I bought my xB to be used as a SUV, and a SUV only. The box is seriously good in the snow. I do everything I can to lose control on icy roads and can barely slide three feet without straightening out. The only custom work I have done is a set of Thule racks, and this is all I really need.

Is there anyone else using their xB as a SUV....that is, not ghetto?

ive doen the same...pretty much almost exactly as yours, except for the fact that i got a yakima rack instead...but yea with or without snowchains the xb's handle great in the snow...

mine handled great in the snow..im in chicago

That's good to hear! I was wondering since we may get our first snow since I had it this weekend.

:?: Are there any problems with having the CAI in snow?

mine handled great in the snow..im in chicago

But not very deep snow, be honest. I can't see most xBs in more than 6" of snow, unless the plows have gotten rid of the large ice chunks. Its definately not an off roader in bad weaher.

I does handle better than I thought it would in bad weather (high wind, rain, light snow). :wink:

I do have a 4 wheel drive Tracker in reserve, if we get a lot of snow.

I bought my xB to be used as a SUV, and a SUV only. The box is seriously good in the snow. I do everything I can to lose control on icy roads and can barely slide three feet without straightening out. The only custom work I have done is a set of Thule racks, and this is all I really need.

Is there anyone else using their xB as a SUV....that is, not ghetto?

Cool Man! I agree. The xB has potential to be so much more
than a rice boy car or another low rider. It's safety features are awsome:
http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=38496&highlight=

While not technically a truck (or SUV)
I think it will make a great Rally-Car.... which is what I'm doing to mine.


:)
My Mods so far:
* Yakama roof rack
* reinforced the front bumper
* custom built trailer hitch
* front skid plate
* taller, wider tires (bridgestone blizzak)

Check out the pictures of my mods.
http://www.scionlife.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=me

- RallyxB

hmmm maybe I can get a 24" lift kit with some Rancho's and some Gumbo's on it....hehehe

hmmm maybe I can get a 24" lift kit with some Rancho's and some Gumbo's on it....hehehe

Hey if we lift 6 inches higher and we'd have a CRV in a cooler form. But I like the concept! 8) 8) 8)

hmmm maybe I can get a 24" lift kit with some Rancho's and some Gumbo's on it....hehehe

Hey if we lift 6 inches higher and we'd have a CRX in a cooler form. But I like the concept! 8) 8) 8)

Since the xB already has 6.1" of ground clearance with the stock tires, all you need are some taller springs (or spacers) and/or taller tires to get it to the average 7" ground clearance of the typical SUV. Add some sub-frame braces and a full-body skid plate to toughen it up and you would have a winner!

Repeat after me: 108hp, 2 wheel drive.

I am curious to see how my xB haqndles in the snow, and look forward to driving it this winter. My other car, a 1990 Honda Prelude SI 4WS is the car that I have driven for the past 15 years. I bought it new, and it handles great, but then again I consider myself a careful driver and I know that cars limitations. I can't tell you how many SUVs I have seen stuck in snowbanks and whatnot because the drivers overestimated their and their cars ability. It's good to hear that the xB handles well. AWD and a few more inches underneath would give the H3 a run for its money :)

Repeat after me: 108hp, 2 wheel drive.

actually my old Ram 50 was 2wd with only 80 hp and with some larger 15 inch rims and some 225/70/R15 tires ( roughly the size of some stock caddy or lincoln tires) it could go where 4x4s feared to tread. The xBs ground clearence would be its main problem.

Repeat after me: 108hp, 2 wheel drive.

haha :)

Repeat after me: 108hp, 2 wheel drive.
Sometimes the humor gets lost............ :wink:

Repeat after me: 108hp, 2 wheel drive.
Sometimes the humor gets lost............ :wink:

Amen :shock:

my registration says that mine is an SUV

but even though the state is trying to force in on me, i'm going with max on this one.

in NY the scion xB is a small station Wagon. i saw a TCM with a canooe on the racks. looked cool buti wont do it to my ride.

in NY the scion xB is a small station Wagon. i saw a TCM with a canooe on the racks. looked cool buti wont do it to my ride.
you dont canoe? :lol:

i cant swim and i have a fear of water Haha

i cant wait till it snows 2nite so i can test my xB out .... but dose it get stuck in snow ????

Repeat after me: 108hp, 2 wheel drive.

Irrelevant.

