So I wanted to keep a log of the mods I've done to my CRD, make a kind of list for others to copy if they wish. I shall attempt to attach a photo or link when describing mods. I have previously owned a 4.8 Patrol and a 2.5L CRD D22 Navara.
Mine is a 2012 ST that I bought second hand in 2016 with 55,000km on the clock. The previous owner had a good taste for things and had added a nice list of mods. of the ones that count was a genuine nissan snorkel and a 3"redback exhaust. Its running 285/70/17R AT's.
This combo resulted in a fuel figure of 15.3L/100km when I first got it.
It's an auto so running 4:3 diff gears. If future mods don't resolve the low down power issues then some 4:6's will be on the wish list.
I have done the auto line pressure resistor mod, all I can say is it's the best 86 cents I've ever spent at Jaycar. I have some metal jacketed resistors to replace the jay car ones but haven't had time to swap them out yet. http://www.patrol4x4.com/forum/niss...ne-pressure-solenoid-dropping-resistor-35866/
Gauges where next on the list, VDO looked good, they blend with the factory. Will post more later about them. I opted for 3 gauges, Boost, pyro and Auto temp. I also have an EDS scanner for code reading and seeing a digital water temp reading. This has allowed me to remove the stock boost control and fit a Tillix and needle valve. https://www.tillix.com.au/product/b...l-zd30-di-crd-including-boost-pickup-adaptor/
So this did wonders for my fuel consumption and dropped it down to 14.5/100 instantly. I was enjoying it but still annoyed with the flat spot down low on initial take off. So some further research showed that I should probably improve the air flow into the turbo, thereby improving it's efficiency. So the following happened.
Firstly, I removed the mesh filters from the air intake. on the CRD there are 2. one on top of the air box and the other just before the maf. this is a 2min job, simply pop them out with a sharp knife. This should not cause an issue with limp mode in the CRD. it may in the Di. (I am no expert in these matters so simply repeating what I've read. however I can tell you that I had no issues with my vehicle). So it resulted in a slight improvement in low down power. Geeyoutoo has done some amazing research and maths in regards to this issue. Note the Di has 3 screens. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FvtgM9VYeo
A K&N air filter was another mild improvement. the argument will never end about these, but I'm happy with it. Do your own research on it make your own judgement.
In search of further usable power.... the fight with the 3L engine continued. The next most restrictive point in the air intake is the air box lid itself. Now u can go and spend $395 and get a pre made kit to replace it, or you can spend ~$70 on parts and with a few tools replace it yourself. Now this mod has been life changing, it's the holy grail. whoever the engineer was that originally designed the ZD30 airbox should be shoved in it and pushed out of the turbo. Here's the link to the part you'll need. Donaldson Rubber 90° Cobra Adaptor (Diam: (a) 76 mm/3" (b) 76mm) P547694 | eBay
Here's a write up much better than I could do on how to do it. took me 3hrs fussing around. Pictures and all http://www.patrol4x4.com/forum/diy-modifications-accessories-40/gu-diesel-airbox-lid-mod-50186/
Or here's the kit from HPD if you got the cash. NISSAN PATROL ZD30 AIR BOX LID - $395 : HP Diesel, Performance kits for your 4WD
Now, of course non of this is worth it without some sort of proof or results. Well my fuel consumption (I can never say economy after owning a 4.8 again even tho I had a good one) dropped down to 13.4L/100 after all this. not bad in my books! No longer having a flat spot down low is an amazing feeling.
Not to be discounted is the pyro figures. Before these mods (other than the ones that originally came with the vehicle - 3" exhaust and snorkel), it was possible by keeping the foot down flat to reach 500 degrees EGT doing 0-100, now I'm lucky to see 420 and I can do it faster. The cobra head mod has been the one mostly responsible for this, dropped cruising temps by around 50-60 degrees. it also recovers from high temps much faster.
Future mods will hopefully a replacement larger intercooler, remap and maybe chip, diff gears and reduction gears, widening the intake into the airbox to 4" from snorkel to box and replacement larger intercooler pipe work.
A fairly quick mod that makes everyday life better was the main tank capacity mod. This is the 2nd patrol I've done this to and being about to fit an extra 12L into the main tank is just lovely. thats almost an extra 100km of range for my 3L. Do it, all you have to do is bend the breather up as far as your fingers can push it. http://www.patrol4x4.com/forum/diy-...ing-standard-main-sub-tank-capacities-259217/
I should add, these fuel figures are with 285/70/17, 2" lift, bull bar, light bar and roof rack so it's by no means a stocko.
