Isuzu Trooper Owners Club UK™

Wilberforce · Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2016 19:34 Post subject: Wilberforce's 3.1 LWB "Jessica"

My first foray into the world of Trooper ownership, although I've been halfway there with a succession of Isuzu powered Fronteras.
Knowing that my last Frontera was mechanically sound, but needing some body welding doing and ball joints, I decided that as MOT was due about the same time I was moving house 200 miles up country a new car might be easier.

Therefore, I present to the world, Jessica!

She's a 2002 LWB Insignia hybrid jobbie, having had the 3.0 diesel swapped for a 3.1, but retaining the 3.0 turbo.
All done by a mechanic sometime prior to me getting hold of it, looks like a very nice job with just the A/C and rev counter still to finish off, but I knew about that.

Other than that, standard Insignia trim - electric everything, rather nice Alpine stereo, and leather seats.

Very happy with the car, the sheer size and different handling have become normal now, and I've even acquired a few toys for the old girl.
_________________
Jim...

| Jessica - 2002 Isuzu Trooper Insignia LWB | 3.1 ltr hybrid conversion |

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Wilberforce · Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2016 19:35 Post subject:

Future use for service info.

Engine oil changed :
Oil filter changed :

Gearbox oil changed :
Front diff oil changed :
Rear diff oil changed :

Air filter changed :
Fuel filter changed :

Alternator belt changed :
PAS belt changed :
Timing belt changed :

Rhanagar · Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2016 12:07 Post subject:

Nice

How did that continental alternator belt go?
_________________
1990 Isuzu Bighorn LWB Mk.I 2.8TD Manual Lotus Edition
1994 Isuzu Bighorn LWB Mk.II 3.1TD Auto Lotus Edition

Deceased
1994 Isuzu Bighorn LWB Mk.II 3.1TD Auto LS

Wilberforce · Posted: Sat Nov 12, 2016 23:58 Post subject:

Couple of minor bolt-on additions today...

Firstly, given that I'd like to keep the Rottweiler and two Staffordshires restrained slightly, a dog guard.
This fixes to the load hooks in the boot area, and the grab handles over the rear doors.

And second, purely because I prefer them to standard, some bigger tyres...

Neal, thanks.
The belt change is scheduled for tomorrow, then I'll report back about the results.
_________________
Jim...

| Jessica - 2002 Isuzu Trooper Insignia LWB | 3.1 ltr hybrid conversion |

Wilberforce · Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2016 14:55 Post subject:

And next bolt-on, some roof furniture...
There's no denying that it's a bit on the industrial side, and could stand some fettling to reduce the overall width, but it's lightweight and sturdy, and a bit of an eebuygum bargain.

It's not a permanent thing, but I will cut the guttering cover to suit the mounts and probably leave those on so that fitting the actual rack is a 2 minute job with a spanner.

Even has a roller on the back to make life easier...

What do we think, folks?
_________________
Jim...

| Jessica - 2002 Isuzu Trooper Insignia LWB | 3.1 ltr hybrid conversion |

Rhanagar · Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2016 15:35 Post subject:

I like it .. truck is certainly clean.

That rack looks ok from the pictures .. think any narrower and would look too small.
_________________
1990 Isuzu Bighorn LWB Mk.I 2.8TD Manual Lotus Edition
1994 Isuzu Bighorn LWB Mk.II 3.1TD Auto Lotus Edition

Deceased
1994 Isuzu Bighorn LWB Mk.II 3.1TD Auto LS

Wilberforce · Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2016 16:16 Post subject:

Aye, she's not in bad shape really..
A couple of very light scabby bits to sort - the trailing edge of the sunroof and that small rear door, but otherwise good. Proper clean inside and out and should be lovely. I'll keep on top of cleaning this winter while the salt is being spread, then waxoyl in the spring.

Those pictures are a little deceptive, the rack is a couple of inches wider than the actual roof.
_________________
Jim...

| Jessica - 2002 Isuzu Trooper Insignia LWB | 3.1 ltr hybrid conversion |

Rhanagar · Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2016 16:45 Post subject:

That may be .. but in comparison to the overall width of the car .. you know bigger picture Wink

_________________
1990 Isuzu Bighorn LWB Mk.I 2.8TD Manual Lotus Edition
1994 Isuzu Bighorn LWB Mk.II 3.1TD Auto Lotus Edition

Deceased
1994 Isuzu Bighorn LWB Mk.II 3.1TD Auto LS

gt-nick · Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2016 0:08 Post subject:

very nice motor Smile

Retro Pedro · *** Joined: 04 May 2010 Posts: 242 Location: South East

Jimbo, now that you've had chance to settle in with your Trooper, just out of interest, what are the comparisons to your previous Fronty LWB A? Thinking in terms of cabin space especially boot area. Also what about pulling power between the 2.8 and 3.1 bearing in mind different body shells. Is there a noticeable difference in ride height? It would be unfair to mention comfort due to different ages of the two trucks.

Wilberforce · Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2016 22:55 Post subject:

Wotcher Pete...

Actually, I think the Frontera was every bit as comfortable as the Trooper, to be fair.
I am very much liking the truck, though. It's comfortable, spacious, and bloody useful. Slight learning curve, nevertheless.

The Trooper and Frontera aren't a whole lot different as far as on road footprint goes, but the Trooper is very much a taller and boxier shell than the Frontera which was more like a large estate car that happened to be on a 4x4 chassis.
The cabin is much more spacious, and the boot especially - there's no rake to the back like the Frontera. Plenty of room in the back for the three dogs even with the dog guard in. But more body roll though due to the taller body.
I missed the roof rails, hence getting the roof rack PDQ.

Power, the Trooper definitely pulls better than my Frontera ever did. The 3.1TD engine is only a couple of horsepower different to the 2.8TD in the Frontera, I think. My conversion job has the 3.0TD turbo though, so it's noticeably quicker, having a bit more grunt because of it.
Fuel economy is down slightly on the Trooper, but it's got SOTF 4x4, which probably doesn't help. I'm hoping that putting Aisin manual hubs on might improve matters a little.
_________________
Jim...

| Jessica - 2002 Isuzu Trooper Insignia LWB | 3.1 ltr hybrid conversion |

Retro Pedro · *** Joined: 04 May 2010 Posts: 242 Location: South East

Cheers for update Jim, glad your enjoying your new truck.
From what I'm reading, 3.0 with the 3.1 lump does seem to be a good option.
I talked/advised my mate of the benefits of the 'tractor' technology of the 3.1 Trooper a couple of years back. He got a 3.1 LWB Duty and absolutly loves it. Ticks all the boxes for his needs which does include maintaining/DIY improvements on the five properties that he owns. We've had the cabin stuffed to the gunnels with bagged top soil and it pulled as if nothing was in it. Should the old girl fall to the rust worm, I reckon his best bet would be to do you you've done (3.0 with 3.1).

Wilberforce · Posted: Sun Feb 05, 2017 12:54 Post subject:

More bolt on ironmongery, courtesy of a Facebook member in Iceland.

Supplied unpainted, I've given it a few coats with a Hammerite rattle can. It comes with some felt pads and a plastic protective strip to protect your paintwork.
Fits like a charm, and seeing as the roof rack is on more than off these days, will be a godsend.

_________________
Jim...

| Jessica - 2002 Isuzu Trooper Insignia LWB | 3.1 ltr hybrid conversion |