Question about highly modified L300s

[JHelzer]

I asked this in the New Member area but figured I should probably ask it here.

When you see the hyper modified (monster?) Delicas, do they send off all sorts of warning flags for you as a possible purchase? For example something like this http://www.terra2imports.ca/import-japa ... 176179.htm over on Terra2's site.

I know when I look at motorcycles, I don't like to see lots of mods because you don't know how well they were done or what the reason for the modifications was (is it a rebuild after an accident?). Should I be thinking the same thing with regards to these Delicas?

Any opinions would be much appreciated.

John

[deli1733]

if that van is still for sale it has been for more then a year, i remember seeing it when i imported mine

[thedjjack]

Most have been done for Show over Go. First question why do you want a delica so high? Needed for offroad or to look cool driving around.

My concerns:
anything over 10cm requires a Vehicle Inspection by law. make sure it is complient (I would take to an independent shop) being that high you risk police pulling you over all the time (legally you can get a VI notice the same day you pickup your vehicle from a VI!).

Make sure it has the brakes to stop big heavy tires.

Big heavy tires harder on things.

Rear driveshaft is short make sure it will no punch U-joints weekly.

2.5L does not have alot of power to push big tires and gear ratios may need match better to tires.

[JHelzer]

Thanks for the quick responses.

Not seriously considering importing one. Just my inner 6 year old wondering.



John

[Mr. Flibble]

Thanks for the quick responses.

Not seriously considering importing one. Just my inner 6 year old wondering.



John

I know just how you feel: http://www.delica.ca/forum/i-hate-wating-7510.html

[jaggedfish]

I know just how you feel: http://www.delica.ca/forum/i-hate-wating-7510.html

It's so beautiful it brought a tear to my eye!

Inspections on monster vehicles of any kind are FAR more difficult to get passed on safety inspections. I had a monster toyota back in the day when monster 4x4's were in their youth. Mine was the first monster 4x4 in BC to be fully inspected and certified by Transport Canada and it was what they based their inspections on after that. They go over everything with a fine tooth comb and mine had to be dropped 1-inch in order to comply with the maximum allowable angle on the steering shaft. Another big expense at the time was the speedometer had to indicate the actual speed of the vehicle which required different gearing at the diffs - mine were 575 lockers!!! The great thing about that was the slightly modified 22R motor could spin the 44's on dry pavement! Headlight height another big issue... LOTS of issues really.

My point is, it would be difficult to make changes to a highly modified Delica due to the lack of aftermarket supplies in Canada and these adjustments can be VERY expensive. The higher you go, the more you have to modify - not just as simple as bolting on a few bits at a time while still being able to drive around. It's a big can of worms and risky when importing a vehicle, not knowing how well it is built in the first place. Fun to dream about tho...

[thedjjack]

Also be careful as Delica's are registered as "passanger vehicles" (so are 4runners, cherokees etc) and have lower limits to headlights and bumpers.