Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Ownership Review: Remapped 165BHP [35K Kms Crossed]

[Iron Rock]

Re: Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Ownership Review: Remapped 165BHP [15K Kms Crossed]

Nope. Leatherman @Palakkad and 16k.


Where can I get it installed. Any authorized store in Kerala ? Mine is 2011 Endy AT 4x4 and the ride isn't its strength. I am only looking for on-road ride comfort. I was about to sell it off, but now you have given me some hope Saar

Sirji can you ask the leatherman guy if he has any designs made for Vcross and if he does can he send me pictures ? What material is your seat cover ? any options in that ?

On OME let me figure the details for the Endy and get back to you - hold tight, no need to sell it if its just this reason.

 

[manojodungat]

Re: Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Ownership Review: Remapped 165BHP [15K Kms Crossed]

Sirji can you ask the leatherman guy if he has any designs made for Vcross and if he does can he send me pictures ? What material is your seat cover ? any options in that ?

Leatherman does need the seats removed and then the covers are stitched with some additional soft foam stuffing for better fit and comfort. They have a few materials suiting one’s own budget and the one on mine is a premium quality art-leather. He gives a life long service warranty for it for the material used in my Endy. In case you are driving down, let me know.

On OME let me figure the details for the Endy and get back to you - hold tight, no need to sell it if its just this reason.

I had a conversation with Zac [Iron Man, Bangalore] who has given me quote of around 1.2L for the entire job.

1. NITRO GAS SHOCK ABSORBERS 4 NO
2. TORSION BARS 2 NO
3. LEAFSPRINGS 2 NO
4. GREASABLE SHACKELS 2 NO
5. POLYUREATHANE BUSH KITS
6. LONGER U CLAMPS 4 NO

As per Zac, there is one guy in Kottayam, which is just about 3 hours from my home, their representative, who can do this job in Kerala. He might also have OME kit.
How is Ironman compared to OME ?

 

[Gurrala74]

Re: Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Ownership Review: Remapped 165BHP [15K Kms Crossed]

Saar Saar!
That looks beautiful, is it from Binu too ? How much did it cost ?
Btw for the ride quality i say go for OME upgrade - you wont regret one penny (both coils and struts) - You can ask Guralla sir what he thinks of my Vcross ride quality (which is on OME).

It was a wonderful ride experience in Hyderabad with you IR. Really surprised with such superb suspension experience which is not a case with a high rise and long beast. Excellent ride comfort with the modifications. Few pics of your beast with your permission

note to mods : forum pages are loading very slow today

 

[Iron Rock]

Re: Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Ownership Review: Remapped 165BHP [15K Kms Crossed]

In case you are driving down, let me know.

Yes Sir will do

I had a conversation with Zac [Iron Man, Bangalore] who has given me quote of around 1.2L for the entire job.

1. NITRO GAS SHOCK ABSORBERS 4 NO
2. TORSION BARS 2 NO
3. LEAFSPRINGS 2 NO
4. GREASABLE SHACKELS 2 NO
5. POLYUREATHANE BUSH KITS
6. LONGER U CLAMPS 4 NO

As per Zac, there is one guy in Kottayam, which is just about 3 hours from my home, their representative, who can do this job in Kerala. He might also have OME kit.
How is Ironman compared to OME ?

Firstly dont show Zac my response :P
But the Ironman vs OME debate is like a Tata vs Mahindra debate - Anything i say will be held against me - lol.

However in my own research and research that were intensely personal() - The OME is rated higher than the Iron man in most international markets, OME also is more expensive than Iron Man. I am not saying Iron Man is bad, but just saying the OME has stronger reviews and following and usage - especially so in the aussie market where they use such suspensions in rugged outbacks.

In India however you would be surprised to find OME cheaper than Ironman!

It was a wonderful ride experience in Hyderabad with you IR. Really surprised with such superb suspension experience which is not a case with a high rise and long beast. Excellent ride comfort with the modifications. Few pics of your beast with your permission

note to mods : forum pages are loading very slow today

Thank you sir, one more slight quirk on the rear suspension coming soon, minor !

