1988 Mitsubishi Shogun 2.6 HT BBR Turbo
Discussion
Obscure – yes, but obscurity, for this, just seems to be a matter of time passing. Both the Shogun BBR 2.6 Turbo and the short lived, later 3.0 V6 Turbo were both extensively tested and reported on in main stream motoring magazines at the time. I’ve linked some earlier in the thread and certainly, Motor, Fast Lane and others had articles and road tests. They were I suppose made obsolete by the improvements in the standard Shogun’s as they became equipped with more powerful petrol and diesel engines.
But, to put the BBR in context for the time, in 1988 the standard Shogun weighed at least 1700 kg, could tow a further 2800kg but had a ridiculous 102bhp. In the circumstances, it was hardly surprising that companies like BBR found a ready market for these modified wagons. The BBR website suggests that over 400 Shoguns were modified; I know of only this one and an internet link from years ago suggesting there was one more alive in London. Its sheer rarity, and a stubborn refusal to see any sense on my part, is why I remain determined to bring it back to its full glorious obscurity.
But, to put the BBR in context for the time, in 1988 the standard Shogun weighed at least 1700 kg, could tow a further 2800kg but had a ridiculous 102bhp. In the circumstances, it was hardly surprising that companies like BBR found a ready market for these modified wagons. The BBR website suggests that over 400 Shoguns were modified; I know of only this one and an internet link from years ago suggesting there was one more alive in London. Its sheer rarity, and a stubborn refusal to see any sense on my part, is why I remain determined to bring it back to its full glorious obscurity.
Me too - I liken it to an Overfinch Range Rover - the P39 ones - you just don't see them anymore - and if you did - I'd hope, like this BBR Shogun - would land in the hands of an owner whom would persevere with it as the OP has with this (even rarer) 4x4. The OP's mechanic also clearly likes it too - looks like they've taken alot of time and effort to help solve the various issues. Really good to see.
Thank you all. Yes, Scott at SG Motorsport has been enthusiastic, persevering and inspired when it comes to the BBR. There have been moments when this rolling restoration has sometimes edged towards a frustrated exit but Scott's willingness to engage with me and this vehicle remains one of the strongest reasons why I have continued with the Shogun.
As we are in the summer, the Shogun is on sabbatical although it hasn't had it that easy:
As we are in the summer, the Shogun is on sabbatical although it hasn't had it that easy:
Edited by TurboBlue on Thursday 23 June 20:50
A great read :-) I've just come across this thread so been doing a bit of binge reading, not really my thing but love the rarity and sheer perseverance!
Hats off to your man Scott as well, if your not super handy with the tools, the chosen mechanic can very much make or break such a project, your guy seems just the man to send wacky bought on a whim projects to!
Good to see the old girl hitched up with that boat, I hope the bonnet being up wasn't the result of a problem! :-)
ps. sorry if I missed it, but what happened to the 5 Turbo?
Hats off to your man Scott as well, if your not super handy with the tools, the chosen mechanic can very much make or break such a project, your guy seems just the man to send wacky bought on a whim projects to!
Good to see the old girl hitched up with that boat, I hope the bonnet being up wasn't the result of a problem! :-)
ps. sorry if I missed it, but what happened to the 5 Turbo?
This was last month on one of those hot days and I'd just finished towing the boat 40 miles or so from storage; the bonnet was up on the Shogun to check fluids and to keep an eye on the troublesome exhaust manifold.
As an aside, in the photo, both bonnets on the BBR and the boat are up :-). Funny place for an engine in a boat you might say but the Ski Nautique has a hulking great 302 cubic inch Ford marine PCM V8 sat just above the keel in the middle of the boat.
Now, I'm probably in denial about this but I think the effort involved in towing a tonne and a half of boat has shown up further weakness in the manifold, particularly, I think, another gasket has failed. I'm sort of ignoring this for the moment but I have the photographic evidence to depress myself whenever I wish! I'll post it below and it will come as news to Scott too, sorry about that!
