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Possible to get VRX Power from an ES?

Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 9:01 am
by CUSTOMVRX
Hi guys am new to the forum & am definetely set on getting a cj -
I need to know if it's possible to get the same if not more horsepower and torque from the 113kw ES engine as a 2.4 litre VRX engine - but mainly more torque?

What would it involve & how much $ wise? -
Do you guys think that chip, intake, exhaust, tune etc cld do it? -

Also, do you think the VRX is that much better than the base model in terms of handling?

I'm basically trying to toss up between getting a new ES and doing bolt ons to get to the same if not better level of performance of the VRX whilst saving a bit of money

Or do you guys think that it's better to just get the VRX & not touch a thing & pay an extra - 8 / 9 k?

Thanks for any helpful replies

Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 9:09 am
by Hoggy
Welcome mate, the short answer is your ES has the same engine as the 2007/2008 VRX anyway it is only the 2009 model that is the 2.4. There is plenty of ways to get our 2.0engine way over the current 2.4VRX output.

With the help of the clubs sponsors you could spend that $8-$9k building a damn sexy ES. Aftermarket suspension would give you better handling than a VRX also

Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 9:14 am
by CUSTOMVRX
Cheers mate - my main concern would be the mods affecting the warranty though

do you think it's possible to get to 150kw & about 250nm with bolt ons?

Thanking you

Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 9:17 am
by Hoggy
Not too sure about what will or wont affect waranty but a cat back exhaust and CAI shouldn't do (and can be pulled off pretty qickly if need be)

Phoenix is the guy on here you should speak to.

Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 9:24 am
by CUSTOMVRX
Thanks heaps man -

I think I'm gonna go with a nice ES manual - do you think I can get one with leather, sunroof , max airbags, stability control, cruise control driveaway for about 24 - 24.5?

Thanks again

Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 9:27 am
by Hoggy
Don't think they offer those options on the ES.

Considered second hand? Peanut on this site is considering selling his
http://clubcj.net/garage.php?mode=view_vehicle&CID=40

Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 9:32 am
by spunkybob
Easy.. or you talking ATW??

Good CAI and Zorst mods are always the first to do. As long as you don't touch the CAT you warranty is fine.

This would get you close to 130ish KW (not ATW) which is more then the VRX.

Getting the stock ECU flashed/tuned after those mods will get you over 150KW. (warranty GONE!!!!)

Other then that the VRX suspention setup is not realy great... stiffer springs and front tower brace will set you back like $800 installed and you will have the same as a VRX. Spent a bit more and you will PWN stock VRX.

Other then the body mods the engine in them isnt that much better and has worse fuel economy.

Save the 9k and built a touch ES which will go faster and wont end up with parts left over that you paid for and not using. (my 2c worth)

Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 9:35 am
by spunkybob
CUSTOMVRX wrote:Thanks heaps man -

I think I'm gonna go with a nice ES manual - do you think I can get one with leather, sunroof , max airbags, stability control, cruise control driveaway for about 24 - 24.5?

Thanks again


Stability, cruise and ABS are standard.. Cant get leather on ES and not sure about sunroof.

Max airbags is like $600- 1k more i think????

Honestly you planning on crashing? if someone T-Bags you at 100+ k's no airbag is gonna save you anyways.

You should be able to get an ES in any color with max airbags for close to 22k....

Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 9:42 am
by Hoggy
X Factor do leather though mate and they look great

Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 9:48 am
by CUSTOMVRX
DAMN! that's a nice cj 4 sale there!

Thanks for the replies guys -

I'm certain I'll be getting an ES now - will speak to Dave from silverwater automotive for quotes on those mods then contact lidcombe mitsubishi for options on the ES / VR models to get the options I listed -

will be hangin around this forum for a while & hopefully add my new cj to the group (hopefully in a month or 2)

Cheers! :D

Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 11:09 am
by Ozie
Welcome to the Club, i wish you luck in your future purchace...
i would get an ES and build it up...!!!!!
Have Fun!!

Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 11:13 am
by spunkybob
For intake don't look at anything except the Ingen CAI.... goes for about $600 from the US, but the performance is worth every penny.

2.25 - 2.5" cat back in T304 stainless with cannon or oval style muff will be about $500-$800 depending on the place.

ES RULEZ :P

Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 1:12 pm
by slickthug
CUSTOMVRX wrote:Thanks heaps man -

I think I'm gonna go with a nice ES manual - do you think I can get one with leather, sunroof , max airbags, stability control, cruise control driveaway for about 24 - 24.5?

Thanks again

welcome dude.

u can try lincorp @ parra. they have a es + aftermarket leather + sunroof 24k.
http://www.lincorp.com.au/vehicles/mits ... offers.htm

was gonna buy my car there but the dealer pressured me too much so i walked away from a good deal. but im happy my money went to a better dealer who treated me better.

Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 2:47 pm
by Josh_Emerton
I'm pretty sure the VRX and the ES put out the same power - the only difference being upgraded suspension and a front strut bar performance wise.

Unless you're talking about the 2.4L one, which I hate coz it confuses me.

Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 3:18 pm
by dumb&
In the MY09 onwards the ES/VR only have the 2.0L, the VRX and Aspire get the 2.4L.