 

[Iron Rock]

Re: Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Ownership Review: Remapped 165BHP [15K Kms Crossed]

Manoj check this out :-

Old Man Emu Suspension Ford Endeavor 2011 Onwards | MotoAdda

 

[Ashtwinks]

Re: Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Ownership Review: Remapped 165BHP [15K Kms Crossed]

Sharing my 5K Service / Inspection Feedback and Experience
1. was able to do my 5K serivce at 6150k ...
2. Shoes measuring 8mm... expect to go till 30K
3. no oil top up required.. no leakages
4. all nuts were fine
5. Airfilter was a tragedy..
a rat was able to enter the intake and gnaw the air filter.. luckily the gnawing was only in the intake side.. engine side was okay... but need to change it ASAP, as chances of filter particles entering the enigne are high. have ordered K&N 33-3002 for 6K
Trident put a wire mesh at the air intake so no rat in fiter going forward
6. a gasket replaced (which seems to be a standard need) and labor (1084/-)
7. Oil was dark but was still brownish so no burn out - no need to change the oil yet... 10k for sure
8. a piculiar spring release sound comes when i start in the morning or when the car is at rest for some time... not able to trace the root cause..
looks like a front shocker release..expect to go again this week
9. Milage in 2nd-3rd gear is 9-10 kmpl (i understand this is good), my highway milage at ~ 100kmph is about 11-12 kmpl
10. with this washing being not allowed by NGT... no cleaning is being done at all... so plan to clean when you get back

 

[Iron Rock]

Re: Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Ownership Review: Remapped 165BHP [15K Kms Crossed]

^^Protect it from the rat, this was minimal damage, this could get serious.
Everything else sounds business as usual, i also additionally changed oil at 5k as a standard practice for new vehicles.

 

[rakeshkn]

Re: Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Ownership Review: Remapped 165BHP [15K Kms Crossed]

Wonderful mammooth with a lots of modifications. I love that stance

Hi Iron Rock. I do not have the steering control switch harness details. However the Pin 10 (GND) and 11(I/P 5V DC) in the main audio connector leads to the steering mount switch module. I did not explore much on the switch since this information was sufficient to interface the audio system with switch. Let me check where the other cables are running during retrofitting the cruise control..

Here are few Pics of my Vcross

I can see a funky rear wiper, how does that fixed and how its working?

 

[Harsharma]

Re: Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Ownership Review: Remapped 165BHP [15K Kms Crossed]

Hello Guys,

I regularly follow this thread after buying my V Cross and it is really helpful and informative.

I need two major upgrades for my V cross and I hope you guys will help me.
- Speakers or Components (Already have the BlauPunkt 640 installed but need to change speakers for all doors with noise insulation).
- Cruise Control (I checked the Iron Rock posts about this and really impress with the detailed installation steps.)

@Iron Rock - I would like to ask you some points.
1. How's the cruise control working? I mean did you face any issue with it till now?
2. Did you paid any excise duty on it? (via AliExpress)
2. Did you upgrade the speakers?
3. Any suggestion for speaker upgrade? I like soft songs with decent bass.

My 10K second service is due next month.

Here are some of my V Cross pics.. hope you will like it..
http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=241723&stc=1&d=1519555326
http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=241724&stc=1&d=1519555326
http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=241725&stc=1&d=1519555326
http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=241726&stc=1&d=1519555326
http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=241727&stc=1&d=1519555326
http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=241729&stc=1&d=1519555326
http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=241728&stc=1&d=1519555326

 

[Iron Rock]

Re: Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Ownership Review: Remapped 165BHP [15K Kms Crossed]

Wonderful mammooth with a lots of modifications. I love that stance

I can see a funky rear wiper, how does that fixed and how its working?

Thanks Rakesh! Cheers!

I think Viswanath has a carryboy canopy which comes with a wiper (rear lights are optional i think).

Hello Guys,

I regularly follow this thread after buying my V Cross and it is really helpful and informative.

