Discreet but capable

I have now found the pictured manifold at £129 which is not too rich for a gamble to see if we can get something of use....

I'm also talking to a fella in China at a reputable firm whose headers looked much more purposeful and are designed for the jimny. I might have to buy 10 systems but may well do that at a price I've been quoted for a single bespoke system in the UK. Just got to make sure I don't get my pants pulled down, which might be quite the job.

Interweb is an amazing tool for commerce, I can shop all over world........ Did I tell you, I'm getting the cash for the order from my mate in Nigeria, cracking bloke he is. All I had to do was send him my bank details and he's going to deposit my 50% share of his lottery win.......

Sniper

Well the KYB springs have turned up at last, I'm happy that they are made in the Czech Rep, any luck and they won't have Chinese steel in them.

I'm retired now but held welding codes for many years and have watched as the quality of steel has been poisoned by China.

These look to be of good quality and the coils on each pair (f/r) match perfectly (good repeatability in the coil cuts and coil structure are a sign of a strong process and stable steel), powder coated so finish is perfect.

Still waiting on the AVO dampers, should be here in the next few days, I also forgot extended bump stops which are now winging their way from Jimnybits.
I have found a local garage that rents ramp time for £50 a day and that includes air tools which will make it a breeze and no bad back to boot....

Sniper

My man in China (gone all Len Deighton) has come back with a "sample system", that looks great, for 250usd DHL delivery is 141usd
so,
391usd to gbp = £281.67
+import levy @3.5% = £291.54
+vat @ 20% = £349.84

So, £350 for a 4-2-1 manifold, centre section with cat, back box with a fancy tail pipe.

If I order ten systems the price comes down to $200 per unit and sea freight for 200kg is only $141,
So,
2141usd to gbp = £1542.35
+import levy @ 3.5% = £1650.31
=vat @ 20% = £1980.37

So, £198.04 for the same system.

I would happily have paid £300 for the manifold alone and for the system with a sports cat another £300 easy, £600 for the full system, I think it would sell at that.

I think I will take the gamble on the single system, fit it (if it turns up and I don't end up with a £350 lesson) and if it performs well, I might well consider importing in bulk. Even with the inevitable hidden costs of sale, it should be viable.

Might be going into the import / export business.......

Sniper

Good progress! Are the springs the same side to side? As standard our RHD Jimnys have a softer spring (thinner wire used in the coils) on the NSR. If both springs are the same you may find yourself suffering from Jimny lean.

Thanks busta, both rear springs appear identical so it looks like I may have to play around with spring seats if the problem arises. I'm fitting 15mm seats to start so I might drop to 5mm on that corner if needed. Not something I had considered.......

Sniper

got mine from Australia