Originally Posted by
discorevy
Yes, it won't run properly with the early ECU for sure, but the symptoms mentioned are also what happens with bad cam timing.
Attached is a pic of a NNN unit I have which predates the cut off in your link for the MSB101330, ( faded VIN but the last digits are 2A716030 ) very strange that they'd continue manufacture of MSB units after production of NNN units.
I'm not saying you're wrong, only that I haven't come across it in Australia.
Yes, good logic.
I'm guessing, but between someone fitting an earlier ECU ( and possibly selling the ( debatable ) NNN for more $$$ if , as the O.P. states he wasn't sure of the integrity of the previous owner, that the chances of them ( I'm thinking stereotypical used car yard ) also doing a head gasket and bodging it are quite high.
Even "specialist Landy repairers" get it wrong as they are only as good as the "Tech" working on it.
I have a spot in my workshop where I hang the old rocker cover gaskets over the years from 1 Perth independent Landy workshop ( I'm also sure they have shares in blue RTV silicone as everything from cam plugs, water pumps, oil cooler gaskets and rocker cover gaskets are covered in it ) that have got the cam timing so far out that the car has terrible performance.
3 of their previous customers have taken the car back, only to then come out with a remap as " yes, they go a lot better with a remap". ( the receipts tell the story )
Needless to say, the owners have been ecstatic when the cam timing and bump clearances have been set correctly.
There are 7 old gaskets hanging in that spot.
There has been more from other places, but they have gone in the bin.