Beater...with a heate...1994 Isuzu Rodeo

[Backtobasics]

Life's curve balls have me again....

My committed daily driver is now a 1994 Isuzu Rodeo, 4 door 3.2 DOHC v6, 4x4 5 speed manual.

Initial investment 400.00
Upgrades: Tires, 300.00
Plugs, Fuel Filter, shocks x4, sway bar end lengths front, serpentine belts 100.00
Dynomax straight through glass pack 30.00
Synthetic fluid for transmission and transfer case 20.00

As she sits, $850.00, running, driving, functional.

First MPG check was 14.5 mpg.
With Tune up, tires, fluids, as of this morning 17.8

My goal considering daily commute is 65% of the time at 45-65 highway speeds, 35% at 15-25 mph stop and go is 23 combined.

As purchased....




I ditched the spare tire rack. Right now, I have rim, but no tire, and the assembly rattled like crazy. Spare can stay in cargo area.

As it sits now:



The fender trim is going away. I am undecided on the roof rack, but really don't plan on needing it so it may go to help streamline things....

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

I like these early-90s Isuzus. Anyway, since it's a '94, have you never considered a Diesel swap?

[Backtobasics]

Life says this one needs to be a "start and run" consistently vehicle. I am struggling to find time for little projects, so a diesel swap is far to committed and involved for the time being. I am anxious to do some little things to clean up the aero, and some underhood modifications, such as ditching the belt driven fan, air box modifications, etc. I did gut and pressure wash the carpet, seats, and such a couple weeks ago. As dirty as it was, I figured I dropped a few pounds of weight...

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Backtobasics

I am anxious to do some little things to clean up the aero, and some underhood modifications, such as ditching the belt driven fan, air box modifications, etc.

An electric fan is better, and can be had for cheap. One of the most popular setups is out of the Ford Taurus, and other popular options come from the soccer-mom vans with dual-zone air conditioneer due to their dual-fan setup.

[elhigh]

Pull the crossbars from the roof rack even if you decide to keep the rack. You can put them back in a few minutes if needed, and they're out of the way the rest of the time.

Add discs to the wheels. The crossbar removal is free; I got discs for my wheels for about $80 for four.