Page 1 of 6 123 ... LastLast
Results 1 to 30 of 179

Thread: rkrenicki's 1992 Subaru Sambar SDX - 2021-05-07 - Stirring from slumber...

  1. #1
    Administrator rkrenicki's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    Southeastern CT
    Posts
    2,790
    Points
    23,967
    Level
    94
    Points: 23,967, Level: 94
    Level completed: 62%, Points required for next Level: 383
    Achievements:
    10000 Experience PointsO.G.SocialOverdrive

    rkrenicki's 1992 Subaru Sambar SDX - 2021-05-07 - Stirring from slumber...

    A couple of people know about this already, but I am excited to say that I am currently in the process of importing a vehicle from Japan. EDIT: It is officially on the boat swimming its way across the Pacific as I type this, so here is the big announcement!

    1992 Subaru Sambar SDX Supercharged.

    Name:  20200328_174225207_iOS.jpg
Views: 1184
Size:  156.4 KB

    Name:  20200328_174205032_iOS.jpg
Views: 1136
Size:  162.6 KB

    Name:  20200328_174141371_iOS.jpg
Views: 1144
Size:  193.8 KB

    Name:  20200328_174016357_iOS.jpg
Views: 1083
Size:  133.7 KB


    Dyno Pull!


    Quote Originally Posted by Mod List
    6th Generation Akabou Sambar Forged Pistons and High-Durability Piston Rings
    Défi Advance BF Gauges: 1.2Bar Boost, Oil Pressure, Oil Temp
    Défi Advance ZD Multifunction Display
    Sony XAV-AX5000 6.9" CarPlay/AndroidAuto Head Unit
    Polk DXi461 4x6 Speakers
    Kenwood KSC-SW11 Compact Powered Subwoofer mounted behind drivers seat.
    Morimoto Sealed7 1.0 LED Headlights
    LED 1156 and 1157 Turn Signal and Brake Light Bulbs
    24" LED Light Bar from eBay
    Mitsuba Alpha II Compact Horns
    Passenger Seat from 1996+ Sambar Truck w/Parcel Shelf
    Subaru OEM Leather Steering Wheel from Subaru Vivio RX-R
    Subaru OEM Tachometer Gauge Cluster from a Sambar Dias
    Subaru OEM Power Steering from Sambar Dias
    Subaru OEM Carpet from Sambar Dias
    Subaru OEM Door Mirrors from Sambar Dias
    Subaru OEM Fender Mirror from Akabou models
    Subaru OEM Red Valve Cover from Akabou models
    Subaru OEM Option Front Fog Lights
    Subaru OEM Option Rain Visors
    Subaru OEM Option Power Windows
    Subaru OEM Option Sambar License Plate Frame
    42% Window Tint on door windows
    35% Window Tint on rear window
    240mm Broadway Mirror
    Powdercoated OEM 12" Steel Wheels w/Nankang CX668 155/80R12 tires
    FatMat Rattle Trap Sound Deadener
    Bullet Liner on bed and bulkhead
    Quote Originally Posted by Repairs/Replaced
    Complete engine rebuild
    All coolant hoses
    Exedy Clutch
    Front struts, strut mounts, strut bearings.
    Ball joints, swaybar endlinks.
    Rear shocks.
    Replaced both front axles.
    Paint touchups/Powder Coat bed sides and wheels
    Quote Originally Posted by To-Do List
    Power Locks

  2. #2
    SLi Lurker nepbug's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    Denver, CO
    Posts
    411
    Points
    4,977
    Level
    45
    Points: 4,977, Level: 45
    Level completed: 14%, Points required for next Level: 173
    Achievements:
    1000 Experience Points1 year registered
    I love the little Kei cars, I wish they were street legal here. I really need to look into it again, I wonder if it is over 25 years old if I can register it and drive one anyways.

    Kei class supercharged sounds fun! Wasn't there a supercharged Sambar at some point?

  3. #3
    SLi Lurker foohfooh's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    Seattle/San Diego
    Posts
    431
    Points
    5,362
    Level
    47
    Points: 5,362, Level: 47
    Level completed: 6%, Points required for next Level: 188
    Achievements:
    Veteran5000 Experience Points
    It's a members ride II thread hmm

  4. #4
    SLi O.G. 98legwag's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Moco, Maryland
    Posts
    3,525
    Points
    16,957
    Level
    83
    Points: 16,957, Level: 83
    Level completed: 22%, Points required for next Level: 393
    Achievements:
    Social10000 Experience PointsOverdriveO.G.Recommendation Second Class
    Awards:
    User with most referrers
    Quote Originally Posted by foohfooh View Post
    It's a members ride II thread hmm
    That just means its not a Legacy.

