Finally Fixed all the niggly problems I had with my GU

[BillsGU]

I have finally fixed all the niggly problems I have had with my GU.


First I jacked it up and removed the wheels. Then I pulled out the auto gearbox and removed the troublesome ZD30. Next I unbolted the body mounts and separated the body from the chassis.


I then removed the chassis from the stands and replaced it with one from a rally proven Porsche Cayenne. This one has adjustable air strut suspension, all-wheel drive with three diff locks and brakes you would not believe! I then replaced the ZD30 with a 3 litre V6 diesel that puts out an easy 200 kW without any work done to it. This I mated to an eight speed auto transmission. This combination is smooth and powerful and the only way I could match the fuel consumption with the original GU would be to drive the Patrol off a cliff with the engine switched off.


I installed all the electronics, instruments and computers that came with the engine and gearbox, plus I even put in the fully electrically adjustable and climate controlled seats – complete with seat belts that work from out of the factory.


The real dilemma I had was with the Patrol’s body. After a lot of measuring and head scratching I decided that a body sourced from a VW Touareg fitted better, was much lighter, a bit more compact, but had a lot more aerodynamics than the original besser brick usually possesses.


After everything was finally assembled I placed the Nissan badge on the front grill, TI stickers on the rear sides (I think this deserves TI classification – don’t you?) and I was ready to give it a spin.


WOW does it go, corner, stop and tow! The 2.5 ton van follows along nicely and easily. Plus it goes surprisingly well off road. Push a button and turn a knob and the suspension rises, the diff locks engage and away we go!


I just love my modified GU Patrol!


I did keep all the original bits and reassembled them as a keepsake and for really serious off road stuff when panel damage is immanent. It still does that job extremely well.