those fuel prices are ridicolous
)
I prefer a diesel to get better fuel economy and possibly convert it to Veggie Oil down the road. I do have a couple of friends in Germany, problem is that is hard to buy and commit to a truck without seeing it in person... Might try to convince the wife to go on vacation in Panama as I have seen a few Patrols there...
Anyhow, I will keep on driving my Xterra for the time being, quite happy with it, apart from the gas consumption. I would be happy if at least it was available in diesel...
I looked at your pics again, you got a nice looking truck there. Cheers
You may think about using V8 in that case, many here use lexus or toyota's v8 engines because they're cheap. For the lexus LS400 engine which is 4.0L V8 (1UZ-FE), power output is 191 kW (256 hp), torque of 353 N·m (260 lb·ft):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_UZ_engine#1UZ-FE
It's only for 233$ !!! And some use the 4.3L V8 Lexus (3UZ-FE), output is 216 to 224 kW (290 to 300 hp) at 5600 rpm with 441 N·m (325 lb·ft) of torque at 3400 rpm:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_UZ_engine#1UZ-FE
For like 1560$, which is like Nissan's TB42E 4.2L I-6 I have and TB45DE 4.5L of the next model.
But some go for land cruiser's / Lexus LX470 4.7L engine for about 2337$
But if you're a serious man, then Nissan TB48DE which is 4.8L I-6:
245 PS (180.2 kW; 241.6 bhp) @ 4200 rpm
40.8 kg·m (400 N·m; 295 lb·ft) @ 3200 rpm
Is between 4700-5500$ but extremely capable, used in Nissan Patrol Y61 (GU) models from 2003-2009 and still released in new SWB models Y61 based 2010-present.
Why so expensive? Check these:
Nissan Patrol Turbo vs Lamborghini Murcielago
300+ km/h with 1400 hp
From one of the turbocharged Patrols
Max. hp I heard about was about 2100hp, most of them are stroked between 5.2-5.8L
Anyway, the idea is an engine that can take such pressure would be perfect for long-term use in stock form.
But still, I would love to have 5.6L V8 (VK56DE) as I love the roar of V8's, it's found now in Y61 4-door model in our Nissan dealer!
As for the Xterra, I thought about having one but a Nissan Patrol Y61 with 4.8L engine and 7 seats, 3 rows A/C, 2 coolers would be preferable. Still, I like the Xterra and I would love to see what Nissan would do with the next generation of Xterra + Pathfinder as Nissan Patrol Y62 got a lot of weight.
Xterras + Pathfinders are widely used by police, tourism company, oil companies, other companies and even individuals here.
I use the Y60 because I prefer this model compared to newer ones and it's light (1812 kg). Plus it's extremely cheap to fix if it gets scratched, rolled over, any kind of accidents.
Thank you for your pleasant conversation and hope you good luck!