d
Part of things
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Cryptic enough? ;D Found this site through someone reccomending it for selling a Toyota Corona, decided to check out the link and am thoroughly impressed by the wealth of knowledge and awesome cars to browse through. I currently have (as my own car, for now) a 1993/K Nissan Homy 2.7 (TD27) 'Abbey Road Planetarium' switchable-4WD auto van. Pretty pimp (moonroof, leccy curtains, etc) albeit needing plenty of attention. Had the engine replaced a few months ago with a 30k km unit, and bar a few gearbox mounts and a cracked hot air pipe, the future looks more or less okay.. The to-do list is a long and winding affair, but one I'm looking forward to working my way down. I'll break this first post up into a few little sections, to make (hopeful..) replies easier to structure.  a) What I'm really after though is confirmation that the engine (2.7 non-turbo) is the same TD27 that's found in the Fairway taxis (making consumables a lot easier/cheaper, if so..) and general advice as to the best way to go about sourcing basics, and then onwards to less-basics, but still-simple trim-bits and trim-bobs such as blanking plates for switch-holes-with-no-switches, etc. b) I'd also love any input on how to improve economy also, further than the yells of running it on cooking oil, etc. Any moves forwards to generally ensuring success and happiness are my aim, economy first, comfort and interior secondly, exterior will be refurbed wheels and a respray (thanks to the kids who thought it amusing to scratch pretty patterns down the flanks whilst it was in for the engine). c) The suspension sits kind-of weird, rear higher than the front quite substantially. Is this usual, does this indicate any issues, etc? But yes, mostly I have zero knowledge, so.. any and all constructivism welcomed. Tried to post a picture, but my camera sends my computer all weird every time I try to connect - I'll work on that one.. -D. |
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Last Edit: Dec 6, 2006 15:17:46 GMT by d
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Hi, Not sure exactly what these are but these 4x4vans always get me looking. PM me what your camera is doing and i'll see if i can help with pictures.  |
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 it doesn't matter if it's a Morris Marina or a Toyota Celica - it's what you do with it that counts  |
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A Nissan Homy? Like this?  Quality name! No idea about them at all, some of our resident j-pervs will be along in a minute no doubt. but welcome to the forum |
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Never trust a man
Who names himself Trevor.
Or one day you might find
He's not a real drug dealer.
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d
Part of things
Posts: 60
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EMO plate, LOL! ;D  "s'that a Homy you're rollin' in...." "Excuse me, is that some kind of innuendo?" Ahem. Funky ride - and welcome! |
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d
Part of things
Posts: 60
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The fact I've used it to ferry 'emo' bands around in (proper mid90s stuff, none of this My Chemical Romance tripe..), makes it all the more apt. Best ebay coincidence ever, I reckon  EMO HOMY! ;D ;D ;D |
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Last Edit: Dec 6, 2006 15:19:31 GMT by d
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I love these things ... trendy number plate as well |
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d
Part of things
Posts: 60
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No answers to my questions as of yet, though... |
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welcome to RR!! With regards your questions 1) i'd recommend removing an engine from a taxi for comparison. always the best way ;D However, if they ARE the same i know that a company called Solid Auto do a load of spares for them (i think) 2) the easy way to good economy is to not drive it! ;D Alternatively try www.activ8.uk.com Its a product ive just started dealing with and its used by a lot of couriers and cab firms as it help with the longevity of engine and a by product is improved performance/economy. I can get you a good price too. 3) its probably been owned by a 40 stone macdonald stuffing yank and the front suspension is knackered. fear not, its all about the rake! Go see the VW boys and build the first ever Cal Look toyora corona ;D apologies for not really helping that much ;D |
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Stu
Posted a lot
Posts: 2,913
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I am also no help other than to say welcome aboard and I'd stick with the current back up nose down stance, looks cool! ;D
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'89 BMW E30 325i Sport, '04 MINI Cooper S, '09 Volvo V70 D5
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Hirst
Posted a lot
This avatar is inaccurate, I've never shaved that closely
Posts: 3,930
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I wouldn't worry about the suspension - probably mega high at the back to accomodate that it can have a load of people sat in there. Ace vehicle!
