rb20det and rb25det swap info (clarification)

[placham]

Hello,

I'm planing on droping in a RB20DET or RB25DET into my '90 240sx coupe some time this year.I have read different post on this forum but I'm still not clear on some areas of the engine compatibility with 240sx.(I'm not an noobe when it come to cars, I might not know everything but I'm willing to learn through forums like these, and yes I have looked through different post in this forum pertaining to this subject.)

Ok, if I go with the RB20DET, parts that usually come with motor set are; complete engine block, transmission, uncut wiring harness,ECM( these are just the basic parts list needed, I know there are some other small pieces needed).Do I need anything else besides these parts from R32 to make it work with 240sx, is there anything "custom made" needed to make it work or is it "parts friendly"(interchangeable) with 240sx?240sx 5spd driveshaft works with RB20DET trans right?Does the original trans member from RB20DET bolt up to 240sx, or do i have to use 240sx member?Does the R32 RB20DET side mount intercooler fit the 240sx?How does the power steering work (custom lines needed or use stock ones) I have '90 240sx, Do I have to convert to '92+ 240sx driver side mounted power steering reservoir and does that work with RB20DET?RB20DET transmission Speedometer is driven off of a cable, and 240sx gauge is electric right, How would one go about making it work?Do I have to convert to the '92+ gauge cluster?Does the r32 gauge cluster work in the S13, if fitted with speedo gear cable?Is there any clearance issues with RB20DET turbo (O2) elbow/down pipe and the steering shaft/rack and pinion?If I missed something important please let me know, I'm not worried about the wiring harness work i feel comfortable working with electronics, so that should be the easy part especially when working with wiring diagrams.

Ok, if I go with the RB25DET with same parts as listed above /!\Is there any parts that are interchangeable with the RB25DET and the 240sx, or is most of it have to be custom ex; driveshaft, engine mounts, transmission mount? Is there any substitutes from different cars?Again is there any clearance issues with turbo elbow/down pipe and steering shaft/rack and pinion?Is there any other way of telling and difference between a RB25DET series I and RB25DET series II ( on way I can tell is the ignitor is on top of the coil pack cover towards the back of engine on series I right?

This may be kind of retarded but does the RB25DET GREDDY intake plenum fit the RB20DET ( I know they have different injector design Top feed, and side feed right)?Same about the exhaust manifold are they interchangeable/the same between the two engines?

How do you guys like your engines RB20DET, or RB25DET and was the work worth it in the end of getting the engine running/ are you pleased with the end result?

Sorry that I have written a lot but those are some of the things that I still need to look into befor deciding of the engine type.I'm thinking of buying the RB20DET. I like the RB25DET as well but it seems that the engine is kind of pricey and there are a lot of custom parts needed just to install it into the chassis, not mentioning buying the aftermarket parts for it, and my budget is around $2500 for engine and parts, I'm not looking for anything special, just a nice daily driver.

Is 300 to 400 hp possible on a stock RB20DET bottom end?And where would I get a front mount intercooler (ki) for either RB20DET or RB25DET (they are both similar) or do I have to piece a kit together my self?

THANKS, if you don't want to, you don't have to respond to any of this, if you thing this seems stupid to you, either way PEACE,MATT

PS. I'm not on-line every day as I have to drive a semi truck during the day(hopefully not for long), so if I don't respond soon don't get mad. <^.....^>

[l0nestar]

If you only have $2500 for your total budget, go KA-T. RB20 is weak sauce. This has been discussed quite a few times (pricing wise). (Personally my R33 RB25 S1 clip was around $4 g's (with shipping) from Jarco. ) Honestly, look into KA-T, that is what we are doing on my wifes 'Vert. Seriously. Not too hard to make 300 WHP especially on your budget, and your not adding nearly the ammount of weight as you would with the straight 6.

HTH

l0nestar.

*edit*

Look here: zerothread/135400top of RB Forum:

RB20 Cons:-intake manifold flange is diffrent from rb25 (greddy manfold does not bolt on)

No dice :-\

[placham]

Your going with a RB25DET front clip, Do you need anything else besides the parts that come in the clip.

Are you going to use the r33 crossmember, and are you going to need custom mounts even with the front clip ex:Mckinney Motorsports engine/trans mounts(which are about $650)?

Do you also have to get a custom driveshaft, or does the one from r33 work in the 240sx? I know some front clips come with driveshaft and even the rear-end with VLSD( know that most JARCO ones come like that in that price range)

So your oppinion about the RB20DET is that its not worth the effort?

KA-T would mean that I would need a DOHC cylinder head as I have the SOHC KA24E (I know there are KA24E-T out there but KA24DE-T has more aftermarket parts and they are more common), besides that I have allready decide to go with the RB series motor. Thats why I'm at looking at parts needed to install Rb20DET or RB25DET into S chassis as that will determine my choice of motor.

I just neede the parts list for each of the engines into the S13, and what parts they are?Because the engine costs a XXX amount of money and there are also parts neede for each of those engines to make them work, and tos parts cost also a XXX amount of money. I'm just trying to figure out the total cost needed to make them work. And I said $2500 as my budget, which would be my goal that can go eaither way +/- . I'm not comparing the RB20DET with the RB25DET, because each engine is unique in it's own way. And I have seen many RB20DET's in 240sx's.