I need two major upgrades for my V cross and I hope you guys will help me.
- Speakers or Components (Already have the BlauPunkt 640 installed but need to change speakers for all doors with noise insulation).
- Cruise Control (I checked the Iron Rock posts about this and really impress with the detailed installation steps.)

@Iron Rock - I would like to ask you some points.
1. How's the cruise control working? I mean did you face any issue with it till now?
2. Did you paid any excise duty on it? (via AliExpress)
2. Did you upgrade the speakers?
3. Any suggestion for speaker upgrade? I like soft songs with decent bass.

My 10K second service is due next month.

Awesome pictures Harsh and firstly a very warm welcome to the forum!!
Your beast in silver looks fabulous, great locations too!

Some responses below :-

1) Cruise Control and Throttle control are working absolutely fine, i dont use the speed limiter though - with the remap and throttle control in S3 mode, its an absolute hoot. Cruise control is a big boon for FE and relaxed highway cruising.

2) Nope i ordered them separately no nothing paid - got lucky!

3) I haven't upgraded speakers as yet, but thinking of doing just the rear one first, the rear speakers are pathetic and small with no output.

4) I am not a big audiophile, so don't intend to do much in this department apart from doing a speaker upgrade. I am sure there are plenty here who can suggest you upgrades.

Get the oil and oil filter change changed in the 10k service, Isuzu have a very long 20k interval, but my suggestion is to force this.

 

[bhvm]

Re: Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Ownership Review: Remapped 165BHP [15K Kms Crossed]

10. with this washing being not allowed by NGT... no cleaning is being done at all... so plan to clean when you get back

Next time they should tell me not to blow my nose.
Because I am exhaling carbon into the atmosphere.
Seriously, how do you delhi guys put up with such atocracies?

Pardon IR for a little outrage.

 

[Iron Rock]

Re: Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Ownership Review: Remapped 165BHP [15K Kms Crossed]

Couple of updates made recently :-

Firstly finished the rear suspension job by installing a JS1 shackle (which comes with 2 inch lift) on stock leaf. This was done largely to have a rake angle sorted i.e rear higher than the front by an inch - so now the truck geometry has got better - lot of people prefer level set in front and rear ,but i prefer the rear to be up slightly so that load can even it out.

To avoid stress on the brake pipes(over the rear diff) due to lift, put in on a metal bracket - probably not necessary with this much lift, but nevertheless done it as a precaution.

​

So with this my suspension setup is complete for now - the ride quality is immaculate compared to stock vehicle and the gc advantage is huge too.
The rear tailgate in the dmax is a children killer, its so heavy that if a child unassumingly opens it it can whack the person off - so finally put in the gtpro strut to slow it down whilst opening.

It hardly takes 10 min to fit these on existing clamps/bolts. Got these from the one and only Pavan bhai (Buy 4x4 Offroad Accessories for Thar, Gypsy and Isuzu in India - Jeepkart)



​

The open rear was impeding my long distance trips as a lock and waterproof ability is very essential. So finally i went for the Aeroklas Aviator - again procured from Pavan bhai/Jeepkart. He has phenomenal customer service/ great prices and can ship anywhere so highly recommended. Installation process pictures as below, requires no drilling but leverages the existing bolts on the truck rear bay. The bed liner has to be removed and refitted during the installation process. The entire process takes about 3 hrs by the experts at Jeepkart.

​

Here is the final outcome, the reason i chose Aeroklas Aviator is :-

* Phenomenal Quality
* Maintains the Truck look
* Its semi automatic , can be opened from one side or it moves up from both ends (battery operated)
* It can be driven with it open from both ends and this gives great flexibility to carry bigger items in the bay.

Its primer coated and not painted currently, will be doing that separately later, the finishing and quality of aeroklas products is awesome and coupled with Pavan bhai team's workmanship - loved the outcome!

​

 

[Harsharma]

Re: Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Ownership Review: Remapped 165BHP [15K Kms Crossed]

Thanks Rakesh! Cheers!