4WD does not make an SUV.
Look at todays "cross-over" vehicles.
Many are car based and have only 2WD.
:shock:
While not a "SUV" in the traditional American sense
(big, truck based, over priced, clumsy, gas hog)
the xB fits the cross-over definition almost perfectly.

In fact, the xB has the potential to be an excellent RallyCross car
which will be able to outperform an SUV in almost every capacity.
It fits the DC RallyCross Championship Class Description of
S2 (2WD Stock) or M2 (2WD Modified).

Remember, the xB only weighs 2400 lbs and has
a high power to weight ratio and a very rigid body structure.
It's sophisticated vehicle stability systems (with the right tires)
gives it gobs of traction and allows it to take corners
on loose surfaces that would make an SUV cringe.

As for 108 hp... nothing a supercharger or
cold air (ram air) induction system can't increase.
:wink:
BTW: Size and HP don't mean everything.
The original Mini Copper (with only 69 HP)
won the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally.


Here's a bit of history for ya'...

"Mini Cooper wins the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally"

The date was January 17th, 1964 and the Monte Carlo Rally was becoming more challenging than ever with the entry of well-organized factory teams. Competition for the Mini was stiff with bigger, more powerful cars from Ford, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo to Citroen, Saab and other pedigree challengers... Piloted by fearless rally driver Paddy Hopkirk and his skilled navigator, Henry Liddon, the pint-sized Mini (69 HP) overcame great odds in all sorts of challenging conditions. Ice, twisty mountain passes, and darkness... On snowy sections of the route, the Mini's nimble handling and front-wheel-drive proved advantageous over the more powerful, albeit heavier... competition. In the final moments of the rally on the Grand Prix circuit, Paddy and the pint-sized Mini were tenacious, pulling a victory... by more than 30 points....
http://www.autoweek.com/article.cms?articleId=8101


Remember... the xB was designed to be modified.
Let's see what we can build, and make ourselves some automotive history!

8)

There's always this
http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2133815281&idx=1
or this
http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2133815281&idx=2

Lazy Lick for people who don't have an account

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid150/pfd947c8656207a1916ed85453776140d/f5db5702.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid150/pf5f4d8e79466aa0a0bfaa52b5845b887/f5db56fe.jpg

That looks Schweeeeeet! 8)

I can't stand looking at that thing!

i wouldnt say schweet but it looks ok.

did yall see the second pic??? cause its not working for me now

Is there anyone else using their xB as a SUV....that is, not ghetto?

Yes, there are some of us who are interested in making the xB more useful, not handicapping it with bling.

What I would like:

1. Sturdy full-length bolt-on Con-Ferr roof rack
2. Two inches more ground clearance
3. Shorter bumper skirts front and rear to keep them away from curbs
4. Fatter sidewall on tires to prevent wheel rash
5. Softer ride
6. Large fuel tank for more range.

I'm not looking to off-road the thing, but I would like the option to straddle road debris without worrying that it'll catch on the fragile undercarriage.

George

Is there anyone else using their xB as a SUV....that is, not ghetto?

Yes, there are some of us who are interested in making the xB more useful, not handicapping it with bling.

What I would like:

1. Sturdy full-length bolt-on Con-Ferr roof rack
2. Two inches more ground clearance
3. Shorter bumper skirts front and rear to keep them away from curbs
4. Fatter sidewall on tires to prevent wheel rash
5. Softer ride
6. Large fuel tank for more range.

I'm not looking to off-road the thing, but I would like the option to straddle road debris without worrying that it'll catch on the fragile undercarriage.

George

Now your talking!
:D
Got any design ideas or plans you want to share?
I am working on a shorter front lip (from CamoxB) with a built-in skid-plate.
But... it's still in the design stage as it's too cold in NY (12 deg. F) to do a lot of work outside. :roll:

rally- your facts about the mini cooper in reference to rallying dont really mean much imo. Rallying is decided half the time by what breaks and what happens to have good luck and stay together. You really think the xB is a high power to weight ratio?

its not that high, but it is a low weight car so it makes it all right

I think someone on SL has a skid plate. I want something like that too but cover the front lip and a bit underneath the engine bay.

yea his username is rallyxB, he is making them now. he lives in NY

:oops: oops that was stated above

rally- your facts about the mini cooper in reference to rallying dont really mean much imo. Rallying is decided half the time by what breaks and what happens to have good luck and stay together. You really think the xB is a high power to weight ratio?


