RD28t upgrades?

[BennyRenny]

g'day
i have a 96 GQ patrol with an RD28T engine in it which i have just rebuilt, wound the boost and the fuel up, is there any other upgrages possible that would give this lil engine some more grunt?
and is there anywhere to got an air box wich i can attach a snorkle to?

1996 GQ patrol with RD28T running 13 PSI fully rebuilt, over fueld 2inch coil spacers.

cheers
Ben

[Bigrig]

G'day mate

Someone will be along to assist no doubt, however slip over to the introductions section and post up a bit about yourself and the rig - something we ask for, and no harm done but lets people know who they're yakking with etc.

Welcome aboard!

[rkinsey]

g'day
i have a 96 GQ patrol with an RD28T engine in it which i have just rebuilt, wound the boost and the fuel up, is there any other upgrages possible that would give this lil engine some more grunt?
and is there anywhere to got an air box wich i can attach a snorkle to?

1996 GQ patrol with RD28T running 13 PSI fully rebuilt, over fueld 2inch coil spacers.

cheers
Ben

Hi Benny,

Jump on over to the "introductions" stand and tell us all about yourself and say G'day. We like to meet new friends.

I have the 97 model RD28T and find it has plent of power for what we want to do. OK. It wont tow a 40ft caravan, but, get it into low range and it shows up a lot of the competition (Especialy yotas.... hahaha)

Safari make a snorkel kit for the RD28T that does not require an airbox replacment. It uses the original one. (I'm getting one next year if Im a good boy) Here is the link to the specs http://www.safarisnorkel.com/snorkel/ss14hf/ss14hf.htm

Cheers,

Rob

[BennyRenny]

cheers yer need to get my beast tuned befor i put a snorket, gotta save my pennies too hahah

has any one had any trouble with starting when hot?
i think my lift pump might be leaking and letting air into the system when it hot (due to expanding parts) but not too sure yet something i might have to look further into

cheers

Ben

[White Elephant]

Hey BennyRenny,

I chucked a 2.5" hi flow mandrel bent exhaust on mine from the turbo dump pipe back. This made a noticable difference immediately to the power, I am led to believe that it helps the turbo "breathe" better.(this is what I was told, not to sure of the tech/physics behind it!) Some people I spoke to initially about the exhaust upgrade did mention going to a 3" but I had it on good authority that anything bigger than a 2.5" on the 2.8 motor may cause power issues. Something to do with back pressure or something.

I also have a safari snorkel, and safari airbox with a K & N filter in it, which I had fitted not long after I bought it 8 or so years ago, but that also seemed to make a slight difference(I don't have any dyno figures or anything to back it up) it just felt a little more grunty. Some people are dead against the K & N's but in my humble opinion, if you maintain it and keep it oiled properly you shouldn't have any problems.

Hope this helps a bit!

[Shaunous]

Hi Ben,
Who gave you the idea of running 13 PSI, i've just fully rebuilt my engine and after its long maiden voyage i will probably screw the boost up a little, the highest it got was 8PSI, cruises around 6-7psi, i'll probably only go to 10 psi though.

Hot start problem may be the pump timing problem, simple fix, read this thread with the same problem http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?2673-GU-2.8lt-hard-starting-warm-hot&highlight=starting

Shaun...

[sibbles]

I chucked a 2.5" hi flow mandrel bent exhaust on mine from the turbo dump pipe back. This made a noticable difference immediately to the power, I am led to believe that it helps the turbo "breathe" better.(this is what I was told, not to sure of the tech/physics behind it!) Some people I spoke to initially about the exhaust upgrade did mention going to a 3" but I had it on good authority that anything bigger than a 2.5" on the 2.8 motor may cause power issues. Something to do with back pressure or something.



I was under the impression that turbo motors did not need back pressure, at least that is what the Scooby riders are saying. I have heard that NA (petrol) motors need back pressure and going over 2,5" in a motor around 3-5L is not good for them.

I would like to hear someone chime in on this since I might be doing my exhaust in not so distant future.

[gqt]

Mines sitting on about 12psi at 110 now :( making it quite thirsty again

[robbo0001]

My GU 2.8TD sits at 12psi on my boost guage.....occasionally get an audible warning that its trying to over-boost when I am revving the guts out of it.

Yeah it is a thirsty bugger, but running roughly same fuel figures as the Grand Carnival on petrol. (14-15LPH around town....both down to around 10.5 on highway)
2 big cars, the fuel cost is to be expected.....and its only gunna get worse with fuel prices.

Edit----the fuel injector-pump spacer would be my first guess, with the hot start issue.
Available from Nissan reasonably cheaply,I have been told.

[Timbo]

Mods I did to my 2.8td..

3" exhaust
Diesel Chip
Blocked EGR
Removed intercooler butterfly
Boost 12-13psi
New air filter

Out of everything, boost, exhaust and chip will give you the biggest improvement in power.

You could go further and buy a ball bearing turbo, better intercooler & scoop from A.R.E and possible wind up the boost some more.

[itchyvet]

My GU 2.8TD sits at 12psi on my boost guage.....occasionally get an audible warning that its trying to over-boost when I am revving the guts out of it.

Yeah it is a thirsty bugger, but running roughly same fuel figures as the Grand Carnival on petrol. (14-15LPH around town....both down to around 10.5 on highway)
2 big cars, the fuel cost is to be expected.....and its only gunna get worse with fuel prices.

Edit----the fuel injector-pump spacer would be my first guess, with the hot start issue.
Available from Nissan reasonably cheaply,I have been told.

WOW, 14-15 LPH around town ????? Geez. just returned from trip down south and my 98 2.8 GU ST returned 11 litres per 100 K's towing a CT'lr at 100 K's per hour.
Only thing done to it, 2 1/2 inch straight thru exhaust and lpg fumigation, EGR. blocked.

[HammerBuilder]

Best thing you can do now u have the boost & fuel done is 3" exhaust from Scott's rods & also make sure you fit
An egt gauge to make sure new engine stays good n not to hot .
I have the 97 same engine as you but mine's got 330,000k on the clock, I run 33"x10.5x15 muds 13psi boost
3" exhaust also done the EGR block mod now runs great sits on 7psi at 100k/hr smooth as even when loaded
Up on a trip heaps better with bigger exhaust now.

[peric77]

has anyone upgraded the turbo on this engine?

[Benno7]

The 2.8s can be a great motor and produce a decent amount of power with a few mods. one thing to keep in mind is they dont like running hot if the temps start to raise get on to it asap or you will have major problems.
Mod list
1: block the egr valve.
2: 3inch exhaust. and egt gauge
3: snorkel and gu 3ltr airbox and bigger piping from airbox to turbo (2 1/2 inch min)
4: Gu 2.8 intake manifold and top mount intercooler
5: Dyno tune and up the boost.
You can upgrade the turbo with the Gq 2.8 exhaust manifold with any turbo with a t28/25 flange.

[peric77]

thats what i plan to do but cant find the intake or coolers anywhere, its like everyone has bought them lol
i seen a few turbos out there t28 gt28 want to know whats the best turbo to suit what you have done and what i plan on doing