Future Starwagon Owner

[cosmo727]

Hello Fellow Delica Lovers!!

Ever since I've seen the diesel minivans in the Caribbean I knew that I had to have one. The search led me to the Delica Starwagon!!! I have been researching and looking for a Starwagon for the past six months and I think it is time to pull the trigger on purchasing one. I am in Kitchener, Ontario and have recently contacted Craig from Bonsai Rides in London, Ontario. Excellent guy to deal with!! I am looking to get a late 1993, 1994-1996 Starwagon from Japan. Going to inquire about insurance first and if that is "relatively reasonable" then I will start the ball rolling on the search. Exciting times!! I am thinking a 2" lift with 31" tires will be in order after I receive the van. Approximately four weeks to find the perfect Starwagon at auction and four to six weeks for delivery will be a long agonizing wait but worth it!!! Wish me luck!!

cosmo727

[FalcoColumbarius]

Hi Cosmo, welcome to Delica Canada

I like the late '92s, myself. I added an extra leaf into my rear suspension leaf pack, then re-indexed the torsion bars. That gave me close to a two inch lift. My tyres are 235/75R15s (Yokohama Geolandars ATS), which is wider than the original tyres that came with the Starwagon but the circumference is slightly smaller, 'though hardly noticeable ~ something like fifteen feet difference over 100 kilometres. Performance-wise, I wouldn't go with anything over thirty inches, myself.

I've found that clearance isn't everything in an off road scenario, you have to get under things as well. I think with thirty-ones you might have to modify the body, not sure on that but worth looking into. There is another member who put 33" tyres on (having to modify the body), along with an intercooler and blew his tranny because it was the weakest link in the chain. What he did was rebuild the tranny to make it stronger.

Regarding insurance, take a look through RHD Political, some pertinent threads in there that might be of use.

Welcome again and good luck. Let us know how it all turns out.

Falco.

[cosmo727]

Thanks for the welcome and advice Falco. I will definitely let you know how I make out.

Cosmo727

[cosmo727]

Hello All

Craig from Bonsai Rides came through for me!! It was a long search and not too many Starwagons coming up for auction. She is a 1996 Active World Edition with 105000 km. She is very clean and well maintained with a recent timing belt change. I got lucky and got one with a roof basket and ladder. The after market fenders and exhaust are a nice bonus as well. If everything goes well, she should be sitting in my driveway by mid August. Here are some pictures of my new ride. Let me know what you think.

Now I have to name her.

[Lapprentis]

Nice Van ! Got mine from Craig: had good services and Nice Delica !

How many of these in BC ? in Ontario ? Ovehere (Quebec), I think we are about 5 Delica L300 Owners...3 that I am aware of.

Hope the will will be more and more for years to come...

I think you will have hard time falling asleep from now on until you get it

Lapprentis

[Feds]

Bonsai is the best. He even found you a lifted one. If you ever make it down to Niagara, come by for a visit.

As a new Delica owner, here's your shopping list:

New glow plugs
Pyrometer
Boost Gauge

Good luck with everything, let us know when it lands.

[cosmo727]

**Update**

My Deli is now a landed immigrant!!! It arrived by boat in BC and is currently on a train to Ontario. I get to meet her for the first time this coming Tuesday (day after Labour Day). Hopefully if everything goes alright I should have her home by next weekend as a registered Canadian citizen. I hope my wife doesn't get the wrong idea about us....lol.

[Feds]

Hey,

I meant to ask on your original post: Based on your user name, are you a reformed rotor head as well?

Maybe we'll finally have an ontario meet once you're on the road.

[cosmo727]

Based on a quick google search I assume you are referring to the Wankel engine or helicopter pilot. No to both. The name actually comes from Seinfeld. An Ontario meet would be great if someone could organize it. If you are ever in the K-W area, please feel free to contact me.

[cosmo727]

Hello fellow Delica fans,

I finally got my Delica last week and have had a huge smile on my face every time I drive, look, or talk about her. It's such a fun and unique vehicle to drive. It's definitely not a racing machine and I have the essentials installed such as an EGT gauge, boost gauge, and a turbo timer. I read somewhere on the forum to take it slow and enjoy the view and the ride. That member could not of said it any better!!! I've picked a name and it is " The Happy Wanderer ". SCTV fans will recognize the name.

cosmo727