The point is that the xB is easy to modify and has lots of potential
to be more than another rice-boy or low-rider car with lots of extra bling.

The fact that an underdog car like the old Mini can beat the pants off
bigger, more powerful cars, then the xB should be able to follow suit.

As for "...what breaks and what happens to have good luck and stay together..."
considering it's a Toyota, I bet it will survice a heck of a lot of abuse before breaking.
Every hear of the the Toyota Corolla WRC and Toyota Celica GT rally cars?
Championship winners!
8)
Power to weight ratio? You bet.
Bolt on a super-charger and a new exhaust if you need extra power.

The xB is a great little box car with lots of potential.
Let's see what we can build with ours.
:D

ah yes the classic Mini aka the Giant Slayer of motor sports . Perhaps we might see the next Mini with Rallyxbs project. 8)

Is there anyone else using their xB as a SUV....that is, not ghetto?

Yes, there are some of us who are interested in making the xB more useful, not handicapping it with bling.

What I would like:

1. Sturdy full-length bolt-on Con-Ferr roof rack
2. Two inches more ground clearance
3. Shorter bumper skirts front and rear to keep them away from curbs
4. Fatter sidewall on tires to prevent wheel rash
5. Softer ride
6. Large fuel tank for more range.

I'm not looking to off-road the thing, but I would like the option to straddle road debris without worrying that it'll catch on the fragile undercarriage.

George

Toyota Rav 4. You cant buy a 15k car and expect it to have features of a 18+ car.

ah yes the classic Mini aka the Giant Slayer of motor sports . Perhaps we might see the next Mini with Rallyxbs project. 8)

Now if I could get some sponsors and pay this thing off
that would really speed up the process!
:D
For now it's just the weekend mechanic
making modifications to his big toy so he can play!
:wink:

Coldest day of the year so far.....and the hot water heater hsit the bed. I loved the look on everyone face when they were looking at the little boxxy SUV swallow up the hot water heater in the back. I couldn't close the tailgate, but then again.......they don't get 35mpg's !!! :P

Coldest day of the year so far.....and the hot water heater hsit the bed. I loved the look on everyone face when they were looking at the little boxxy SUV swallow up the hot water heater in the back. I couldn't close the tailgate, but then again.......they don't get 35mpg's !!! :P

Did you fold back the front passenger seat? I've hauled 2x4s, a (folding) ladder, guitar, and guitar amp home with the tailgate shut without a Hemi. :?

But I mainly haul my TV "flypack", lights, lightstands, sandbags, handtruck, plastic boxes with hundreds of feet of coax and mic wire, couple of cameras and tripods without taking out my sub. 8)

"Without a Hemi."

That's frickin' funny. :lol:

Is there anyone else using their xB as a SUV....that is, not ghetto?

Yes, there are some of us who are interested in making the xB more useful, not handicapping it with bling.

What I would like:

1. Sturdy full-length bolt-on Con-Ferr roof rack
2. Two inches more ground clearance
3. Shorter bumper skirts front and rear to keep them away from curbs
4. Fatter sidewall on tires to prevent wheel rash
5. Softer ride
6. Large fuel tank for more range.

I'm not looking to off-road the thing, but I would like the option to straddle road debris without worrying that it'll catch on the fragile undercarriage.

George

Toyota Rav 4. You cant buy a 15k car and expect it to have features of a 18+ car.

I couldn't have said it better myself.

rally- your facts about the mini cooper in reference to rallying dont really mean much imo. Rallying is decided half the time by what breaks and what happens to have good luck and stay together. You really think the xB is a high power to weight ratio?


The point is that the xB is easy to modify and has lots of potential
to be more than another rice-boy or low-rider car with lots of extra bling.

The fact that an underdog car like the old Mini can beat the pants off
bigger, more powerful cars, then the xB should be able to follow suit.

As for "...what breaks and what happens to have good luck and stay together..."
considering it's a Toyota, I bet it will survice a heck of a lot of abuse before breaking.
Every hear of the the Toyota Corolla WRC and Toyota Celica GT rally cars?
Championship winners!
8)
Power to weight ratio? You bet.
Bolt on a super-charger and a new exhaust if you need extra power.