You can see where gaps are appearing, which are noticeable by there absence in the earlier photos further up the page. Now, I suppose that this really just needs a motorsport specification steel gasket to be fitted; if so, that'll be what we do next time the BBR is at the workshop but it is a continued reminder that we all find it difficult to finish one part of this project and move on the next part.
As I dislike leaving posts on a sad note, can't resist a picture of the V8 too.
As an aside, in the photo, both bonnets on the BBR and the boat are up :-). Funny place for an engine in a boat you might say but the Ski Nautique has a hulking great 302 cubic inch Ford marine PCM V8 sat just above the keel in the middle of the boat.
Now, I'm probably in denial about this but I think the effort involved in towing a tonne and a half of boat has shown up further weakness in the manifold, particularly, I think, another gasket has failed. I'm sort of ignoring this for the moment but I have the photographic evidence to depress myself whenever I wish! I'll post it below and it will come as news to Scott too, sorry about that!
You can see where gaps are appearing, which are noticeable by there absence in the earlier photos further up the page. Now, I suppose that this really just needs a motorsport specification steel gasket to be fitted; if so, that'll be what we do next time the BBR is at the workshop but it is a continued reminder that we all find it difficult to finish one part of this project and move on the next part.
As I dislike leaving posts on a sad note, can't resist a picture of the V8 too.
Smiles @ update! As mentioned, I've also followed this excellent thread over the past few years. Never knew these versions even existed til seeing the thread. Much prefer this shape, the later two tone pie key versions. I'd even take one over a comparable RR.
Hope the BBR sails through the MOT!
:-)
Hope the BBR sails through the MOT!
:-)
Thanks for the encouragement!
Good news! Looks like the BBR just needs some brake pipes and shackle bushes (on the rear leaf springs) to pass the MOT. I've had the bushes since the start of the project and the brake pipes are a common failing I think on these.
About the looks, yes, just like G-wagons and Defenders, they somehow look absolutely right and fore-square!
Interestingly, Mastercraft, Nautique and Malibu inboard boats are a bit like the wagons listed above, they all adhere to a similar specification because it just works.
Good news! Looks like the BBR just needs some brake pipes and shackle bushes (on the rear leaf springs) to pass the MOT. I've had the bushes since the start of the project and the brake pipes are a common failing I think on these.
About the looks, yes, just like G-wagons and Defenders, they somehow look absolutely right and fore-square!
Interestingly, Mastercraft, Nautique and Malibu inboard boats are a bit like the wagons listed above, they all adhere to a similar specification because it just works.
You may recall that there has been an ongoing problem with the exhaust manifold; well, the Shogun has been sounding like a diesel (and we all know how bad they sound) throughout the summer. I knew it was the manifold at fault but we have only recently had the offending part off so we could see the fault.
So, here are some pictures; lots of holes; welded up
The waste-gate actuator had also been playing up, the rubber diaphragm inside had perished and was no longer opening and closing the waste-gate. This may have contributed to the damage done to the manifold by simply increasing the pressure and temperature in the manifold. A new one has been fitted together with an adjustment courtesy of an additional split pin to try and make the rod that actuates the waste-gate more in line and less likely to fail.
The throttle response had grown very poor, probably down to the cracks in the manifold and the failure of the actuator but I’m picking the BBR back up tomorrow as it has work to do and I’m hopeful it will be working well.
So, here are some pictures; lots of holes; welded up
The waste-gate actuator had also been playing up, the rubber diaphragm inside had perished and was no longer opening and closing the waste-gate. This may have contributed to the damage done to the manifold by simply increasing the pressure and temperature in the manifold. A new one has been fitted together with an adjustment courtesy of an additional split pin to try and make the rod that actuates the waste-gate more in line and less likely to fail.
The throttle response had grown very poor, probably down to the cracks in the manifold and the failure of the actuator but I’m picking the BBR back up tomorrow as it has work to do and I’m hopeful it will be working well.
Edited by TurboBlue on Friday 13th October 21:19
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