I've had various people ask me "Why modify the VehiCROSS, especially if it's so great? Doesn't it come with everything?" I guess for many who purchase a car or truck, it's simple to go down a list and pick accessories that you may want to finance through the initial purchase. Sometimes you don't realize you want something until you see it on someone else's truck. In my case, there were a few nagging omissions to the Isuzu Accessory offering for the VehiCROSS (specifically I was searching for Mud/Splash Guards and Window Air Deflectors). Sure the VX already has a ton of great features (the standard Recaro seats come to mind) so my guess is that Isuzu reasoned the demand for dealer accessories to be small. This is reflected in the list of available accessories from their 1999 US Isuzu brochure:
Nose Mask
This is a two-piece nose mask that wraps around the front bumper cover of the VX and a portion of the hood and fenders. Due to a rigid deflector across the top, the mask helps to deflect small rocks from hitting the windshield. The plastic covers over the headlights also help to preserve the headlights from rock collisions.
Remote Garage Door Opener
This is a module that you may purchase and install as part of your Garage Door switch. The module may be programmed to react to the second button on your VX's door/alarm remote.
Yakima Ski, Snowboard and Bike Mount Attachments
This is an integrated rack that clamps onto the two roof rails on the VX's top. The rack itself is a Yakima WindRider (no longer offered by Yakima) and has an aerodynamic shape. The risers are custom to the VX application. There are both horizontal and vertical mounts (Mighty Mounts) available through Isuzu, as well as a Ski Board rack and Bike mount rail. Other racks may be applied through the use of the horizontal or Vertical Mighty Mounts. The basic rack comes standard on all Ironman edition VehiCROSSes.
Cargo Mat
This is a small, reversible cargo mat that extends from the back of the rear-seat to the edge of the "trunk" compartment. Carpeted with an embroidered Isuzu logo, it helps to keep the area clean and is removable for easy cleanup.
Carpeted Floor Mats
The usual heavy-pile, carpeted floor mat with embroidered Isuzu logo. These usually are included in the sale of the vehicle. (Ironman version shown, the basic mat is black). They were eventually added to the 2001 brochure.
2-90046-804-0 Touch Up Paint (Proton Yellow)
These were listed as "no pictured" on the back of all three model years of the brochure.
Lid Top | Bottle Sticker
Wheel Locks
Not listed in the 1999 or 2000 brochures but available through the dealer, they were eventually added to the 2001 brochure. These usually are included in the sale of the vehicle.
2-90099-910-0 Convenience Net
Not listed in the brochure but available through the dealer. These usually are included in the sale of the Vehicle and appear to be standard equipment on later models.
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| Isuzu VehiCROSS Accessories 1997 |
It has always struck me as rather odd that the VX accessory list is so small, especially when compared to the huge list available in Japan. To view the Japanese VehiCROSS accessory list, click here. Because the VX first appeared in Japan in 1997 and that the Japanese release production numbers were very small, it's been reasoned that the accessory manufacturers produced very limited quantities fo their products. For some reason, these items were not extended to the US market (most of the accessories listed above were not available to the Japanese as well). Some of the Japanese only items make sense, as they are specific to Japan (such as the navigation system and PAL VCR), however many items are both coveted and greatly desired by US owners. I purchased the Wind Deflectors, Chrome Mirror Covers and Splash Guards through a friend in Asia to equip my VehiCROSS through great expense for both the items and freight. I describe them in more detail below.
The initial listing of modifications below details what I have done to my VehiCROSS in chronological order. I've provided links to the manufacturers and/or installers where applicable, as well as pricing (note though that the pricing reflects what I paid at install date). Some of these are really more maintenance items rather than modifications but I'm just being thorough.
2001.09.14 Window Tinting
This is a must-have mod in the south. The sun is really brutal here and destroys your interior, not to mention getting into a hot car during the summer.
2001.12.22 MacNeil WeatherTech Wind & Rain Deflectors (Model #70235)
This is a really inexpensive mod that will cut down some of the wind and wind-noise that you get when the windows are cracked.
2002.01.20 Yakima Roof Rack (Isuzu Part #2-90030-930-0)
I ultimately decided to remove these (they were on the VX for only a few months) as they made a lot of wind noise, much louder with the moon roof.
02.01.27 Razo Pedals carbon fiber Razo replacements
Those tiny Isuzu pedals really bugged me - get some aftermarket pedal covers such as these for your shoes to grab.
2002.05.08 Isuzu Nose Mask (Part #2-90030-930-0)
Do yourself a favor and order just the hood protector (included in this mod).
2002.04.03 Hollandia/Webasto Sun Roof w/Wind Deflector Model 43
This is perhaps my favorite "comfort" modification, allowing more sun in without compromising the integrity of the VX sealed interior.
2002.05.17 Levoc E-Brake Cover (#LV-701)
This simple mod dresses-up the interior by covering the handle part of the Emergency Break lever.
