Best Exhaust for Nissan Patrol GU
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The Honest Guide for GU Y61 Owners
The Nissan Patrol GU (Y61) is one of the most capable and enduring 4x4s ever built for Australian conditions. Whether you're running a diesel workhorse or a big block petrol the GU has a reputation for going places other vehicles won't even attempt. But the factory exhaust? It was never the highlight of the package.
We've built exhaust systems for the GU across every engine variant it came with and it's one of the platforms we know inside out. Here's a straight talking guide to what we offer, which system suits your engine and what you'll actually notice after fitting one.
Which Engine Does Your GU Run?
The GU Patrol had a long production run from 1997 all the way through to 2016 and came with a surprisingly wide range of engines across diesel and petrol. Picking the right exhaust starts with knowing exactly what you've got under the bonnet.
4.2L TD42 — The Legend
If there's one engine that defines the GU for most Australians it's the TD42. This inline six turbo diesel is bulletproof, torquey and has powered more outback trips than we can count. The factory exhaust however, is a genuine bottleneck particularly once you start towing or adding mods.
We offer the 3" Turbo Back Exhaust for the GU TD42 Wagon (1997–2016) as our flagship system for this engine. Mandrel bent 409 stainless steel from the turbo outlet all the way to the tip no crush bends, no restrictions. For ute owners we have dedicated systems for both leaf rear suspension and coil rear suspension configurations because the routing is different and fitment matters. If you're doing a staged build or just need to replace the dump pipe we also stock the TD42 Dump Pipe as a standalone.
2.8L RD28 — The Early GU Diesel
The RD28 turbo diesel was fitted to early GU models from 1997 to 2005. It's a capable engine that responds well to exhaust upgrades better turbo spool, lower EGTs and a noticeable improvement in driveability. Our 3" Turbo Back Exhaust for the GU RD28 (1997–2005) is built to the same spec as our TD42 system. Need just the dump pipe? The RD28 Dump Pipe is available separately.
3.0L ZD30 — The Common Rail
The ZD30 common rail diesel came in later GU models from 2004 onwards and is a different beast to the older diesels more modern, more sensitive to exhaust backpressure and genuinely rewarding when you free up the exhaust flow. We offer the 3" Turbo Back Exhaust for the GU ZD30 Wagon (2004–2016), plus dedicated Ute systems for leaf rear and coil rear configurations.
4.5L TB45E — The Big Petrol
The TB45E is a 4.5-litre inline six petrol that came in early GU wagons from 1997 to 2001. It's a smooth, powerful engine that benefits from better exhaust flow particularly through the extractors. We offer a 2.5" Full System with Extractor for the complete upgrade or a Cat Back Exhaust if you're keeping your existing extractors.
4.8L TB48 — The Later Petrol
The TB48 replaced the TB45E from 2001 and ran through to the end of GU production in 2015. It's a bigger, more refined engine and one of the better petrol options in a large 4x4. We have three options: the 2.5" Full System with Extractor, a standalone Extractor Only if you want to keep your existing cat-back, or the Cat Back Exhaust for a bolt-on improvement from the cat back.
At a Glance — Outback Exhausts Systems for the Nissan Patrol GU (Y61)
| System | Engine | Body | Years | Type | Pipe Size | Price (AUD) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turbo Back Exhaust | 4.2L TD42 | Wagon | 1997–2016 | Turbo Back | 3" | From $1,385 | View System |
| Turbo Back Exhaust | 4.2L TD42 | Ute (Leaf Rear) | 1997–2016 | Turbo Back | 3" | From $1,395 | View System |
| Turbo Back Exhaust | 4.2L TD42 | Ute (Coil Rear) | 1997–2016 | Turbo Back | 3" | From $1,395 | View System |
| Dump Pipe | 4.2L TD42 | Wagon/Ute | 1997–2016 | Dump Pipe Only | — | $499 | View System |
| Turbo Back Exhaust | 2.8L RD28 | Wagon | 1997–2005 | Turbo Back | 3" | From $1,323 | View System |
| Dump Pipe | 2.8L RD28 | Wagon | 1997–2005 | Dump Pipe Only | — | $499 | View System |
| Turbo Back Exhaust | 3.0L ZD30 | Wagon | 2004–2016 | Turbo Back | 3" | From $1,200 | View System |
| Turbo Back Exhaust | 3.0L ZD30 | Ute (Leaf Rear) | 2008–2016 | Turbo Back | 3" | From $1,200 | View System |
| Turbo Back Exhaust | 3.0L ZD30 | Ute (Coil Rear) | 2008–2016 | Turbo Back | 3" | From $1,200 | View System |
| Exhaust with Extractor | 4.5L TB45E | Wagon | 1997–2001 | Full System + Extractor | 2.5" | From $1,998 | View System |
| Cat Back Exhaust | 4.5L TB45E | Wagon | 1997–2001 | Cat Back | 2.5" | $1,095 | View System |
| Exhaust with Extractor | 4.8L TB48 | Wagon | 2001–2015 | Full System + Extractor | 2.5" | $2,115 | View System |
| Extractor Only | 4.8L TB48 | Wagon | 2001–2015 | Extractor | — | From $859 | View System |
| Cat Back Exhaust | 4.8L TB48 | Wagon | 2001–2015 | Cat Back | 2.5" | $1,095 | View System |
Why Upgrade Your GU Exhaust?