  5. #5
    Administrator rkrenicki's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    Southeastern CT
    Posts
    2,790
    Points
    23,967
    Level
    94
    Points: 23,967, Level: 94
    Level completed: 62%, Points required for next Level: 383
    Achievements:
    10000 Experience PointsO.G.SocialOverdrive
    Quote Originally Posted by 98legwag View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by foohfooh View Post
    It's a members ride II thread hmm
    That just means its not a Legacy.
    Yep, there is no such thing as a Kei Legacy

  6. #6
    ROTM Master peugoby's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Seattle, WA
    Posts
    1,241
    Points
    14,689
    Level
    78
    Points: 14,689, Level: 78
    Level completed: 60%, Points required for next Level: 161
    Achievements:
    10000 Experience PointsO.G.
    I'm hoping for an Autozam AZ-1
    '95 Subaru Legacy L AWD Wagon - Original Owner lBBS l CUSCO l WHITELINE l SPT
    '98 BMW E36 M3
    '18 VW Alltrack SE DSG
    '01.5 Audi A4 1.8T Quattro/Manual/APR Stage 2

  7. #7

  8. #8
    Administrator rkrenicki's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    Southeastern CT
    Posts
    2,790
    Points
    23,967
    Level
    94
    Points: 23,967, Level: 94
    Level completed: 62%, Points required for next Level: 383
    Achievements:
    10000 Experience PointsO.G.SocialOverdrive
    I just received word that it is scheduled to be loaded on the boat on January 30th. I should have paperwork sometime around then.

  9. #9
    Administrator rkrenicki's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    Southeastern CT
    Posts
    2,790
    Points
    23,967
    Level
    94
    Points: 23,967, Level: 94
    Level completed: 62%, Points required for next Level: 383
    Achievements:
    10000 Experience PointsO.G.SocialOverdrive
    Quote Originally Posted by nepbug View Post
    I love the little Kei cars, I wish they were street legal here. I really need to look into it again, I wonder if it is over 25 years old if I can register it and drive one anyways.
    Unless there is a specific law in your state, any Kei vehicle over 25 years old is street legal. As far as I know, there are only state laws that pertain to Kei Trucks sold as "off-road use" and not Kei Cars, or trucks imported as passenger vehicles.

    Connecticut has no state law, so Kei vehicles (Trucks or Cars) are just vehicles with no restrictions. Colorado is the same way in that respect. They would just have to meet whatever requirements your state has for 25+ year vehicles.

    Connecticut has no real restrictions for 25+ year old cars. I only have to do a VIN verification, and pay for registration. No emissions, no safety inspection, nothing. Of course, I will still have to jump through the hoops of a non-ISO VIN.. but that should not be too difficult.

  10. #10
    SLi Lurker nepbug's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    Denver, CO
    Posts
    411
    Points
    4,977
    Level
    45
    Points: 4,977, Level: 45
    Level completed: 14%, Points required for next Level: 173
    Achievements:
    1000 Experience Points1 year registered
    Quote Originally Posted by rkrenicki View Post
    Unless there is a specific law in your state, any Kei vehicle over 25 years old is street legal. As far as I know, there are only state laws that pertain to Kei Trucks sold as "off-road use" and not Kei Cars, or trucks imported as passenger vehicles.

    Connecticut has no state law, so Kei vehicles (Trucks or Cars) they are just vehicles with no restrictions. Colorado is the same way in that respect. They would just have to meet whatever requirements your state has for 25+ year vehicles.

    Connecticut has no real restrictions for 25+ year old cars. I only have to do a VIN verification, and pay for registration. No emissions, no safety inspection, nothing. Of course, I will still have to jump through the hoops of a non-ISO VIN.. but that should not be too difficult.
    Hmm, I'll be researching then. It sounds like it depends on how it was imported more than anything.

