Searching for SuperBurb
What is going on with Project SuperBurb? I haven't heard or seen anything for quite awhile. Is it still in the works, or did the magazine scrap the project? There are a lot of classic Chevy 4x4 owners wanting to see this project through. Tell Stover to get on his horse and get this thing going!
Mark Train
San Jose, CA
Robin Stover replies: Just like a good wine or stinky cheese, the passage of time can have a positive effect on all things. And with our beloved '72 Suburban project, the years of consistent preservation only add to the rig's uniqueness.
However, you are correct-the rig has been stagnant for quite some time now, and we couldn't agree more about the need for an update. Currently, it's with the professional fabricators at Triple X Traction in Seaside, California, awaiting shop time for a front coilover conversion. We'll ask the bossman if he has any page space for such an update in a coming issue. Thanks again for keeping us on our toes.
V-12 Power for 90-Series Land Cruiser?
I have a '96 Land Cruiser with stock motor and want to convert it to a V-12 motor. What transmission could I use for this motor besides the stock transmission?
Luis Zuniga
Casa Grande, AZ
How about the transmission that came attached to the V-12 engine you want to use? Frankly, that's about the only feasible way to pull off a swap like this (as well as having the V-12's computer and complete wiring harness). And this assumes that such a powertrain would even fit in the LC's engine bay. We don't know anyone who has ever attempted such a swap, so we can't answer that question definitively, but we suppose it would be a matter of which 12-cylinder engine/transmission combo you want, and how many modifications/replacements you're willing to make to the hood, motor mounts, firewall, engine/transmission crossmembers, etc., to make everything fit. Then there's the little matter of replacing the Toyota transfer case, driveline and axles, none of which were designed to handle V-12 power, as well as your entire cooling system, which was designed to keep six cylinders, not 12, happy. Oh, and your stock brakes won't last long if you plan on driving your V-12 Cruiser at V-12 road speeds. But hey, it's your money, so have fun with the buildup.
Wants Off-Road-Only Rig in Nevada
I have an '85 Suburban that won't pass Nevada emissions, and want to convert it to off-road only. Does my DMV inspect a conversion like this, and sticker this yearly?
Gino
Somewhere in Nevada
We can't say for certain. Nevada only recently (2009) enacted into law an Off-Highway Vehicle registration program. We do know that the state only requires emissions testing for vehicles registered in Clark (Las Vegas) and Washoe (Reno/Sparks) counties. We couldn't find a mention in the Nevada vehicle code of any special "off-road-only" designations or exemptions, but you would have to check with your local authorities to be sure.
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