Thanks to all who helped me with my last post here regarding a '93 Surf that I am considering.
I did some online detective work and came to the conclusion that it is quite likely that this particular vehicle had the 3L head installed from the factory on the 2LT-E engine, which makes me a little bit less worried about it cracking in the very immediate future, but who knows for sure!!, I am really new to the Surfs. I guess I will take my chances and keep a good eye on the engine vital statistics.
Now, a few more concerns that I had and appreciate your help:
1- How good are those engines in the cold Canadian winter? I mean Calgary weather with -30c and such. Diesels are notorious for not starting in cold weather due to one reason or the other. I really would like to hear some first hand experience from Canadian members who may have tried their Surfs in such conditions.
2- What about spare parts that are specific to the Surfs, is there any good place to get them from? Preferably in Canada. If in Calgary would be even better.
3- If the dreaded head bit the dust, where to get another and how about auto repair shops who can assist with the repairs, any advice?
I am really looking at using it for:
- Daily driver back and forth from work, mostly in the city with a small stretch of highway.
- Day to day errands, groceries, dropping kids to schools or library..etc
- Camping and family summer activities. Serious off-roading is very unlikely, but I consider winter driving in Calgary an ongoing off-roading experience. Look at the streets today. 35cm of snow in two days, and it is still coming down!!
I currently own a 2004 Dodge Dakota and it sucks. I mean BIG TIME. I bought it new in the hope of having peace of mind with a new truck but it has been nothing but problems even though I babysit it real well but it is really an ungrateful piece of junk. What makes me real mad is that all the problems started immediately after the warranty expired. I really admire Chrysler for their excellent prediction of parts lifetime!!..Sorry for the rant. I had to vent. I would take a Toyota anytime and I think it was a big mistake not getting one in the first place. I am really glad that JDM's are now availble here..
Sorry for the long post. Your help is very much appreciated
Thanks..
Ahmed
Calgary, AB
I did some online detective work and came to the conclusion that it is quite likely that this particular vehicle had the 3L head installed from the factory on the 2LT-E engine, which makes me a little bit less worried about it cracking in the very immediate future, but who knows for sure!!, I am really new to the Surfs. I guess I will take my chances and keep a good eye on the engine vital statistics.
Now, a few more concerns that I had and appreciate your help:
1- How good are those engines in the cold Canadian winter? I mean Calgary weather with -30c and such. Diesels are notorious for not starting in cold weather due to one reason or the other. I really would like to hear some first hand experience from Canadian members who may have tried their Surfs in such conditions.
2- What about spare parts that are specific to the Surfs, is there any good place to get them from? Preferably in Canada. If in Calgary would be even better.
3- If the dreaded head bit the dust, where to get another and how about auto repair shops who can assist with the repairs, any advice?
I am really looking at using it for:
- Daily driver back and forth from work, mostly in the city with a small stretch of highway.
- Day to day errands, groceries, dropping kids to schools or library..etc
- Camping and family summer activities. Serious off-roading is very unlikely, but I consider winter driving in Calgary an ongoing off-roading experience. Look at the streets today. 35cm of snow in two days, and it is still coming down!!
I currently own a 2004 Dodge Dakota and it sucks. I mean BIG TIME. I bought it new in the hope of having peace of mind with a new truck but it has been nothing but problems even though I babysit it real well but it is really an ungrateful piece of junk. What makes me real mad is that all the problems started immediately after the warranty expired. I really admire Chrysler for their excellent prediction of parts lifetime!!..Sorry for the rant. I had to vent. I would take a Toyota anytime and I think it was a big mistake not getting one in the first place. I am really glad that JDM's are now availble here..
Sorry for the long post. Your help is very much appreciated
Thanks..
Ahmed
Calgary, AB