Expeditions West: (JK) XV-JP Announcement Thread

[Scott Brady]

Scott,

Since everyone seems so interested in this element of the build, can you let us know your thinking with not going for the CRD spec vehicle? Was it because of the LHD/RHD?

While a LHD CRD is certainly possible to source, it could not be "legally" imported and registered in the US. I have begun research on the fitment of a 3.0 CRD, which is the more appropriate motor to the weight of the XV-JP. A variable displacement Hemi is also being evaluated. The 2.8 CRD, based on our testing struggles in stock form with the weight and profile on the highway, which is not to say it wouldn't work perfectly fine in developing countries with lower overall road speeds.

For now, we want a US legal JK to build from. Fortunately, it is a Wrangler, the most modified platform in the world, so reasonable and reliable engine performance modifications will be available soon (some already are). We are going to initially focus on headers and exhaust modifications (which is also necessary for the fitment of a prototype aux. fuel tank).

Many more details to be revealed soon.

 

[spressomon]

Congratulations Scott. Can't wait to see the completed rig in person some day. And...knowing you only like to keep vehicles to around 75K it'll be broken in, proven and tested when you turn it over to me at 76K...

 

[Willman]

We are going to initially focus on headers and exhaust modifications (which is also necessary for the fitment of a prototype aux. fuel tank).

WOW......Scott is really going crazy on this one if he is messing with the exhaust!!!!....I remeber having a discussion on moding the exhaust!!.....lol...j/k!


Are you playing with the stock or are you going to bring some more horses out of her????

:shakin:

 

[TheRoadie]

...it'll be broken in, proven and tested when you turn it over to me at 76K...

And given inflation and its celebrity value, we're probably going to be in a bidding war that starts at $76K.

 

[Christian P.]

Congrats Scott! Can't wait to see the final product.

 

[XXXpedition]

The 2.8 CRD, based on our testing struggles in stock form with the weight and profile on the highway, which is not to say it wouldn't work perfectly fine in developing countries with lower overall road speeds.

scott, could you clerify what you mean (tested).
with the 2.8l crd i can easily do 100mph on the hwy...

 

[Scott Brady]

I have arrived at EarthRoamer... Starting home for Prescott in a few hours

Sven,

EarthRoamer has tested/driven the CRD Jeep at various stages throughout it's build, and with the camper conversion, large tires and the mountains around Denver, the general consensus is the the 2.8L is underpowered. This is of course with a stock motor. It appears pretty easy and reliable to turn up those 2.8s.

 

[haven]

Scott,

Are you still planning to pull a trailer of some sort during the South America trip? It seems likely, since you'll be on the road for many months and you want/need to continue business activities while traveling. Your co-pilot probably has a need for extra storage space, too.

Chip Haven

 

[Scott Brady]

Scott,

Are you still planning to pull a trailer of some sort during the South America trip? It seems likely, since you'll be on the road for many months and you want/need to continue business activities while traveling. Your co-pilot probably has a need for extra storage space, too.

Chip Haven

I see a trailer as a 70-80% likelihood at the moment. It will somewhat depend on what Pasquale and Kristina drive and their space and capacities too.

 

[toyrunner95]

what bumpers are u going to use? Are you going to stick with the aev bumper or go with an arb?

 

[DaJudge]

Scott,

Are you coming through the Albuquerque area on your way home? We would love to get a look at the new ride!:bowdown:

 

[cybercat]

I'll second that Scott in fact we'll extend the offer to include food and drink. Feel free to email.

 

[Desertdude]

I see a trailer as a 70-80% likelihood at the moment. It will somewhat depend on what Pasquale and Kristina drive and their space and capacities too.

Well...hmmm, Since we both travel so light... seems like it might be two AT's then :wings:

 

[Chris]

Dang! I was hoping you would be doing all this in Fresno, CONGRATS on your choice. I know my first comment was selfish. :bowdown:

Hey maybe a test of both, I'd be willing to take the SMB as a support vehicle, fully modified of course.

Send resume where? No seriously....call me a sponsor.

 

[bh4rnnr]

I will be coming back to Colorado in about 4-5 weeks, and will have at least a week in the Denver area.

Lets all plan to get together for a few Cow-Beer evenings!

I will put up a few dates once my schedule gets nailed. Really looking forward to meeting up with all of you!

I'll be back from Madrid by then. Always up for a cold one. Have a few good brewerys around my place......

Oh, and like everybody else said, Congrats on the new rig:wings: !