My interest in the Subaru's came about when I learned that our cars share some common parts. About 5 years ago I created a side business so that I could order parts for my LJ's, as well as others, easier. Suzuki dealerships aren't as prevalent as most other car makes, and even if you have a dealer in your town, they probably have never heard of an LJ10, so a lot of people have trouble getting parts, or even knowing what is available. I don't sell these parts for profit, but by setting myself up as a legitimate business, I earn a lot more respect from the companies I deal with, thus getting better prices. Quite a few Subaru owners have bought from me already, my business name is Brute 4 Parts. (The Suzuki LJ's sold in the US in the early 70's were called Suzuki Brute's, or the Suzuki Brute IV.)
I'd like to take a long look at the 360's, especially the engine, to see what other parts are common. Let's face it, there just aren't very many Subaru 360's around, nor are there many Suzuki LJ10's, but between the two of them, there may be enough vehicles to start producing reproduction parts, or to increase production (thus lowering all of our costs), or at least to not stop production. I've been chastised on my website for selling the Nippondenso caps and rotors to Subaru owners, but I believe I am actually helping out both of our causes. These parts are still being produced for Suzuki, but this will only happen as long as there is sufficient demand for them. Subaru no longer sells them, but by selling the Suzuki parts to Subaru owners, the demand from Suzuki is increased, so they are more likely to keep having them produced. Similarly, LJ10 pistons are no longer available, and a few people tried to have some made, with no luck. Last year I contacted Wiseco Pistons, as a business, and was able to have a batch of pistons made. Recently I was told that Subaru 360 pistons are the same as Suzuki LJ10 pistons. (Subaru's are 61.5mm bore vs. 61.0mm for Suzuki, but I had mostly oversize pistons made anyway.) I sold a set to a guy, but the last I heard he had not yet installed them. If they do indeed fit the Subaru 360's, I will sell them to people here as well, and if enough people want them, I can do a larger order next time, which lowers our cost.
Sorry for the long-winded initial post, but I wanted to make sure everyone knew who I was, and where I'm coming from, especially since I don't actually own a Subaru (at least, not yet!
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