JohnnyBigPants
21st April 2012, 10:00 PM
Hello Everybody,
I have had my virtually stock 1994 GQ ST30 for nearly 2.5 years. My family and I have become very attached to "Charlie" (sad I know, but don't tell me my Patrol doesn't have a soul - at least not in earshot of the car or kids); Charlie has been incredibly reliable and only a replacement clutch (ordinary wear) and a failed alternator at 265,000Kms troubled us at all. The RB30S motor has proven to be as dependable as everyone says it is. However, our use of the car has until recently been a little average - mainly dog walk runs, over the range to the "Tablelands" and further west camping etc. Not used every day as I have a company car. I always had in mind the desire to renovate this great car and now is the time; hence joining this forum.
Although the RB30S is as solid as, it does lack power, :icon_driving:mainly when loaded and going uphill. So when offered a reconn'ed RB30DE Skyline motor, I had to take it. So, Charlie is away at the moment being transplanted and I am excited about driving "Charlie II - reborn"! The mechanic doing the swap (a mate), will be setting the unit for optimum towing power, porting the heads and stuff. Have seen some footage of GQ's with this mod and have been impressed. However, I am cautious by nature and imagine there are potential pitfalls, so if anybody has any feedback, good, bad or ugly, I'm all ears.
Assuming all is good, Charlie is up for a full cosmetic make over as & when the cash is available.
Anyway: that's where I am at.........thanks!:icon_driving:
I have had my virtually stock 1994 GQ ST30 for nearly 2.5 years. My family and I have become very attached to "Charlie" (sad I know, but don't tell me my Patrol doesn't have a soul - at least not in earshot of the car or kids); Charlie has been incredibly reliable and only a replacement clutch (ordinary wear) and a failed alternator at 265,000Kms troubled us at all. The RB30S motor has proven to be as dependable as everyone says it is. However, our use of the car has until recently been a little average - mainly dog walk runs, over the range to the "Tablelands" and further west camping etc. Not used every day as I have a company car. I always had in mind the desire to renovate this great car and now is the time; hence joining this forum.
Although the RB30S is as solid as, it does lack power, :icon_driving:mainly when loaded and going uphill. So when offered a reconn'ed RB30DE Skyline motor, I had to take it. So, Charlie is away at the moment being transplanted and I am excited about driving "Charlie II - reborn"! The mechanic doing the swap (a mate), will be setting the unit for optimum towing power, porting the heads and stuff. Have seen some footage of GQ's with this mod and have been impressed. However, I am cautious by nature and imagine there are potential pitfalls, so if anybody has any feedback, good, bad or ugly, I'm all ears.
Assuming all is good, Charlie is up for a full cosmetic make over as & when the cash is available.
Anyway: that's where I am at.........thanks!:icon_driving: