hardknockgarage888
Member
Hey all,
Purchased a 96 auto diesel l300 a few months ago to replace my 91 2dr Montero. We have a 10-month-old daughter and I found myself not driving the Montero as it was a pain to get her in and out of the car seat. I love old Japanese cars and motorcycles and was looking for something like the Montero. I entertain the idea of a Delica but it seemed a pain to get one. Until I stumbled across a local importer 30 min from my house that had 4 l300s and 2 l400s on inventory! Had to check it out, and ended up driving off the lot with a clean l300 a few weeks later! A 96 Montero was the first new car my parents had ever purchased and it later became my first car. I have tons of fond memories of family road trips and teenage construction sight hooning with friends. I remember drooling over JAOS parts I would never be able to afford as a teenager awaiting my license. I hope that my daughter has some great experiences in the van as she grows up too. I use the van mostly for commuting to work and for family outings on the weekend. We do enjoy state forests, national parks, camping, and hiking so it'll get to stretch its legs every now and then.
The van altogether is pretty clean, 70k'ish miles. Has some pro-comp shocks and aftermarket wheels but otherwise mostly stock. I have changed the oil, air filter, fan clutch, fan, alternator belts, PS belt, AC belt, and I have a fresh fuel filter waiting to be installed. I also am in the process of an EGR delete, boost, EGT, and coolant temp gauge install. I have a thermostat, rad hoses, and aluminum rad on the way as well. The stock temp gauge was really wonky and starts mid-way hot on a cold engine. Kinda creepy. With the aftermarket gauge, I have only hit 133f for a max temp, so I believe my thermostat is stuck open.
Plans for upgrades are new tires, fresh bushings, maybe a lift, hitch, roof rack, extra lighting, and possibly a winch way down the line. I also plan to turn up the boost to 14psi and may try to fit an intercooler later down the road. I'm pretty mechanically inclined and love to modify vehicles. As far as old J tin, I currently own a 76 Datsun 280z that I swapped an rb25 (hopped up to 400hp), a 2rz swapped 87 Corolla drift build, an 87 Corolla hatch waiting to be restored, and a 71 CB500. I am very familiar with turbo systems but am inexperienced with diesel engines. I have been creeping on this forum for a while and it has been a huge resource. Thanks!
I look forward to being more interactive, learning, and hopefully helpful to some. If any of you guys are in Michigan I would love to meet up at some point.
You can also follow me on IG @hardknockgarage888
Purchased a 96 auto diesel l300 a few months ago to replace my 91 2dr Montero. We have a 10-month-old daughter and I found myself not driving the Montero as it was a pain to get her in and out of the car seat. I love old Japanese cars and motorcycles and was looking for something like the Montero. I entertain the idea of a Delica but it seemed a pain to get one. Until I stumbled across a local importer 30 min from my house that had 4 l300s and 2 l400s on inventory! Had to check it out, and ended up driving off the lot with a clean l300 a few weeks later! A 96 Montero was the first new car my parents had ever purchased and it later became my first car. I have tons of fond memories of family road trips and teenage construction sight hooning with friends. I remember drooling over JAOS parts I would never be able to afford as a teenager awaiting my license. I hope that my daughter has some great experiences in the van as she grows up too. I use the van mostly for commuting to work and for family outings on the weekend. We do enjoy state forests, national parks, camping, and hiking so it'll get to stretch its legs every now and then.
The van altogether is pretty clean, 70k'ish miles. Has some pro-comp shocks and aftermarket wheels but otherwise mostly stock. I have changed the oil, air filter, fan clutch, fan, alternator belts, PS belt, AC belt, and I have a fresh fuel filter waiting to be installed. I also am in the process of an EGR delete, boost, EGT, and coolant temp gauge install. I have a thermostat, rad hoses, and aluminum rad on the way as well. The stock temp gauge was really wonky and starts mid-way hot on a cold engine. Kinda creepy. With the aftermarket gauge, I have only hit 133f for a max temp, so I believe my thermostat is stuck open.
Plans for upgrades are new tires, fresh bushings, maybe a lift, hitch, roof rack, extra lighting, and possibly a winch way down the line. I also plan to turn up the boost to 14psi and may try to fit an intercooler later down the road. I'm pretty mechanically inclined and love to modify vehicles. As far as old J tin, I currently own a 76 Datsun 280z that I swapped an rb25 (hopped up to 400hp), a 2rz swapped 87 Corolla drift build, an 87 Corolla hatch waiting to be restored, and a 71 CB500. I am very familiar with turbo systems but am inexperienced with diesel engines. I have been creeping on this forum for a while and it has been a huge resource. Thanks!
I look forward to being more interactive, learning, and hopefully helpful to some. If any of you guys are in Michigan I would love to meet up at some point.
You can also follow me on IG @hardknockgarage888
