This question pops up a fair bit here on AMC, so here's a quick guide. Feel free to correct me and add any additional info. :D

The TJ Sports and VR-X are both powered by the 3.5l 6G74 V6, producing 163kw @ 5200rpm, and 317nm @ 4500rpm. The Series 1 Sports achieved a 13kw gain over the standard output 150kw 6G74 through a cam change and ECU remap, as well as a high flow muffler. The cam change and remap were incorporated into wider production in the TJ series 2, giving the base 6G74 an output of 155kw @ 5250rpm and 316nm @ 4000rpm. The Series 2 Sports and VR-X models only needed to receive the high flow muffler, for an 8kw boost.

The main differences between a Sports and VR-X were the bodykit, interior trim (Sports or VR-X embroidered), and in series 2, the VR-X came standard with climate control. The VR-X also received a chrome exhaust tip, while the Sports only had a mild steel "dump" tip. Also, the Sports had colour coded body plastics (ie under the doors). The series 1 models came with "two piece" parabolic headlights while series 2 had "one piece" parabolic headlights.

The Sports and VR-X both received lower suspension, as well as a rear sway bar.

The TJ Sports wagon had the "Ground Effects" bodykit, Sports embroidered interior trim and the muffler upgrade, along with the upgraded suspension. All Sports wagons were built with automatic transmissions.

EDIT: Also, Thanks to Articuno, series 1 Sports and VR-X both had 16x7" 6 spoke mags, and both also had the same VR-X spoiler. The series 2 VR-X recieved the 17x7" 5 spoke mags (the pretty ones) , and the Sports kept the 16" wheels. The series 1 models both had the VR-X spoiler, then the series 2 Sports got the AWD/Verada spoiler instead.

Main Point: All TJ Sports and VR-X models are mechanically the same, ie engine and suspension. The changes were purely cosmetic between three different models (Sports, VR-X and Sports wagon), making the VR-X slightly heavier, and slower, so.... my Sports is faster :woot:. Haha, hope this helps a few people.

According to a few on these forums (guys that are in the thick of hardcore engine modding) the power spec changes are more like this:
147kw -> 150kw was due to a cam change
150kw -> 155kw was due to a remap
155kw -> 163kw was due to a free flowing muffler

That's right, 147kw was the TH wasn't it? 150kw was the TJ s1.

That's right, 147kw was the TH wasn't it? 150kw was the TJ s1.

Yeah thats right. TH, KE, KF and KH. Then they upped the cams for the TJ1, TJ2, TL and TW.

Random question, but how do you tell the difference between a series 1 and a series 2, i.e. the year it was made?

Mines an 01 Nov.

Random question, but how do you tell the difference between a series 1 and a series 2, i.e. the year it was made?

Mines an 01 Nov.

There will most likely be an overlap in the years of the two models. 2000 2002 as series one 2002 and later has series 2.

Series 2 also had the electronic km counter.

The series 1 models came with "two piece" parabolic headlights while series 2 had "one piece" parabolic headlights.

This is where things get a little confusing.

Around mid 2001 there was a refresh that included the 17x7" alloy wheels (instead of the 16" that came on it previously), black door handles (instead of the silver strip), and the one piece parabolic headlights. However, there was no official title given to this update. There was an Autospeed article that mentioned these changes but I can't seem to find it any more. I can confirm that the information is correct, as my July 01 VR-X matches these specs.

My understanding is that then a 'MY02' model came late 2001 (with the climate/digital odo), and then the proper 'Series 2' update (with badging, depending on model) came sometime after that.

This is where things get a little confusing.

Around mid 2001 there was a refresh that included the 17x7" alloy wheels (instead of the 16" that came on it previously), black door handles (instead of the silver strip), and the one piece parabolic headlights. However, there was no official title given to this update. There was an Autospeed article that mentioned these changes but I can't seem to find it any more. I can confirm that the information is correct, as my July 01 VR-X matches these specs.

My understanding is that then a 'MY02' model came late 2001 (with the climate/digital odo), and then the proper 'Series 2' update (with badging, depending on model) came sometime after that.

Ok, there you go, you learn something new every day. Keep the info coming.

i call it a series 1.5, mine has digital computer in the dash, but no climate... for example... its half of both worlds... not nessiscarily the best of both unfortunately... LOL

mines a freak by the sounds of the info in here its a 2001 model has one piece parras, 17 inch wheels, climate control but has a analogue dash!

mines a freak by the sounds of the info in here its a 2001 model has one piece parras, 17 inch wheels, climate control but has a analogue dash!

Do you know the history of your car?

Alot of MMALs lease cars were "remanufactured" ie, they were sent to the service centre and updated. Some were fitted with the 17 in wheels and had some other things done to freshen them up.

