ZD30 Navara power upgrades

Q. What’s your opinion of the ZD30-powered Navaras? I know that there are a lot of problems with those engines in the Patrols, but you don’t really hear of any problems with the utes. At a guess I’d say it’s because the utes are running a de-tuned version of the engine, because when I went to test drive one I took along a mate who owns a ZD30 Patrol and he reckons it would leave the ute for dead. Are they worth looking at, or should I steer clear? And going off my mate’s comment about the power levels, is it asking for trouble trying to get this engine running a bit better with some modifications?

A. Firstly make sure all the basics such as fuel and air filters are new. Secondly depending on what you call ‘low power’ it could have a faulty gearbox switch which is prone to holding back power. Depending on the quality of fuel it’s been drinking and the mileage it’s done it may or may not need the injectors doing. Remembering these injectors are generally throw-away! One mod you could do is install an intercooler as the Navara 3 litre runs 15+ PSI standard. Hard to believe I know but they do and they have no intercooler. Hence install a good ‘bar & plate’ type. From there on it would be a good ute.