More Bang for buck- RB25 or KAT

Discuss the RB20, RB25 and RB26 series engines.
User avatar
aleph1
Posts: 907
Joined: Tue Jul 23, 2002 10:08 pm
Car: 1990 240SX hatch MODS: class.
Location: Fort Collins CO

Post

I am in a rut now. I was planning on a KA-T for a long time, but now that I have looked into the RB25DET more it seems to be a nice option-similar price to a decent KA-T setup and it is an I6 that can handle boost better. A few questions though (in addition to your educated advice): 1-Does the RB25 come with a stock FMIC? 2-Which generation is the best for the money (R32,33,34)? 3-How much boost is the engine running stock? 4-How much can the stock fuel system handle decently? 5-I live in CA, so I have only 91 gas as premium, can an RB25 run on it at all (including ECM reprogramming or whatever as an option), I dont really wanna buy octance boosters everytime I fill up. Maybe alcohol injection??

Just a few questons :D

Thanx for any feedback.


User avatar
WDRacing
Moderator
Posts: 23925
Joined: Mon Nov 25, 2002 2:00 am
Car: 95 240SX, 99 BMW 540i, 01 Chevy Express, 14 Ford Escape
Location: MFFO
Contact:

Post

That all depends on how far you want to take things. The RB25DET will put down 400hp without much trouble. You'll need a new turbine and some fuel management. I always recommend alcohol, especially since the RB loves the boost. You'll need something to get the octane level up.

For the KADET to make 400 you'll also need the same thing. Turbine kit, fuel management and good tuning. But the parts for the KADET are a bit cheaper.

Bang for the buck, I'd go with the KADET.But only cause its cheaper, the RB25 will make crazy power with a good bottom end.

WD

User avatar
aleph1
Posts: 907
Joined: Tue Jul 23, 2002 10:08 pm
Car: 1990 240SX hatch MODS: class.
Location: Fort Collins CO

Post

Im looking to get 350-400rwhp. For a KA-T to make 400hp I'd need to rebuild with better internals though, while I would think I wouldnt have that problem with an RB.

BTW- Is there any alcohol setups for the RB or just in general that I should look for?

User avatar
WDRacing
Moderator
Posts: 23925
Joined: Mon Nov 25, 2002 2:00 am
Car: 95 240SX, 99 BMW 540i, 01 Chevy Express, 14 Ford Escape
Location: MFFO
Contact:

Post

I can get 350-400 hp out of a KA just as easy as a RB. Without rebuilding the bottom end. If you eliminate detonation, the motor will run very strong. I'm quite sure the rods(weak link) will hold under that much pressure.

You'll just have to build up the rest of the motor. I/H/E needs to be ported/polished. A nice set of cams with a longer duration but stock or close to stock lift. A nice turbo matched with a good fuel system and you'll be well on your way.

For the RB to make 400 you'll need a new turbine, good fuel management, most likely a new MAF sensor, so you'll either have to go with a standalone or have your ECU remapped. Or you could get a aftermarket ECU. Many choices there, none are to cheap. That should put you close to 400hp.

Either adventure isn't going to be cheap. But I'll put my money on the KADET being the cheaper route to take.

WD

PS...read my thread about Alcohol Injection, I answer alot of questions there.

User avatar
aleph1
Posts: 907
Joined: Tue Jul 23, 2002 10:08 pm
Car: 1990 240SX hatch MODS: class.
Location: Fort Collins CO

Post

sweet thanks for the info

Top Speed Coupe
Posts: 133
Joined: Thu Nov 28, 2002 9:09 am
Car: Cars

Post

Ive been going between these 2 setups as well. I know a guy her in South FL making just under 500 RWHP on stock internals...but I got a motor just sitting around so y not build it...but where would I find Rods, Pistons n such...I think the crank should hold up, I doubt I see that kinda power.

WD would u go with a standalone or JWT? Just ur opion please....

User avatar
WDRacing
Moderator
Posts: 23925
Joined: Mon Nov 25, 2002 2:00 am
Car: 95 240SX, 99 BMW 540i, 01 Chevy Express, 14 Ford Escape
Location: MFFO
Contact:

Post

It depends on your goals. If I were only shooting for 400hp I'd probably get a JWT with the HKS SAFR to do fine tuning. Its alot easier to install and tune then a full standalone.

If I were shooting for 500+ I'd have to say standalone. Because I'm going to want to alter the fuel and timing maps.

WD

User avatar
aleph1
Posts: 907
Joined: Tue Jul 23, 2002 10:08 pm
Car: 1990 240SX hatch MODS: class.
Location: Fort Collins CO

Post

a JWT and SAFR together are pretty close to a standalone price.

User avatar
WDRacing
Moderator
Posts: 23925
Joined: Mon Nov 25, 2002 2:00 am
Car: 95 240SX, 99 BMW 540i, 01 Chevy Express, 14 Ford Escape
Location: MFFO
Contact:

Post

I said I could make 350 to 400 out of a KA just as easy as the RB25, 50 or so more horses is actually quite a big difference.

The iron block of the KA will hold just as much cylinder wall pressure as any of the RB series.

Your a little overkill for 500 hp, atleast with the research I've done. The stock crank can stay, just needs to be knifed and balanced.I've seem a 240 run 10's with the stock cams. If you keep the stock cams you won't need anything but a good port and polish. The springs and valves will be fine.

But I'm into overkill myself, so I would do everything on your list, except for a new crank.

WD

User avatar
WDRacing
Moderator
Posts: 23925
Joined: Mon Nov 25, 2002 2:00 am
Car: 95 240SX, 99 BMW 540i, 01 Chevy Express, 14 Ford Escape
Location: MFFO
Contact:

Post

Whats your recipe for a 450hp RB25...

User avatar
aleph1
Posts: 907
Joined: Tue Jul 23, 2002 10:08 pm
Car: 1990 240SX hatch MODS: class.
Location: Fort Collins CO

Post

what about a daily driven 350-400hp RB25?

User avatar
WDRacing
Moderator
Posts: 23925
Joined: Mon Nov 25, 2002 2:00 am
Car: 95 240SX, 99 BMW 540i, 01 Chevy Express, 14 Ford Escape
Location: MFFO
Contact:

Post

You just need a fuel management package that will support the boost it takes to get there. You'll also need a new turbine to put out enough boost to get there. Its really not very hard...with either engine.

I love RB's, but the question was which will be cheaper.

WD

User avatar
aleph1
Posts: 907
Joined: Tue Jul 23, 2002 10:08 pm
Car: 1990 240SX hatch MODS: class.
Location: Fort Collins CO

Post

yea, but I mean the added benefits of I6 as well...I will prolly stick with the KAT but the pluses of the RB are there...if it was a slighty cheaper swap, Id consider it even further.

User avatar
aleph1
Posts: 907
Joined: Tue Jul 23, 2002 10:08 pm
Car: 1990 240SX hatch MODS: class.
Location: Fort Collins CO

Post

I've seen your website night, and I am pleased. I cant do it now anyway, so I've got time to think about what direction to take (moving out in a few weeks, no money to spare for a bit).

Also night, you know that piping across the valve cover, I guess its I/C piping, can you mod the intake manifold somehow so it runs along the side with a FMIC? It looks like the throttle body is on tops as well...is it? Odd setup =)

User avatar
aleph1
Posts: 907
Joined: Tue Jul 23, 2002 10:08 pm
Car: 1990 240SX hatch MODS: class.
Location: Fort Collins CO

Post

Would the RB26 manifold be the cheapest since its not really a "performance" part? Does bolt right up?


Return to “RB20DET / RB25DET / RB26DETT Forum”