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| ROADTESTS |
| SAC Nissan Hardbody 3000 4x2 16V TD |
 | Magazine | | | - Power Plus - | | Nissan's turbodiesel Hardbody is known for packing a sizable performance punch. | | More can be had, however, with a simple but very effective conversion from SAC | | Nissan's Turbodiesel Hardbody is known for packing a sizable performance punch. More can be had, however, with a simple but very effective conversion from SAC. | | When talking double cabs - and especially turbo diesel double cabs - straight-line performance isn't that high on the list of must haves. | |  | |
| Instead, manufacturers try to find the best compromise between pulling power and reasonable fuel consumption. |
| But having more power is always advantageous - and not simply for robot-to-robot racing. | | Having sufficient shove on hand is handy when overtaking or maintaining momentum up steep hills when the vehicle is fully laden. | | SAC is no anger to the world of engine conversions and has been doing so for longer than it cares to remember. Its latest project concerns the 3.0-litre 16-valve turbodiesel engine fitted to the Nissan hardbody and, after testing the vehicle for two weeks, proves to be an excellent investment. | |  | Brawn aplenty...
the SAC Hardbody leaves others choking in it's dust. | | |
Let's look at the numbers.
SAC claims that with the conversion, power rises from 105Kw for the standard engine to 128Kw, peaking at below 3000 r/min. |
| More importantly - especially for a vehicle as the Hardbody - torque rises from 314 Nm at 2 000 r/min to an impressive 390 Nm, climaxing at little over 2 500 r/min. |
| A fair share of that maximum torque is already available at little over idling speeds. |
| The conversion consists of a simple front-mounted Power Cooler (intercooler) and a Power Plug system, which includes a Dastek Unichip. |
| Costing R8 900 incl. VAT, it's about the most cost effective way to significantly boost the power output of the engine. |
| When we tested the standard Hardbody turbodiesel in June last year, the vehicle impressed with its strong midrange punch and purposeful acceleration. |
| It managed 0-100 km/h of 16,93 sec and covered the quarter mile in 20,21 sec at a terminal speed of 108,9 km/h. Top speed came to 160,3 km/h. |
| It has to be noted that the vehicle tested from SAC was a 4x2 double cab version that is lighter than the standard 4x4 version tested previously. |
| Still the results are hugely impressive. |
| To reach 100 km/h, the SAC Nissan needed 14,19 sec. |
| The quarter-mile passed in 14,32 sec at a terminal speed of 115,0 km/h. |
| Top speed registered at 168,7 km/h. |
| More impressive were the in-gear acceleration figures. |
| Whereas the standard Nissan required 15,06 sec and 21,88 sec to do the 60-100 km/h (fourth gear) and 80-120 km/h (fifth gear) runs respectively, the SAC truck did the same in 9,81 sec and 13,54 sec - a substantial improvement. |
| Away from the clock the SAC Hardbody remains impressive. |
| The overall driveability of the vehicle has increased measurably and feels far more eager and ready to respond. |
| Cruising on the highway becomes a fuss-free exercise with more than enough torque on hand to see the Hardbody over even the steepest hills in fifth gear. |
| Towing will also be no problem in this version. |
| There's always plenty of power in reserve for overtaking and if you don't watch yourself, crossing over the accepted speed limit become far too easy. |
| At the pumps, the SAC Hardbody was quite a bit thirstier than the standard model - which is to be expected considering the added performance potential. |
| In and around town, we saw up to 16,3 L/100 km while on the open road that would drop to below 12 L/100 km. |
| Considering the substantial performance increase and added driving enjoyment, this particular SAC is a must for Hardbody owners. |
| | Standard Hardbody | SAC Hardbody | | 0 - 100 km | 16,93 sec | 14,19 sec | | 1/4 Mile | 20,21 sec | 19,32 sec | | 1 km sprint | 37,73 sec | 35,74 sec | | Top Speed | 160,3 km/h | 168,7 sec | | 60 - 100 km/h (4th) | 15,06 sec | 9,81 sec | | 80 - 120 km/h (5th) | 21,88 sec | 13,54 sec | |
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| Performance / power conversions, modifications, engine upgrades available for Alfa, Audi, BMW, Chev, Chrysler, Colt, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Jeep, Kia, Mazda, Mercedes, Mini, Nissan, Opel, Toyota, VW and more... |
