The Space Tractor: Project '89 Delica
- Thread starter Thirty-Nine
- Start date
Thirty-Nine
Explorer
We always find it interesting to see how others setup their vans and rigs, so I put together a walkaround of our rig.
Saguache
Adventurer
Had a thought this morning then did some checking. First, I know you guys live in the Portland area and they require some level of SMOG checking inside the city. I don't know if this applies to you or not.
In any event, instead of an EGR delete you might consider just disabling the EGR gate. Leaving the EGR pipe and valve in place is easy, and turning it off is even easier. There is a pressure actuator from the ECM to the EGR valve that you can remove. The EGR gate will never open if it's not there and you can put it back without having to lift up the turbo bonnet. The down side to this is that you lose a place to tap a pyro and the extra space you'd get by pulling the tube, but those are tiny disadvantages in my opinion.
After taking a look at the carbon build up on mine I was overjoyed that I did this.
In any event, instead of an EGR delete you might consider just disabling the EGR gate. Leaving the EGR pipe and valve in place is easy, and turning it off is even easier. There is a pressure actuator from the ECM to the EGR valve that you can remove. The EGR gate will never open if it's not there and you can put it back without having to lift up the turbo bonnet. The down side to this is that you lose a place to tap a pyro and the extra space you'd get by pulling the tube, but those are tiny disadvantages in my opinion.
After taking a look at the carbon build up on mine I was overjoyed that I did this.
Thirty-Nine
Explorer
Thirty-Nine
Explorer
We can't bring in the 400s to the States yet (not old enough). I believe (and correct me if I'm wrong) the 400s are only available in auto, too which kills it for me. I know they're more powerful and comfortable, however.
'round n' back again
Explorer
I believe I saw thirty -nine and his handsome little rig in St helens on hwy 30 northbound on saturday?
had a house full and you were headed somplace north of town.
had a house full and you were headed somplace north of town.
Thirty-Nine
Explorer
A little update on the Space Tractor:
We had a winch mount fabbed up for it. We used the WARN Universal Flatbed Mounting Plate as a base. A buddy (and former WARN engineer) fabbed it up. He cut the plate to fit within the uprights on the bull bar. He created brackets that tie into the mounts on the bull bar, and bolted it together. It's got an M6000 winch, which I'll be putting synthetic Spydura rope on shortly.
I haven't figured out where I want the control box yet. Might mount it in the center of the two yellow fogs; I might mount it in the engine bay. Not 100% sure yet.
We had a winch mount fabbed up for it. We used the WARN Universal Flatbed Mounting Plate as a base. A buddy (and former WARN engineer) fabbed it up. He cut the plate to fit within the uprights on the bull bar. He created brackets that tie into the mounts on the bull bar, and bolted it together. It's got an M6000 winch, which I'll be putting synthetic Spydura rope on shortly.
I haven't figured out where I want the control box yet. Might mount it in the center of the two yellow fogs; I might mount it in the engine bay. Not 100% sure yet.
haolepinoy
Incomplete Idiot
Enjoyed listening to you and Driggs chatting on the Gearhead Project's latest episode. Helpful, motivating stuff.
Thirty-Nine
Explorer
Thanks! It was a blast to do.
ThePartyWagon
Active member
So I am another XJ fanatic considering buying a Delica. How do you feel the two compare and differ? Is there a significant power difference compared to the XJ? I live in Utah, drive a lot of canyons and would be using the van as a DD so I can't give up too much power. Do you think these things are capable of towing at all? I pull a 16" fiberglass drift boat regularly, probably under 1000lbs fully loaded. Anything else I should consider while I contemplate the transition from the Jeep world to #vanlife?
Your van is killer, definitely a driving force behind my van pursuit.
Thanks, TPW
Your van is killer, definitely a driving force behind my van pursuit.
Thanks, TPW
Thirty-Nine
Explorer
The XJ and the Delica aren't even slightly comparable. It's like comparing apples to Baby Star Crispy Noodle Snack. All kidding aside, they're extremely different. The Delica is forward control, so you sit right atop the front wheels. Handling is way different, as you sit very high up. Power. I guess you could call it that. The 4D56 (non intercooled turbo version) makes 104 hp or so and like 147 lbs/ft of torque. It's slow at best. It'll cruise at 60 on the factory 215-SR-15 tires. Bump up to a 30x9.5 (the largest without rubbing), and you can do 65 ... at least until the speed chime comes on (make sure you speakers are on).
Towing: I'm told you can tow. Rising Sun out of British Columbia makes a hitch. It's like $400 or something. I don't intend on towing with our L300. I think you can tow 600 kg (1,300 lbs.) without trailer brakes.
Hills are slow going. I still need to get an EGT (exhaust gas temperature) gauge.
That being said, I love this thing. It's a hoot. So long as you're not in a rush, they're a lot of fun. They're decently capable off the pavement for a tall-*** van. We had ours on Lippincott Grade in Death Valley, and it did well. But it takes some getting used to because 1) you're on the wrong side of the vehicle and shifting with your left hand 2) aforementioned forward control 3) it's top heavy 4) not a ton of suspension travel.