1997 Suzuki Baleno Executive (a.k.a. GTX) from Netherlands - Comments

Nothing much, apart from a step-motor that controls the carburettor air inlet that had to be replaced (motor looses revs and stops when clutch is applied).

Seemed a common problem and the dealer replaced it for free.

Somebody ran in to my car. Hard. Instantly turning it into a wreck and a total write off and total loss... Have driven it for almost 7 months, I consider it an awful loss.

Because the car is too big for me alone (and driving it in town), I am now looking for something smaller.

I had lowered the car by 3 centimeters and placed Corona 15" alloy wheels with 195/50 tyres around it. K&N Sportfilter. Splitfire plugs.

The car wasn't superfast (although it could do a 120 mph) but with the SCCS and the sports springs, the road holding was EXCELLENT.

I raced a BMW 318 coupe once. Sure, the BMW was faster on the long road, but it became unstable and the guy driving it had to brake to take a long corner on the speedway... at about 110 mph(!) That's where I passed him, without any trouble! This car is FUN. And cheap, which makes it double fun.

You should get a 1.8 16V for this performance, though!

There's this Suzuki Dealer in Hoofddorp which is really good and awarded as being the best in the Netherlands for the second time this year (99). Take your car there if you can. I've done it.

Yes, the Suzuki GTX Valeno is a BMW killer. With K&N filter extractors and high octane fuel, it loves to rev and being an all alloy engine it hums. Mine even has a chip kit that allows me to

strangle it at high revs.

I have a Suzuki Esteem, USA GL with the 1.8 DOHC, but I cannot find performance parts for it. I have custom welded strut braces and a custom bent cold-air intake.

But that's all I can do. I am looking for body kit, rear disc brakes, and ram-air kit..... Please help....

EVENTUALLY! I own a 2000 Baleno, slight mods such as 17" wheels and a ali grille, 6 CD changer, and have found a company who seem to do air filters for my car, greenfilters.com! I find my Baleno 4 door to be one of the best value cars I have had the pleasure of owning! Anyone find any good mods for this "rare" car?

mail matv@sol.co.uk

I have a 1996 Suzuki baleno 1.8, super fast, they are very rare here in jamaica and a lot of driving enthusiats want to purchase it. I would love to know how this car can be seriously modified via turbo, and any other specific modifications. Seats are OK, but have a cheap look, which had to be replaced by recaro racing seats. Handling perfect, but the steering should be much smaller and thicker as the gti suzuki swifts. Styling is perfect, but suzuki needs to adjust the break in change from 1 st to 2nd.

I've got Suzuki Baleno 1.8 GTX and was also thinking of modifying it. There are chips available from this website: http://www.powerchip.com.au

But I don't really know how expensive they are. And the difference in kw output is about 10-15kw more. But about 30 nm increase in torque.

I used to not like it very much but recently I read the description of it on the Suzuki webpage... and it made me fall in love with my baby baleno again.

What I have is more of a query. I have a 1997 Suzuki Baleno and for the past month I have been experiencing problems with the electrical components in the engine. First the relays controlling the air condition went bad, then the one controlling the horn, then the fuel pump. All of these were rectified. Now however, the entire engine has shut down, there is no spark to the engine, no fuel, no nothing. The engine has effectively shut down and troubleshooting the problem has baffled both the mechanic and the electrician. If there is anyone out there with any useful information, please e-mail me at rrgittens@hotmail.com Thank you in advance.

I have a Suzuki Baleno in Venezuela and let me tell you that is one of the best cars I ever had. I use it every day for about 100 Kilometers per day and the only thing I have to do is the 5000Km oil and filters change. By the way compared to the other Japanese car brands I think this one has the best price value relation.

My mate has just bought a suzuki baleno 3door, its really fast and beats bmw 316's, 318's and we'll soon find out about the 320's. problem is, we still want it faster. were still running the 1.6 sohc single point injection 16valve engine. if any one knows of any engine or bodystyling modifcations available then please let me no, also does any one know what size alloy wheels you can fit on them, we want 2 put 18's on it 215/40. email me at stelongy@hotmail.com. thanks ste.

Carburettor? it's efi ffs!

I have a 96'Baleno 1,8 H/B

I really love my car, I removed catalysateur that gained me 3-4 HP and I am using a open-air filter which makes the sound excellent. Also I have eibach pro-kit that lowers car by 3cm and makes handling GREAT. You are saying you race with BMW 318,320 etc.

But in Turkey I wouldn't race with these low models I want at least 323 or 325.

Once in a street drag race I beat a 2001 325Ci Coupe (automatic transmission)

Baleno is amazing I had 1.6 Gti in Pakistan. I modified with Free Flow Header 4-2-1 and 2 and a Half Inches Pipe. I got SFAC of Apex I, Then off course Custom Air Intake and Bosch Four Heads Racing Plugs. This Car really screws Honda Civic 1.6 Vtech Turbo Charged.