ZD30 into a GQ...is it possible?

[GingerGQ87]

Hi all, I have a 97 GQ 2.8 with a cooked motor, was wondering if its possible to throw ZD30 in there? And if so, how much of a pain in the a$$ will it be? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[garett]

not sure why but i guess it wouldn't be the easiest of swaps. i think you would need alot of stuff to run the zd30 eg. computers wiring looms etc. have you considered another 2.8 ? or going to the td42 ? i think these would be easier.

you can fit nearly any engine in given enough money and time.....

[GingerGQ87]

Yeah this is true, the quotes I've been getting for a td42 conversion are around $10k, whereas a rd28 engine is around $6600. I was just seeing what options there were. Would love a td42 but way out of my price range. Do you know where the best place to look for 2nd hand engines is? I've looked at a few places but I'm sure I could get a new engine in there cheaper than $6000.

[4bye4]

Yeah this is true, the quotes I've been getting for a td42 conversion are around $10k, whereas a rd28 engine is around $6600. I was just seeing what options there were. Would love a td42 but way out of my price range. Do you know where the best place to look for 2nd hand engines is? I've looked at a few places but I'm sure I could get a new engine in there cheaper than $6000.

Easiest way would be to replace like with like. Local 4x4 clubs to you or others on this forum would probably be able to recomend a good rebuild or exchange place local to you. IMHO the 2.8 is a good engine once it is refurbished. 3ltr (which I have), would be a dog to fit, expensive and no gain in performance I think.

[Capt Doug]

I've put a ZD30di into a 1991 gq to replace a tb42

https://youtu.be/DXuKIqXJZ6s

[johno90]

Anything is possible. It honestly comes down to have much you want to spend. As stated you need the motor and loom etc with computer. If your handy with wiring its actually pretty straight forward. If you were to pay someone to do it you would need to win the loto

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[threedogs]

I've put a ZD30di into a 1991 gq to replace a tb42

https://youtu.be/DXuKIqXJZ6s

How have you found it for drivability and general off roading?

[Capt Doug]

How have you found it for drivability and general off roading?

Compared to the TB42, there is more noise and vibration. That would be at least partly due to my use of non genuine engine mounts and single mass flywheel. I've never been in an RD28 trol, so I couldn't comment on a comparison there.
Pulls up the hills like they aren't there. Accelerates well with minimal throttle input. I don't feel like I'm thrashing it all the time to keep up with the traffic.
Yet to try it for towing, but will be going for hols in a few weeks so see then.
Haven't been off road yet, but it has a lot more torque even from idle, so should be good.
So far I'm loving it. (wife hates it though)