Market Position:
The Suzuki SC100 was a compact, economy city car, often targeted at first-time car buyers, small families, or those seeking fuel efficiency and maneuverability in urban environments. It competed with other small Japanese and European hatchbacks of the era.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed with vehicles like the Daihatsu Charade, Honda Life/Civic, Mitsubishi Minica, and various European microcars. Its strengths were typically its simplicity, affordability, and Suzuki's reputation for building reliable small engines.
Key Features:
Compact dimensions, fuel-efficient engine, practical hatchback body style, rear-wheel drive (common for this platform), and Suzuki's characteristic robust engineering for its class.
Systems Covered:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, transmission (manual and likely automatic variants), drivetrain, suspension, steering, brakes, electrical system (wiring diagrams, components), body and chassis, heating and ventilation.
Body And Chassis:
Structural components, body panels, doors, windows, locks, interior trim, bumpers, glass replacement, chassis maintenance, rust prevention advice.
Procedures Included:
Routine maintenance, inspection, diagnosis, troubleshooting, repair procedures, component replacement, overhaul, adjustments, torque specifications, removal and installation of major and minor assemblies, electrical system diagnosis and repair.
Wheel Alignment Specs:
Includes camber, caster, toe-in specifications and adjustment procedures.
Brake System Overhaul:
Detailed instructions for brake caliper/wheel cylinder overhaul, brake pad/shoe replacement, brake line inspection and replacement.
Electrical System Troubleshooting:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, diagnostic flowcharts for common electrical faults, testing procedures for sensors, actuators, and control modules (if applicable).
Technical Depth:
Detailed diagnostics, in-depth repair procedures, complete overhaul instructions, specific technical specifications and tolerances, designed for professional technicians but accessible to skilled enthusiasts.
Engine Rebuild Instructions:
Complete engine teardown, inspection, measurement of wear (e.g., piston ring groove wear, cylinder bore wear), piston, connecting rod, crankshaft, and cylinder head rebuilding procedures.
Transmission Rebuild Instructions:
Detailed steps for manual and automatic transmission disassembly, inspection of gears, synchros, bearings, clutch packs, valve bodies, and reassembly with proper tolerances.
Primary Engine:
Likely a 547cc or 550cc (0.55L) inline-3 cylinder engine, naturally aspirated. Variations might exist.
Horsepower:
Estimated 25-35 HP, depending on specific engine variant and tuning.
Torque:
Estimated 35-45 Nm (26-33 lb-ft).
Fuel System:
Carbureted (likely single-point or downdraft carburetor).
Engine Design:
Inline 3-cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), liquid-cooled, four-stroke.
Valve Train:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) configuration, actuated by a timing chain or belt. Manual will specify.
Bore Stroke:
Typical for F5A engine: ~60mm x 60mm (exact dimensions to be confirmed in manual).
Compression Ratio:
Likely around 9.0:1 to 9.5:1.
Ignition System:
Distributor-based electronic ignition (points less likely for this era).
Standard:
4-speed manual transmission.
Optional:
Likely a 2-speed or 3-speed automatic transmission was an option in some markets.
Features:
Rear-wheel drive layout, compact and lightweight gearbox.
Fluid Type:
Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) GL-4, viscosity typically 75W-90 or 80W-90. Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) for automatic variants.
Length:
Approximately 3,200 - 3,350 mm (126 - 132 inches).
Width:
Approximately 1,400 - 1,450 mm (55 - 57 inches).
Height:
Approximately 1,350 - 1,400 mm (53 - 55 inches).
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2,150 - 2,170 mm (84.6 - 85.4 inches).
Ground Clearance:
Typically low for city cars of this era, likely around 140-160mm.
Curb Weight:
Approximately 550 - 650 kg (1213 - 1433 lbs).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not specified, but typically around 1000-1100 kg.
Cargo Volume:
Limited, typical for a small hatchback, primarily rear seating area and tailgate opening.
Ratings:
No formal crash test ratings are readily available for this specific model from major organizations like NHTSA or Euro NCAP, given the era and market. Safety features were basic.
Active Features:
Basic braking system (front discs, rear drums), minimal active safety features by modern standards.
Passive Features:
Seat belts (likely lap belts in the rear), basic body structure, limited impact crumple zones.
Service Intervals:
Oil changes: 5,000 - 7,500 km (3,000 - 5,000 miles) or 6-12 months. Air filter: Inspect every oil change, replace as needed (typically 15,000-30,000 km). Spark plugs: Replace every 20,000-40,000 km. Fuel filter: Replace every 30,000-50,000 km. Transmission fluid: Change every 40,000-60,000 km. Coolant: Flush and replace every 2-3 years or 40,000-60,000 km.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH rated, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended for most climates. Consult manual for specific viscosity.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Green or orange coolant depending on region and spec.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Manual transmission: Approx. 1.5 - 1.8 liters. Automatic transmission: Approx. 3.5 - 4.0 liters. Exact capacity to be confirmed in manual.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.5 - 3.0 liters (including filter). Exact capacity to be confirmed in manual.
Known Issues:
Rust and corrosion in common areas (wheel wells, rocker panels, chassis), carburetor tuning issues due to age/gumming, aging electrical components (wiring insulation, switches), potential for timing chain stretch/wear on higher mileage engines, clutch wear, suspension bushing deterioration.
Spark Plug Part Number:
NGK D7EA or equivalent is common for similar Suzuki engines of this era. Always verify with manual or parts catalog.
Oil Filter Part Number:
Suzuki part number may vary, but common aftermarket equivalents include Fram PH2950A, Purolator L10000, WIX 51022.
Brand Heritage:
Suzuki has a long history of producing small, reliable, and economical vehicles, motorcycles, and marine engines. The SC100 builds on this legacy of compact automotive engineering.
Model Evolution:
The SC100 is part of Suzuki's lineage of Kei cars and small city cars, evolving from earlier models like the Fronte and leading into later models like the Alto and Cultus. It represented Suzuki's commitment to the compact segment.
Kei Car Class:
This vehicle fits within the Japanese Kei car (Keijidōsha) regulations, though its exact classification might vary based on specific dimensions and engine size in different export markets.
Production Years:
1979-1984 (approximate for this generation/design, SC100 designation specifically for 1981 model year).
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan.
