RB series not even a footnote

[Eikon]

RB's are cool engines.. you definitely get some wow factor from the average ricer because you have a 'skyline' engine.

Thing is... most people don't take an RB over 300 - 400 hp... and if that's your goal.. you can do that with a KA, CA, or SR just as well.

I happen to beleive that the RB sounds the best by far.

But, they have their downsides as well... example... cooling system is terrible.. they are reverse flow systems, which aren't the best in my opinion. In stock form, they hide the coil packs under a plate in the head, where they very easily get ruined by excess heat. Replacement coils are almost $100 each, (x 6). Not a great setup!

A twin turbo RB would be very cool.. but hard to fit in the engine bay.. Most RB26's have to be trimmed to one huge turbo because the twin hit the steering rack.

Seems like the SR motor is over all a better motor when taking into account.. cost, potential, weight, reliablity, cost of matenince, after market support, easy of installation, and so on... is this pretty much accurate?? I dont see anybody offering any numbers on the RB that make it worth sacrifcing in many of the catagories I just listed.

That really depends on what you are looking for. I can build an RB to 350hp cheaper than an SR, but not as cheap as a KA. I would say RB's have a bit more potential than SR without extensive (read expensive) internal mods due to an iron block and two more cylanders. SR's are certainly lighter than RB's. Not by as much as you might think though... SR's are definitely cheaper to maintain.. no question. SR's have more aftermarket support. SR's are also easier to install.. though the RB20 is easier than the 25, and much easier than the 26.

If cost is the biggie.. here's a comparison to get to 350 to 400 hp (at least from my limited knowledge)SR20det clip = $2700 ish + shippingRB20det clip = $1200 + shipping

With the $1500 you saved and a few hundred to boot you can knock down a new turbo, FMIC, injectors, MAF, Safc2, fuel pump, boost controller etc..

And you can always brag about your Skyline Engine!!! Good way to impress those high school kids.

[drifter_for_life06]

very nice man^^^^

i have one thing to comment on though.

"Thing is... most people don't take an RB over 300 - 400 hp... and if that's your goal.. you can do that with a KA, CA, or SR just as well. "

are you sure about that? only 300-400? ive seen MANY more guys with RB motors pushing much more than that

[SeVa-S13]

There are lots of us RB guys with <350 hp. But there are also plenty with 400+.

[drifter_for_life06]

True

[Joe]

Alot of the reason people here dont talk about the RB's much is there are these huge misconceptions about the engines, and the swaps. "bla it throws your weight balance off dramatically" "it costs so much money to do" "the 26 wont fit without shaving a turbo housing" "just go SR its cheaper". people who dont have first hand experience with the engines and what it actually takes to do the swap only go off hearsay. a RB25/26 swap isnt entirley difficuly if you RESEARCH. you can get a RB25 clip for the same price as a S14 SR clip so price isnt a crazy issue unless you are going RB26TT (thats money right there.). you can use both turbos without modification with mounts from mckinney.

and my favorite argument, the weight and its distribution. YES a RB25 swap is heavier than a KA or SR, BUT the majority of the weight is in the transmission. we have had a few people in the RB forum actually 4-corner weigh the car before and after swaps, and its usually only a 1-2% blanace change between fornt and rear, and if you remove things like AC the engine weight difference is not even noticable.

I love anything that goes fast, SR, RB, CA, KAT, all are great options and realistically get you to about the same numbers with about the same amount of money. I chose a RB because i wanted something different.

[Revat619]

Kamin, I totally agree with you.

Anyway, like whats already been said, all the motors are great. It really just boils down to what your personal preferrence is, your goals are, and your budget. I know that for me when it comes time for my swap, i'll be going with an rb25. This is the best motor for my intended goals and what not plus i think it sounds the best by far! hahaha

[drifter_for_life06]

Kamin you have hit the head of da nail with that one

anything is fesable if you put time and money toward it.