I think Viswanath has a carryboy canopy which comes with a wiper (rear lights are optional i think).



Awesome pictures Harsh and firstly a very warm welcome to the forum!!
Your beast in silver looks fabulous, great locations too!

Some responses below :-

1) Cruise Control and Throttle control are working absolutely fine, i dont use the speed limiter though - with the remap and throttle control in S3 mode, its an absolute hoot. Cruise control is a big boon for FE and relaxed highway cruising.

2) Nope i ordered them separately no nothing paid - got lucky!

3) I haven't upgraded speakers as yet, but thinking of doing just the rear one first, the rear speakers are pathetic and small with no output.

4) I am not a big audiophile, so don't intend to do much in this department apart from doing a speaker upgrade. I am sure there are plenty here who can suggest you upgrades.

Get the oil and oil filter change changed in the 10k service, Isuzu have a very long 20k interval, but my suggestion is to force this.

Thanks Mate! I know the rear speakers are pathetic and will contact with local expert for suggestion.

By the way,
1. Where did you remap the V-Cross and what's the performance after remapping?
2. Is it safe to remap the vehicle and what will happen if the service guy overwrite the remap during service.
3. Would you recommend DieselTRONIC Piggyback ECU over remap (Pete's)?
4. Did you use any tyre inflater?

On my priority list is..
- Cruise Control (Ordered via Aliexpress)
- Speakers upgrade (get it done locally)
- 2nd Service with oil and oil filter change (Iron Rock suggestion)
- Tyre inflater (Heavy Duty) - Any suggestions?

After that will go for..
- PiggyBack or Remap
- GTpro strut (How much it costs with fittings?)

I'm planing to go Leh this year in around May-June and hopefully will upgrade all the things before the trip.

Couple of updates made recently :-

Firstly finished the rear suspension job by installing a JS1 shackle (which comes with 2 inch lift) on stock leaf. This was done largely to have a rake angle sorted i.e rear higher than the front by an inch - so now the truck geometry has got better - lot of people prefer level set in front and rear ,but i prefer the rear to be up slightly so that load can even it out.

View attachment 241895

View attachment 241896

To avoid stress on the brake pipes(over the rear diff) due to lift, put in on a metal bracket - probably not necessary with this much lift, but nevertheless done it as a precaution.
View attachment 241897

So with this my suspension setup is complete for now - the ride quality is immaculate compared to stock vehicle and the gc advantage is huge too.
The rear tailgate in the dmax is a children killer, its so heavy that if a child unassumingly opens it it can whack the person off - so finally put in the gtpro strut to slow it down whilst opening.


View attachment 241898

View attachment 241899

It hardly takes 10 min to fit these on existing clamps/bolts. Got these from the one and only Pavan bhai (Buy 4x4 Offroad Accessories for Thar, Gypsy and Isuzu in India - Jeepkart)
View attachment 241900

View attachment 241901

The open rear was impeding my long distance trips as a lock and waterproof ability is very essential. So finally i went for the Aeroklas Aviator - again procured from Pavan bhai/Jeepkart. He has phenomenal customer service/ great prices and can ship anywhere so highly recommended. Installation process pictures as below, requires no drilling but leverages the existing bolts on the truck rear bay. The bed liner has to be removed and refitted during the installation process. The entire process takes about 3 hrs by the experts at Jeepkart.


View attachment 241902

View attachment 241903

View attachment 241904

View attachment 241905

View attachment 241906

View attachment 241907

View attachment 241908

View attachment 241909

Here is the final outcome, the reason i chose Aeroklas Aviator is :-

* Phenomenal Quality
* Maintains the Truck look
* Its semi automatic , can be opened from one side or it moves up from both ends (battery operated)
* It can be driven with it open from both ends and this gives great flexibility to carry bigger items in the bay.


