Working title - new pig

[Touses]

Alright, a little background. After lurking about different forums, haunting googleometer and perusing a thousand magazine articles,
the light bulb clicked on. Nissan Patrol GQ drivetrains were in all opinions the toughest thing (except for army corporals )
that God had placed on earth.

So armed with my epiphany and a modicum of cash I began the hunt for a beast in fair to middling order. Although I wasn't particularly
concerned about the state of the engine it did have to be a 4.2. Finding what was required up here in Gods country was proving difficult.
I had just resigned myself to searching interstate when one surfaced 20k from home.

Out for a look! Bit nasty round the cab, bit of rust in chassis but repairable, donk seized. Perfect!
Odometer says just over 200k but think that is a little suss for 97 model.

BUT LOOK AT THE GOODIES ON IT!

Long range tank
2" Pedders lift with kevlar bags
ARB compressor, lockers front and rear
ARB steel winch bar
Warn winch, synthetic rope
All but new Blacktrak rims with 90% 33" BFG AT's

There was a set of 35" and rims but I passed on them thinkin the local gendarmerie may scowl.

All in all I think I got a bargain. Handed the man 45 cabbage coloured banknotes.

Now, however, the true spending begins. Will be posting more as the dollars begin to burn!

[BigRAWesty]

A great project.. how much if you don't mind??

[Touses]

Westy I have budgeted 15k for engine rebuild including gt2863 turbo. Muganic says it is doable at that.
Chassis repairs and panel beater and auto elec etc etc etc about another 10. Hopefully all up a shade under 30k.
I believe it's money well spent if the vehicle is reliable and strong. This should be my final 4X4.

[BigRAWesty]

That's an awesome budget..

[threedogs]

Ive heard heaps of stories of ppl re-doing their patrols with a complete make over
throwing $30K plus at it just to avoid all the electronics of the newer models. You
end up with a brand newish Patrol as reliable as all get out, better than paying $60k
for a new one IMO, well done I like your thinking

[Touses]

Bloke I look at it this way, I can go spend 80k + on a new 4X4 that the wife won't let me get dirty AND I will spend another pile
of dollars on it geting it to truly usable condition. More pointedly I do not trust all the electronic gadgetry that comes with a new vehicle.

Keep it simple stupid has been a personal mantra for a long while now.

[Touses]

Thanks TD we are obviously of similar ilk!

[Touses]

Mechanic called said come check this out.
This folks is what happens when you run ém dry.DSCF0047.JPG
DSCF0048.JPG

Every bore badly scored, every piston to match. Oddly no 2 was the worst.

Thankfully a full rebuild had been budgeted for.

[Enthree]

Very nice budget. Should be a build to watch

[Touses]

Very nice budget. Should be a build to watch

Mechanic has got block away now for resleeve and head has gone for crack test etc.
Fuel pump is away for rebuild and 11mm head,something about more lift and longer injector opening time.
Don't understand it all, as a mechanic I'm a great carpenter. At least it is all beginning to happen. Phew!