The xB is a great little box car with lots of potential.
Let's see what we can build with ours.
:D

I'm sure these are fine and reliable cars, but I think it's a mistake to assume that Toyota is applying what they learn from their WRC experience to the xB. The xB is based on the Echo/Yaris. It's not a WRX. It's not based on a rally car of any shape or form.

The power to weight ratio is sufficient for the type of car this is, but you are still in the bottom 20% of cars when it comes to acceleration. There are only a handful of cars much slower than the xB and there are tons of conservative family cars and SUV's with much more thrust.

Furthermore, I wouldn't say there is much performance potential. You don't often see "1.5 liter engine" and "potential" used in the same sentence and with good reason.
Supercharging the car ($4000) would get you around 150 hp. If you just added the $4000 to the purchase price of the car you could get something faster with better handling in the first place.

xB is cool, no doubt. But lets not pretend like it's a WRX or EVO or something. Be realistic dude.

If you want a performance car, then buy one, if you want an SUV, get that. Spending $1000's to turn an econobox into something it's not is a little silly if you ask me. All those thousands later you will still get raped by SO many cars out there. After jacking up an xB 2" and completely fouling up the handling and steering, a Subaru Forester will still kick your ___ on a rough road.

They're pretty good just as they are, really... :wink:

I use my xB as a work van. I have a cabinet shop and it is just right for carrying tools and a few small cabinets. I took the back seats and spare tire out and leveled the deck and put a roof rack on for longer pieces and it works great. I have a full size van and pick-up for larger jobs but the xB is perfect for buzzing around to smaller jobs

Ditto! I really bought my box as a work vehicle but somehow I strayed into being a Tuner. :?

Is there anyone else using their xB as a SUV....that is, not ghetto?

Yes, there are some of us who are interested in making the xB more useful, not handicapping it with bling.

What I would like:

1. Sturdy full-length bolt-on Con-Ferr roof rack
2. Two inches more ground clearance
3. Shorter bumper skirts front and rear to keep them away from curbs
4. Fatter sidewall on tires to prevent wheel rash
5. Softer ride
6. Large fuel tank for more range.

I'm not looking to off-road the thing, but I would like the option to straddle road debris without worrying that it'll catch on the fragile undercarriage.

George

Toyota Rav 4. You cant buy a 15k car and expect it to have features of a 18+ car.

No, but you can buy a 15K car and modify the hell out of it to make it what you want.
Thats what the xB is all about. I agree with your suggestions George. Although I like what some of the people going the other direction have done to their cars. The xB is easy to work on and is a modifiers dream come true.

Is there anyone else using their xB as a SUV....that is, not ghetto?

Yes, there are some of us who are interested in making the xB more useful, not handicapping it with bling.

What I would like:

1. Sturdy full-length bolt-on Con-Ferr roof rack
2. Two inches more ground clearance
3. Shorter bumper skirts front and rear to keep them away from curbs
4. Fatter sidewall on tires to prevent wheel rash
5. Softer ride
6. Large fuel tank for more range.

I'm not looking to off-road the thing, but I would like the option to straddle road debris without worrying that it'll catch on the fragile undercarriage.

George

Toyota Rav 4. You cant buy a 15k car and expect it to have features of a 18+ car.

No, but you can buy a 15K car and modify the hell out of it to make it what you want.
Thats what the xB is all about. I agree with your suggestions George. Although I like what some of the people going the other direction have done to their cars. The xB is easy to work on and is a modifiers dream come true.

You are correct, you can modify it. Thats what it is about. George's suggestions seem more of a factory option rather then an aftermarket modifications.

1. Sturdy full-length bolt-on Con-Ferr roof rack
2. Two inches more ground clearance
3. Shorter bumper skirts front and rear to keep them away from curbs
4. Fatter sidewall on tires to prevent wheel rash
5. Softer ride
6. Large fuel tank for more range.

I'm sure these are fine and reliable cars, but I think it's a mistake to assume that Toyota is applying what they learn from their WRC experience to the xB. The xB is based on the Echo/Yaris. It's not a WRX. It's not based on a rally car of any shape or form.

The power to weight ratio is sufficient for the type of car this is, but you are still in the bottom 20% of cars when it comes to acceleration. There are only a handful of cars much slower than the xB and there are tons of conservative family cars and SUV's with much more thrust.