View attachment 241910

View attachment 241911

View attachment 241912

View attachment 241914

Its primer coated and not painted currently, will be doing that separately later, the finishing and quality of aeroklas products is awesome and coupled with Pavan bhai team's workmanship - loved the outcome!
View attachment 241913

WOW!! Your truck looks even more sexy now!! Big thumbs up

 

[TrafficHacker]

Re: Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Ownership Review: Remapped 165BHP [15K Kms Crossed]

Iron Rock - You, for sure, got a very Hot & Sweet ride here; your taste is amazing (the only objection being the seat cover, that looks really odd on this beauty - strictly my personal opinion) This thread is a 'Complete Reference' Book for V-Cross ownership & upgrades.

I love the V-Cross and had initially considered this as one of the options recently when I changed my ride. But from a practicality stand point it was voted out by family; have a 4year old son and I usually drive to my native, about 650KMs every alternate months, hence drive on this truck could get sour or that was the fear we all had. Thus had to ditch it and went with a used Safari Storme, but at some point in time in my life I plan to own this. [NB: Safari/ Storme was a long term dream like that sometime back and I fulfilled it recently ]

 

[Iron Rock]

Re: Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Ownership Review: Remapped 165BHP [15K Kms Crossed]

Thanks Mate! I know the rear speakers are pathetic and will contact with local expert for suggestion.

By the way,
1. Where did you remap the V-Cross and what's the performance after remapping?
2. Is it safe to remap the vehicle and what will happen if the service guy overwrite the remap during service.
3. Would you recommend DieselTRONIC Piggyback ECU over remap (Pete's)?
4. Did you use any tyre inflater?

On my priority list is..
- Cruise Control (Ordered via Aliexpress)
- Speakers upgrade (get it done locally)
- 2nd Service with oil and oil filter change (Iron Rock suggestion)
- Tyre inflater (Heavy Duty) - Any suggestions?

After that will go for..
- PiggyBack or Remap
- GTpro strut (How much it costs with fittings?)

I'm planing to go Leh this year in around May-June and hopefully will upgrade all the things before the trip.

WOW!! Your truck looks even more sexy now!! Big thumbs up

Thanks a lot Sir, Some answers below

1) My Vcross was remapped in my parking lot by the world famous Jeep Captain(Shibu) - Yes its Pete's

2) I have seen lot of remaps going wrong and ECU's frying up. But I found Pete's is very safe and does not participate in the rat race of numbers(read as power) - tuning can be done till you melt down everything really - so that way i find Pete's most conservative and has a safety first approach. If you want he does even extreme stage 2/3 tunings - but wont suggest it for day to day usage. If Isuzu ever issues a ECU update yes there is a chance to overwrite - i doubt if this will happen - even if it does i am sure the tuners can re do and give you the updates at no cost. Tuning updates are free with Pete's.

3) I wouldnt recommend Dieseltronic at all - period. Remaps are any day better.

4) I use the Michelin 12266 - extremely good !

5) GTPro is 4500Rs. Give a call to Pavan - he will ship to you. Tell him Iron Rock told you and you might just have a good laugh too!

Iron Rock - You, for sure, got a very Hot & Sweet ride here; your taste is amazing (the only objection being the seat cover, that looks really odd on this beauty - strictly my personal opinion) This thread is a 'Complete Reference' Book for V-Cross ownership & upgrades.

I love the V-Cross and had initially considered this as one of the options recently when I changed my ride. But from a practicality stand point it was voted out by family; have a 4year old son and I usually drive to my native, about 650KMs every alternate months, hence drive on this truck could get sour or that was the fear we all had. Thus had to ditch it and went with a used Safari Storme, but at some point in time in my life I plan to own this. [NB: Safari/ Storme was a long term dream like that sometime back and I fulfilled it recently ]

Thanks a lot Sir, i am not as much sure about my taste as much i am sure about your opinion on my seat covers, frankly those are worse than soiled diapers! I got them because the dealer threw it then at no cost. It was an interim thing till i figure a proper cover. The problem is I am not finding the workmanship i need in Pune for this - i dont need standard bolt on covers but need something a little more beefier - such services available in Kerala but not here yet unfortunately. So still searching.

Where is your ownership thread of Storme sir, please share. It will be wonderful to read.