2002.06.12 Frame Mount 2" Receiver Hitch Kit, wiring and Hitch Light
This integrated hitch receiver tucks under the rear bumper and attaches to the frame cross member.
2002.06.15 High Performance SilBlade Silicon Windshield Wiper Blades
Far superior to the brands you find at Pep Boys, silicon wipers last for years and glide like silk across your windshield
2002.06.28 AutoTrans Interceptor Adjustable Electronic Shift Kit - (#54790)
Use this plug-in modification to smooth out your shifts during acceleration.
2002.07.14 JDM Wind Deflectors (Isuzu Part #5-8672-1139)
The JDM deflectors are shaped to conform to the mirrors, which in Japan fold in through the use of a switch on the center console
2002.07.21 Finnell's PowerVault Stainless Cat-back/muffler
The PV muffler is hands-down, the best performance-gaining mod you can do for the money.
2002.08.06 JDM Chrome Mirror Covers (Isuzu Part #5-8672-2031)
At the time, this was an inexpensive mod that really dressed up the VX.
2002.08.06 JDM Splash Guards (Isuzu Part #5-8672-1141)
I got hooked on OEM mud-guards while owning a Honda almost 20 years ago.
2002.08.10 Hotshot Performance Intake (40-IZ4065-73)
Originally welded to fit the Trooper, this was part of a group buy for the VX community and had to be modified (an additional cut in the middle of the tube allows the whole unit to be rotated to clear the hood).
2002.11.16 Rear Door Popper Kit
Mods to remote switch the rear door.
2002.11.16 Switch bank and Rear Hatch switch
Taking the Popper Kit above to the next level, this mod will bring a factory feel to the addition of the Popper Kit switch and give you two additional switch locations to play with.
2002.11.21 Running Light Conversion
Get rid of those puny running lights and replace them with $20 "Pilot" 55W Halogens (purchased at Pep Boys).
2002.12.03 Adjustable Rate / Duration 3rd Brake Light Flasher
This is a great attention-getter. Causes your top brake light to flash.
2003.02.03 Convex Blind-Spot Mirrors
Super-cheap mod utilizing stick-on mirrors designed for the Ford Expedition (get these at Pep Boys).
2003.02.16 Energy Suspension Neoprene Greasable Sway Bar Bushings
Better performance, less body sway, greasable zerks
2003.06.21 Pirelli Scorpion Tires 255 55H18 V-rated and SS Valve Stems/Caps
I swapped out the tires after getting a slow leak in one and a sidewall cut in another (plus almost 40K miles on the factory set).
2003.07.28 Optima 720 Amp Red Top Battery
Big cranking amps from a spiral-technology sealed battery.
2003.09.15 Debadged and Personalized Plate
Decided to personalize the exterior a bit more by removing the front and rear "Isuzu" logos and getting a vanity plate "PROTON"
2003.11.30 4.50" Passenger Seat Extension Kit
I tried these and they do work to make the rear seats more accessible.
2003.10.26 Switch to Mobile 1
After reading some terrific real-world tests I decided to switch to synthetics.
2003.12.29 H4 35W 12V Brightstar HID Conversion Kit
This amazing mod will change your halogen lights to High Intensity Discharge lights with some really amazing reach.
2004.01.17 Replaced "Isuzu" front Grill logo with "VX"
This titanium hand-cut VX logo was produced by a VehiCROSS board member.
FLAG 2004.04.16 CompuSTAR Remote Start Alarm
Compustar 2WSS-AS -- it uses more sophisticated Spread Spectrum technology and has a range of 6000 feet.
FLAG 2005.06.02 VXC Custom Front Skid Plate
Custom ABS Plastic Skidplate approximating the VX02 by VehiCROSSConcepts.
FLAG 2006.01.11 VXC Custom Rear Skid Plate
Custom ABS Plastic Skidplate approximating the VX02 by VehiCROSSConcepts with integrated hitch adjustment.
2006.03.18 Kumho Ecsta Tires 255 55H18 V-rated
I went with Kumho's based on reviews found on the web.
2006.05.12 Cross-Drilled, Slotted Rotors
These offer superior braking, more brake cooling and are zinc coated to prevent rust.
2006.05.12 Stainless Steel Brake Lines
I ordered these SS Brake lines from Independent4x4
2007.05.14 Optima Red Top 800 Amp Battery
My previous Optima failed (under warranty so I was able to get a full refund).
2007.08.05 Alpine Eaton MP62 Supercharger with 4 LB Pulley
I originally purchased the kit as part of a group buy back in 2003 - I finally had the time to install in May 2007 (nothing like waiting). Brochure is available here.
2007.08.05 Carbon Fiber Hood Insert
I purchased the hood insert from a VX owner who decided to sell his truck so it was "gently used"
2007.09.09 Supercharged Labels
The labels were ordered on eBay and are from a Chevy Cobalt SS.
2007.11.01 Cold Air Intake with Green Twister Filter
Green Twister Filter with a cold-air setup (vents to the fender hole).
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