Furthermore, I wouldn't say there is much performance potential. You don't often see "1.5 liter engine" and "potential" used in the same sentence and with good reason.
Supercharging the car ($4000) would get you around 150 hp. If you just added the $4000 to the purchase price of the car you could get something faster with better handling in the first place.

xB is cool, no doubt. But lets not pretend like it's a WRX or EVO or something. Be realistic dude.

If you want a performance car, then buy one, if you want an SUV, get that. Spending $1000's to turn an econobox into something it's not is a little silly if you ask me. All those thousands later you will still get raped by SO many cars out there. After jacking up an xB 2" and completely fouling up the handling and steering, a Subaru Forester will still kick your ___ on a rough road.

They're pretty good just as they are, really... :wink:


Arrrgggg... ya' got me!
Too much logic... can't deal!
:shock:

* sigh * Maybe your right.
A more powerful, purpose built car would be better for such things.

But... I can still modify my car just for fun and enjoy it.
8)

Is there anyone else using their xB as a SUV....that is, not ghetto?

Yes, there are some of us who are interested in making the xB more useful, not handicapping it with bling.

What I would like:

1. Sturdy full-length bolt-on Con-Ferr roof rack
2. Two inches more ground clearance
3. Shorter bumper skirts front and rear to keep them away from curbs
4. Fatter sidewall on tires to prevent wheel rash
5. Softer ride
6. Large fuel tank for more range.

I'm not looking to off-road the thing, but I would like the option to straddle road debris without worrying that it'll catch on the fragile undercarriage.

George

Toyota Rav 4. You cant buy a 15k car and expect it to have features of a 18+ car.

No, but you can buy a 15K car and modify the hell out of it to make it what you want.
Thats what the xB is all about. I agree with your suggestions George. Although I like what some of the people going the other direction have done to their cars. The xB is easy to work on and is a modifiers dream come true.

You are correct, you can modify it. Thats what it is about. George's suggestions seem more of a factory option rather then an aftermarket modifications.

1. Sturdy full-length bolt-on Con-Ferr roof rack
2. Two inches more ground clearance
3. Shorter bumper skirts front and rear to keep them away from curbs
4. Fatter sidewall on tires to prevent wheel rash
5. Softer ride
6. Large fuel tank for more range.

no you could do that
bolt on rack, take the skirts off, lift it, and put bigger tires on it

bolt on rack, take the skirts off, lift it, and put bigger tires on it

im sure george would like to keep the appearance to look intact.. No skirts would look like ___. Bigger tires yes, Rack, ok.. Large Fuel tank, questionable without loose too much interior space. Softer ride, yes, but will take some experimentation (which i think george has already done without lowering it). 2 more inches of ground clearance will require new shocks and springs that I doubt any manufacture has even tried, or if there is even a market for it.

he could have 1 off pair made. and I'm sure body work could be done to make it look ok without the skirts. and there is a ton of room under the car

bolt on rack, take the skirts off, lift it, and put bigger tires on it

im sure george would like to keep the appearance to look intact.. No skirts would look like ___. Bigger tires yes, Rack, ok.. Large Fuel tank, questionable without loose too much interior space. Softer ride, yes, but will take some experimentation (which i think george has already done without lowering it). 2 more inches of ground clearance will require new shocks and springs that I doubt any manufacture has even tried, or if there is even a market for it.

Americans have a way of creating markets for stuff that nobody else on earth would think to buy more or less sell.

Posted: Thu Dec 16, 2004 9:35 pm Post subject: Re: How about the SUV side of the xB?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MissoulaTim wrote:
I bought my xB to be used as a SUV, and a SUV only. The box is seriously good in the snow. I do everything I can to lose control on icy roads and can barely slide three feet without straightening out. The only custom work I have done is a set of Thule racks, and this is all I really need.

Is there anyone else using their xB as a SUV....that is, not ghetto?


Cool Man! I agree. The xB has potential to be so much more
than a rice boy car or another low rider. It's safety features are awsome:
http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=38496&highlight=

While not technically a truck (or SUV)
I think it will make a great Rally-Car.... which is what I'm doing to mine.



My Mods so far:
* Yakama roof rack
* reinforced the front bumper
* custom built trailer hitch
* front skid plate
* taller, wider tires (bridgestone blizzak)
THIS IS NOT HIS CAR!!!
{Check out the pictures of my mods.
http://www.scionlife.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=3955 }
IT'S MINE!!!

