QX4 engine swap

[mercury]

Hi. Was just wondering if I can can put a nissan TD27ETi into a QX4? In Japan, this engine is commonly found in R50s. Would any of you know if the engine mounts are the same and if the QX4 transfer case would mount to the TD27. Where does the transfer case mounts to anyway? Also, will the auto 4x4 dial switch still function if i do the swap? Can anyone please point me out to an engine / transfer case diagram on the net? I am assuming the QX4 uses the same transfer case as the Pathfinder R50. Hope to hear from you. Thank you.

[180sx]

Well, considering that no one here has done this, we don't knwo much about it. I for one don't know anything at all about it. But the QX4 and pathfinder are almost identical in every way (almost). So all the drivetrain and mechanical parts are the same.

 

Jose

[tekazgtr1984]

Yes, it can be done. The transmission used is the same for every R50 using the VG33E, TD27 and QD32ETI.

 

The biggest challenge, as far as I can tell, would be swapping out the fuel system.

[mercury]

Thanks for your responses. Would you know the model /code number of the automatic transmission of the QX4?

 

What is the axle ratio of the QX4? Does it use the H233B diffs?

 

Doesn't a fuel swap out just require emptying the fuel tank, cleaning the lines, and installing a diesel dual fuel filter with pump? Am i missing something?

Edited July 26, 2009 by mercury

[Fukinitupagain]

Well, considering that no one here has done this, we don't knwo much about it. I for one don't know anything at all about it. But the QX4 and pathfinder are almost identical in every way (almost). So all the drivetrain and mechanical parts are the same.

 

Jose

Actually some of know quite a bit about it. It's a direct swap, but you have to change out all the fuel lines & gas tank & all that. No need for an ECU though (which is badass) cause it has manual fuel pump. The switch should still work but I would recommend that if you are spending that much money you might as well get the tranny along with it & rebuild it, that way you have a fresh new start.

 

This is something that'll be done as soon as I graduate (so that I have some time). I can do the petrol swap in a week but the diesel would need a bit more time, cause I want to switch out the tranny, all the other crap & I want to add an extra spare tank as well.

[tekazgtr1984]

Thanks for your responses. Would you know the model /code number of the automatic transmission of the QX4?

 

What is the axle ratio of the QX4? Does it use the H233B diffs?

 

Doesn't a fuel swap out just require emptying the fuel tank, cleaning the lines, and installing a diesel dual fuel filter with pump? Am i missing something?

 

RE4R01A (produced by Jatco) is the automatic transmission code for all R50 Pathfinders from MY '96-'00. Diffs are the same, H233B in the rear, R200A up front, either with 4.363:1 or 4.636:1 gearing. Manual transfer case is the TX10 (produced by Fuji Univance).

[mercury]

Actually some of know quite a bit about it. It's a direct swap, but you have to change out all the fuel lines & gas tank & all that. No need for an ECU though (which is badass) cause it has manual fuel pump. The switch should still work but I would recommend that if you are spending that much money you might as well get the tranny along with it & rebuild it, that way you have a fresh new start.

 

Yeah. Am thinking about getting the engine with a tranny as well for the gearing match. Just wasnt sure if the tranny i get would fit the transfer case. If the tranny is just the same as what TEk is saying below though then i dont see any merits buying an engine with the same tranny if i can use the one on the QX4. Can you enlighten me on that?

 

Also, why do i have to change the fuel lines and gas tank? Isn't emptying the tank and cleaning it as well as flushing the lines good enough?

 

Do you think the TD27T (100HP & 215N*m) is a much better deal than the TD27ETi (130HP & 278 N*m) which has an ECU for the pump? I am thinking that if i get the TD27ETi then i can make the cruise control work because of the ECU. The TD27Eti is also a turbo diesel with intercooler and i heard it can do 180-200kph which is fast for a diesel. Does the engine ECU have anything to do with the climate control of the A/C of the qx4? Will the climate control, ABS and airbags work even without an ECU if i just choose a TD27T? Am not a big fan of ECUs by the way. I prefer it manual as well for the easy maintenance but the QX4 has so many electrical components that i worry about using a non ECU engine that the electrical components would not work. Will the engine choice differ depending on the axle ratio? Also, does the VG33 have the same engine mount positions as the TD27 engines?

 

RE4R01A (produced by Jatco) is the automatic transmission code for all R50 Pathfinders from MY '96-'00. Diffs are the same, H233B in the rear, R200A up front, either with 4.363:1 or 4.636:1 gearing. Manual transfer case is the TX10 (produced by Fuji Univance).

