way off-topic: Diesel Isuzu Trooper

BiodieselJeep.com · **Posted:** Fri Mar 23, 2007 10:15 am

Anybody have any experience with one of these? Have a chance to pick up an '86, but the owner might be wrong because it has a turbo in it and the literature says that they didn't make those until '87. Body/tranny is good but I'll have to pull the engine to do some seals etc. Since I need a replacment for my Jetta, this might be a daily driver/project car.

Any advice appreciated.

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Fri Mar 23, 2007 10:28 am

Is it a "grey market" one...?...the 1988 in Europe came with a 2.8L Turbo Diesel but was not imported. Not sure if the older ones with the 2.2L Diesel were sold here either.

vtdog · **Joined:** Fri Sep 30, 2005 11:27 am **Posts:** 640

When I lived in MD one of my neighbors had one. It was very reliable, but had very poor acceleration to the point of being dangerous on the hi-way. His was not a turbo.

BiodieselJeep.com · **Posted:** Fri Mar 23, 2007 12:00 pm

Just got the VIN:
JAACH18U3G5453410
Most of the free sites indicate that even though it has a "G" year of manufacture ('85) that it is a 86 model year and contains the 2.2L.

If someone were to be able to give me more infomation via a report (not saying the magic word) I'd appreciate that.

I'm not quite as excited not that it has the wimpier engine.....

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Fri Mar 23, 2007 12:51 pm

That engine only comes with about 100 hp or so in a 3700# car...the 4JB1-T is the Diesel Turbo that you would want.

If you could "strip" it down...meaning remove the rear seats, carpet ect and lighten it up, it might be fun...4WD or not?

BiodieselJeep.com · **Posted:** Fri Mar 23, 2007 1:30 pm

yep, 4x4 and 4 doors. You can see my dilema. A nice cheap 4x4 diesel with creature comforts, good for experimenting and harsh off-road use, BUT a tiny diesel in a heavy car. I'm considering a SVO system in it for fun, knowing I'll crunch the engine but the return on invest would be fast since I can get this thing cheap.

Also considering turning it into a rag-top (and cutting down on weight).

Still, that is a very tiny engine. How much do those 4JB1-T's go for? For off-road use, of course.

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Fri Mar 23, 2007 2:45 pm

GEARS GEARS GEARS

Roll Cage, Rag top...light, fuel efficient, gears to overcome power dilema, exoskeleton would be trick too

spencevans · **Posted:** Fri Mar 23, 2007 3:08 pm

The 85-87 Isuzu's with 2.2 diesel were turbocharged. If I remember right the engine put out 82hp and 136ft lb of torque. This should be plenty of power to move these little SUV's if you add a free flow exaust and improve the air intake. These Troopers are also lower geared than the gassers. So 70 mph is about the max one of these can do on the freeway. If everything in the drivetrain works like it should you shouldn't have any issues with acceleration and drivability. Offroad magizine spoke very highly of these when the first came out. Anything under $3000 for a four door is a great deal.

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Fri Mar 23, 2007 3:13 pm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isuzu_Trooper

Wika info...

BiodieselJeep.com · **Posted:** Fri Mar 23, 2007 5:23 pm

Thanks for the info, guys. Could be a lot of fun, I'll have to go see it.

Any chance folks can run that VIN for me?

offroadsubaru · **Posted:** Sat Mar 24, 2007 6:16 pm

Here's another Diesel Trooper for sale:

http://www.autotrader.com/

Had to edit for length...sorry

Rare birds: only 2 on Autotrader in the US.

BiodieselJeep.com · **Posted:** Sat Mar 24, 2007 9:40 pm

I like the 2 door better than the 4 door.

Still on the fence on this one.

spencevans · **Posted:** Sun Mar 25, 2007 3:02 am

Yeah they are kind of rare. Someone here in town has one posted on EBAY. They bought it about a month ago and it is already up for sale. They claim it's in good shape but I blew by it in Mitsubishi diesel pickup with no problem and the body looked marginal. Like I said I would never buy one of these trucks unless I drove it first. So many things can go wrong with one of these trucks.

alpnst · **Posted:** Sun Mar 25, 2007 2:16 pm

I had an 86 Izuzu Trooper II with the 4 banger and they only came in 2 door. At least I thought they only came in two door.
All that to say is the gasser was a hog on that heavy car. We only got about 90,000 miles out the engine before it was dead. And that was after a new engine because at the first oil change the dealer forgot to put oil back in. Gotta love dealers.

jinstall · **Posted:** Mon Mar 26, 2007 10:46 am

I miss my 87 Trooper II 2.3 Carb, no cat, 2dr, SWB yes I said Short Wheel Base. Was a flame spitting monster. Too much fun was had in that thing. Sold it and the shooting flames was the selling point of it. Was painted flat black and never saw it again.

BiodieselJeep.com · **Posted:** Mon Mar 26, 2007 3:01 pm

Looks like I'm not going to get the Trooper II (yes, 4 door, I've seen the pics). I have a chance to buy a very cheap diesel New Beetle that makes a more sensible daily diesel, and which I can drive because I am secure in my masculinity. (Secure as in because my wife keeps it securely tucked away in a box

).

Anyhow, if somebody wants the contact info on the owner in NYC, PM me.

Now, if you will excuse me as I go put on my skirt...

Jeger · **Posted:** Mon Mar 26, 2007 3:04 pm

If I could get a Diesel beetle I would jump on it, because I am sure my wife would steal it from me, then I would get the CRD :lol:

BiodieselJeep.com · **Posted:** Mon Mar 26, 2007 5:40 pm

Hey, good point!
Maybe I'll paint it pink.... :lol:

jinstall · **Posted:** Tue Mar 27, 2007 4:15 am

Golf/Beetles are NORTORIOUS for electrical grimlins. I was going to be hired a s a VW electric tech just to chase down wiring issues. I am very good at it and have had lots of practice.

way off-topic: Diesel Isuzu Trooper

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