What is needed to swap a RB into a 240sx? *FAQ*

Post by **koukicody** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 7:37 pm

sigh. quick dumb question. i thought i remember reading that if you use the r32 x-member for a rb20 swap in a s13/s14 you wont be able to use the s13/s14 front swaybar.

is this true and if so, is there a fix for this?

just wondering for my own info and to put the info out there for everyone else.

Post by **j2549k** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 11:11 am

i need a wire diagram for my rb20 so i can put it in my 240sx and i need to see a bracket pic of the trottle cable if some one can help please email me at [email protected] thanks

Post by **zdonner** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 7:00 am

RB26DETT Swap to a S14;RB26DETT - $3400 est.Z32 Tranny Mated to RB26 Bell housing - Bell housing - $0/Tranny - ~$350 est.Custom Driveshaft - $300 estRB25 Oil Pan - $169.99McKinney Mounts - $550McKinney DP(s) - $500Radiator (Aftermarket) - ~$300 TypicallyRadiator Hoses - $115Electric Fans - $225 estThermostat - $70 estTach Adapter (Personally going to send my cluster to LS Automotive or use a Skyline cluster) - $XXXFront Mount Intercooler - McKinney offers piping + Core + couplers and T-bolt clamps - $850Clutch - Many optionsO2 Housing Adapter - $80 One of those "Why not?" sort of thingsWiring - ~$359 to have it done professionally

Misc Maint:Water Pump - $89.99Oil Pump - $289.99Timing Belt + tensioner ect - Belt $125 Greddy/Tensioner $149.99Spark plugs - $20 estAccessories belts - complete guess $50-$100Speed Sensor - $XXXOil + Filter - Personal preference

Total$8043.96That's not a complete total as you can see as well as it does not include shipping on any items. Nor a exhaust system or any extra items.

I've been toying with this idea or a RB25 for a while now and there is not much of a difference in overall cost, the RB25 motor set might save you about $1000, and the DP would be about $100 cheaper, you won't need the oil pan and you won't need another transmission but if you're going to spend $7000+ what's another $1400; Twin Turbos .1 L of displacement, one bad-*** engine and some bragging rights

To acquire the parts and drive the car down the road this should do it, I may be forgetting something so let me know.

This is a list that balances low cost with quality parts so not cutting any corners but having shopped around A LITTLE. If anyone can add to this with better prices please let me know.

Post by **twofortyridaS13** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 7:02 am

To those that have swapped an rb20 into an s13 kade. So whats the best route, r32 crossmember, mckinney mounts, or in house setup? Mckinney is going to cost the most. In house cheapest but pain in the ***. R32 xmember not too expensive and less pain. After reading all these rb threads nothing is clear mounting the engine other than I know the 20 is the way to go for me. I just want to know what you did and how well or not so much it worked for you. If you went custom do you wish you had got the mckinney mounts? Or if you bought mckinney do you wish you had gone r32 and saved a few bucks? I just need some clarification on this. Thanks

Post by **Coolwhip** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 9:45 am

I've used all mounting methods listed for various RB's. Just go OEM xmember.

Post by **twofortyridaS13** » Wed Apr 23, 2008 9:29 pm

Forgive me for sounding like a noob but I just started seriously considering the rb20 for past 2 months(was on zilvia/ka-t for 1.5yr)For the sake of my pockets or mental health? Or both. Which rbs have you done?

I just realized this makes no sense and i have forgot where I was going with it so delete it please. Thanks.
Modified by twofortyridaS13 at 10:57 PM 5/1/2008

Post by **grayWATERS** » Thu May 01, 2008 12:39 pm

Which one is the best to do r32 x-member and stock mounts, or ka x-member and mckinney mounts???

Post by **DJButton** » Thu May 01, 2008 1:16 pm

R32 x-member and stock mounts best way to go, no question about it.

Post by **1990tsi** » Mon May 05, 2008 11:05 pm

I am almost finished an RB20 swap, I will give my pointers, as every swap seems to be different.

I started with a wrecked skyline, paid $1000cdn for everything.

My swap is a little different, as I started with an automatic sohc 89 coupe.

I'm using R32 x-member. Fits pretty well but my turbo elbow won't clear on the steering. 6 bolt turbo flange seems hard to come by. I'm looking into a custom one, but first I will be taking a grinder to my stock elbow (have 2 spares, not hugely concerned about wrecking one)Motor does sit high, so far my hood won't close but only hits on the PCV outlet hose. once I have that figured I'll know what else I have to notch out.X-member difference for anyone curious

Throttle cable plate people are talking about - My donor skyline had cruise control and I was able to slightly bend the 'other' cable holder so my stock S13 throttle cable fits and works perfectly. Maybe dohc S13s have different throttle cables, or non cruise control Skylines have different cable holders (the one on the manifold)pic

speedo signal- skyline uses a cable for the speedo, S13 uses an electronic signal. I am not entirely sure on the fix for this, I'm assuming the dohc sensor fits the RB20 transmission. What I can guarantee is that the AUTO sohc speed sensor does not fit in the RB20 tranny. I'm picking up a dohc 5 speed sensor this week and will find out!

