Understanding Terrano model codes

[Throgmorton]

Hi People - I don't have a 4x4 and I'm looking at buying a Terrano/Pathfinder as a tow vehicle for a 2200kg trailer, but am confused by the model codes in use.

Please could someone advise what the different model codes mean - like G3M-R, R3M-R? Or point me to a website that has that information. And is there any truth to the rumour that Jap import Terranos aren't as well set up for towing as the NZ new Pathfinders, because the axles & transmissions aren't as strong (different specs to NZ axles and transmissions)?

Much appreciated!

[darinz]

If towing a trailer that size then the V6 will be good.
Can't coment about spec codes but the V6 R3M I have (well sort of have) has the strong diff H233b 31 spline (so the same as the diff in the front of a Safari. It has 4 wheel vented disc with ywin pots on the front and the gearbox is the same basic unit that was run in a GTR Skyline (apparently?)
My one was used by employees to tow a trailer so i imagine that is a good test!
The deisel would be a gutless slug with a 2200kg trailer!

[Throgmorton]

Thanks Darinz. I was wondering whether the 2.7TD would do the job but based on your comments I will avoid them. I've been told that the ZD30 diesel engine is good for towing and is more reliable than the QD32 diesel (injector/pump problems). Have you or anyone got any comments on the reliability of the ZD30 vs the QD32?

Thanks also for the axle code. I gather LSD was optional on all Terranos (std on later NZ-new Pathfinders)

Regarding the model codes in case anyone is interested: I've found a couple of spec sites and so far it seems to be that (at least for model years around 1999-2001
R3M-R = 16" alloy wheels, 245/70 tyres, climate control a/c, Xenon headlights std.
Compared to the R3M-R:
G3M-R has 15" wheels, manual a/c.
R3M-V is narrow body version, manual a/c, std headlights, not alloy wheels, 215/80 tyres (specs irrelevant because narrow body versions never imported to NZ?).
R3M-X has manual a/c, std headlights. Aero version has front & rear spoilers, 255/65 tyres.
R3M-SE has imitation wood trim & imitation leather covered steering wheel.

Much of this info is from http://www.kanto.ru/catalog/nissan/terrano/ (great translations by Google) and http://www.cars-directory.net/specs/nissan/terrano/. 'Course it could be a lot of bs but its a start. I can amend if anything's too badly out of whack.

Does anyone know of a site that gives axle & transmission codes for the various Terrano/Pathfinder engine/frame codes?

T

[meatc]

I had a 27td terrano and did a lot of towing with it. Traiors full of buidng supplies, old mans 6ft glass boat, and my 25 foot caravan. It never really had any issues and pulled them all OK. caravan is 1800kg dry so easy 2000 loaded. Mate had a petrol one and it was slowly sending him broke feeding it.

The terrano deisel is haeps grunter than the same era surf.

[kiwipete]

The deisel would be a gutless slug with a 2200kg trailer!

Ouch!
That's a bit harsh.

[kiwipete]

The terrano deisel is haeps grunter than the same era surf.

It's one seriously under rated truck, but each to their own I spose.

[tweake]

Thanks Darinz. I was wondering whether the 2.7TD would do the job but based on your comments I will avoid them. I've been told that the ZD30 diesel engine is good for towing and is more reliable than the QD32 diesel (injector/pump problems). Have you or anyone got any comments on the reliability of the ZD30 vs the QD32?

the ZD30 is the grenade version (same as patrol) so be careful on what year it is and how its been looked after. expect to mod it if you want it to live.
the TD27 and QD32 are both fairly bullet proof. the "i" versions (run electronic pumps) pumps do tend to wear out rather quickly. but should be far cheaper to fix than a ZD30 pump !
also you can convert them to mechanical pumps if you wish.

[darinz]

I had a 27td terrano and did a lot of towing with it. Traiors full of buidng supplies, old mans 6ft glass boat, and my 25 foot caravan. It never really had any issues and pulled them all OK. caravan is 1800kg dry so easy 2000 loaded. Mate had a petrol one and it was slowly sending him broke feeding it.

The terrano deisel is haeps grunter than the same era surf.

And you think an 1800 has enough power! When are we doing the supercharger. I won't tell Nic if you don't

Should add the Kiwipete is probably right and I am being a bit harsh but I have ahabit of saying what I think!

[long]

Stuff the V6 go for the TD 2.7 only thing the V6 is good for is feeding dollars into your gas tank.

[Jerry]

ZD30 info
http://www.offroadexpress.co.nz/Forums/ ... hilit=zd30

[marmel]

I had a manual 2.7TD and it towed really well.

Damn cheap to run as well, I used to get 600km from a tank on highway driving.

[darinz]

Stuff the V6 go for the TD 2.7 only thing the V6 is good for is feeding dollars into your gas tank.

That V6 did get voted engine of the decade for the 90's! It has been acknowledged as one of the best engine ever produced in the world!
The funny thing is I ran one at the same time i owned a TD42t GQ Safari and a 4.0 Falcon. And the V6 Terrano was cheaper to run than both the Falcon and the deisel Safari.
Don't figure?
So you really need to put it in perspective, the TD27 might be cheap to run but from a petrol V6 point of view the V6 is a very very good option.

Also when people say they tow really well, what are yu comparing it to? I'm comparing it to a V6 Terrano, SWB TD42 (highly modded turbo) GQ and LWB TD42t GQ that I have personally owned and used to tow a trailer for work. i would argue that the V6 tows better than the TD42t but when towing costs more to run. (not towing then cheaper)

[Throgmorton]

Thanks all... seems that there's no particular advantage in buying a second hand NZ new Pathfinder vs an import Terrano - at least for the 1996-2004 model years. Sounds like they are the same underneath and evolved at the same rate (changes in engines etc).

Thanks for the comments.