Modest 2002 Montero Build

[zerodrift]

Insulation on the roof was a huge success! While not measured to get actual data, the car is much cooler and the A/C doesn't have to run as hard to keep the interior at a desired temp. Overall, in my eyes the project was a success and would certainly say it's worth the time and effort.

Our test run was a trip to the Grand Canyon's North Rim!

 

[zerodrift]

New wheels and tires arrived just after my trip, so I'll be testing then out in the mountains west of Denver in the coming weeks. They are rather aggressive looking and a bit taller than oem, which is what I was going for.

Quick specs:
Wheel is a 16x8 et 0 made by Level 8, Mk6.
Tires are 265-75 R16 Bf-g K02s.

 

[Offroadmuch]

Wow, nice wheels!

 

[Jvdkooij]

looks great.
You installed new shocks, was that including a lift of the car (50mm)

We will lift the car (2001 Montero) in the near future and I am looking for the same size of tyres so I am a little curious.

 

[zerodrift]

looks great.
You installed new shocks, was that including a lift of the car (50mm)

Thanks!
We will lift the car (2001 Montero) in the near future and I am looking for the same size of tyres so I am a little curious.

The Bilstein struts in the front have options to raise the spring perch 10mm and I believe I used that setting. I've still yet to install the rear struts. Otherwise the car is essentially at stock ride height on factory springs.

 

[Jvdkooij]

thanks, it really looks great:clapsmile

 

[kdj]

That thing has some stance. Looks good.

 

[zerodrift]

Spent a little time making sure there was sufficient tire clearance with the 0-offset wheel and aggressive oversized tires. Touched the inner wheel well slightly at full lock and decided to just trim the bumpers while there.

Suffice to say, there is now plenty of clearance as I went overboard slightly. Looks good to me and should be better for more aggressive terrain.

 

[Offroadmuch]

Great pics! I was wondering what is around and under the plastic around the front wheels. Thanks for the detailed up close pics.

 

[zerodrift]

Great pics! I was wondering what is around and under the plastic around the front wheels. Thanks for the detailed up close pics.

Thanks! The pictures don't show a metal bracket that helps support the lower trim parts. I cut that in half and drilled a single hole in each bracket post to assist with the placement of a few zip ties. It keeps the inner fender liner from going into the tire with the zip tie.

 

[Inyo_man]

The pictures don't show a metal bracket that helps support the lower trim parts. I cut that in half and drilled a single hole in each bracket post to assist with the placement of a few zip ties. It keeps the inner fender liner from going into the tire with the zip tie.

Nice work.
Pop rivets work well to hold the plastic in place as well.

 

[zerodrift]

From another trip up Kingston Peak the other week:

 

[All-Terrain]

In addition to the insulation you added, you should tint your front windows. Makes a big difference in keeping the interior cooler.

 

[zerodrift]

In addition to the insulation you added, you should tint your front windows. Makes a big difference in keeping the interior cooler.

We recently had the front windows tinted in a 40% bronze shade. They look nice, but are a lighter shade then the rest. The tint works really well and made a huge difference.

 

[zerodrift]

Not much of an update, but finally got around to some maintenance and repair this weekend.

Installed a Magnaflow cat on tyre car to clear a cat efficiency code. Install was straight forward however I had to bend the drivers side heat shielding slightly for the O2 sensor to clear. The car runs better and picks up speed a little easier now, plus no codes.

Also finally installed the rear Bilstein struts and had the alignment touched up since we've not yet had it checked out. The car is much more stable with the matching set of struts. While I'm honestly used to noticing struts on my sports cars, I wasn't really expecting too much of an improvement in the big suv with aggressive tires. Suffice to say I'm quite satisfied with the end result.

Next projects will entail a newer CD player, possibly trying to sort out a remote start solution for winter, and some more insulation projects. Also would really like to get some better speakers while I'm taking door cards off.