wiring- I used this guide and it was pretty helpful http://www.nicoclub.com/articles.php?id=225177

Wasn't perfect though. I had no power to my coilpacks when I was done. I found the main power wire for the coils (fat white wire) and followed it to the cabin, through the firewall. It was on one of the 2 green plugs. This wire needs ignition power and when I unplugged my harness I didn't take whatever was plugged into those green plugs! Found 12v ignition coming from another wire in the 2nd green plug and *temporarily* hooked that up to start the car. I will be running a fused line to it when I'm finished the swap.

auto-5 speed swap. I used this guide http://www.nicoclub.com/articles.php?id=183606

and it helped me out quite a bit, but still had one little issue. My key wouldn't come out.plugged the auto shifter back in and figured out which wires triggered the park switch and jumpered them. all of a sudden it clicked and my key came out!Wires in question for anyone else in my shoes

yellow/red and blue/black get spliced for the key fix.

Post by **1990tsi** » Mon May 12, 2008 7:35 pm

Quick update:DOHC S13 speed sensor does fit into RB tranny 100%

Power steering lines are not fun to install if you have a SOHC and want to run DOHC lines. X members are different enough to make it a pain in the *** to hook up properly even with a DOHC resovoir. It's do-able though.

Hood hits on PCV line and intake manifold, small spot on intake mani where TB bolts up.

Post by **slowmz3** » Tue May 13, 2008 2:43 pm

quick question, i'm sure has been answered before.

so, if you buy the after market full adjustable mounting kit for the rb20 to throw in a s13, will you still need the rb20 crossmember? granted, the clip will come with it anyway.

thanks!

Post by **redman** » Thu May 15, 2008 9:00 pm

which model of aluminium radiator can I put on 180sx with RB20DET swap?

Koyo or mishimoto for CA18 , SR20 , RB , other ??

Post by **1990tsi** » Sun May 18, 2008 10:58 pm

The $$$ mounts are for the S13 x-member.

using the R32 x-member saves you the $$$ in mounts, although you need to notch your hood and will require special attention to the turbo elbow. Turbo wlbow may need work with the $$$ kits as well, I havn't used them before.

My front sway bar hits the oil pan a bit as well, $$$ mounts should get rid of that.

Post by **RizzoTK** » Mon May 19, 2008 6:56 pm

I have a previously sohc s13 that now has a rb25det (using r32 x-member and syko mount kit) I also have the Greddy intake manifold. My ? is what throttle cable have you guys used? my sohc one is not long enough.

Post by **1990tsi** » Mon May 26, 2008 8:55 am

I'm using a SOHC cable, but with your intake manifold being different you should need a different cable. I don't know which cable to reccomend, you'll have to measure and see how long you need, and nissan should be able to help you out after that.

As for the Turbo elbow/Downpipe clearance issue, I have found a solution!

Pics and description will come as soon as I get longer bolts to make sure it works as it should!

Post by **Coolwhip** » Tue May 27, 2008 5:29 am

The throttle cable issue can be address by simply lengthening it with home depot supplies. Carl as well as others have covered it in these forums.

Post by **redman** » Thu Jun 05, 2008 10:15 pm

Does the SSA fmic for R32 GTST can will put on a 180sx with RB20 convertion ?

thanks a lot

Post by **Coolwhip** » Fri Jun 06, 2008 6:46 am

redman wrote:Does the SSA fmic for R32 GTST can will put on a 180sx with RB20 convertion ?

thanks a lot

whatever SSA means ??? But yea, with alittle work you'll be able to use a R32 GTST FMIC kit on a S-Chassis RB swapped car.

Post by **redman** » Sat Jun 07, 2008 10:15 pm

SSA is just an example of fmic kit (SS Autochrome / XS Power)

Post by **yotik** » Sat Jul 12, 2008 1:43 pm

did you ever find out if the bolts worked? and if so what was the solution?

Post by **KlanjacOFF** » Sat Jul 12, 2008 8:29 pm

Alright so the FSM states to lube the CAS. What lube should be used? I was thinking white lithium grease.

Post by **KlanjacOFF** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 9:48 am

bump?

Post by **Butters08** » Mon Aug 04, 2008 11:27 am

i am doing an rb26dett into an s13 and had some trouble fitting the rb25 oil pan on that i was told to buy. first off the 25 pan is too shallow be about a half inch for the 26 oil pickup. also the baffling plates on the motor and the oil pan do not allow clearance in the rear. to fix this i used a n sr20 oil pick up and it bolts right up perfectly. and simply broke the spot welds of the rear baffles on the oil pan and removed the rear baffles fins on the motor itself. the edge of the oil pan touching the pickup needs to be beat out a little bit and the lip flattened with new hole drilled to fit the factory holes . any questions just reply cause this all worked for me.