 

Thanks Tek. Does the WD21 use the same tranny and transfer case as the R50? Also how can i tell what gearing it has? I would like a 4.636:1 ratio. I never knew that the H233B came in 4.363:1. I am assuming the transfer case and tranny bears those model numbers somewhere in their bodies? I am getting a bit more confident about doing the swap because of those model numbers so thank you. Where did you find these model numbers?

[alexrex20]

more power!!!

[tekazgtr1984]

As far as I know, the first generation R50 (MY '96-'00) came equipped with three engine options: VG33E ('96-'00), TD27ETI ('96) and the QD32ETI ('97-'00). The engine mounts are indentical with all three options.

 

I noticed you're located in the Phillipines so clearly souricing a JDM engine wouldn't be too difficult for you.

 

Truth be told, I've been tinkering with this notion since learning of the JDM R50 and the QD32ETI. The QD32ETI equipped R50 is the easiest to find in Japan as it was an option for three years on both the Terrano and Terrano Regulus. Not only that, the numbers this engine boasts are pretty impressive, both in terms of output and fuel economy, and are way ahead of the TD27ETI.

 

In your case, sourcing shouldn't be too much of a challenge. And in regards to locating a TD27 from a WD21 Terrano/Pathfinder, you'd be better off locating a R50 engine.

 

As for my sources for this information, let's just say I've got friends in places.

 

Actually, I lived in Japan for 18 months and made quite a few car-related contacts.

[mercury]

As far as I know, the first generation R50 (MY '96-'00) came equipped with three engine options: VG33E ('96-'00), TD27ETI ('96) and the QD32ETI ('97-'00). The engine mounts are indentical with all three options.

 

That's perfect!

 

Truth be told, I've been tinkering with this notion since learning of the JDM R50 and the QD32ETI. The QD32ETI equipped R50 is the easiest to find in Japan as it was an option for three years on both the Terrano and Terrano Regulus. Not only that, the numbers this engine boasts are pretty impressive, both in terms of output and fuel economy, and are way ahead of the TD27ETI.

 

I had a non turbo QD32 equipped frontier before and it was a gas guzzler in our super heavy city traffic. Parts for this engine cost a bit more here over the TD27 as it was a newer engine offered only on the top models which sold lower volumes. Is the QD32ETi more fuel efficient and thriftier than the standard QD32 or TD27ETi - i mean in 90% heavy city traffic driving - imagine 20-30kph of everyday driving? Because if it is, then it may be a good factor to consider.

 

In your case, sourcing shouldn't be too much of a challenge. And in regards to locating a TD27 from a WD21 Terrano/Pathfinder, you'd be better off locating a R50 engine.

 

I am a bit concerned about getting a surplus R50 engine. Many TD27 engines found in shops here come from a variety of different nissan vehicles and many shops have no records which vehicle the engine came from. I guess my main concern is if the TX10 transfer case would bolt in to any TD27 transmission or if it is specific to the RE4R01A tranny? - that would solve half of my problems.

 

Do all RE4R01A trannys have the same gear ratios? I mean the VG33, TD27 and QD32 all use them - am just curious if i can still use the QX4 tranny.

 

By the way Tek, would you know if the front ball joints, struts, steering rack are similar to any other nissan vehicle or any other japanese vehicle for that matter? The R50 was never offered in our country so I am a bit worried about sourcing these parts when they break down.

 

Tek, does the engine ECU have any role in controlling the cruise control, A/C climate control, ABS brakes of the QX4? I am very concerned about it not functioning if i change the engine with a different ECU.

 

Hope to hear from you. Thanks.

[Fukinitupagain]

Yeah. Am thinking about getting the engine with a tranny as well for the gearing match. Just wasnt sure if the tranny i get would fit the transfer case. If the tranny is just the same as what TEk is saying below though then i dont see any merits buying an engine with the same tranny if i can use the one on the QX4. Can you enlighten me on that?

The only real reason I would go with this is because I would have a new/newer engine & a new/newer tranny. That way you don't replace your engine & the turn around in 6 months or a year or even 2 & have to deal with rebuilding or replacing the tranny. I would just do it all at once & have a whole new setup that I know would last.

 

 

 

Also, why do i have to change the fuel lines and gas tank? Isn't emptying the tank and cleaning it as well as flushing the lines good enough?

