cost to rebuild a rb20

[LeMoine]

The guy that I bought my s13 told me he had a rb20 that needed to be rebuilt, Im not sure if he still has it but I was wondering how much I should expect to spend to have it rebuilt and if it would be cheaper to just order a swap? Thanks

[DriftingisLame]

Much cheaper to order a swap.

[Coolwhip]

if your looking to do a performance build such as upgraded pistons, headgasket, etc. depending on the price you might want to go with it. But if you looking at a stock or close to it rebuild your better off buying another running swap.

[ripracer]

I'm going to disagree, if you can get the swap cheap enough I would do it. If it is a full swap motor(all accessories), transmission, ecu, harness yada yada, and you could get it for around $600-800, closer to six though.

You would have a sound peice of mind knowing that you have fresh bearings, rings, gaskets and your motor can last for many miles to come. Swaps you always are taking a risk even with reputable dealers.

[Sil240]

Whats wrong with the motor??Does it include the uncut harness, transmission etc etc etc.....You also wont know if anything else was wrong in the motor.My motor was completely trashed.From top to bottom.

To me sounds like a headache.Only build it if your a RB20 person that wants to make more power.But if you just want more power buy a RB25 front clip, or just a regular RB20 front clip.

I rebuilt my 20 and it cost a lot of money.I did it a long time ago, so there's more parts availability now.

[LeMoine]

ya i think he said it spun a bearing but not positive

[Nick51]

do you have a hp goal or just something to whip around town

[Carl H]

just long block that bisch.

[Shocker]

just long block that bisch.

Yeah thats what I'd do, it's also what I tired to do, but my supposed "good running block" had a ****ing bent #6 ex valve. Thankfully I found that out before installing the POS!. But not after I installed my brand new ex and intake manifold gasket and sprayed them with coating.....

So be careful what you buy as far as a long block is concerned... but its the cheapest fastest route.

[s14 2510's]

I got my rb20 1.5 years ago lol. I got engine trans and all wiring ecu... for 1k. Engine had 40k miles real clean inside. Crank work / collar was $260. I took the engine apart my self = free. Block hot tanked, decked, pistons cleaned, girdle cleaned $130. Head cleaned, valve stem seals replaced, exhaust studs replaced with arps, lifters cleaned, head reserfaced and minor other work $230. He also reserfaced a spare lower half of a intake so I could make my forward facing plenum. New nissan gasket kit 140, mls head gasket 160, arp head/main/exhaust 350, calico acl bearings 300. Then you get into buying a new timing belt, tensioner/idler, water pump, crank timing gear, hoses, mounts, and belts. Things start to add up fast in a rebuild. That was just rebuilt in a strong stock form. Pistons are going to set you back 600 + bore and hone. Then your still running stock turbo injectors ecu..... The list keeps going on if you do it right.Theses are just average prices I chose not to remeber what I actualy spend on my rb's it scares me.

[blues14]

My rb20 has been in my car for about 3 years now. the only problem I have ever had with it is a bad water pump the day it started. So aside from a waterpump and timing belt, I have had to replace nothing. The motor is now pushing 320whp on 17psi (aftermarket turbo) and still have had no problems.

With that being said, If this motor did go, I WOULD rebuild the motor, as you never know what your gonna get with a clip or longblock. But if you have a quality rebuild....you know exactly what your getting. But then again, this is a 3rd vehicle to me and I know a lot of people are daily driving theirs. So money and time (like always) will dictate your decision. Just try to avoid becoming a new member of the NRRBA