
Again, just my 2 cents worth of opinion. :smilewink
Bart
...but, in addition to what I said above, I think this spells it out clearly:
THIS:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a74...t-Front-An.jpg
Makes about as much sense as THIS:
http://images.truckinweb.com/tech/su...ive_offset.jpg
But then again, as many have said, "to each his own".
:) Bart
Quote:
Originally Posted by nfpgasmask
There’s a 3rd category that likes it just the way it is like me. But I do like to mess with the visuals and I do lean torrid the off road side a little.:rollo:
First off, there absolutely nothing wrong with a stock VX. But for me, I think from day one, I never saw the VehiCROSS as a "street machine". It's just like a Xterra or a 4Runner, I just don't understand these kind of vehicles as grocery getters....I mean, it's not a station wagon or minivan.Quote:
Originally Posted by kodiak
Again, not trying to argue or start anything, just discussing. :)
Bart
I owned a Jeep CJ-5 for a long time. I used it to haul firewood, and it was fun as a daily driver. I've always liked two seaters, and I owned a highly modified Fiero for a long time also. Obviously, I like the feel of a stiffly sprung, short wheelbase ride. The problem with any "sports car" is that I always want to drive it "enthusiastically". In order to enjoy the Fiero, I was collecting speeding tickets. Even at my advanced age, that eventually costs too much in insurance payments. However, I still want a vehicle that handles well at a pretty good clip on the road. I'm not off road a lot, but we get some snow and ice here. The VX is great because it will go anywhere, and it is an absolute blast to drive, even at speeds below 80 or 90. I would never soften up the suspension, because one thing I dislike most in a vehicle is the feeling that you're sitting on someone's couch while you're driving it! I like the VX because it does a lot of things very well. Just my two cents!
Randy
And there’s the jeep intimidator category that ldub’s in all by him self.:laughing:
i agree that the stock VX has plenty of power, however, if you ask dub he will easily inform you that his VX really isnt much more powerful then it was stock (with current supercharger)....however with the heavy 33" nitto mud grapplers he's running and probably well over 500lbs in interior addition/modifications, he needs the extra power just to keep it moving...Quote:
Originally Posted by Bieredalsace
also, dub is definately towards the wheeling side, but he does use his VX to tow a trailer, so consider the extra weight of that also...
from what i understand this is why he has a supercharger, (well i guess it sounds great and makes it fun to drive also).....
so, i dont know about other people with superchargers but dub does have his for offroad application....(hopefully im not making incorrect assumptions)
Where do you guys come up with this stuff?...:smilewinkQuote:
Originally Posted by kodiak
I have no control over what Suzy goes out & does on her own when the moon is full...:rolleyesg
Sheesh...I haven't even got my locker in yet...:sighwgray
For those of us that drive great distances to go off-roading.....the S/C helps with churning those bigger meats along & tends to raise the mpg up while highway driving.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bieredalsace
I also tow from time to time and not only enjoy the greater performance but noticed my avg mpg was better towing with S/C than without.
But, you are right about the actual off-roading; the S/C probably adds nothing towards off-road abilities.
Plus, I S/C'ed mine before getting into any off-roading ;) And, my butt-dyno likey!!
A little bird told me that Ascinder may be starting his SAS soon...but we'll see. I have heard that kinda talk before...*cough*Quote:
Originally Posted by ZEUS
:) Bart
From day one look at how the VX was advertised by Isuzu.Quote:
Originally Posted by nfpgasmask
Racing on Bonnevile Salt Flats Obviously a spoof but a reference to th VXs ability at speed and all the other ads showed it as a normal car type vehicle for everyday highway drivng. I did't see one commercial by Isuzu using the VX for rock crawling or hard off roading.
So from day one your opinion of what the VX was for was in contradiction to what Isuzu thought the VX was for.
You and others just found an extra novel use for the vehicle.
I'm on the side of those who feel the VX is a unique everyday highway driver, grocery getter and attention grabber! IMHO
You got speeding tickets in a Fiero? What? Were you going through a school zone or Hospital zone? Hahaha JK JK JKQuote:
Originally Posted by 4X4 UFO