from 3lt to 4.2lt

[sparra 1]

hi guys sparra here im thinking about changing my gu zd30 engine to a 4.2lt i just dont have a clue on how to go about it eg which 4.2lt to buy, turbo, noneturbo and so on and at what costs am i looking at. also ive been told that the 4.2lt doesnt run off a computer. so if you have some advice on how to do this it would be greatly appreciated. thanks guys & girls

[AB]

Never done this myself mate but read here somewhere that the engine mount on the ZD30 is suited for that only so you'll need to do a bit of modifications on that side and will also need an engineers certificate for it too so it may end up costly for this one.

Bell housing would need to be swapped too but thats not a huge task.

Hopefully someone can offer other advice but personally I would be sprucing it up, sell and find a complete TD42.

Step back and grab a nice GQ mate....lol

Depending on how mechanical minded and time you have of course but it may just be an easier way in the long run mate.

[outbackjack]

Seems a lot of people do this conversion, so you should get some answers soon.

Engine mounts need to be changed, wiring, throttle cable to a VN type I believe.

I was thinking about changing to a 4.2, but decided to just install new zd30. Total cost so far around is $13500, this is with brand new everything. Injector Pump, water pump, Engine, timing gear, Alt and Starter, Radiator etc etc. Every thing is brand new, not recoed. Could have been cheaper if I went recoed. I would have saved 1500 alone if I went for a recoed injector pump, but got a new one instead.

I like the 4.2, however i think the ZD30 is just as good engine, you just need to be aware of the earlier models limitations. A lot of people have got later model ZD30 with no problems. Mine has done 260k Kms. I am upgrading as I am moving to Tennant and towing a 24ft van. Thought it would be cheaper and easier to renew it in Newcastle than remote NT.

[Benno7]

Hi sparra 1 I would call patrolapart they do plenty of those conversions. They gave me all the info to do my 2.8 to 4.2 conversion.

[sparra 1]

Hi sparra 1 I would call patrolapart they do plenty of those conversions. They gave me all the info to do my 2.8 to 4.2 conversion.

i will do that thanks benno having a hard time finding a 4.2 with everything else i need, how did you go with the change over ??? cheers

[nissannewby]

I would be trying to source a wreck with a 4.2 as this will have everything you need. You will need to change dash pedal box engine mounts etc you may have to also upgrade your suspension with the engine as the 4.2 would be quite a bit heavier than the little 3l. I thought the 3l had a smaller box (could be wrong) that wasnt quite as strong as the one bolted to the back of a 4.2. But if you can get a wreck this will all be there.

[teleman]

Just saying... i know the 4.2 is a legendary engine, but a well looked after 3.0l is great. Mine never misses a beat. Great fuel economy, lots of grunt. EPIC torque (especially in low range).
If you want a 4.2 then buy a 4.2. i think its unnecessary to go through the effort of this sort of conversion.

[outbackjack]

I agree, keep it a ZD30. Patrolapart could do the conversion easily enough. They have a wrecking yard with all parts required.

But I liking the ZD30 to other vehicles with engine faults. Sigma`s with soft rings, Toyota Landcruiser with soft big ends. Once the faults was diagnosed and fixed they become a good vehicle(well maybe not the Sigma).

Not sure if your ZD30 is running or not. But parts are getting cheaper now, there are several on Evilbay over the last couple of weeks.

[brodz_666]

Hey mate im doin the conversion now! Would be best to get a wreck, thats the easy way! But as usual im takin the hard road lol. U do need to move both front engine mounts and use td42 type, also change the bellhousing... Bit of work mate but can be done easily enuff...

[Fity]

I am researching mine at the moment. I bought a cheap 4.2l with high kms and a trashed body as a doner. Here is a list of things that I have found to need moving, changing or replacing.

Bellhousing
Engine mounts
Radiator
Tacho
Exhaust
Wiring

What has everyone done to get the tacho to work from a TD42 pick up.