I just would want to leave anything to chance (the chance that there is still some petrol in there that could f*ck up or give your new engine trouble). Instead of taking everything off & trying to clean it all out & hoping you got ti all out, just replace that sh!t. You already have it off. Going back what I said above

 

 

Do you think the TD27T (100HP & 215N*m) is a much better deal than the TD27ETi (130HP & 278 N*m) which has an ECU for the pump?

I would just preffer to not have to deal with any more emmissions BS. Plus I like my engines to be as simple as possible so if something does go wrong its only a couple of things. For me the loss of the 30hp is not the end of the world for me. I want to the low end torque those engines provide to make crawling up trails easy. I'm not so concerned about going fast on the interstate (my VG33E is slow as hell anyhow). If I want to make up for the loss I'll just aquire a bigger turbo & make it work.

 

 

Does the engine ECU have anything to do with the climate control of the A/C of the qx4? Will the climate control, ABS and airbags work even without an ECU if i just choose a TD27T?

We did a bypass on my VG the I swapped in back in Dec. for like 2 weeks so I could get around town & everything still work (I didn't turn on the AC so I don't know about that though).

 

 

Also, does the VG33 have the same engine mount positions as the TD27 engines?

It's supposed to but until I see one in person I'm not gonna tell you yes for sure, but like I said, it is supposed to be (especially since a Terrano is a really just a diesel Pathfinder)

 

I think I got all of your questions...

[tekazgtr1984]

That's perfect!

 

I had a non turbo QD32 equipped frontier before and it was a gas guzzler in our super heavy city traffic. Parts for this engine cost a bit more here over the TD27 as it was a newer engine offered only on the top models which sold lower volumes. Is the QD32ETi more fuel efficient and thriftier than the standard QD32 or TD27ETi - i mean in 90% heavy city traffic driving - imagine 20-30kph of everyday driving? Because if it is, then it may be a good factor to consider.

 

I am a bit concerned about getting a surplus R50 engine. Many TD27 engines found in shops here come from a variety of different nissan vehicles and many shops have no records which vehicle the engine came from. I guess my main concern is if the TX10 transfer case would bolt in to any TD27 transmission or if it is specific to the RE4R01A tranny? - that would solve half of my problems.

 

Do all RE4R01A trannys have the same gear ratios? I mean the VG33, TD27 and QD32 all use them - am just curious if i can still use the QX4 tranny.

 

By the way Tek, would you know if the front ball joints, struts, steering rack are similar to any other nissan vehicle or any other japanese vehicle for that matter? The R50 was never offered in our country so I am a bit worried about sourcing these parts when they break down.

 

Tek, does the engine ECU have any role in controlling the cruise control, A/C climate control, ABS brakes of the QX4? I am very concerned about it not functioning if i change the engine with a different ECU.

 

Hope to hear from you. Thanks.

 

As far as I know (based on what info I've found), the QD32ETI replaced the TD27ETI in MY '97 as it was more modern, more powerful and more efficient.

 

As for the RE4R01A transmission, I'm quite certain the ratios vary from one vehicle application to another, considering this transmission was fitted to Nissan and Mazda vehicles. My guess, and a fairly safe assumption, is to stick with the R50 variant. It'll make swapping everything much easier. Obviously, you'd want to use the R50 variant mated to the QD32ETI, not the VG33E. I have no doubt the rations will differ, and quite significantly (diesel vs. petroleum).

 

As for the front end hardware, I have no idea if these parts are interchangeable with other Nissans. My guess is not as it was the only Nissan SUV to ever be equipped with automobile IFS. That being said, your best bet would be getting parts online. Asia's a hotbed for OEM-equivalent parts, namely Taiwan.

 

The ECU and its finite details are still beyond me at this point. I'm hoping someone else can chime on to answer this, as I have no clue whether or not the ECU plays any role in controlling the AC, ABS, cruise, etc. I'm hoping not, because this will make an engine swap considerably easier.

 

I'm still very interested in this turbo diesel swap so my research is on-going. Whatever new developments I find, they'll be posted on the forum first!

[tekazgtr1984]

Perhaps a manual transmission is a better option for this engine swap?

 

I'm thinking this will avoid having to figure out the automatic transmission gear ratios when the RE4R01A is mated to a QD32ETI.

 

Sourcing a manual transmission locally will also help save on cost. Rather than source the engine w/ transmission, sourcing just the engine would help on shipping. And a manual transmission mated to a turbo diesel would be sweet!