Longevity and Investment

[Desert_Disco]

Hi everyone,

I’ve been looking at a lot of posts here since I picked up my 2015 SCV6 in March. Feels like I’ve the sole non-Toyota/Jeep out here!

So far, I’ve put new tires (255/50R20) and had an oil cooler failure which required the supercharger and engine block out. The garage swapped out all the rubber/plastic consumables and hoses down there while everything was out.

Car runs really well, no complaints. But it’s just ticked over 100k miles.

I took it to the desert this weekend and blasted some dunes. Was a little worried about the tires but the car was brilliant. Handled everything and never felt like it was struggling.

But before I go ahead and buy some 18” terrafirma wheels, a roof rack and ladder and a rear tire carrier, I wanted to check with those who know much more than me.

The car runs well now, I am comfortable it’s in decent shape, but it’s a decent investment to off-road proof the car and wanted to hear other peoples thoughts on whether it’s pushing my luck with that mileage.

Ignore the sandworm on the roof, here is my car!

 

[itsaguything]

in a word…. “nope” I don’t think you’re pressing your luck if you keep up on maintenance.

But please don’t use the word “investment” ;-)

 

[scapistron]

Keep up on maintenance and you should be good. Just remember parts for these aren't cheap.

As for terra firma accessories. I've been slightly disappointed in the tire carrier, ladder and rack. Rack took some significant twisting to get lined up. They also include hex drive fasteners for it, buy some plain old stainless bolts. My ladder is flaking paint in less than a year. I highly recommend putting some paint protection film between the ladder and the vehicle. I'd prefer the tire carrier to sit a little higher, it can interfere with the back up sensors. They all work, just the quality isn't perfect.

 

[Desert_Disco]

Thanks both.

@itsaguything - investment definitely not the right word! But I don't mind spending a few pennies here and there, just scared I'd be looking at a duffer engine in the not-too-distant future. I'm doing 3-monthly oil changes and engine flush every 6 months so hopefully it'll keep running for a while yet.

@scapistron - thanks for the heads up on Terra Firma. I'll probably find an alternate for ladders and rack. I was struggling to find another rear wheel carrier, maybe I'll need to reposition the sensors to keep them clear.

On the 18" wheels, if I use spacers can I stick any 18x8 wheels in? Or are there specific wheels needed even with the spacers? I love my 20" wheels but I'm scared to go below 20psi without risking running the tyres off the rims and I need lower for an empty quarter trip planned in March so need a bigger sidewall.

 

[CRYA]

I’d say go for the 18” wheels and tires first. That will be your biggest off-road upgrade. You’ll still be able to fit a deflated 18” in the stock location so you don’t really “need” the spare tire carrier.

Quality roof rack like a Gobi stealth is the way to go. Have fun with it!

 

[itsaguything]

scrub angle! Anytime people talk “spacers”, its for show…. not performance.

 

[mm3846]

20mm spacers or new wheels with an additional 20mm of offset changes the effective offset (and therefore scrub radius) the exact same amount.

Most of the 18s poke a little bit more over stock.

 

[MellonRover]

265 65 18 and smaller will fit in stock location. I have 265 70 18 and they do not. But agree, 18's should be first step

 

[M32H32IS]

Keep $15,000 lying around so you can replace your engine when it grenades. Otherwise, proceed with mods and maintenance.

 

[scapistron]

Keep $15,000 lying around so you can replace your engine when it grenades. Otherwise, proceed with mods and maintenance.

18k

Gaskets and other miscellaneous hardware add up quick. Ask me how I know.