  11. #11
    Administrator rkrenicki's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    Southeastern CT
    Posts
    2,790
    Points
    23,967
    Level
    94
    Points: 23,967, Level: 94
    Level completed: 62%, Points required for next Level: 383
    Achievements:
    10000 Experience PointsO.G.SocialOverdrive
    Quote Originally Posted by nepbug View Post
    Hmm, I'll be researching then. It sounds like it depends on how it was imported more than anything.
    I am going to bring this to PM, as to not clutter up this thread. Once I am done with the process, I will be writing up a "DIY" thread with everything that has to happen. I have made a lot of phone calls and research over the last two weeks, and I have learned a lot that I want to share.

  12. #12
    SLi O.G. Muse's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Location
    Willimantic, CT
    Posts
    2,360
    Points
    10,774
    Level
    68
    Points: 10,774, Level: 68
    Level completed: 81%, Points required for next Level: 76
    Achievements:
    VeteranOverdrive10000 Experience Points
    I eagerly await this vehicle. That way I can test drive it and decide if I'm jumping through the same hoops for my own.
    2002 Outback H6 VDC "Blitzen 6"

    Quote Originally Posted by Lancaster6
    A sherpa could rip ass somewhere high up in the Himalayas and my Prius will be blown almost off of the road.

  13. #13
    Administrator rkrenicki's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    Southeastern CT
    Posts
    2,790
    Points
    23,967
    Level
    94
    Points: 23,967, Level: 94
    Level completed: 62%, Points required for next Level: 383
    Achievements:
    10000 Experience PointsO.G.SocialOverdrive
    The time for this vehicle to depart Japan is rapidly approaching. I bought a couple of pieces for it, but I am waiting for it is ship before I really start ordering too much.

  14. #14
    SLi O.G. 98legwag's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Moco, Maryland
    Posts
    3,525
    Points
    16,957
    Level
    83
    Points: 16,957, Level: 83
    Level completed: 22%, Points required for next Level: 393
    Achievements:
    Social10000 Experience PointsOverdriveO.G.Recommendation Second Class
    Awards:
    User with most referrers
    Is the car on the ship yet?

    Edit- I should probably read things.
    Last edited by 98legwag; 01-31-2017 at 10:00 AM.

  15. #15
    SLi Lurker nepbug's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    Denver, CO
    Posts
    411
    Points
    4,977
    Level
    45
    Points: 4,977, Level: 45
    Level completed: 14%, Points required for next Level: 173
    Achievements:
    1000 Experience Points1 year registered
    Alright, so how long then until you actually have it in possession and will be able to assess what to do first?

  16. #16
    Administrator rkrenicki's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    Southeastern CT
    Posts
    2,790
    Points
    23,967
    Level
    94
    Points: 23,967, Level: 94
    Level completed: 62%, Points required for next Level: 383
    Achievements:
    10000 Experience PointsO.G.SocialOverdrive
    There was a slight delay in the ship leaving Japan so it left about a day late. Assuming there are no more delays along the way, it should be here early March. Unfortunately, there are a number of stops in the US before it gets to my port (New York), then I will have to deal with US customs which could take a day or two.

  17. #17
    SLi nOOb
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Location
    Washington D.C. area
    Posts
    111
    Points
    2,795
    Level
    32
    Points: 2,795, Level: 32
    Level completed: 30%, Points required for next Level: 105
    Achievements:
    Created Album pictures1000 Experience PointsTagger Second ClassVeteran
    Who is doing the paper work? Notarizing, translating, etc.

    I'm planning to import. Don't know if it's easier or cheaper to do it myself or go straight to a broker like Japanese Classics or some sort so I don't have to deal with the paperwork and U.S. custom.
    1999 Acura Integra GS (Show/Track)
    2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 (Daily Driven)
    2013 Legacy 2.5i Premium (Daily Driven)

  18. #18
    Administrator rkrenicki's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    Southeastern CT
    Posts
    2,790
    Points
    23,967
    Level
    94
    Points: 23,967, Level: 94
    Level completed: 62%, Points required for next Level: 383
    Achievements:
    10000 Experience PointsO.G.SocialOverdrive
    Quote Originally Posted by amusa View Post
    Who is doing the paper work? Notarizing, translating, etc.

    I'm planning to import. Don't know if it's easier or cheaper to do it myself or go straight to a broker like Japanese Classics or some sort so I don't have to deal with the paperwork and U.S. custom.
    I am not using a vehicle broker nor a customs broker for this particular import. I will be writing up a "DIY" thread after the truck is here with the details of the import process and my experiences. If you want me to go over it with you sooner, drop me a PM or find me on the facebook group and send me a message.