Thanks for your response

[Darius]

Not to be mean or anything but $2500 is not going to get you anywhere near a complete RB20 or 25 swap. The only way that is possible is if you fabricate your own mounts and driveshaft, fans, intake, AND get the motor for $2500 shipped. Remember that shipping is around $300-500. That +/- really should stand for +$3000 after all is said and done. I have heard of guys going KA-T for $1200, but that is after finding sweet deals. You could have a pretty damn fast 240 for $2500 in motor modifications. Just depends on your ultimate power goals, which you haven't mentioned. I'd say with your budget and goal for a "nice daily driver", I would stick with the KA.

[Joe]

Your going with a RB25DET front clip, Do you need anything else besides the parts that come in the clip.

Are you going to use the r33 crossmember, and are you going to need custom mounts even with the front clip ex:Mckinney Motorsports engine/trans mounts(which are about $650)?

Do you also have to get a custom driveshaft, or does the one from r33 work in the 240sx? I know some front clips come with driveshaft and even the rear-end with VLSD( know that most JARCO ones come like that in that price range)

So your oppinion about the RB20DET is that its not worth the effort?

KA-T would mean that I would need a DOHC cylinder head as I have the SOHC KA24E (I know there are KA24E-T out there but KA24DE-T has more aftermarket parts and they are more common), besides that I have allready decide to go with the RB series motor. Thats why I'm at looking at parts needed to install Rb20DET or RB25DET into S chassis as that will determine my choice of motor.

I just neede the parts list for each of the engines into the S13, and what parts they are?Because the engine costs a XXX amount of money and there are also parts neede for each of those engines to make them work, and tos parts cost also a XXX amount of money. I'm just trying to figure out the total cost needed to make them work. And I said $2500 as my budget, which would be my goal that can go eaither way +/- . I'm not comparing the RB20DET with the RB25DET, because each engine is unique in it's own way. And I have seen many RB20DET's in 240sx's.

Thanks for your response

yes you need more with a RB25 clip, still going to need a custom driveshaft (r33 will not work), fans and a ton of little things that people forget about.

i always piss people off when i say this, but this is the way it is

RB26> RB25> SR20=KA-t > RB20.

please search, this has been covered more times than i can count. a "just barley enough" budget is a bad way to do an engine swap. i highly advise against it.

[l0nestar]

placham,

When I ordered my clip, I added the complete VLSD K-Member from the clip that I bought for $150 (Also included 5-lug with caliper). I also got the 2-piece drive shaft, GTS-T fuel pump. Not to be rude, but I have from the begining planned on spending around $10k if not more. Back to the matter at hand:

When you purchase a clip, you get like half the items you need to complete the task. Buy a clip, use the R33 X-Member, stock mounts, etc (Thanks Kamin!).

Just search man!

A used DE can be had for 2-300 or less possibly at a local yard. Get it built, Megan Header, T3/T04E, full exhaust, FMIC, new injectors, pump, DS, S-AFC, coil, and have 300 WHP goodness. Oh yeah, and spend some of the $3k+ on a set of coil-overs or suspension upgrades / poly bushings.

[skillzilla]

RB26> RB25> SR20=KA-t > RB20.

I disagree, mainly because Ive never seen a KA-T that lasts. They are either blowing up or never running good in the first place.

SR20 vs RB20, thats a judgement call. Of course modding an SR is cheaper, but its also cheaper than modding an RB25, so you could say that as well. They make about the same power, but the RB20 can make more safely with stock internals.

Bah, its pointless to make lists in the first place IMHO, so back on topic.

[Joe]

I disagree, mainly because Ive never seen a KA-T that lasts. They are either blowing up or never running good in the first place.

SR20 vs RB20, thats a judgement call. Of course modding an SR is cheaper, but its also cheaper than modding an RB25, so you could say that as well. They make about the same power, but the RB20 can make more safely with stock internals.

Bah, its pointless to make lists in the first place IMHO, so back on topic.

hehe ive seen many kat's that last, but many also do not.

and as for sr vs rb20, oy we could go for hours.

IMO, it boils down to parts availability. both are gonna cost you about the same amount of money to swap, both are gonna make about the same amount of power, both can be upgraded to nearly the same power but it costs more to upgrade the RB and replacment parts for when something breaks are harder to find and more epxensive.

[skillzilla]

hehe ive seen many kat's that last, but many also do not.

and as for sr vs rb20, oy we could go for hours.

IMO, it boils down to parts availability. both are gonna cost you about the same amount of money to swap, both are gonna make about the same amount of power, both can be upgraded to nearly the same power but it costs more to upgrade the RB and replacment parts for when something breaks are harder to find and more epxensive.

couldnt have said it better myself

[gtrperformance]

Prices for the RB20 are way off. I just bought one from Superior Trading International and I paid $1600 plus $325 shiping. I got the frontclip, R32 subframe with lugs, VLSD, calipers, driveshaft, etc. They have a website. Get their number and call them. Talk turkey and you can get a nice deal.

[SeVa-S13]

RB26> RB25> SR20=KA-t > RB20.

As long as people keep believing that BS, I'm happy.