Engine Swap - The Legalities

Banshee · 18-02-2021, 10:58

Having recently updated my Patrol project thread saying that I'd been able to source a 3rd engine, the worst thing that could have happened, happened.........

Having now scrapped 2 heads on two RD28's now after trying to remove the glow plugs cold, I decided to try and be clever, and asked the guy that was removing the engine, if he'd be kind enough to get the engine up to temperature and remove the glow plugs from the engine before removing while the engine is up at temp.

What happened........ he snaps the first glow plug and didn't want to touch the other 5 in fear of doing the same. I just can't justify spending cash on a 3rd scrap RD28 engine.

Whilst I'd love to go for something like an OM606 or an M57 etc etc, realistically, I'd be out of my depth if I needed to get anything machined up etc and quite frankly I just couldn't afford a conversion like that

I do have another idea I'm toying with at the moment which could work out well for me if it's as straight forward as I think it could be

I know of a LWB 3.0 Patrol that runs but is totally dog eared bodywork wise, it's an 06 plate with a 3.0 that runs well engine and box wise and is an SVE spec with the black leather interior etc.

I was hoping I could pull the engine , box, wiring the whole lot and transplant it into mine and take any other updated goodies into mine that might fit from the newer one

Should this all be achievable, what is the process with the DVLA and has anyone been personally through and and had first hand experience of this? The DVLA website states to just make the changes and contact them to let them know what you have done and they will then let you know if your vehicle needs a retest

To be honest, I'd like to know exactly what's involved and what costs are incurred etc before I start to even consider the transplant. I don't want to spend thousands to find out I can't even use the thing again on the roads.

Discuss boys................

elty001 · 18-02-2021, 14:03

You might have to take it for an IVA test.
Not 100% sure tbh.
All i did with mine was change the engine number but as mine was a like for like swap that's all that was needed.

Flying Torquewrench · 18-02-2021, 14:57

Zac, sorry I can’t help you. But have you enquired how much it would cost if a machine shop removes the broken glow plug? Surely this is cheaper than replacing the whole engine with a 3.0?

I have just requested a quote from a local engine reconditioning shop. Will let you know when I have an answer.

Banshee · 18-02-2021, 15:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flying Torquewrench

Zac, sorry I can’t help you. But have you enquired how much it would cost if a machine shop removes the broken glow plug? Surely this is cheaper than replacing the whole engine with a 3.0?

I have just requested a quote from a local engine reconditioning shop. Will let you know when I have an answer.

I've rang a few near me and nobody wants to take on the job

Craig (BigBunny) has offered to have a look at the one I've got removed from the original engine but I don't hold out much hope of a successful removal

Flying Torquewrench · 18-02-2021, 15:32

Oh that is a bit frustrating. I take it the job is too small for them? They will only do it as part of a complete engine or head rebuild?

I contacted Reconditioned Engines and awaiting a reply. If they don’t play ball I will ask “my” mechanic if he has a recommendation.

lfteixeira · 18-02-2021, 17:57

Don't know the laws in the UK, but over here the swap from RD28 to TD27 is very usual on Patrol owners.

18-02-2021, 10:58	#1
Banshee Moderator Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: West Midlands Vehicle: 04 2.7 SWB Terrano II Van Posts: 13,526	Engine Swap - The Legalities Having recently updated my Patrol project thread saying that I'd been able to source a 3rd engine, the worst thing that could have happened, happened......... Having now scrapped 2 heads on two RD28's now after trying to remove the glow plugs cold, I decided to try and be clever, and asked the guy that was removing the engine, if he'd be kind enough to get the engine up to temperature and remove the glow plugs from the engine before removing while the engine is up at temp. What happened........ he snaps the first glow plug and didn't want to touch the other 5 in fear of doing the same. I just can't justify spending cash on a 3rd scrap RD28 engine. Whilst I'd love to go for something like an OM606 or an M57 etc etc, realistically, I'd be out of my depth if I needed to get anything machined up etc and quite frankly I just couldn't afford a conversion like that I do have another idea I'm toying with at the moment which could work out well for me if it's as straight forward as I think it could be I know of a LWB 3.0 Patrol that runs but is totally dog eared bodywork wise, it's an 06 plate with a 3.0 that runs well engine and box wise and is an SVE spec with the black leather interior etc. I was hoping I could pull the engine , box, wiring the whole lot and transplant it into mine and take any other updated goodies into mine that might fit from the newer one Should this all be achievable, what is the process with the DVLA and has anyone been personally through and and had first hand experience of this? The DVLA website states to just make the changes and contact them to let them know what you have done and they will then let you know if your vehicle needs a retest To be honest, I'd like to know exactly what's involved and what costs are incurred etc before I start to even consider the transplant. I don't want to spend thousands to find out I can't even use the thing again on the roads. Discuss boys................ __________________ Moderator 04' Terrano II SE 2.7 TDi SWB Commercial in Silver - Project Thread Toyo Open Country M/T 33's on 10J Steels, Super Strong Steering Job Navara D22 Snorkel, Front LOKKA, Maunal Hubs, EGR Blank TunitII ECU Chip, 3" Body Lift, 2" Suss Lift, Heat Exchanger Black Interior, 3.0 Borg&Beck Clutch, Eckes Heated Fuel Filter 99' Y61 Patrol GR SE 2.8 TD6 LWB in Blue/Silver - Project Thread Engine Transplant - In Progress!!!

18-02-2021, 14:03	#2
elty001 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Aflreton,Derbyshire. Vehicle: 2000se+ 2.7tdi terrano II Posts: 6,832	You might have to take it for an IVA test. Not 100% sure tbh. All i did with mine was change the engine number but as mine was a like for like swap that's all that was needed.

18-02-2021, 14:57	#3
Flying Torquewrench Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Worcestershire Vehicle: Nissan Patrol Y61 2.8TD Posts: 1,152	Zac, sorry I can’t help you. But have you enquired how much it would cost if a machine shop removes the broken glow plug? Surely this is cheaper than replacing the whole engine with a 3.0? I have just requested a quote from a local engine reconditioning shop. Will let you know when I have an answer.

18-02-2021, 15:32	#5
Flying Torquewrench Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Worcestershire Vehicle: Nissan Patrol Y61 2.8TD Posts: 1,152	Oh that is a bit frustrating. I take it the job is too small for them? They will only do it as part of a complete engine or head rebuild? I contacted Reconditioned Engines and awaiting a reply. If they don’t play ball I will ask “my” mechanic if he has a recommendation.

18-02-2021, 17:57	#6
lfteixeira Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Portugal Vehicle: Ford Maverick 2.7 LWB Posts: 228	Don't know the laws in the UK, but over here the swap from RD28 to TD27 is very usual on Patrol owners.