  19. #19
    SLi nOOb
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Location
    Washington D.C. area
    Posts
    111
    Points
    2,795
    Level
    32
    Points: 2,795, Level: 32
    Level completed: 30%, Points required for next Level: 105
    Achievements:
    Created Album pictures1000 Experience PointsTagger Second ClassVeteran
    Quote Originally Posted by rkrenicki View Post
    I am not using a vehicle broker nor a customs broker for this particular import. I will be writing up a "DIY" thread after the truck is here with the details of the import process and my experiences. If you want me to go over it with you sooner, drop me a PM or find me on the facebook group and send me a message.
    Still got time. When ever you are ready just post up. I need to finish up with (1) car before I can get my hands on another project. The wife want's a 240Z, 260Z or 280Z. I'm thinking Fairlady with a RB26DETT swap.
    1999 Acura Integra GS (Show/Track)
    2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 (Daily Driven)
    2013 Legacy 2.5i Premium (Daily Driven)

  20. #20
    Super Moderator Dead91silvia's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Auburn, WA USA
    Posts
    5,050
    Points
    28,025
    Level
    98
    Points: 28,025, Level: 98
    Level completed: 68%, Points required for next Level: 325
    Achievements:
    O.G.Tagger Second ClassSocialOverdriveRecommendation Second Class
    Awards:
    Posting Award
    I'm getting close to getting one myself. This is cool stuff!

  21. #21
    Administrator rkrenicki's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    Southeastern CT
    Posts
    2,790
    Points
    23,967
    Level
    94
    Points: 23,967, Level: 94
    Level completed: 62%, Points required for next Level: 383
    Achievements:
    10000 Experience PointsO.G.SocialOverdrive
    Quote Originally Posted by amusa View Post
    I'm thinking Fairlady with a RB26DETT swap.
    Unfortunately, that would not be eligible for import. The EPA clearance is dependant on the vehicle (and more specifically, the engine), being in original unmodified condition. any vehicle with an engine swap is automatically ineligible.

  22. #22
    Administrator rkrenicki's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    Southeastern CT
    Posts
    2,790
    Points
    23,967
    Level
    94
    Points: 23,967, Level: 94
    Level completed: 62%, Points required for next Level: 383
    Achievements:
    10000 Experience PointsO.G.SocialOverdrive
    The truck is going to cross the international date line in a few hours, and I just received an email from my normal Japanese buying proxy that my box-of-parts will be shipping tonight.

    Since I do not know the service history of the truck, I ordered a bit of everything... Exedy Clutch kit, Timing Belt kit, Water Pump, 2 sets of Brake Pads, a spare set of brake calipers (Found a set for $15, and figured it was good to have some handy), Thermostat, Spark Plug set, and Wiring Manual. I also special ordered some oil filters from my dealer (They are the same as the Subaru Justy), picked up some spark plugs, and ordered a new set of Alternator and Supercharger belts and air filter here in the states.

  23. #23
    SLi nOOb
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Location
    Washington D.C. area
    Posts
    111
    Points
    2,795
    Level
    32
    Points: 2,795, Level: 32
    Level completed: 30%, Points required for next Level: 105
    Achievements:
    Created Album pictures1000 Experience PointsTagger Second ClassVeteran
    Quote Originally Posted by rkrenicki View Post
    Unfortunately, that would not be eligible for import. The EPA clearance is dependant on the vehicle (and more specifically, the engine), being in original unmodified condition. any vehicle with an engine swap is automatically ineligible.
    I'm going to do the swap here.
    1999 Acura Integra GS (Show/Track)
    2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 (Daily Driven)
    2013 Legacy 2.5i Premium (Daily Driven)

  24. #24
    Administrator rkrenicki's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    Southeastern CT
    Posts
    2,790
    Points
    23,967
    Level
    94
    Points: 23,967, Level: 94
    Level completed: 62%, Points required for next Level: 383
    Achievements:
    10000 Experience PointsO.G.SocialOverdrive
    The truck is still not here yet, but some of the parts have started to show up. I managed to source some Alternator and Supercharger belts, air filters, a fuel filter, and LHD headlights here in the states from various different sources. The oil filter is the same as the Subaru Justy in North America and the Subaru Domingo in Europe, so it is available worldwide. I decided to go with OEM, as they are high quality Tokyo Roki filters. Oddly enough, they even say "Kei" in the part description on them.