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Kyle67
Part of things
Posts: 554
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Cryptic enough? ;D a) What I'm really after though is confirmation that the engine (2.7 non-turbo) is the same TD27 that's found in the Fairway taxis (making consumables a lot easier/cheaper, if so..) and general advice as to the best way to go about sourcing basics, and then onwards to less-basics, but still-simple trim-bits and trim-bobs such as blanking plates for switch-holes-with-no-switches, etc. D. Well, it is and it isn't as far as consumables go. Japs tend to use different parts(air filters are a common one)for their domestic market. The oil filter and fuel are easy to get but I'd be taking the air filter number for cross reference. Blanking plates are pretty common throughout the Nissan range, so a trip to the breakers will yield these. If you go on the web and find your nearest Blue Print stockest they will help with service parts. Economy wise, make sure the pump hasn't been turned down too far to get it through SVA. It kills the economy. Also check it hasn't had a pattern rear silencer, they aren't put together right and strangle the engine. The only cure for that is to cut the top of the silencer open and cut a large V into the first baffle plate to help the gasses escape. As for it sitting higher at the back, has it had the rear uprated for carrying more weight? it's not the first Homy I've seen like that. Hope that helps. |
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Last Edit: Dec 7, 2006 8:01:25 GMT by Kyle67
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The Homy is an updated E24 model same as the Nissan Caravan. The TD27T is the same basic engine as the TD27 but there are plenty of subtle differences which annoyingly cause various parts not to fit. I would think the heads would be interchangeable but that's purely a guess. I have the the same TD27T engine in my japanese import Terrano R3M and have already sorted most of the part numbers for service items like filters. Watch out if buying an oil filter as the one listed for a UK TD27 doesn't fit.
Keep it well services and make sure the tyres are up to pressure. If you find the autobox kicks out of overdrive on hills when cruising on motorways or A roads you can alway switch the box into hold mode (if you have that).
One of the big inconveniences with these autos is that while OD is speed AND load related, the torque converter lockup is only speed related so once engaged it won't disengage unless the box shifts down. That means that you often have the situation where there's enough power to pull up a hill in overdrive but because you are doing over 55mph the torque converter automatically locks up which effectively increases the gearing further. The box then shifts out of overdrive as the load to too high. You can wire the lockup solenoid to a switch so you can disable it manually.
You may be able to gain a degree of economy buy installing an intercooler and fitting a bigger exhaust and freeflow filter. Apparently this releases a good bit of power which in turn makes the engine have an easier time of it. I've yet to mod mine but next spring I'll probably do it.
As for the suspension, you torsion bars have sagged on the front. They do this after a while. You can adjust them very easily and the improvement in ride will be huge normally. When they sit that low then tend to bounce off the bumpstops on bumpy roads making for a jarring ride. At the rear end of the torsion bars there are adjusters. just make sure you adjust them both the same amount and lift the wieght off the front suspension when you do it. The bolts are usually very stiff so lots of WD40 on there first!
I had to do this with my E24 Caravan and the ride was super smooth afterward. I have another LWB Caravan for parts. It's a late one which might have the same dash as your Homy.
-Ed
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1962 Datsun Bluebird Estate - 1971 Datsun 510 SSS - 1976 Datsun 710 SSS - 1981 Dodge van - 1985 Nissan Cherry Europe GTi - 1988 Nissan Prairie - 1990 Hyundai Pony Pickup - 1992 Mazda MX5
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I can't help you with the suspension but I suspect what has already been written is all you need.
Re. economy and power, I recently met the Technical Director (Retired) of a well-known, nationwide mobile tuning firm. He's supplementing his pension selling oils and LPG equipment.
The advice he offered me (turbo diesel Patrol) was fit LPG. You only need a small tank, 10 litres max., and what is effectively a petrol carb jet fitted in the air intake. It only takes the slightest whiff of gas but it causes a complete burn of the diesel. Normally the burn is around 40-60%.
Results are incredibly cleaner exhaust, doubled power and more economy than parking the car up!!!
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Jet noise....the sound of freedom
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Great advice there from our resident Nissan masters!
Welcome to the board D.
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1962 Datsun Bluebird Estate - 1971 Datsun 510 SSS - 1976 Datsun 710 SSS - 1981 Dodge van - 1985 Nissan Cherry Europe GTi - 1988 Nissan Prairie - 1990 Hyundai Pony Pickup - 1992 Mazda MX5
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DutyFreeSaviour
Europe
Back For More heartbreak and disappointment.....
Posts: 2,944
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top ride - and the plate!!!! ;D ;D ;D I can only concur on the suspension front - sagged front torsion bars..... CAREFUL UNDOING 'EM!! As the others said - these vans end up like that - the stance is natural after a while! Can't remember seeing a 'level' one! |
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Back from the dead..... kind of
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d
Part of things
Posts: 60
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Fantastic! More information than I could've hoped for  Thanks guys! Will let you know how I get on with any fiddling... |
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d
Part of things
Posts: 60
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Okay, so hopefully tomorrow I'll have some news on bits n'bobs to finally solve my blowing engine (hot air pipe went buh-bye..) and finally get around to being able to sort the torsion bars, brakes and onwards. So now, the next bunch of questions.. a) Does anyone know where I might be able to find replacement window plastic bits? As in, the handles/blackplasticgubbins, as mine are a bit shonky to say the least.. b) Where would I even begin to look towards going about this LPG ignition lark? Are there fitters? Is this a common thing to be done? Or is it as hush hush as you made it sound? c) Replacement graphics.. The "ABBEY ROAD Planetarium.." sticker that was on the back has all but gone, and I think it'd be quite nice to have it back ;D Many thanks again..! |
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