RB Summary for SCC

[Dave Coleman]

I'm working on a story for SCC and want to see if I'm understanding the RB world properly. As I see from lurking this forum, there seem to be three methods/philosophies for putting an RB25 in your S13 or S14.

1: Just bolt it in with a skyline crossmember

2: Bolt it in with a skyline crossmemeber and some different mounts from somewhere in Georgia (can't remember at this second, sorry)

3: Fab new mounts on the stock crossmember (McKinney)

Am I right?

Next: What kind of power per dollar are you seeing with the RB25? No fancy equations here, just curious what has actually been done.

Finally: What does an RB25 front clip go for these days?

Ok, flamewar begin.

-Dave Coleman

[veilsideS14]

So how does one who has no clue about the topic at hand get selected to write the story that will appear in the magazine?

[lessthanjakejohn]

heh, why would it matter?

the key to a story like this is research and we do have the best gurus right??

[93semax]

So how does one who has no clue about the topic at hand get selected to write the story that will appear in the magazine?

My thoughts exaclty..

[WanG_s14ka]

I think the RB25DET avarages $3000 to $4000.

"2: Bolt it in with a skyline crossmemeber and some different mounts from somewhere in Georgia (can't remember at this second, sorry)"

Sounds like unstable hybrids to me.

[Xero]

come on, you work at Primedia, go over to your friends at Super Street and ask Ricky Chu.

[Vrtgrumpy]

You should of asked me. My car was parked right by yours at the IAS.

Grumpy

[Joe]

for the love of god do NOT run a story about this swap in SCC, it will make the jump from FF cars to 240's even more popular. it will drive the already inflating prices of the RB clips up more, and make the 240 AND rb clips rare and espensive. so expensive its not even worth it.

PLEASE IM BEGGING YOU

[dcdrifter]

As with any swap, there are many different routes. I just bought my rb and used the stock mounts and crossmember. It bolted up just fine. The shifter is in stock position, although the intake manifold does hit the hood. You need to cut 8-10 inches of the hood if you are going to use the stock intake manifold. I am going to use the Greddy one, so clearence is not an issue.

[email protected]

[jacob360]

A little over two years ago, I fell in love with the idea of building a rear wheel drive sport compact with a JDM engine that had tons of potential, all for an incredibly low cost. Even though at the time the quality SR clips were only around $1500, I still couldn't afford to do it yet, because I'm a broke *** college student. Then project Silvia was born, and overnight the clips doubled in price, and all the clean body/interior dead engine 240s started to disappear.

The true Silvia or 180sx, while still a value compared to other cars of the same potential or caliber, are fast losing their "bang for the buck" appeal. That's why I started leaning towards the RB25. For the same amount of money invested into the swap and performance upgrades, I could get much more power than the SR.

I'm about to graduate pretty soon, and start making money. PLEASE DON'T RUN AN ARTICLE ON RB SWAPS! If you do, the RB swap could go the way of the SR. Then guys like me, who always yearned to drive a real sports car, yet were never fortunate enough to be in an advantagous financial situation, will never be able to know the pleasure.

If you do write the article, could you please wait at least a year and a half so I can save up some money and get my swap done before it gets too ridiculous?;)

PEACE

[Nismo241]

There goes the 240sx community, one article and poof....gone. Now we will have ricers galore and 4ft aluminum wings and GTR stickers up the ***. This isn't something to do an article on anyhow. Most of the people raeding those mags for technical advice shouldn't be doing an RB swap at all. That article will kill the work we have done in figuring this out.

[JonPowell]

I purchased a 96 Skyline clip for $2500.00. The shipping to NY was $820 and I am using the stock R33 Rb25DET Engine AND Trans Crossmember and the stock motor mounts. Everything fits perfect. The trans is a tiny bit forward in the shifter hole, but not that it would impede anything. I have not yet installed the motor (just test fit everything) and painted the engine compartment. My goal is to have everything running by the end of May and give it a few runs at the strip and on the Dyno. I am open for discussion and for DONATIONS if you are interested???