Edit: URL fixed so that it will show RallyxB's car instead of the gallery of whoever click on it!

- RallyxB
_________________
Using generations of mechanical know-how
to build a Street Modified, AutoCross / RallyCross xB

Last edited by rallyxb on Thu Dec 16, 2004 9:41 pm; edited 1 time in total

'RALLY XB' is ____.....
He'll copy & paste someone elses pic of their XB & claim it as his!
I know this for a fact as he did so with MINE!

Moderators Note:

For someone who is new around here, you sure are quick with the flamethrower.

The link you clicked on took you to your _own_ gallery. If you had taken a moment to look at the URL instead of attacking Rally xB you wouldn't look quite so foolish right now.

Learn from your mistake. The rest of the hostility you created will be removed from this thread.

bolt on rack, take the skirts off, lift it, and put bigger tires on it

im sure george would like to keep the appearance to look intact.. No skirts would look like ___. Bigger tires yes, Rack, ok.. Large Fuel tank, questionable without loose too much interior space. Softer ride, yes, but will take some experimentation (which i think george has already done without lowering it). 2 more inches of ground clearance will require new shocks and springs that I doubt any manufacture has even tried, or if there is even a market for it.

I don't want to lose the skirts completely, but shorter skirts in the front and rear would be nice. When have guys ever objected to shorter skirts? :)

A larger fuel tank would fit in the existing space without intruding into the interior..

Taller suspension would require new struts or some spacing of the existing struts. I'd say that about an inch from the suspension and another inch from the tires would be about right. As I said, Nissan did it (supplied rally struts) with the 510.

The rack I was talking about is an aftermarket item. No, I don't want Toyota to put a Con-Ferr rack on from the factory, but some threaded hard points in the roof would have been nice!

As for the Rav4, I did look at it, but the interior room of the xB was so much larger than the Rav4 it was no contest.

George

A larger fuel tank would fit in the existing space without intruding into the interior..


George

My only heartburn with messing with a bigger gas tank would be rear crash safety. There is a reason they moved most gas tanks in front of the rear axle...can you say Pinto? :roll: BTW, I spoken to a lot of folks about mods and a few mentioned that the placement of the spare tire in the back is factored into rear crash design by the OEMs. :?

I have installed a larger aftermarket tank on one of my Econolines and the first thing I notice was the tanks wrap around the frame to the outside thus making it the first solid part that would get nailed in a side impact. The point is many aftermarket folks don't pay much attention to these little details.

KABOOM! :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

bolt on rack, take the skirts off, lift it, and put bigger tires on it

im sure george would like to keep the appearance to look intact.. No skirts would look like ___. Bigger tires yes, Rack, ok.. Large Fuel tank, questionable without loose too much interior space. Softer ride, yes, but will take some experimentation (which i think george has already done without lowering it). 2 more inches of ground clearance will require new shocks and springs that I doubt any manufacture has even tried, or if there is even a market for it.

I don't want to lose the skirts completely, but shorter skirts in the front and rear would be nice. When have guys ever objected to shorter skirts? :)

A larger fuel tank would fit in the existing space without intruding into the interior..

Taller suspension would require new struts or some spacing of the existing struts. I'd say that about an inch from the suspension and another inch from the tires would be about right. As I said, Nissan did it (supplied rally struts) with the 510.

The rack I was talking about is an aftermarket item. No, I don't want Toyota to put a Con-Ferr rack on from the factory, but some threaded hard points in the roof would have been nice!

As for the Rav4, I did look at it, but the interior room of the xB was so much larger than the Rav4 it was no contest.

George

What are you waiting? Send pics when your done.

A larger fuel tank would fit in the existing space without intruding into the interior..


George

My only heartburn with messing with a bigger gas tank would be rear crash safety. There is a reason they moved most gas tanks in front of the rear axle...can you say Pinto? :roll: BTW, I spoken to a lot of folks about mods and a few mentioned that the placement of the spare tire in the back is factored into rear crash design by the OEMs. :?

I have installed a larger aftermarket tank on one of my Econolines and the first thing I notice was the tanks wrap around the frame to the outside thus making it the first solid part that would get nailed in a side impact. The point is many aftermarket folks don't pay much attention to these little details.

KABOOM! :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

The existing gas tank is in front of the rear axle. There is enough room in this space to put a larger tank without compromising safety. In fact, you could put Explosafe in the new tank and be safer than thin stock tank.

