TB45 which is reliable but it’s got over 500k on it

I reckon there is a clue right there............

 

I had this decision to make 10 years ago. I started down the turbo path on my TB45E but balked at the idea of dismantling a 135k kms engine just to fit the TB42 conrods that apparently were really necessary with the turbo.
I finally gave myself a reality check and bought an imported low mileage TD42T. I did the whole conversion myself and I’m still happy I made that decision. I kept my auto trans as well.

We don’t read much about LS conversions these days. I got the impression people didn’t hang onto them for long.
There are other popular engine swaps but the TD42 is probably the simplest because it drops straight onto the TB engine mounts and matches to the transmissions. Problem these days is finding a good TD42 engine. Personally, I’d avoid the rebuilt TDs.

 

Tough decision mate but what is it that makes you want to turbo? If you have been happy for 500,000k then rebuild as is.
Otherwise I would look for a 4.2.

 

Sounds like a work truck rather than a toy. Practicality will be king here.

A rebuilt TB is best option for time and money. Only you can decide if it is what you want.

An LS swap will be more power and torque, and will cost $20k if done properly. If you look on some social media they can be installed for $10.50, and get 10l/100km. In the real world most of that is BS. On this forum, of you look around, conversions that are done well cost about $20K. And even with one that has been done before, they take time. And as a petrol V8, economy is not its best trick, especially hauling around equipment. Fuel will probably be similar to the TB45. I agree with JFF45, it is these reasons why this conversion is now not as common as it was.

You wanna haul weight around, then diesels are your friend. TD42 swaps are simple enough, and are not a conversion compared to other non-factory engines. You can use all factory parts to do it, so it is simple and quick enough. And you can make them very powerful with the right set-up mods. 750nm at the wheels will get you moving.

Comes down to time and money. TB45 rebuild is easiest and cheapest. TD42 is arguably the best, but will require more time and money.

 

If its going to reach $20k, you’re better off dumping the old TB45 which is currently worth around nothing at 500k kms and spending the money on a later model CRD.

 

You actually need a truck. Not a 4 wheel drive.

Buy a light truck.

 

Either 4.2 TDT or 4JJ1....both diesel, both reliable, both will keep their value better than petrol.....both will pull a decent load.....4jj1 will use less fuel and can get decent power upgrade with just a tune.....4.2 are known work horses.

 

Imo for an everyday workhorse you are looking for reliability and economy. That rules out non-factory swaps off the bat. LS's, 4JJ's, modern engines with lots of wiring is just more to go wrong in the long term.

Evidently fuel consumption wasn't really an issue for you if you've been using the TB for years. If you have the money you could go a rebuilt TB with turbo, but there is no way it will use less fuel, especially loaded up whilst towing, and it will be highly stressed it's whole life..

The ZD and TD are good options, but let's face it they are both slugs in factory form and will need some work to get them up to scratch for towing every day. Again it's possible to make both good tow rigs but it will cost a lot more $$ for a good condition engine and/or mods.

Maybe swap in a good condition TB48? Not too expensive, will be like what you already have but with a bit more grunt. Only downside is fuel usage.

 

LS1 i dont think is worth it in such a heavy rig. Fuel use excessive and wont tow 2.5t "that" well behind a 2.5t plus patrol for the effort.
And 4J yes they're good but more complicated and not a factory option again so adding possible reliability issues/cost. All conversions blow out in cost and time, even TD conversions blow out by the time a good low km motor is bought plus supporting mods and maintenance is done. $20k+ is probably on the money for any of these conversions done right with a decent low km motor to begin with.... which is fine if you plan to keep the vehicle.

So.. If its done a reliable and faithful 500k... i see 2 options:
Fresh rebuild and keep motoring. (low boost turbo if you want to tinker).
OR TD42t conversion. As mentioned, factory motor and simple conversion in relative terms. No racecar but a solid AF, reliable workhorse. Exhaust, tune and keep motoring for 800,000km+. plenty over 1mKms. I bumped into an old digger the other day GU ute 1999 with 910,000kms unopened still motoring. If you want more power allow $3-4k for a turbo/'cooler upgrade and keep it to 150-160hp and itl tow 2.5t easily and still should last 800,000km+.



As a side note, if you decided not to keep it, sell it and buy a newer low km stock TB48 and keep motoring 👍

 

You could swap it with a TD42 turbo fairly easily. I also have one and that is my plan for it, the TB45 is just too thirsty. I did think about putting a turbo on it but personally I prefer a diesel and I can keep it all Nissan, but that’s just me.
a Barra swap is also common for the TB45 too

 

The most simple and reliable way you can do it is take out the TB45E, give it to the engine reconditioners and have it rebuilt to spec with 4.2 rods (the 4.5's are known to put a leg out of bed sometimes), and refit it with a Manta free flow exhaust if you have not already put a similar system on it. The boost is significant, and you have an absolutely solid and reliable workhorse good for another 500Ks. LS conversions are known to not be good for Nissan manual gearboxes as they rev higher and harder than the box is designed for.