    I also sourced a set of wheels and tires, as the original tires are not DOT compliant, and 155SR12 tires are not available here without importing them. After some research, I found that 1989-1999 Nissan Sentra and Nissan 200SX (B14/Lucino) wheels have the appropriate bolt pattern and hub size. I sourced a set of 14" wheels from an 200SX and some 165/60R14 tires. This is not a widely available size here in the States either, but I did find a brand new set of Hankook Kinergy Eco K425 for a decent price. These tires only seem to be marketed for the UK and Australian market, but they are marked US, UK, Aus DOT approved.



    These tires have little flowers on them. heh.

  25. #25
    Administrator rkrenicki's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    Southeastern CT
    Posts
    2,790
    Points
    23,967
    Level
    94
    Points: 23,967, Level: 94
    Level completed: 62%, Points required for next Level: 383
    Achievements:
    10000 Experience PointsO.G.SocialOverdrive
    The boat just passed through the Panama Canal today. I managed to get a screenshot from their webcam as it went though.

    Name:  Screen Shot 2017-02-21 at 8.57.21 AM.jpg
Views: 1436
Size:  258.2 KB

  26. #26
    SLi Lurker nepbug's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    Denver, CO
    Posts
    411
    Points
    4,977
    Level
    45
    Points: 4,977, Level: 45
    Level completed: 14%, Points required for next Level: 173
    Achievements:
    1000 Experience Points1 year registered
    That's pretty cool!

  27. #27
    SLi O.G. 98legwag's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Moco, Maryland
    Posts
    3,525
    Points
    16,957
    Level
    83
    Points: 16,957, Level: 83
    Level completed: 22%, Points required for next Level: 393
    Achievements:
    Social10000 Experience PointsOverdriveO.G.Recommendation Second Class
    Awards:
    User with most referrers
    That is a big boat. I wonder how many cars are on it.

  28. #28
    SLi O.G. Muse's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Location
    Willimantic, CT
    Posts
    2,360
    Points
    10,774
    Level
    68
    Points: 10,774, Level: 68
    Level completed: 81%, Points required for next Level: 76
    Achievements:
    VeteranOverdrive10000 Experience Points
    There's only one on it that matters.
    2002 Outback H6 VDC "Blitzen 6"

    Quote Originally Posted by Lancaster6
    A sherpa could rip ass somewhere high up in the Himalayas and my Prius will be blown almost off of the road.

  29. #29
    Administrator rkrenicki's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    Southeastern CT
    Posts
    2,790
    Points
    23,967
    Level
    94
    Points: 23,967, Level: 94
    Level completed: 62%, Points required for next Level: 383
    Achievements:
    10000 Experience PointsO.G.SocialOverdrive
    Quote Originally Posted by 98legwag View Post
    That is a big boat. I wonder how many cars are on it.
    Thousands. They have anywhere from 6-10 floors, with a max floor height of about 5.2m. They can carry any kind of vehicle, as small as motorcycles or as large as train cars. I do not have the size of this specific boat, but this company has boats that range in size from 4300 to 8500 CEUs (Car Equivalent Units). Fun fact, the CEU is based on the size of a 1966 Toyota Corolla RT43.

    Another thing to note.. This particular ship has a draft of 10m when loaded.. so there is another 33(ish) feet of boat under the water line.

    For those interested, There are a bunch of informational brochures on their website here: http://www.hoeghautoliners.com/news-and-media/brochures

  30. #30
    SLi O.G. Muse's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Location
    Willimantic, CT
    Posts
    2,360
    Points
    10,774
    Level
    68
    Points: 10,774, Level: 68
    Level completed: 81%, Points required for next Level: 76
    Achievements:
    VeteranOverdrive10000 Experience Points
    Sooo... it could haul, say, a dekotora Mazda Titan? Not that I have any plans for getting one.. >.>
    2002 Outback H6 VDC "Blitzen 6"

    Quote Originally Posted by Lancaster6
    A sherpa could rip ass somewhere high up in the Himalayas and my Prius will be blown almost off of the road.

Page 1 of 6 123 ... LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •