Creating RB25det swap site - Swap related

[RiceBurner98sC]

Hello everyone, I've been viewing this site for quite a while and and looking for info on doing a RB25det swap into my 96 240. I am a home mechanic who's done my share of Honda/Acura swaps on my own cars as a hobby. This Nissan is my first owned and like most the SR was the way to go. Well, I've been looking for other options and the RB series motors are in my opinion the next in line for choices. I am new to swapping motors in Nissans, but like most I come to message boards in seek of as much useful information in assiting me in the swap. But like most, information on peforming this swap isnt as plentyful as I expected. It is, compared to the SR, a rare swap. So info is not as accurate and true as I would have expected it to be. There is tons of good info out there...but you have to dig and dig and dig just to come across a thread like "thats not tue, you dont have to do that, or you dont have to do that..or that will not work, that will work" for example. Here in Tampa where I reside in, almost everyone and their mother says "NO" to the RB series motors. Why, well because of the issues we read about everyday on searches and webboards. Handling, fitment, parts, pricing, etc... Yet locally one one PERSON that works at a respectable shop has done the swap to my knowledge. So here in Tampa, the majority of installers and shops are SR biased...because of the issues and their personal preference to the black art of "Drifting". Basically what I am going to attempt to do is create a inexpensive informative site in regards to swapping the RB25det(because that is the motor I am going to do)into the S14 chassis. I am going to attempt to make it as useful for the do-it-yourself(dyi) mechanic out there such as much self...everything from parts, to install guide, to links with other sites and useful information, writeups, how-to's....pretty much everything I can get my hands on. But, this is going to be a long process...so the site will be up and running shortly, but will be empty until I have time to add to it. I myself arent capable of doing the swap until July of this year, but thats the main reason Im trying to compile as much info as possible, to share with everyone else on ONE site, to complete my install successfully in hopes to provide as much information on how hard the swap is, the handeling issues, etc.

What I am asking from the readers of club240 that have ANY INFORMATION, or write ups they would like to contribute to the site PLEASE email me so we can discuss it. This is a completely FREE site I am doing in my spare time. I will not take credit for anything I dont do myself and dont mind giving credit to those who are willing to help the RB community out with information, pics, etc. If this thread is in the wrong place, please tell me where to post it before the mods/admin delete it. Thanks in advance

[93RPS13]

theres a wiring write up for a RB20 to a S13 KA24E wiring harness that only few people have seen, i believe the is was in a crxcess threads

[Nameless EJ6]

This sounds nice and all... but once you start something that explains everything about this swap, people all over the country are going to be using your info. If you enjoy giving info to anyone about a swap like this, including 16 year olds who have just gotten their license with no automotive background at all, and riceboys switching from altezza mobiles over to 240sx's, then OK - I personally consider giving all info to just anyone rediculous.

I think it's better to have forums for discussion and research to keep the real automotive gear heads appreciating what they're doing. I'm not saying that contributing to this swap is bad, but when you put every piece of info into an easy DIY - it's going to be very stupid. No offense.

I think this swap should remain closed to people who have good knowledge in automotive performance, not just random yobos surfing the net for instructions and simple guides to build something to kill themselves in.

This is my opinion and I know you will still go through with this.. but I myself believe in keeping info within the group of people who do the real work, research and dedication, instead of copying others.

Don't listen to me though... I'm very opinionated, just trying to rub off something for you to think about.

[BoostFab]

I second that, but offering a repository for specs and minor how-tos would be great.

[eh?]

I kinda sort made a RB25 S-chassis only site already. It's not the prettiest but it has a decent amount of info. Jon Powell made a full S-13 write-up and I'm going to finish the S-14 write-up when ever I finish moving.http://www.rb25det.org

[gabossie]

Nice site and great info. I tend to aggree about keeping the info out of the hands of those who aren't willing to search and learn a bit to get it, but that's not really for us to decide.

[dekand]

um i think the riceboy/240 era started as soon as the article in SCC came out... lol

[RiceBurner98sC]

Thanks for the comments thus far guys...I take constructive criticsizim(sp?)very well. I was aiming for the 16 year old kids to do the swap using any info I find, mainly because its such a rare swap to begin with and its going to exceed 6k...which your typical teenager doesnt have. But I do see everyones point. Its just an idea that I through up in the air and wanted to do in my spare time. But I myself are considered to be a fairly decent household mechanic and just searching and debating, searching and debating hasnt gotten me too far. But I have gathered alot of useful information...but dont know the facts first hand. Im still myself up in debate if I wanted to go SR, Rb25 or 26. Making a site that has all the info I thought would be a good idea. Like a swap guide, more or less. Doing the swap yourself is the key and I am a firm beleiver that you get to know your motor/car the best by getting out there and simply doing it yourself...but on the same note, I wasnt able to do my first b16 swap without searching all over the net and gathering info and still for the first time, I had a delay or too. But the info was soo plentiful, and there wastn much debate wether or not the motor was too heavy, how did it handle, can you use this x-member, can you use that x-member, etc. But its still just an idea...I might not go through with it, because well...I've never driven an SR powered S14, so I might start there, then build an RB powered s14 after that to compare. I just thought it would be fun and informational.

[dekand]

maybe you should just collaborate with the http://www.rb25det.org guy? you could save yourself domain costs, unless you went with a free server... and you guys can share more information than just 1 person? just a thought... i am personally one for free information, people are going to find it if they want... just making a site with a lot of information isn't going to spark a new generation of riced out rb25'd 240s... most rice boys would rather just buy a car and make it look fast lol so im not worried.

[93RPS13]

Thanks for the comments thus far guys...I take constructive criticsizim(sp?)very well. I was aiming for the 16 year old kids to do the swap using any info I find, mainly because its such a rare swap to begin with and its going to exceed 6k...which your typical teenager doesnt have. But I do see everyones point. Its just an idea that I through up in the air and wanted to do in my spare time. But I myself are considered to be a fairly decent household mechanic and just searching and debating, searching and debating hasnt gotten me too far. But I have gathered alot of useful information...but dont know the facts first hand. Im still myself up in debate if I wanted to go SR, Rb25 or 26. Making a site that has all the info I thought would be a good idea. Like a swap guide, more or less. Doing the swap yourself is the key and I am a firm beleiver that you get to know your motor/car the best by getting out there and simply doing it yourself...but on the same note, I wasnt able to do my first b16 swap without searching all over the net and gathering info and still for the first time, I had a delay or too. But the info was soo plentiful, and there wastn much debate wether or not the motor was too heavy, how did it handle, can you use this x-member, can you use that x-member, etc. But its still just an idea...I might not go through with it, because well...I've never driven an SR powered S14, so I might start there, then build an RB powered s14 after that to compare. I just thought it would be fun and informational.

i guess im not a typical teenager then

[dekand]

hahah... 18 here, wouldn't consider myself a typical one either.

[rbsileighty]

Not really topic related, but could you brake up your single paragraph into several? I would greatly appreciate it.

I'd love to see someone scan some of the major swap related pages out of the RB manual. That would probably be the greatest help of all to those who don't have access to it (I don't have a scanner but I have access to the book, and many do not).

Thanks for the comments thus far guys...I take constructive criticsizim(sp?)very well. I was aiming for the 16 year old kids to do the swap using any info I find, mainly because its such a rare swap to begin with and its going to exceed 6k...which your typical teenager doesnt have. But I do see everyones point. Its just an idea that I through up in the air and wanted to do in my spare time. But I myself are considered to be a fairly decent household mechanic and just searching and debating, searching and debating hasnt gotten me too far. But I have gathered alot of useful information...but dont know the facts first hand. Im still myself up in debate if I wanted to go SR, Rb25 or 26. Making a site that has all the info I thought would be a good idea. Like a swap guide, more or less. Doing the swap yourself is the key and I am a firm beleiver that you get to know your motor/car the best by getting out there and simply doing it yourself...but on the same note, I wasnt able to do my first b16 swap without searching all over the net and gathering info and still for the first time, I had a delay or too. But the info was soo plentiful, and there wastn much debate wether or not the motor was too heavy, how did it handle, can you use this x-member, can you use that x-member, etc. But its still just an idea...I might not go through with it, because well...I've never driven an SR powered S14, so I might start there, then build an RB powered s14 after that to compare. I just thought it would be fun and informational.

[BoostFab]

um i think the riceboy/240 era started as soon as the article in SCC came out... lol

exactly. and more thief in the nissan arena

[BoostFab]

Not really topic related, but could you brake up your single paragraph into several? I would greatly appreciate it.

agree! a fat blob in the how-to isn't impressive to read through

[RiceBurner98sC]

agree! a fat blob in the how-to isn't impressive to read through

I wouldnt write a how to in a huge single paragraph, but considering this is just a message board, I just write. But I can break up my comments if you wish...not a problem at all:D

[Wulfgang]

I have the R32 GT-R engine manual. Someone posted a link to it a while back (John Powell, iirc), and I downloaded it. The engine part is really geared towards the RB26DETT, and except for more generic stuff like changing the timing belt, it is not really useful for RB20's.

However, the wiring is all there for the RB20DET. I used it and found it to be correct (which is more than I can say for my 1995 240SX FSM). And of course the complete RB25 wiring diagram is floating around on the internet also.

I have Acrobat Pro, so if anyone needs a section of pages, there is no need to print and re-scan them. With Acrobat Pro you can just pull the pages you want out and make a new, smaller pdf.

Let me know if either of you would like a small section of the manual to post on your websites.

Shane

[rbsileighty]

However, the wiring is all there for the RB20DET. I used it and found it to be correct (which is more than I can say for my 1995 240SX FSM). And of course the complete RB25 wiring diagram is floating around on the internet also.

This is mostly what I was refering to earlier. I think http://www.rb20det.com covers most of the mechanical issues well enough. I bet a lot of people would love to see that description list of what each pin out is (goes along with the pinout picture of the harness). I know there is a general list on RB20DET.com, but that list goes into a lot of useful detail. Thank you very much for the offer!

[Wulfgang]

Btw, I have to agree with people that think it is better to search the internet for info and find out some stuff for yourself than to just read it all step-by-step in a manual. But not for me or us... for yourself. You get more out of your swap that way, knowing the in's and out's of everything.

However, there is a lot of bad information out there, particularly concerning how well the engine fits into the 240SX (see any RB freshalloy thread for example). As with the SR20, people did not think it could be done until a few people made up websites with pictures and info. So to clear up all of the nonsense concerning how impossible, or stupid, or worthless these swaps are, it would make sense to have a good website to refer to.

But just my opinion, of course.

Shane

[Nameless EJ6]

Yea I guess go ahead with it man.. do whatever, just don't make it a DIY copy guide please!

Give info to people and let them do the work. That's how I would run things. No copy-cat stuff is all I'm trying to say.

I definetely don't want the kid down my street looking at my RB26 s13 saying "man I'm gonna do this too!!!!!"

[eh?]

I'd love to see someone scan some of the major swap related pages out of the RB manual.

What particular pages would you like to see? Looking at the RB25 manual there isn't much I found useful for the swap.

[rbsileighty]

We have the RB that has the 20, 25, and 26 and CA. It has some good wiring diagrams that would be helpful. The ones I've seen online are very hard to read. I don't need them, but other people might need them for a ref.

[eh?]

Oh okay I have the R33 manual. But the diagrams on my ws are actually better than this manual. Your R32 manual may be better.

[Bluefire]

No need to be elitist guys... I realize what you guys mean about having to search for your own info, cuz I've been doing that for over a year now. But you gotta admit, if someone had put up a site with a lot of good and easily accessible info back then, everyone would have loved it. True car enthusiasts should want to help others out with info, IMO. Anyways as long as there isn't a 3f3f glorifying the RB swap, I doubt we'll be overun by ricers or teens with permits. Who knows maybe if there is site with good info, we'll stop getting n00bs that post "Is the RB a straight drop in? or how bout "should I go "SR or RB?"

-Bluefire

[Toad[^_^]]

um i think the riceboy/240 era started as soon as the article in SCC came out... lol

The Fast and the Furious didn't hurt either