Do you know the history of your car?

Alot of MMALs lease cars were "remanufactured" ie, they were sent to the service centre and updated. Some were fitted with the 17 in wheels and had some other things done to freshen them up.

no i dont but now im intrigued gonna look into it now

mines a freak by the sounds of the info in here its a 2001 model has one piece parras, 17 inch wheels, climate control but has a analogue dash!

And a Ralliart wing :eek2:

Good information there flatshift47....would be very helpful for anyone to consider on their next purchase.

That was definately very useful. Thanks Aaron :)

I'd like to buy a VRX soon, and the main reason I was choosing it over a sports was that I was under the impression that it gave slightly more power. I do still love the VRX kit, but it's not really worth the extra $2000 at least that you pay for a VRX instead of a sports. Thanks again for that!! :thumbsup:

Matt

That was definately very useful. Thanks Aaron :)

I'd like to buy a VRX soon, and the main reason I was choosing it over a sports was that I was under the impression that it gave slightly more power. I do still love the VRX kit, but it's not really worth the extra $2000 at least that you pay for a VRX instead of a sports. Thanks again for that!! :thumbsup:

Matt

The TH Sports doesn't have any more power Matt, just an upgraded suspension and cosmetic differences. Its still 147kw. Just something to keep in mind.

The TH Sports doesn't have any more power Matt, just an upgraded suspension and cosmetic differences. Its still 147kw. Just something to keep in mind.

The TH sports is also lighter than the TJ sports, the TH sports came with 16"x6" alloys, TJ sports were 16"x7" also the front sway bar on the TH sports (and the other TE to early TJ's) was a 23mm where as the later TJ onwards 16" and 17" wheel equipped FWD cars had a 22mm front bar, rear sway bar stayed at 18mm.

Plenty of more info i can give ya if ya want.

mines a freak by the sounds of the info in here its a 2001 model has one piece parras, 17 inch wheels, climate control but has a analogue dash!

nah mate, theres heaps of your car around... its an MY02 .. also referred to a series 1.5

my red sports i had was the same.. climate, twin airbag, one piece parra's but analogue cluster..

The TJ2 Sports also has climate control, just like the TJ2 VRX.

And the TJ2 Sports got different wheels from the TJ1 sports (same size, different design).

The weight of the VRX bodykit has been quoted as around 40kg extra.

The TJ2 Sports also has climate control, just like the TJ2 VRX.

And the TJ2 Sports got different wheels from the TJ1 sports (same size, different design).

The weight of the VRX bodykit has been quoted as around 40kg extra.


Pretty sure theyre exactly the same.

I reckon Parker's right on that one. Happy to be shown otherwise though.

I reckon Parker's right on that one. Happy to be shown otherwise though.

parker is definitly right.. whole TJ sports series had same wheels

Lots of good info guys, thanks! Mcs-xi has some great stuff uploaded (thanks Michael, anybody who hasn't downloaded his stuff, should), and according to the official brochures the difference between a Sports Wagon and a VRX are:

Different decals/badges etc
17 X 7 wheels on the VRX (16X7 on the Sports)
Chrome surround on the auto shifter (a guys has one on fleabay, wants $120, seems way too high to me, thoughts?)
Chrome exhaust tip

and that's it.

And here's some pics of the awesome Mawson wagon:

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z275/Gramps77/SportsWagon2.jpg

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z275/Gramps77/SportsWagon3.jpg

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z275/Gramps77/SportsWagon4.jpg

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z275/Gramps77/SportsWagon1.jpg

Cheers

JB5

I know wikipedia isn't 100% reliable, but I scrounged this from the site.
First up it said that the TJ Series 1 VRX and Sports had the same alloy wheels, then:

In May 2001, Mitsubishi launched around 200 Magna VR-X Limited Edition featuring 17x7 inch alloy wheels, black brake calipers, black door handles and a Luxury Pack
and

The sunroof option was later made available to all Magna models from TJ series II guise, with the 17x7 inch wheels also becoming standard VR-X models,

And if the AWD counts in this comparison, then it has different alloys - 16x6, 7 spoke wheels.

So the TJ Sports and VRX had both the same and different wheels, the AWD Sports had different wheels again.

And that wagon does look good.

I know wikipedia isn't 100% reliable, but I scrounged this from the site.
First up it said that the TJ Series 1 VRX and Sports had the same alloy wheels, then:

and


And if the AWD counts in this comparison, then it has different alloys - 16x6, 7 spoke wheels.

So the TJ Sports and VRX had both the same and different wheels, the AWD Sports had different wheels again.

And that wagon does look good.

There is a comparison between sports and exec AWD's in the AWD section... If you're that way inclined.