Considering moded VX

[Johnnyh66]

Hello everyone!
I've wanted a VehiCross since they first came out, or at least since I first saw one in Car & Driver. I believe the article described it as a dirt bike on 4 wheels!
Anyway, I just found one in my area that I can afford.
It's had several modifications: SUPER CHARGER BY ALPINE, AIR INTAKE SYSTEM, VAC. BOOST GAUGE, AIR/FUEL GAUGE, BELTRONICS VECTOR FX2 PERFORMANCE TIMER.
I am in no way an expert on moded vehicles and I was just wondering what you guys thought.
I'm guessing that mods void the warranty.
In your opinion would it be a safer bet, as far as reliability, to buy a stock VehiCross instead?
Thanks,
John

link: http://carmart-usa.ebizautos.com/detail.aspx?iid=835198

[Cyrk]

Hey that is Machine VX. Did not know he was selling it? How come bud?

Edit: it is a NICE VX, has all the goodies... but I would rather by a stock one and do the mods myself.

[transio]

Cyrk,

Looks like he traded it in for something. CarMart looks to be a used car shop.

[Johnnyh66]

I just e-mailed him with a few questions.

There is also a stock one in town right now for $1000 more and a few less miles.

I read a vague statement on carsurvey.org that there's a possibility of catastrophic engine failure at 50,000 miles?
Does anyone know what that's about?
Thanks.

[thedutchguy]

As soon as your counter passes the 49.999 miles, your engine blows!

But seriously if you want to drive safely with no hassles, buy a Toyota!
Don't look at VX's and definitely no supercharged ones.

Come on! Isuzu Rocks!

[Johnnyh66]

Well right now I have a 3000GT so "safety" is not my top priority
I was thinking of buying a 68' Mercedes this weekend when I stumbled on the VX.

I called about the other one, the waranty expires next April... so?

[Johnnyh66]

I think I'm going to look at the non-modified one tonight and go from there.

I'm wondering though, what kind of wear and tear does a supercharger do to the engine? Does anyone have an opinion on this subject? I'll ask this question in the modified section too.

[transio]

The alpine supercharger shouldn't wear the engine much, if at all. IIRC, it's only pushing 5-8 psi.

[Ruflyf]

Johnny
My vx has had a alpine sc (previously installed) for about 25k miles or more, and it doesnt seem to have hurt it at all. After learning how it works I dont really think it adds any premature wear to the engine. Overall I am very happy with mine being a sc'd vx. But I must admit I also received the original head, etc., to make it stock again if I ever chose to; which was somewhat comforting.

When I bought mine, I was told make sure you dont forget to change the sc oil and it'll be fine....so far so good.

Btw, thats a very nice looking vx, and seems to be a very good price...assuming a good mechanic gives it a thumbs up.

hope that helps a little

Ruf

POSTED THIS ON YOUR OTHER POST BUT FIGURED I"D REPOST SINCE THIS ONE IS TAKING OFF AND THE OTHER ISNT.


HEY DUTCHGUY I SENT YOU A PM

[Raque Thomas]

The supercharger is well over $3000 installed - with that and all the other mods, I'd jump on it if you think you'd ever want more power than the stock engine puts out!

[Johnnyh66]

I just got back from test driving it... it was nice and quick and that MoFo looks nice w/the hood scoop!.
The exhuast was really loud though, seems to have a bad leak.
They wouldn't let me use their lift but I'll take it somewhere and have it looked at before buying it. There's a CarX accross the street... not sure though, useually they are full of kids just out of school.

I also test drove a 01 VX with 62,000 miles. It was also nice.
They want $700 less but it's got 12,000 more miles. It was yellow, I didn't think I'd like the yellow but when I saw it... it looked pretty sharp.

Tomorrow morning I'm calling the shop that Machine VX had the sc installed and see if I can get any info from them. I feel a little safer about it haveing talked a little to Machine.

I also test drove a WRX just for fun! Zippy little car but out of my price range.

Thanks for the info Ruflyf!
That's what I wanted to hear.
Do you know the amout of hp the engine put's out now?

[Ruflyf]

I was told mine is just under 300hp with the powervault muffler also installed

[Johnnyh66]

I was told mine is just under 300hp with the powervault muffler also installed

NICE.

All right, I'm headed to the bar for a beer and some pool.
I'll post updates tomorrow.
Thanks for your help everyone!

[Nazrat]

I was told mine is just under 300hp with the powervault muffler also installed

Which based on the most recent dyno results may be a touch high. It's hard to estimate the crank horsepower given that these trucks have TOD and an automatic. The latest posted results do make me wish that I had had that truck dyno'd, just for my own curiosity. Even if it isn't 300, it's enough for me to want TOD or some very sticky tires

-Tad

[Ruflyf]

Tad, I have been curious about that as well, I may find a place here locally to get it dyno'd. Any idea what an average cost would be?