New VX owner, where do I start!

[Chef]

So I've never believed that a friend should let their friend drive a stock vehicle, so what should I do? I've been reading on this forum for some time now but still don't feel confident in what direction to take. Lifting, tires, diff's, fluids, intake, exhaust, what should I do? I don't mean to sound like a total noobe as I've modded the hell out of my '98 Grand Prix GTP, porting, blower mods, ect. Just wondering what any of you have done that makes quite a difference aside from asthetic mods and how you went about doing it.

I'm planning on the basics, skid plates, synthetic fluids, different brake lines, what else should I try? I'm still trying to figure out what these little beasts are capable of! So far the off-roading I've done has been quite impressive considering I was using street tires. Since thats the case, with a couple mods, this could be one fun little ride. Any thoughts?

[thebear54]

Putting the Mods to a VX takes time and a hell of a lot of patience.
It's what ever kind of statement you want to make about your VX.
You already have some ideas...now go and find the right parts and equipment you need (in some cases this may be harder than you think)...ask questions from someone who has been there.
The VX is capable of anything a 4x4 is capable of doing(depending on the driver of course....LOL)
Good luck.....John

[SGT.BATGUANO]

You can put a blower on the VX too! As a matter of fact I believe some gtp blower parts will work on our blowers

[MachineVX]

I can attest to adding a blower and the difference it makes to the VX. Do a search here for the supercharger kit and buy a kit from Tone Monday. Stainless Steel brake lines also make a big difference. You should also dump the stock exhaust first chance you get, as that thing is a heavy water heater looking piece of iron. The stock tires should be gotten rid of, and sway bars are available from Calmini.

[crager34]

Just because there are mods available for the VX, doesn't mean they are right for you. Make it your car.

I am gonna disagree with thebear about the capabilities of the VX when four wheeling. It is a strong car for sure, but I don't feel it has quite the capabilities of some other 4x4's out there. ie. Jeep TJ. However, he hit the proverbial nail on the head when he mentioned the driver's ability.

I feel pretty confident in my above statement as I was a Toyota FJ40 owner for 10 years and a TJ owner for 4 years, with a few 4+ trails in Moab and throughout Coloroado when I lived there.

[Chef]

Thanks for the input guys. Yea I realize that its my ride, just like my old 240z, my T/A, and the GTP, the diff being that all I was looking for out of those rides was looks and speed. I've off-roaded for years, just never in a VX which is the reason for the post.

In a '68 bronco I used to run around in, diff springs, shocks, locker in the rear, posi up front, diff gears, lift, it turned out to me one hell of mean ride. Point being with posi already in the vx, decent ride height and what not, is this a pretty formidable 4X4 to begin with or does it need plenty of help? We get some pretty knarly terrain in northern utah so I'd like something that can handle it without too many problems, not a dedicated mudder mind you, just something I don't have to steer clear of every mud hole and rock garden in.

Also, has anyone tried porting their exhaust manifolds?

[VXtreme]

Go with the supercharger!! You'll never want to go back to the stock performance once you add the blower. Stock is great....but blown is better!!