Look forward to your recommendations and ideas.
Mine is a 2012 ST that I bought second hand in 2016 with 55,000km on the clock. The previous owner had a good taste for things and had added a nice list of mods. of the ones that count was a genuine nissan snorkel and a 3"redback exhaust. Its running 285/70/17R AT's.
This combo resulted in a fuel figure of 15.3L/100km when I first got it.
It's an auto so running 4:3 diff gears. If future mods don't resolve the low down power issues then some 4:6's will be on the wish list.
I have done the auto line pressure resistor mod, all I can say is it's the best 86 cents I've ever spent at Jaycar. I have some metal jacketed resistors to replace the jay car ones but haven't had time to swap them out yet. http://www.patrol4x4.com/forum/niss...ne-pressure-solenoid-dropping-resistor-35866/
Gauges where next on the list, VDO looked good, they blend with the factory. Will post more later about them. I opted for 3 gauges, Boost, pyro and Auto temp. I also have an EDS scanner for code reading and seeing a digital water temp reading. This has allowed me to remove the stock boost control and fit a Tillix and needle valve. https://www.tillix.com.au/product/b...l-zd30-di-crd-including-boost-pickup-adaptor/
So this did wonders for my fuel consumption and dropped it down to 14.5/100 instantly. I was enjoying it but still annoyed with the flat spot down low on initial take off. So some further research showed that I should probably improve the air flow into the turbo, thereby improving it's efficiency. So the following happened.
Firstly, I removed the mesh filters from the air intake. on the CRD there are 2. one on top of the air box and the other just before the maf. this is a 2min job, simply pop them out with a sharp knife. This should not cause an issue with limp mode in the CRD. it may in the Di. (I am no expert in these matters so simply repeating what I've read. however I can tell you that I had no issues with my vehicle). So it resulted in a slight improvement in low down power. Geeyoutoo has done some amazing research and maths in regards to this issue. Note the Di has 3 screens. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FvtgM9VYeo
A K&N air filter was another mild improvement. the argument will never end about these, but I'm happy with it. Do your own research on it make your own judgement.
In search of further usable power.... the fight with the 3L engine continued. The next most restrictive point in the air intake is the air box lid itself. Now u can go and spend $395 and get a pre made kit to replace it, or you can spend ~$70 on parts and with a few tools replace it yourself. Now this mod has been life changing, it's the holy grail. whoever the engineer was that originally designed the ZD30 airbox should be shoved in it and pushed out of the turbo. Here's the link to the part you'll need. Donaldson Rubber 90° Cobra Adaptor (Diam: (a) 76 mm/3" (b) 76mm) P547694 | eBay
Here's a write up much better than I could do on how to do it. took me 3hrs fussing around. Pictures and all http://www.patrol4x4.com/forum/diy-modifications-accessories-40/gu-diesel-airbox-lid-mod-50186/
Or here's the kit from HPD if you got the cash. NISSAN PATROL ZD30 AIR BOX LID - $395 : HP Diesel, Performance kits for your 4WD
Now, of course non of this is worth it without some sort of proof or results. Well my fuel consumption (I can never say economy after owning a 4.8 again even tho I had a good one) dropped down to 13.4L/100 after all this. not bad in my books! No longer having a flat spot down low is an amazing feeling.
Not to be discounted is the pyro figures. Before these mods (other than the ones that originally came with the vehicle - 3" exhaust and snorkel), it was possible by keeping the foot down flat to reach 500 degrees EGT doing 0-100, now I'm lucky to see 420 and I can do it faster. The cobra head mod has been the one mostly responsible for this, dropped cruising temps by around 50-60 degrees. it also recovers from high temps much faster.
Future mods will hopefully a replacement larger intercooler, remap and maybe chip, diff gears and reduction gears, widening the intake into the airbox to 4" from snorkel to box and replacement larger intercooler pipe work.
A fairly quick mod that makes everyday life better was the main tank capacity mod. This is the 2nd patrol I've done this to and being about to fit an extra 12L into the main tank is just lovely. thats almost an extra 100km of range for my 3L. Do it, all you have to do is bend the breather up as far as your fingers can push it. http://www.patrol4x4.com/forum/diy-...ing-standard-main-sub-tank-capacities-259217/
I should add, these fuel figures are with 285/70/17, 2" lift, bull bar, light bar and roof rack so it's by no means a stocko.
Look forward to your recommendations and ideas.