I'd be surprised if the spare tire was factored into the crashworthyness of the xB, as the bB doesn't have a spare at all. A donut spare was kludged into the xB for the American market.

Very few cars come with a spare, so I assumed they meant the donut.

'RALLY XB' is ____.....
He'll copy & paste someone elses pic of their XB & claim it as his!
I know this for a fact as he did so with MINE!

Moderators Note:

For someone who is new around here, you sure are quick with the flamethrower.

The link you clicked on took you to your _own_ gallery. If you had taken a moment to look at the URL instead of attacking Rally xB you wouldn't look quite so foolish right now.

Learn from your mistake. The rest of the hostility you created will be removed from this thread.


Thank's for the save Moderator.
You da' man!
8)

I don't want to lose the skirts completely, but shorter skirts in the front and rear would be nice. When have guys ever objected to shorter skirts? :)

A larger fuel tank would fit in the existing space without intruding into the interior..

Taller suspension would require new struts or some spacing of the existing struts. I'd say that about an inch from the suspension and another inch from the tires would be about right. As I said, Nissan did it (supplied rally struts) with the 510.

The rack I was talking about is an aftermarket item. No, I don't want Toyota to put a Con-Ferr rack on from the factory, but some threaded hard points in the roof would have been nice!

As for the Rav4, I did look at it, but the interior room of the xB was so much larger than the Rav4 it was no contest.

George

:idea:
I was thinking the side skirts could be replaced an aluminum (or stainless) pipe that is notched and cut to fit into the OEM location, but would add some protection to the side and double as a rock-slider of sorts if you scraped a curb. The effect would look something like the mock running boards that are on the new beetle.

:!:
As for more ground clearance, I am still looking for the thread about possibly using Toyota Echo springs, but I don't know if that will offer more height. I guess you could always use spring spacers or just use taller tires. However, I would not go any higher than 1" without a through retest of the box's geometry and safety systems.

As for a roof rack, I agree. I think a permanent mount (screwed into the roof) design would look much cleaner and be more functional.
JC Whitney sells a lot of areo-designed racks that I think would fit nicely, such as this one...
http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/ProductDisplay/c-10101/s-10101/p-170353/mediaCode-ZX/appId-433965
8)

As for more ground clearance, I am still looking for the thread about possibly using Toyota Echo springs, but I don't know if that will offer more height. I guess you could always use spring spacers or just use taller tires. However, I would not go any higher than 1" without a through retest of the box's geometry and safety systems.

I was in that thread, and it kind of petered out for lack of data. I think I'll have to scrounge a set of Echo springs to find out if they will fit. The point of my quest was improved ride, not height, and I doubt that the Echo springs will raise ride height. You could raise things with spacers, but keep in mind that you you will leave less rebound for the struts and shocks so things will get dicy very fast if you go more than an inch.

George

. . .I was in that thread, and it kind of petered out for lack of data. I think I'll have to scrounge a set of Echo springs to find out if they will fit. The point of my quest was improved ride, not height, and I doubt that the Echo springs will raise ride height. You could raise things with spacers, but keep in mind that you you will leave less rebound for the struts and shocks so things will get dicy very fast if you go more than an inch.

George

I agree. I would be happy with just softer springs that kept the OEM height.
I am currently using slightly wider and taller snow tires that add 1/2" more ground clearance. The box still handles great!
:D

I am currently using slightly wider and taller snow tires that add 1/2" more ground clearance. The box still handles great!
:D

What's the size?

How about some Yokohama MT14 rally tires:

http://www.fourstarmotorsports.com/CatalogData/Images/Thumbnails/MT14RallyTire.jpg

:)

George

. . .What's the size?
How about some Yokohama MT14 rally tires:
http://www.fourstarmotorsports.com/CatalogData/Images/Thumbnails/MT14RallyTire.jpg

:)

George

Sweet!!!
:shock:

For the winter I am running 195/60R15 Bridgestone Blizack WS-50.
They have tons of traction and make the box corner and ride a lot better.
The speedo is only off by about 2 MPH.
So... I wonder how tall a tire you can go?
:?:

Good to hear the box handles well in the snow. I put 4 snow tires on it so I guess I'll be in good shape when it finally snows out here in Jersey. Regarding the SUV question: I've been hauling everything imagineable in my box. Just had a stove in it not too long ago. I haul all our recycleables to the dump in it once a month too. At 34 mpg not too shabby!

