N1 pump worth it?

Discuss the RB20, RB25 and RB26 series engines.
nissans13240sx
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Well I have a RB20, I am going to be replacing all gaskets before it goes in my car, along with the water pump, tensioner/idler and belt. As far as the water pump goes im probably going to get a N1. But with the oil pump im not sure what advantages the N1 will give me over stock. Plus another member had posted the other day saying N1 pumps are junk? Its only like 30 dollars more then the stock oil pump and if its worth it im going to buy it, but id like to hear some feedback first.

Oh and if there are any other suggestions on what should be replaced that I didnt mention, please feel free to add them.


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Coolwhip
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for a stock replacement do spend the extra dollars on the N1 many have found luck with it. Some have found themselves with broken pumps, but I have a strong feeling its due to other factors of their motor besides the pump being weak in areas.

Replace as much as you can afford and bear until you can't possibly wait to install the motor. Just don't go tearing it apart and end up with a rebuild on your hands, since that will be unnecessary at this point.

GL

nissans13240sx
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Thanks for the reply. Is there anything I should know or look out for while installing the new oil pump?

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Coolwhip
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check your oil pump drive on the crank, see if it's been worn much. If really concerned measure the thrust on the crank.

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raremotive
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only difference from stock and n1 is that the n1 has fewer fins on the blade and a anti-cavitation plate behind the blade.

having fewer blades will affect the car's cooling performance on the lower rpms, but I never heard a n1 overheading the engine.

The biggest issue to be concerned about the coolant is getting all the air out of the system.


Phat_Optimo
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N1 oil pump will explode like a stock pump. Only difference between stock and N1 is the spring in the oil pump is stiffened or shimmed differently then stock. This gives you more oil pressure. The gear is still the weak part of these pumps. IF you plan to keep the engine near stock go for it.

nissans13240sx
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Phat_Optimo wrote:N1 oil pump will explode like a stock pump. Only difference between stock and N1 is the spring in the oil pump is stiffened or shimmed differently then stock. This gives you more oil pressure. The gear is still the weak part of these pumps. IF you plan to keep the engine near stock go for it.
I am planning on keeping it mostly stock. My goal is in the 250-260 range. Thanks for the good info guys

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raremotive
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Phat_Optimo wrote:N1 oil pump will explode like a stock pump. Only difference between stock and N1 is the spring in the oil pump is stiffened or shimmed differently then stock. This gives you more oil pressure. The gear is still the weak part of these pumps. IF you plan to keep the engine near stock go for it.
Sorry... I am going to have to call you out on this.

Stock on top, N1 at the bottem.



As you can see, the drive blade is completely different, where the N1 pump drive gear is designed to pump more volume, and cavitate a bit less.

I heard sucess stories, and I have heard fail stories... If you set up your engine correctly, measure your crankshaft end play to tolerances, baffle the oil pan with the pickup at the right place just above the bottem of the oil pan floor, proper amount of oil, make sure you didn't miss a bolt within the oil system(any lost of pressure will destroy the engine) and make sure you have good oil pressure gauge, you should be fine.

I don't know your future goals, but if you are staying below 400 hp, stock pump should be more than enough for you, since you can only rev up to 7000 redlining due to the lift design of the rb20.

nissans13240sx
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So if my goals are 250-260, I should be alright with the stock pump.

Now as far as N1 water pump vs. stock pump, which one would you recommend. This motor will be used for a daily driver and I know that RBs get pretty hot in small engine bays so id like to do everything possible to keep engine temps down.

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raremotive
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stock would do you just fine especially daily... only time they tend to fail is tracking, endurance runs at high rpms... this is were the stock pump cavitates...this where the N1 come in, best suited for tracking.

nissans13240sx
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Alright, thanks everyone you have been of great help!

Phat_Optimo
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So they are a little bit different but the gears are made out of the same junk metal. Afertmarket pumps have a hardened gear so they don't explode under high load & thats a fact.


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