The GU is a platform people keep for a long time and for good reason. A quality exhaust upgrade is one of the best investments you can make in it whether you're running it as a daily, a tow vehicle or a serious touring rig.
Lower EGTs on the Diesels
Exhaust gas temperatures are the number one concern for GU diesel owners especially when towing or climbing in hot conditions. A free flowing 3" system moves spent gases out faster, keeping EGTs in a safe range and protecting your engine on the long hauls that GUs are built for.
Better Turbo Response
Whether it's the TD42, RD28 or ZD30 all three diesel engines in the GU respond noticeably to a proper exhaust upgrade. Less backpressure means the turbo spools faster, throttle response sharpens up and the engine just feels more willing. It's one of those mods where you feel it immediately.
More Power and Torque from the Petrol Engine's
The TB45E and TB48 are big engines that breathe better with a proper extractor setup. Freeing up the exhaust flow improves scavenging which translates to more torque through the mid range exactly where you need it when you're loaded up and heading off road.
Stainless Steel That Lasts
Every system we build uses 409 stainless steel the right grade for automotive exhaust applications. It handles the heat cycles, the water crossings and the corrugated outback tracks without rusting out. If you've replaced a mild steel exhaust before you'll know exactly why this matters.
Australian Made, Australian Fit
Our systems are engineered and manufactured in Australia. That means the fitment is precise, the materials are suited to our climate and you're not waiting on international shipping. Every system is bolt on no cutting, no custom fabrication required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a GU exhaust system fit without modification?
Yes all of our GU systems are designed as bolt on replacements using the factory mounting points. No cutting or custom fabrication is needed. That said we always recommend a professional install if you're not experienced with exhaust work particularly on the diesel systems where correct fitment at the turbo outlet is important.
What's the difference between turbo back, cat back, and extractor systems?
A turbo back system replaces everything from the turbo outlet to the tip it's the most comprehensive upgrade and delivers the biggest gains on diesel engines. A cat back system replaces everything from the catalytic converter back which is a good option if your front pipe and cat are still in good condition. An extractor system (on the petrol engines) replaces the exhaust manifold with a performance header improving exhaust scavenging and flow from the engine itself.
Do I need a tune after fitting a new exhaust?
For most GU applications a tune isn't strictly required after fitting an exhaust alone. However, if you're combining the exhaust with other modifications like an intake, intercooler or injector upgrade a tune will help you get the most out of the combination. On its own the exhaust will deliver noticeable improvements in response and EGTs.
Why are there different Ute systems for leaf and coil rear suspension?
The GU Ute came with different rear suspension configurations depending on the year and spec and the exhaust routing differs between them. We build dedicated systems for each configuration to ensure correct fitment and clearance — it's worth checking which setup your Ute has before ordering.
What warranty do these systems carry?
All of our stainless steel exhaust systems carry a 5-year warranty. We stand behind the quality of our materials and workmanship if something's not right, we'll sort it out.
Ready to Upgrade Your GU?
The Patrol GU deserves an exhaust that matches its capability. Whether you're running a diesel workhorse or a big petrol. We've got a system built specifically for your engine and body configuration.
Browse the full GU range below:
- Turbo Back Exhaust — GU TD42 4.2L Wagon (1997–2016)
- Turbo Back Exhaust — GU TD42 4.2L Ute Leaf Rear (1997–2016)
- Turbo Back Exhaust — GU TD42 4.2L Ute Coil Rear (1997–2016)
- Dump Pipe — GU TD42 4.2L (1997–2016)
- Turbo Back Exhaust — GU RD28 2.8L Wagon (1997–2005)
- Dump Pipe — GU RD28 2.8L (1997–2005)
- Turbo Back Exhaust — GU ZD30 3.0L Wagon (2004–2016)
- Turbo Back Exhaust — GU ZD30 3.0L Ute Leaf Rear (2008–2016)
- Turbo Back Exhaust — GU ZD30 3.0L Ute Coil Rear (2008–2016)
- Exhaust with Extractor — GU TB45E 4.5L Wagon (1997–2001)
- Cat Back Exhaust — GU TB45E 4.5L Wagon (1997–2001)
- Exhaust with Extractor — GU TB48 4.8L Wagon (2001–2015)
- Extractor Only — GU TB48 4.8L Wagon (2001–2015)
- Cat Back Exhaust — GU TB48 4.8L Wagon (2001–2015)
