ZD30 Engine Rebuild

[nickpeacock36]

I just got the price for the rebuild of my engine. $12.500 is the asking price. This gives me a fully rebuilt engine with a new turbo (old one was still working fine). The mechanic will then warrant the engine for 2 years or 100,000Ks. The car is a 2002 model GU wagon which is in reasonable shape.
Is this a fair price? i just need some help deciding what to do.

[threedogs]

For that money you might want to look at 4.2 td conversion, would have a very reliable motor, won't be a rocket but will last 500k plus looked after

[nickpeacock36]

I would love to do that, but would also cost mega bucks. Anybody Northside of Brissy had this done, and if so what was the cost?

[macca86]

Did you need the rebuild or just get the head done? maybe get a 2nd hand motor for 6ish and see how that goes as long as it's after 2003 that is what mine has.

[nickpeacock36]

I have a quote for a rebuilt engine 4800 fitted with warranty. my engine is completely stuffed. scored bores, cracked head etc.

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[macca86]

bugger mate wish you a speedy recovery and a cheap one. I'd go the cheaper options say you keep it for 5 years then upgrade or what ever the cheaper option should last till you replace it.

[nickpeacock36]

thats kind of what im thinking. Bloody 3l

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[macca86]

make sure the replacement is after 2003. good luck mate any help needed give us a yell

[nickpeacock36]

Not sure what year mate. why you think that matters?

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[Lieney]

First couple of series had problems with blowing pistons and causing catastrophic failure. Please correct me if I'm wrong. I think 2nd series had clutch issues. 3-4 series had most bugs ironed out.
Look up zd30 grenade, or zd30 problems & you can troll endless threads.

Tap-to-talk

[nickpeacock36]

i read lots of stuff about them. but if nads is fitted should be ok. The engines havent changed a great deal have they?

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[nickpeacock36]

plus mine is an early Gu3 and still went bang. i only fitted nads at 180 000 and fear it was too late. The engine had already been pulled apart by previous owner according to the mechanic. probably saw the issues and bolted it back together to be sold.

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[macca86]

2003 they changed oil capacity dip stick and delivery and a few other bits to stop the piston melting. But the right price and you can't argue. You have most of the nads anyway don't you nick.

[nickpeacock36]

i sure do mate. just need a catch can this time. as i said, i think it was screwed when i bought it.

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[nissannewby]

Hey Nick if that is a drive in drive out price that seems pretty fair. I could rebuild a TD42 from top to bottom for 5-6k but that is doing all the work myself. That costs is parts and machining.Remember that would also be me removing and refitting the motor. So for 12500 and you drive away that is pretty good.

[nickpeacock36]

Hey Nick if that is a drive in drive out price that seems pretty fair. I could rebuild a TD42 from top to bottom for 5-6k but that is doing all the work myself. That costs is parts and machining.Remember that would also be me removing and refitting the motor. So for 12500 and you drive away that is pretty good.

So would you give the cheap re built engine the swerve ball? That is 2000k since re build, drive in, remove and re fit for $4800 plus keep all my old engine parts.

[nissannewby]

No but I would be seeking proof that it 1- has been rebuilt and 2- thats how many k's. Also what type of rebuild like if it was a complete rebuild or just rings and bearings. I would much rather something that is brand new so you know the exact history of it.

If you go with the full rebuild option ask to see all parts replaced and make sure they keep you up to speed with progress even if its paying them a visit each day. The other question you have to answer is are you gonna keep it for 2 more year or 100,000km if so the warranty will be peace of mind.

[nickpeacock36]

wise words mate. thanks.
the cheap motor had a complete rebuild 2000 ish ks ago. he is now fitting a v8 in the car

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[threedogs]

Yeah be wary of these rattle gun specials, Mate got done wasn't cheap either.
Unless you know them do what Newby suggests and Visit on a regular basis.
Not just a steam clean and can of spray paint???

Someone here was selling a Z30 not long ago going cheap to, was for a 4.2td conversion
check search engine

[nickpeacock36]

Thanks for all the advice. Have decided to go for the rebuild. At least i know the mechanic and that he will ensure a proper job is done. Now for some serious overtime:-(

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[threedogs]

Sounds like a plan, pics of the re build would be great if it doesn't push up the hourly rate too much LOL

[nickpeacock36]

Dont think pictures will be possible but will ask.
Cant wait to get her back now so i can see if i have any more power. it must have been down a little dont you think?

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[macca86]

Chip it exhust play with the pump and dyno please haha

[nissannewby]

Yes there will be a noticable difference in perfomance always is when something is fresh and new. Your economy will get better as it wears in a bit and "loosens up". But as its been said get nads on their asap and gauges if you dont already :)

[nickpeacock36]

nads (except catch can) and guages had already been fitted. I also have a 2.5 -3 inch exhaust but not sure what brand as it was already fitted when bought. would love a chip but it will depend on the final bill.

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[nickpeacock36]

Well, she's back from the rebuild. A bit of a glitch on the way home as the intercooler pipe blew off, but since then all sweet. Had a run up to Caloundra yesterday and all seemed well, nice low egt's 250-350 and boost around 10-11 psi at 100-110kph. Bring on the next trip:biggrin:

[Bigrig]

Outstanding news mate!!!! Sorry for you that it happened in the first place, but stoked its back!!

Must be its turn on the track now!! lol. Hempo's BT50 went through it yesterday ... sooooooo ...

[Sir Roofy]

Well, she's back from the rebuild. A bit of a glitch on the way home as the intercooler pipe blew off, but since then all sweet. Had a run up to Caloundra yesterday and all seemed well, nice low egt's 250-350 and boost around 10-11 psi at 100-110kph. Bring on the next trip:biggrin:

good news mate good eg,ts and temps,if you cruise at 95/100 they will stay low,a long climb with your camper you will see temp 500
other than that 350 -400 then again they all have there own little quirks

[Maxhead]

Good to hear mate, I bet you are stocked to get it back....bring on the fun!

[mudski]

2003 they changed oil capacity dip stick and delivery and a few other bits to stop the piston melting. But the right price and you can't argue. You have most of the nads anyway don't you nick.

Does anyone know if this can be done to the earlier ZD30's? Or what exactly it is they did?

[nickpeacock36]

Does anyone know if this can be done to the earlier ZD30's? Or what exactly it is they did?
Cant see why not, it was just a shorter dipstick. You should compare yours with a newer one perhaps. I had to change mine before she blew and the new one was the same length.

[nickpeacock36]

Outstanding news mate!!!! Sorry for you that it happened in the first place, but stoked its back!!

Must be its turn on the track now!! lol. Hempo's BT50 went through it yesterday ... sooooooo ...
Whats the story with the BT50?