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Converting ZD30 to QD32/TD27

Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2015 8:40 pm
by 3VILC
So since I found it a mission trying to collate all the information and work out how to do this along the way I figured I would try and write it up all in one place.
With the intention to add to it and complete it as I get time then perhaps someone can move it to the Tech Section once its complete.

This information specifically pertains to swapping the ZD30DDTI in an R50 Terrano to a QD32ETI from an earlier (pre-facelift) R50, although would likely be equally useful for a Navara or other engines into an R50.
From what I can find the TD27ETI is electrically virtually identical to the QD32ETI so this process should be much the same.

Re: Converting ZD30 to QD32/TD27

Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2015 9:10 pm
by 3VILC
So best place to start I suppose is the shopping list. Obviously having the whole donor vehicle is an advantage, but this should enable you to gather bits and pieces separately if need be, like I did for some.

Obviously you will need the engine, as complete as possible as you also need the alternator, steering pump, air con compressor etc to match the QD or whatever engine your using.
Starter, this one I am not sure, they may be interchangeable but I had sold the ZD starter before the new engine arrived so didn't get to try it.
Engine loom and ECU (having the ZD loom handy to borrow plugs off also helps but not essential if you want to sell it with your ZD injector pump and ECU)
Front subframe and engine mounts. Its relatively easy to swap the whole frame, so no really worth the hassle of cutting and welding engine mounts.
Air con compressor WITH the fittings (the ZD fittings will not bolt onto the earlier pumps).
Radiator hoses for the QD. ZD ones are completely different. I managed to make some up out of bits n pieces from pick-a-part but obviously having the right ones on hand is easier.
Airflow meter, plug, and the airbox lid or whole airbox (the ZD AFM uses an oddball bolt pattern different to the normal Nissan rectangular pattern that the QD uses). V6 AFM is the same, as are a couple of others, I had to go to pick-a-part to find the correct loom plug.
Fan shroud would be nice to have as the water pump is in a slightly different location and the fan will foul on the ZD fan shroud (I'm just going to trim mine down a bit and see how it goes)
I used the QD torque convertor, for no reason other than that the lockup clutches in my ZD one were knackered, I have no reason to believe you couldn't use the ZD one if you wish, they appear identical.

Contrary to what I read, you do NOT need to change the bellhousing, or for that matter the gearbox (which is what makes me believe the ZD starter would still fit if you didn't get the QD one with the engine). The QD/TD bolts straight up to the ZD box but not vice-versa as the ZD has about 3 extra bolt holes that the QD bellhousing does not. The only very minor mod you need to make is the sandwich plate on the back of the QD engine has the removable lower plate (to access the convertor bolts) which the ZD doesn't and one of the locating tabs on this plate fouls one of the extra bolt holes on the ZD bellhousing, you will see this when you go to re-fit the plate, I just bent it back out of the way. The pre-facelift R50s use the lighter duty RL4R01A auto so probably better to stick with the original one anyway. I didn't research swapping the box as well, but you may run in to issues as the early boxes don't have the full electronic (ATTESA) transfer case and may lack outputs or sensors needed to control it.

Bits that are handy to keep from the ZD: Engine loom, Glow plug connector, Air Con clutch plug