Restoring the Suzuki X90: A Remarkable Transformation Journey

In this riveting episode of Donut, our fearless host embarks on an audacious mission to restore his beloved Suzuki X90 and prove the naysayers wrong. With a hefty budget of $330,000, he sets out to conquer the prestigious 30 under 30 car show, where young enthusiasts showcase their restored vehicles under a $30,000 price tag. Joined by a team of talented automotive YouTubers, our hero faces the daunting task of transforming his rust-ridden X90 into a showstopper.

Undeterred by Jay Leno's skepticism, our intrepid host dives headfirst into the restoration process. The first order of business is upgrading the differentials to match the car's massive 31-inch tires. The stock gear ratio simply can't handle the power needed to conquer hills and tow heavy loads. A hefty investment of $2,200 brings forth a set of 4.6 gears that promise improved torque and performance.

But that's not all; our hero also installs a customized 2-inch tow receiver hitch to prepare for future towing endeavors. With dreams of increased power and performance, he acquires a second X90 from a salvage yard, a pristine gem with a velvety interior. The price? A mere $1,200. With this new acquisition, our host is confident that he can keep the restoration costs under the $30,000 mark.

The journey continues as the team embarks on a cross-country adventure, encountering challenges and setbacks along the way. They join forces with Matt's Off-Road Recovery in Hurricane, Utah, to install off-road upgrades, including rock sliders and a synthetic rope winch. The X90's transformation is in full swing as they fabricate a spare tire and jerry can holder, ensuring they're prepared for any off-road expedition.

Next, they rendezvous with Robbie Leighton, a master of auto body work, who hatches a daring plan to body swap the X90. Stripping the rusty body to its bare shell, they send the frame for powder coating before reassembling the engine and drivetrain. As the tension mounts and the car show deadline looms, doubts creep in. Will the X90 ever drive again? Can they complete the restoration in time?

With nerves on edge, our hero receives a call from none other than Jay Leno himself. The legendary car enthusiast's skepticism is palpable, but our host remains undeterred. The fire of determination is reignited as they unveil the newly painted "Dookie Dango" X90, complete with a stunning interior and a free paint job courtesy of Robbie. The generosity and support of the YouTube community fuel our hero's resolve to emerge victorious at the car show.

With the X90's power boosted by a 2.0L engine swap, the team heads to Off-The-Line Performance to fine-tune the car's performance. A dyno test reveals a modest increase in horsepower, but it's enough to make a difference. Despite encountering setbacks and challenges, our host remains steadfast in his mission to conquer the 30 under 30 car show. The journey is far from over, but the X90's transformation is well underway, leaving us eagerly anticipating the next thrilling chapter in this remarkable restoration tale.

Watch I Dumped $30,000 Into the World's Ugliest Car on Youtube

Viewer Reactions for I Dumped $30,000 Into the World's Ugliest Car

Off The Line Performance: Thank you guys for coming out! Hopefully we see you again soon!! It was an honor
Robby Layton: I’m honored to have been a part of this adventure!! Thanks for allowing me and my team to paint and body swap your x-90!! See you guys on the next one !!
Junkyard Digs: Poor Henry camping in a tent when it was 115° in Iowa 😂
Donut x ChrisFix collab needs to happen more often
It feels like the old top gear specials.
The Miata effect is real and there’s only about 3,000 of these left on the road as opposed to about a million Miata’s.
Dunut media does not disappoint with another banging video 😂
Leno onboard is pretty great too.
Props to everyone who helped out and turned this project car into a beaut!
Love Jay, glad to witness guys like him, while they’re still around❤