We've seen it time and time again - Nissan parts
interchangeability enables enthusiasts to create some truly awesome
combinations. SR20s into Datsun 1200s, RB twin-cam turbos into Zeds, and CA18DETs
into Bluebirds are just a few examples of what's possible. For the ultimate
sleeper, though, a go-fast commercial vehicle is difficult to beat. Take a look
at Martin Emr's Nissan Navara tray-top for example - the last thing people would
expect is to get whipped by this VG30DET-powered truckster!
"It all just snowballed," explains Martin. "You
know how it is..."
"A couple of years ago a mate of mine knew I was
looking for a work ute and he ended up buying this Navara for me at the
auctions. It had already been fitted with the SOHC 3.0-litre turbo (VG30ET) from
a Z31 Nissan 300ZX, so it had a bit extra going for it," he says.
With the VG30ET-powered Navara in Martin's hands,
the first alterations were the removal of an equipment rack and some examination
of the mechanicals.
"It was in a pretty sad state," says Martin.
On the chassis
dyno it was realised that the motor was running dangerously lean, so the fuel
pump arrangement was upgraded and a MicroTech LT8 programmable management system
made its way in. South Coast Rotary can be thanked for much of mechanical work.
With the engine running sweetly, a Series 4 RX-7
intercooler was located between the turbo and throttle and boost pressure was
upped using an everyday bleed. The exhaust system was also upgraded to a 3-inch
mandrel arrangement with a single cat converter and muffler.
The boosted and intercooled VG30ET was then tuned
to generate 210hp at the wheels (on a Dyno Dynamics chassis dyno) while running
up to 15 psi. Unfortunately, it wasn't long before all these antics came to a
sudden halt - a rod through the side of the block always brings an end to the
fun...
Not keen on sidestepping to another single cam VG
turbo engine, Martin elected to drop in a quad-cam VG30DET single turbo -
probably from a Japanese market Nissan Leopard. Factory rated at 190kW, the quad
cam VG single turbo offers a
lot of performance and there's more just
waiting to be uncorked.
"One of the first things we did was change the
factory (ceramic turbine) turbocharger for a custom turbo using a Series 5 RX-7
rear and a 0.7 A/R T04 front," says Martin. Since our photo shoot, a custom 45mm
external wastegate - which was designed and built by South Coast Rotary - has
also been installed prior to the turbine. The intercooling arrangement was also
changed to a front-mount job, which has been further improved since our photo
shot.
The MicroTech LT8 programmable computer comes with
only four ignition outputs, which meant Martin didn't have the option of running
six separate coils. Instead, you'll find a set of three double-ended VN Holden
Commodore coils mounted on the firewall. Note that the previous VG30ET engine
used a simple dizzy and single coil.
With boost set to a very mild 9 psi and with
crappy 91RON regular unleaded in the tank, Martin's Navara isn't going to set
record breaking power numbers, but you are guaranteed a whole lot more mumbo
than standard. A steady 232hp has been seen at the wheels on the South Coast
Rotary chassis dyno - nothing excessive, but certainly not lacking.
The auto transmission is pushed pretty hard at
this level of output. "I run the car with the same model Nissan transmission
that was fitted when I bought it," says Martin. "It's already chewed up two
trannies and the one that's in there doesn't feel much good at the moment,
either."
This is an area that's likely to receive some attention in the future.
The differential, meanwhile, is the standard Navara unit with a welded centre to
aid traction.
Martin runs a paint and panel 'shop by the name of
Southern Bodyworks so there are no prizes for guessing where the eye-catching
spray job originated. "It was just a quick three day paint job I did with one of
the boys," explains Martin. "It's a late-model Alfa Romeo colour, which stands
out just enough." We can only agree - nice ain't it? The only body mod is the
fitment of a subtle bonnet vent and the rims have been swapped to 16-inch Toyota
Prado items. We've seen these fitted on other utes and we have to admit they
look pretty trick.
"I am looking to fit a set of 18s from an imported
Mitsubishi Pajero fairly soon," says Martin. "I've got a few plans in store for
it, really... I want to put on a roll bar, upgrade to a '91 nose and there are few
other things I'd like to do with the mechanicals."
Boy, once that snowball starts rolling it's damn-near impossible to stop it!
Contacts:
Southern Bodyworks +61 2 4275 1694
South Coast Rotary +61 2 4274 8220