[hannibal]

At first, I felt priviledged that a big time auto mag writer would come here looking for advice on a story. My first thoughts were to give him all the info I could find.But SCC + 240sx = too many riced out 240'sObviously NICO members know more about the 240 than this so-called auto enthusiast magazine. And the funny part is that we want to keep it that way!! I'll have to start looking at Subarus if every 240 I see has altezzas and a handlebar on the back.Dave, stick to writing about Hondas and B series swaps. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy your magazine, but your focus conflicts with what most of us are trying to achieve with our Nissans.

[chachi longshot]

Well look at it from the other point of view. If the swap becomes more popular, it will be good for the people in business selling the clips like night and mack. And it would most likely make it easier and cheaper to find aftermarket parts for the engine. And do you think a magazine is going to put off writing an article that will helpl sell a ton of magazines just so 2 or 3 guys will still be able to afford to do the swap? Sorry guys but that's not likely to happen.

I'm not saying I want to see this article run either, I'm just playing devils advocate.

[dcdrifter]

I am not in the business of selling engines, so I dont care if the cost goes up. I got into nissan's because honda's are too played out. I have an integra and I love it but everyone and their brother has one. I dont mind searching for aftermarket support. That just means what I am doing is rare. There is something special about choosing a different path, most Honda owners will never experience what I do with my Nissan (the guys on this site know what I am talking about) and doing an article on this swap will ruin it!!!

[roundrocktom]

Oh Dave,

Don't tell me you are planning something else for the 510.

My clip arrived with RB20DET & Automatic. Putting it into a '92 240SX.

HOW much detail on photo's would you like? Digital or 35mm? Minimum resolution on the digital?

One thing about the RB20DET & RB25DET engines... NO SPARE PARTS STOCKED in the USA. If something breaks, it is $$$ and time to get them from Japan or Australia. Ordered a Skyline engine manual from Australia... once the person was paid, new story is "on back order, will ship as soon as it comes in". So I'm out $130 for a non-existant manual.Think I really want to send the same person more $$$ for a timing belt & water pump?

Guy who I bought my clip from had a good point... he wasn't bringing in anymore RB clips. Too many non payments, not worth the hassle as there is too little demand on them.

As to "cheap" 240SX's... as the cars get older, more miles on them, the more likely you will see them. Spotted a clean '92 For Sale with $1500 on it, next week $1200, following week... $900 (it was sold at $900).

In a way the 240SX is like the Datsun 510 was in the late 1970's. They are still popular, but really didn't take off until they were 10 years old. History repeats itself!

Yes, I still have a Roadster. Sold the 67 2000 & 68 2000's when I bought the new house. Currently have a '66 1600, and NO SHOP.

Tom

P.S. Folks... Dave is a good guy. Funny last time he stopped at the house was in 1990, when I lived in Oregon. He was on his way home with the "flame belching Datsun Roadster"

[Redline240]

Well as soon as the honda boyz, lol, learn that for the same price as their precious JDM Type R engine they can get an inline turbo 6 with 250hp in a RWD car their obviously gonna want it. Its a common misconception that the "Skyline" engines won't fit in the 240 and the SR is "it"...personaly i'd like to keep it that way!

Redline

[dcdrifter]

Amen my brother!!!!!!!

[DarkParadigm1]

thats pretty crappy of you guys. that what you do to everyone coming here to look for information?? chase em away?? and from a logical point of view, not a good idea with someone with the ability to put in his article how uncooperative the NICO community is....kinda defeats the purpose of having these forums..

[themadscientist]

:withstup Very valid point Dark.

[JESTER]

I do recall people gripping about car magazines (in general) not doing the articles we would like to read or how we would do them.

Now here comes a gentleman with the wit to put a good article together about a good engine, and has the sense to ask the expert community here at NICO for advice and information.

