POWER, VALUE AND COMFORT
DEFINE THE 1999 ISUZU TROOPER

Calif - The Trooper name has become synonymous with authentic sport-utility performance and value. For 1999, the flagship of Isuzu's SLTV line continues to improve and offers consumers a straightforward alternatives to lesser equipped and lesser able SUV lookalikes. At its heart, Isuzu's proven V6 engine boasts 213.2 CID (cubic inch displacement) and is rated at 215 hp @ 5400 rpm and 230 ft. lb. torque @ 3000 rpm.

Breathing is made easy through the application of a four-valve, dual-overhead cam design with direct actuation of the valves. Eliminating the rocker arms, rocker-arm shafts and hydraulic valve fifters diminishes noise, vibration and harshness, while simplifying the system and reducmg costs.

11igh responsiveness and output have been achieved through a combination of cross-flow straight configuration intake ports, and variable length intake ports, providing power increases throughout the entire rpm range.

The variable air-intake system employs a butterfly valve that effectively lengthens or shortens the length of the intake track depending on the operating speed of the engine.   Below 3600 rpm the valve closes, effectively lengthening the intake track. The longer track increases the volume of air, providing high torque at low and intermediate speeds. As engine speed increases over 3600 rpm, the solenoid switch turns off, shortening the port and providing high torque at high speeds.

Cylinder heads are of die-cast aluminum alloy with pent-roof type combustion chambers. The valve angle is 19', making the combustion chambers very compact. Squish areas are provided to allow reliable combustion at low rpm.

Major effort has been placed into reducing ffiction as a means to increase output. For example, camshafts have been micro-polished to reduce frictional resistance. Lowtension valve springs are employed along with short skirt pistons and groove bearings for connecting rods and main bearing surfaces. Direct valve actuation further contributes to the reduction of power-sapping ffiction as well as to overall weight reduction.

Attention has also been focused on maintaining low intake air temperatures. The air intake duct has been moved from under the hood to a position inside the left front wheel well outside the engine compartment. Phenolic plastic gaskets further isolate the intake chamber from the cylinder head, reducing intake air temperatures and contributing to the overall power increase.

The engine features a two-stage aluminum crankcase and steel oil pan combination that produces greater power plant rigidity and reduces noise and vibration. Rubber is used to isolate the cylinder head and timing belt covers, finther reducing noise and vibration. Additionally, a combination of two-stage reduction drive gear and a backlash-free configuration for the camshaft drive gears reduces noise while giving precise valve timing.

The need for maintenance is reduced with the application of platinum-tipped spark plugs and a six-tooth, polyester serpentine auxiliary belt drive. The platinum plugs are good for 100,000 miles and the belt is equipped with an auto-tensioner that requires no manual adjustment, extending the service life of the engine.

American Isuzu Motors Inc. is the U.S. distributor of Isuzu fight vehicles, commercial vehicles and diesel engines.