Complete basic install parts and questions, RB20DET

[dareo]

Looking for a list of parts needed (in addition to a front clip) to do an RB20DET install on a 89 and 90 240sx. From what i know, it bolts in, stock exhaust can work, SMIC can work, wiring can be done without spending anything. Initially, for my red 240sx, i'd just want to install the motor so the car runs again. If it has a sweet exhaust system or a shiny intercooler or not i dont care. What will i need besides a clip-trip to Venus? Is the RB20DET going to be more expensive/harder to put in than a CA18DET? Were gonna do the labor ourselves, buying tools and learning stuff instead of paying for a professional install.

Initial costs:Front clip-1500Fresh Clutch- about 150, maxima clutch for RB20DET isnt it?little parts like plugs/filters/hoses as needed-$100Possibly motormounts, Nismo $?Electric fan(s) $100?

Desired parts:3" downpipe, Cat, Catback exhaust setupFMICguages and boost controller.fuel pump upgraderadiator upgrade

Important Questions:

Can i get my red one up and running turbo style for under 2k? What clutch for sure fits the RB20DET?

Where do you guys go for headgaskets and timing belts and that type of stuff?

Is the RB20DET going to be an engine we would need to replace a lot of gasket/pump type parts on? If so, would it be wiser to go CA18DET (just as old or older) and enjoy the Autozone parts selection?

My friend wants to buy my non-running red 240 and go down for clips with me. Were both on livin' at home $8/hour part-time job kind of budgets, so we have to see as many of those 'little expenses' as possible before they pop up on us.

Whats going to be the best budget swap, RB20 or CA18? Consider first PRICE, parts (cost and how hard is it to get them), stock power, reliability and daily driveability, and last but surely not least engine smoothness and coolness factors. RB20 or CA18 will be ran stock for a while until more money builds up.

[PROJECTRB240SX]

ARE YOU DOING POWER STEERING? IF SO YOU NEED TO MAKE CUSTOM PS LINES.

THE CLUTCH IS A 300ZX N/A 90-96, I KNOW BECUASE I HAVE DONE IT.

WE DID MY INSTALL FOR THE COST OF A CLIP, FUEL LINES, OIL AND FUEL FILTER, SOME VACUUM HOSING, NEW CLUTCH, POWERSTEERING LINES, SPARK PLUGS, AND VARIOUS BOLTS AND PIPING. SO MY INSTALL COST LESS THAN $2K IN HARD PARTS MY LABOR IS FREE.

MOTOR MOUNTS SHOULDN'T BE AN ISSUE, BUT IT DEPENDS ON THE CLIPS CONDITION.

[PsiloX]

I agree. My install cost about $2k total, after new water pump, clutch and ignition coils.

[dareo]

From what i understand, it is possible to rig (bend) power steering with an RB20DET and a SOHC S13. What are you using for a water pump Psilox?

Were debating between swapping the red 240sx, or putting a few hundred wasted dollars into fixing the SOHC KA that allready has 178k on it.

If the swap can be done for under 2.5k, its going to happen. That needs to have an exhaust system in that budget as well.

300ZX N/A 90-96 is the confirmed and agreed upon RB20DET Clutch then?

[PROJECTRB240SX]

YES. YEAH THE POWER STEERING CAN BE BENT TO SHAPE BUT IT MAY BE A BETTER IDEA TO GET CUSTOM LINES MADE. YOU CAN PICK UP LINES ON SUMMIT OR JEGS WITH FITTINGS FOR CHEAP.

[PsiloX]

I have a N1 pump ($~212)for an r34 gtr. I got it from http://www.rbmotoring.com. I used a 300zx N/A 90-96 clutch. Love it. This swap is worth every cent!!

[Yellow4g63]

My turn. How do you convert it from Cable to electirc spedo? I have seen 2 RB20's and they both had a Spedo cable on them and the 240 dosen't use a spedo cable.

[dareo]

The 240sx uses a speedo cable if you install the RB20 cluster and ECU and all that crap doesnt it? If not just get really good at estimating MPH based on RPM haha. "Do you know how fast you were going?" "yeah 7000rpm in 4th gear"

[PsiloX]

You can use the speed sensor from the KA trany in the rb20's transmission. Then use the 240sx gauge cluster. Or you can use the skylines mechanical speedo and the speedo cable with the rb cluster.

[Yellow4g63]

You can use the speed sensor from the KA trany in the rb20's transmission. Then use the 240sx gauge cluster. Or you can use the skylines mechanical speedo and the speedo cable with the rb cluster.

sweet saved me some time thanks for the info. Can't wait to jump into it. My clip should be here around december then prob put it in Jan.

[dareo]

the stock SMIC intercooler is going to be a hassle to fit into the S13, correct? So how cheaply could a new FMIC be done? Maybe a 500 dollar IC with ends prewelded, and what should we do for hoses? Perhaps we can find some good junkyard intercoolers that could be used as a FMIC.

Being poor sucks, earning money at 8/hour takes forever!

[Yellow4g63]

the stock SMIC intercooler is going to be a hassle to fit into the S13, correct? So how cheaply could a new FMIC be done? Maybe a 500 dollar IC with ends prewelded, and what should we do for hoses? Perhaps we can find some good junkyard intercoolers that could be used as a FMIC.

Being poor sucks, earning money at 8/hour takes forever!

U can get a front mount without end tanks for like 300 some times. Just got to buy stuff a little at a time.

[PsiloX]

I got my SMIC to fit without to much trouble

[93RPS13]

so does anyone have any timeslips with a Rb20DET in their 240? mod list too please? thanks

[dareo]

What i would like to see is a full dyno plot of a stock RB20DET with maybe a FMIC and exhaust, or just fully stock, in a 240sx. Still counts if they installed a skyline rear end as well.