2.8 turbo Nissan patrol

G'day mate,

I would personally try to persuade you against a 2.8 Patrol (either GQ or GU). As far as I'm concerned, you be better off with a naturally aspirated 4.2 diesel Patrol (of course the Turbo would be MUCH better if the $$$ can stretch that far).

The 2.8 is a good "town car", but does not have the same level of breeding in it's drive train that the 4.2 does. Fuel economy and power delivery with the caravan on the back, would be similar on each, but with the 4.2 you'd have the option of whacking a turbo on at a later date if you decided you want a bit more get up and go.

Diffs and gearbox MUCH stronger in the 4.2

Roachie

I'd agree with Roachie. The 2.8 is not a bad engine for round town and bashing bush on its own but there are better two vehicles around.

They are OK when kept tuned up but they do fall out of tune quite readily. That makes using 'em as tow vehicle damned hard work on the gearchanges.

Bilbo

Gday godl roachy hit the nail mate great town truck but i currently own a 4.2 non turbo patrol which we also drag along a 17 foot coromal van and she does a great job but being the impatient bastard i am we are currently looking at upgrading to a GU turbo diesol but dont get me wrong the 4.2 gq sits on 90 t0 100 ks all day with van in tow and off road the gq is brilliant
and yes im sure many will want to suggest 90 ks is more than enough with a van in tow but please see pre mentioned patience Factor Cheers all

I had a 2.8 turbo and it was a good vehicle but not suited to towing.

If you want to tow then buy a 4.2 TD.

A problem with the GQ 2.8 is they have a bleeder in the cooling system. If not used correctly when changing the coolant there will be an air lock and this will cause problems - usually head gasket or with the head itself. This problem is more likely to occur if you are towing and if you get your vehicle serviced at the wrong Nissan dealer.

I have a 2.8 gu and it tows my 1.4tonne Kanga campertrailer very well both on and off road. It's fuel consumption when towing is higher (15-16 ltrs/100km vs 12ltrs/100km). But like everyone else says the 4.2 is a much better engine for towning. On the other hand my 2.8 doesn't want for anything in keeping up with these bigger engines on the highway....in fact I think it is a far superior touring engine than is the 4.2 but I know others will think otherwise. Two bobs worth from a satisfied 2.8 owner.

Well, I'm probably sticking me neck out a bit here, but who cares.

We have a '98 GU 2.8 and with 190,000kms, Steinbauer thingy and 2 1/2" exhaust.
Recently completed 5400km trip and used 810ltrs of fuel. Best section of trip was Perth-Kal we did 8.3kms/ltr but this was travelling at 70-80kph. (Does go quicker)
Had about 3300kms towing Pioneer Onyx (1.2ish ton) and the rest poking around off-road or popping into town for tucker etc.
Trip home, Meeka-Perth saw 2 gear changes for hills(5th to 4th) apart from stops and took 6hrs.

Biggest reason for opting for the little motor was the fact that it's so quiet and smooth to drive. As far as a town vehicle goes, its not the qickest out of the blocks but with the enhancements it's much better than it was.

All the best with you're decision making,

The valve was removed on the GQ.

I was happy with my GQ and had problems with the head after the coolant was changed - 80,000 km service and then after the coolant was changed in the 160,000 km service. Other than that the only other problem I had was with an electrical plug at the rear of the vehicle.

The two times the head went were as a result of poor workmanship by the mechanic who did the service. Also an obvious design fault in having the valve in the first place.

I was happy with the vehicle but ended trading it in on a 4.2 td after the 160,000 km service. It did lack power at times but that meant using a lower gear. I have towed camper trailers with it without a problem. It was a beautiful vehicle to drive on the open highway and would cruise along all day at highway speeds without missing a beat.