Post by **viral5523** » Mon Aug 04, 2008 12:08 pm

Just wondering, Would I need an aftermarket Radiator/specific for the RB25 swap? Could I use just new radiator hoses for my KA24 Aluminum Radiator? Im asking becuase the list does not specify and it would suck to have to buy a new one.

Post by **Butters08** » Mon Aug 04, 2008 6:17 pm

i would strongly recomend using an aftermarket koyo rad that is for the ka cause that will bolt right in and the outletswill match that of the 25 and of course get new rad hoses a total of 325 dollar may be spent but its very well worth it.

Post by **Butters08** » Mon Aug 04, 2008 6:20 pm

i would get a koyo for the ka cause the outlets will match the 25 and its well worth it

Post by **viral5523** » Mon Aug 04, 2008 7:20 pm

I already have a full aluminum radiator, thanks for the info. I just wasnt sure if the outlets would line up. I made a list with estimated prices. (Let me know if there is anything I may be missing)

RB25DET Swap Into ‘95 S14 240SXParts Needed:RB25DET Engine RB25 5spd TransmissionRB25 MT ECURB25 Complete Engine Wiring HarnessIgniter ChipMAF SensorIntake ManifoldExhaust ManifoldTurboAlternatorA/C CompressorFuel Rail & InjectorsPower Steering PumpStarterCoil PacksClutchFlywheel Above Estimated Package Price: 2400.0

Other Parts needed:Custom Drive Shaft (One-piece preferred) 450.0 (McKinneyMotorsports.com*/Off-Road Shop)Custom DownPipe (3-Inch Mandrel Bent) 220.00 (McKinneyMotorsports.com/Muffler Shop)RB25 > S14 Engine/Tranny Mount Kit 550.00 (McKinneyMotorsports.com)Front-Mount Intercooler(Black) 170.00 (Mishimoto Core)Custom Intercooler Piping 250.00 Walbro 255 Fuel Pump 120.00Clutch Kit 400.00Flexa-lite electric fans 200.00Custom Throttle Cable Bracket 25.00 (Or just make one yourself) Above Estimated Price: 2385.00

Recommended Parts:Accessory Belts (Gates) Alternator - K040335 16.00 A/C - K040358 18.00 P/S - K030328 16.00Water Pump RB25 170.00Oil Pump 290.00Timing Belt 130.00Spark Plugs 30.00Oil Filter 7.00Engine Oil 50.00 Above Estimated Price: 727.00

Total Estimated Engine Swap Cost: USD $5512

And all the work by myself of course.One more question, Assuming all goes well, how long would the swap take?
Modified by viral5523 at 7:23 PM 8/7/2008

Post by **Butters08** » Tue Aug 05, 2008 11:38 am

for the swap i would at least do ac delete cause that will ease some trouble of fitting the motor. tophatperfomance.com has motor mounts for the 25 and 26 that are only 299.00 dolla and they are pretty decent and can save you money. also i would buy a new slave cylinder cause they usually cut those off. they are like 60 bucks. when i think of more i'll let you know

Post by **viral5523** » Tue Aug 05, 2008 11:47 am

Sounds good, If I were to get the tophat mounts, I would have to go to a local shop for the driveshaft correct? or would the mckinney shaft work?

Post by **Butters08** » Sat Aug 09, 2008 6:25 pm

actually you can buy a drive shaft from top hat for $399 that fits great.. i bought my mounts and drive shaft from them.

What is needed to swap a RB into a 240sx? FAQ

Re: What is needed to swap a RB into a 240sx? FAQ (Khash)

Re: What is needed to swap a RB into a 240sx? FAQ (RB20DETodd)

Re: What is needed to swap a RB into a 240sx? FAQ (j2549k)

Re: What is needed to swap a RB into a 240sx? FAQ (zdonner)

Re: (Coolwhip)

Re: (twofortyridaS13)

Re: (grayWATERS)

Re: (1990tsi)

Re: (slowmz3)

Re: (RizzoTK)

Re: (redman)

Re: (1990tsi)

Re: (KlanjacOFF)

rb26dett into s13

Re: What is needed to swap a RB into a 240sx? FAQ (Joe)

Re: What is needed to swap a RB into a 240sx? FAQ (viral5523)

Re: What is needed to swap a RB into a 240sx? FAQ (viral5523)

Re: What is needed to swap a RB into a 240sx? FAQ (Butters08)

Re: What is needed to swap a RB into a 240sx? FAQ (viral5523)

Re: What is needed to swap a RB into a 240sx? FAQ (Butters08)

Re: What is needed to swap a RB into a 240sx? FAQ (viral5523)

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