Originally Posted by
Mauser308
I'll point out as well, the Navara's ZD30 isn't that bad (the version out of the pathfinder with the smaller sump is a dog) - but to keep it 'not bad' a few things need to be done to it and the first is remove and clean the intake manifold of the puke crap that comes out of the EGR and the crank case breather systems. When you bolt the manifold back on, 'forget' to connect up the crank case breather in favour of an easily serviced puke tank, and with the EGR a solid stainless plate cures a lot of design sins on this engine. The other main one is tricking the half-arsed engine management system into thinking all is well while you take over manual control of the turbo wastegate and boost controllers. Fitting a decent intercooler at this time helps no end as well.
Of course, the other option is sourcing a direct-injection BD30 that isn't flogged but that's not that easily done in NZ. The D22 Navara is one of the most capable 4x4 chassis out of all the ute's, although the torsion bar front end suspension lets it down a bit.