FYI: A YouTuber takes on a creative automotive challenge with a $30,000 investment in a Suzuki X-90, aiming to capture victory in Jay Leno’s ‘30 Under 30’ car restoration competition.
## Transforming a Suzuki X-90 into a Showstopper
In an ambitious automotive endeavor, Henry, a presenter from the popular YouTube channel Donut, has committed $30,000 to transform a Suzuki X-90 SUV into what he hopes will be the world’s most unique vehicle. This audacious project aims to win a coveted spot in Jay Leno’s ‘30 Under 30’ competition—a contest celebrating youthful innovation and resourcefulness in car restoration.
## The Challenge: Restoring Under $30,000
The ‘30 Under 30’ competition, held in Rhode Island, invites participants under the age of 30 to showcase vehicles they’ve restored with a budget cap of $30,000. Despite Leno’s skepticism about achieving such a feat with the quirky X-90 model, Henry eagerly takes on the challenge, betting that his creativity and determination will secure his place as a winner.
## Collaboration with Fellow YouTubers
Henry’s journey is bolstered by the expertise and assistance of other automotive enthusiasts from the YouTube community. Having already invested $13,000 into the project, Henry has $17,000 left to complete the X-90’s transformation. His first stop is Matt’s Off-Road Recovery in Utah, where he arms the vehicle with robust off-road enhancements, including new sliders for tackling rugged terrain.
## Cosmetic and Mechanical Overhaul
As part of the makeover, the Suzuki X-90 receives a fresh coat of vibrant paint, adding aesthetic charm to its rugged profile. The interior undergoes a significant upgrade too, with sleek Recaro seats and a new steering wheel elevating the cockpit’s appeal.
In terms of performance, instead of opting for high-end upgrades, Henry implements an engine swap, choosing a 2.0-liter engine from a 2003 Chevrolet Tracker. This strategic decision elevates the vehicle’s horsepower from 95HP to a more robust 127HP, aligning with his budget constraints while enhancing the X-90’s drive.
## Reaching the Competition
Fully restored and visually striking, the Suzuki X-90 embarks on its final leg to the competition. Defying initial doubts, Henry not only enters his unique creation but shares victory in the 1980s and 1990s category alongside a classic Porsche 944. This success allows him to retain his renovated masterpiece, much to Leno’s surprise.
By the project’s end, Henry has cleverly managed to keep his total expenditure to $29,053, maintaining the integrity of the budget challenge.
## Conclusion
This restoration saga not only highlights Henry’s ingenuity but also underscores the collaborative spirit of the automotive community on platforms like YouTube. It’s an inspiring testament to how passion, creativity, and teamwork can redefine possibilities within the automotive restoration landscape.
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Authored by William Rapp, Editor of Automotive.fyi.