Good to hear the box handles well in the snow. I put 4 snow tires on it so I guess I'll be in good shape when it finally snows out here in Jersey. Regarding the SUV question: I've been hauling everything imaginable in my box. Just had a stove in it not too long ago. I haul all our recyclables to the dump in it once a month too. At 34 mpg not too shabby!

The box handles excellent in the snow. The "VSC" Vehicle Stability Control, is amazing!
If you start to skid it will automatically activate the breaks on 1 to 3 wheels and cut the throttle slightly to help you go the right way. I have purposefully tried to get it so slide and it won't... not unless you pull the emergency break. Then ... weeeee! Donuts!
:D

Also, I agree. The xB offers more "utility" than many of todays SUV's at a fraction of the cost.
My xB has more cargo capacity than my Buddy's new 2WD Ford Escape, which cost a lot more. And I still have better traction in the snow!
:wink:

Also, I agree. The xB offers more "utility" than many of todays SUV's at a fraction of the cost.
My xB has more cargo capacity than my Buddy's new 2WD Ford Escape, which cost a lot more. And I still have better traction in the snow!
:wink:

The xB is head and shoulders above everything for back seat knee room. My buddy has a 2003 Suburban and I was not impressed with his back seat room and the egress was crap for my size 11s...not what I would have expected in such a large vehicle. :?

Any updates? I started a new thread (http://scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=53882) regarding the "SUV potential" of xBs after not finding anything using the search engine (thanks to RPMxB for pointing this thread out!). :)

Here's our xB SUVed out almost as far as it could go in the Tobacco Roots Mountains in Montana last August (ironic, eh, Missoula Tim?!?):

http://xs21.xs.to/pics/05126/xBsuvinMT.jpg.xs.jpg (http://xs.to/xs.php?h=xs21&d=05126&f=xBsuvinMT.jpg)(Click for bigger image.)
Our 17" rims w/low-profile performance tires had been stolen in Cali before we left, so we were back on the 15" wheels w/60 sidewall. But it ended up being a blessing for this trip b/c we never could have driven in on the dirt roads to get to our camp site without popping the tires. No way. :relief:

Also, glad we didn't lower the car, for the exact same reason.

Although now that we're back the freaking 3" wheel gap is killing me every time I look at it!

(p.s. Camping trip cut short by torrential downpour and lack of submersible pontoon outrigger or hydrofoil option for xB...c'mon already, TRD!!)

We spent the last 7 years crossing the country in a Astro Van and sometimes a 4 Runner BMX racing. For the last two years I ran all kinds of vehicles through my head as to what would be ideal. The XB ! As soon as I saw one I knew one day that it would be the perfect rig. I picked one up a couple of months ago and am totally happy with it. Great milage and tons of room for gear etc. They are just so versatile. And cool besides. I'm putting some S Tech's on this weekend, and when the snows going to fly next fall I'll put the stockers back on. All these people that are tiring of them and selling them, I just don't get it ? If your idea of being on the cutting edge of customizing and being noticed is by having the latest car out there, but now they are every where, then just maybe you don't have the talent to cut it............your missing the boat. Just a little ranting on my part.......

In fact, the xB has the potential to be an excellent RallyCross car
which will be able to outperform an SUV in almost every capacity.
It fits the DC RallyCross Championship Class Description of
S2 (2WD Stock) or M2 (2WD Modified).

Remember, the xB only weighs 2400 lbs and has
a high power to weight ratio and a very rigid body structure.
It's sophisticated vehicle stability systems (with the right tires)
gives it gobs of traction and allows it to take corners
on loose surfaces that would make an SUV cringe.

As for 108 hp... nothing a supercharger or
cold air (ram air) induction system can't increase.


I hope you're kidding. If all that was true, someone out there would have already made a Toyota Echo into a "category killer" rallycar...

And a CAI is going to give you less than 10 HP. More like 4 in most cases...

. . . I hope you're kidding. If all that was true, someone out there would have already made a Toyota Echo into a "category killer" rallycar...
And a CAI is going to give you less than 10 HP. More like 4 in most cases...

Sorry... got a bit to high on the new car smell I guess.
*sigh*
Oh well, at least we can still dream!

just don't do anything that will raise our insurance on Xb!!!

:)