Bench Build: $5k Super SUV

So my guilty pleasure are the new super fast SUVs that are becoming more mainstream a la SRT8 Cherokee, X5M, Cayenne, Macan Turbo etc. However these vehicles are reserved for the not GRM elite.

Lets say a GRMer was foolish enough to want to build their own super SUV for around 5,000. Anything goes. What platform would you choose? Lets say we want 14.0 1/4 mile times, AWD 4WD preferred, and it won't roll over if you try to go around a corner sorta fast.

This is just an exercise in idiocy and is not a substitute for buying a proper wagon.

I've seen Trailblazer SS and Saab 9-7x for around $8K, wait a few more years and buy one of them?

Otherwise, AWD Bravada with an LR4 swap and a couple hair dryers strapped to it?

starting with this one for $2k-2500:

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/4734677403.html

lower it, build up the smallblock (or swap a 454) and have fun.

S10/S10 Blazer/GMC Jimmy, vortec V8 stir

or

5.0 AWD explorer, manual, heads, intake manifolds, supercharger, injectors, stir

Wasn't it already proven that XJ was the answer for this?

I have a 2003 Suburban 3/4 ton with the 8.1L Vortec. That engine with a cam would be insane. The handling isn't bad, all things considered and I have less than $5K in mine with plenty left for a cam and tune. I won't do that though as I cringe every time I have to give it more than 20% throttle and watch the MPGs tank.

wae wrote: Wasn't it already proven that XJ was the answer for this?

Yes, but the new super-SUVs are comfy on top of it all. I'm going to say whatever mechanically destroyed Land Rover you can get for $1k + whatever GM V8 you can get your hands on + snails.

Disco
V8

a pre-98 bravada with a sbc swap. the 91-97 bravadas has the same driveline as the typhoons and can be found for cheap, easy to make handle decent and easy to swap.

Range Rover P38 with LSx. Cheap buy in, resell rover motor to an MGB v8 conversion to recoup a few bucks

Saab 9-7x Aero. It must be an Aero version to get the LS2.

If you want exclusiveness, try a Saab 9-4x.
Wiki says that 457 were made before the demise of Saab.

XJ.

All day. Twice on Sunday.

Add turbo.

Or even supercharger.

This, but lowered instead of lifted.

http://youtu.be/yqFW0rBFzQk

AWD Astro plus v8?

Bravada also plus v8?

Sticky tires on a Durango?

NONACK wrote:

wae wrote: Wasn't it already proven that XJ was the answer for this?

Yes, but the new super-SUVs are comfy on top of it all. I'm going to say whatever mechanically destroyed Land Rover you can get for $1k + whatever GM V8 you can get your hands on + snails. Disco V8

Fail.

nokincy wrote: and it won't roll over if you try to go around a corner sorta fast.

XJ is probably one of the few that wouldn't do this... but it still requires rather extreme lowering to get to that point. They dumped it like 4+ inches AND ran tires like 3" shorter than stock.

Rolled Sequoia + supahchagaaaaah(?)

edizzle89 wrote: a pre-98 bravada with a sbc swap. the 91-97 bravadas has the same driveline as the typhoons and can be found for cheap, easy to make handle decent and easy to swap.

Came here to say Bra-phoon but you beat me to it.

captdownshift wrote: S10/S10 Blazer/GMC Jimmy, vortec V8 stir or 5.0 AWD explorer, manual, heads, intake manifolds, supercharger, injectors, stir

5.0 Explorer was my first thought.

chrispy wrote:

edizzle89 wrote: a pre-98 bravada with a sbc swap. the 91-97 bravadas has the same driveline as the typhoons and can be found for cheap, easy to make handle decent and easy to swap.

Came here to say Bra-phoon but you beat me to it.

Yes, but in a 2-door S-10 Blazer/Jimmy body.

Chris_V wrote: starting with this one for $2k-2500: http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/4734677403.html lower it, build up the smallblock (or swap a 454) and have fun.

Always found those to be sexy.

chrispy wrote:

edizzle89 wrote: a pre-98 bravada with a sbc swap. the 91-97 bravadas has the same driveline as the typhoons and can be found for cheap, easy to make handle decent and easy to swap.

Came here to say Bra-phoon but you beat me to it.

Me too. In fact, this is in our short list for our next Lemons build, once the Citroen SM is done.

Bobzilla wrote:

Chris_V wrote: starting with this one for $2k-2500: http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/4734677403.html lower it, build up the smallblock (or swap a 454) and have fun.

Always found those to be sexy.

Class it up with a Cadillac grill.

I drove an MDX the other day. Nice vehicle but add a turbo and lower it a bit. See if koni has something for it. Bars and I bet that would be a fun SUV-ish vehicle.

also 1st gen rav4 awd manual can be had for cheap, then swap a 4th gen 3sgte (~250 hp) in, it bolts straight to the rav4 awd trans

basically a budget alltrac

JohnRW1621 wrote:

Bobzilla wrote:

Chris_V wrote: starting with this one for $2k-2500: http://baltimore.craigslist.org/cto/4734677403.html lower it, build up the smallblock (or swap a 454) and have fun.

Always found those to be sexy.

Class it up with a Cadillac grill.

Nope.... leave the 94-98 GMC grille. Looked better IMO

The 3.5 V6 used in the later Isuzu Troopers was also used in planes, but in supercharged form making 350hp.

That sounds kindof fun to me.

And those are comfy.

Seems like a 5.0 Exploder is the easy way. They are plentiful, cheap, and don't even need an engine swap. My only concern would be how the drivetrain would hold up to the extra power.