And for one, I would much rather read about an RB25DET powered 240/510 than any thing having to do with a honda,accura or any of the other ricer mobiles. So come on guys, give the man a break. And help him out, with all the info you can.

Dave, I would give a little input to the question, but i am not up on the RB as I would like to be. Sorry.

[Joe]

Well look at it from the other point of view. If the swap becomes more popular, it will be good for the people in business selling the clips like night and mack. And it would most likely make it easier and cheaper to find aftermarket parts for the engine. And do you think a magazine is going to put off writing an article that will helpl sell a ton of magazines just so 2 or 3 guys will still be able to afford to do the swap? Sorry guys but that's not likely to happen.

I'm not saying I want to see this article run either, I'm just playing devils advocate.

so for the benifit of a few very select people it will destroy the entire 240sx community, by making every honda stunna come over and buy up all the good 240's, rice them out, make them a laughing stock, and drive the price of the RB's THROUGH THE ROOF.

this article will be the beginning of the end for the owners of 240's and people who like them and respect them.

[slw240sx]

ahhh, most of the anti magizine people are NEWBS they probably still in the first phase of the 240obsession they will grow out of it and see that sharing info is good because it leads to more people out to to hang with and, it makes possible to brainwash..errr. i mean teach more people the proper way to mod and care for cars !! if we are true enthuists... we should look forward to helping the misguided souls who want to learn more about the performance auto world!! contact Night and other people with hands on knowledge that far exceeds most of us here!! jon

[dcdrifter]

I am all for sharing info, with 240 OWNERS. Not the public who want to learn how to turn a wonderful rear wheel drive care into the norm. Screw that. I love Hondas. But they are here for a reason, to seperate real tuners from inexperienced boys who like the way a tin can sounds attached to the exhaust.

[roundrocktom]

"Pity the teacher whose student doesn't excel them" -- anyone know who said that?

It is very true, and you'll see MORE tuner stuff brought in if there is more demand for it.

So where do you buy a spare water pump? USA part sources for the RB engines Or do you think paying $250 for a pump airmail is a reasonable price?

As to motor mounts... currently you have a source of motor mounts for $600 for three mounts. I used to sell three mounts for a L18/roadster swap. Guess what... $200 for all three... would I do something like that for the S13... NO. Not enough demand, not worth my time to mess with it. To make any money on the mounts I need to make a batch of 20 at a time. Stuff would sit for months, not worth the time or effort.

Jon has a good point... I suspect folks saying "you'll ruin a good thing" are under 20 years old! Those saying "more, the better.... " over 25.

Me... I'll give you hint... graduated from high school in 1976. Drove a 1971 Datsun 510 at that time. Probably the oldest old fart on this list!

Tom

[93semax]

Jon has a good point... I suspect folks saying "you'll ruin a good thing" are under 20 years old! Those saying "more, the better.... " over 25.

Me... I'll give you hint... graduated from high school in 1976. Drove a 1971 Datsun 510 at that time. Probably the oldest old fart on this list!

Tom

Yeah and I'm 22. I'm over 20 where I’ve made own money ,don't need mommy but under 25 where I don't have kids and the wife takes all my money.. So I'm in a better position to make a decision haha. IMO an opportunity like this is only good for US businesses, like night, unstable, etc. They can jack up the price as more people want the swap (ala SR20, sorry supply and demand goes out the window here). As for the water pump..did you try calling motorex or rbmotoring? I believe all rb pumps are the same and I'm 100% sure either company has them in stock.

[dcdrifter]

rbmotoring has water pumps for 150. I am also 22 years old. No wife or kids. I make 80k a year. Not trying to brag, just trying to show that people arent the same. I dont mind spending a little bit more money for parts in order to keep the project pure. Thats cool being an old fart, but the more the better.........look at a chevy 350 swap into any gm vehicle. Who gives a sh$t. Everyone has done THAT at least once, that why you old farts are saying "the more the marrier".

[BlockHead]

Keep it unique, because I hate going down the street and seeing civics with a huge wing body kit and a axle back exhaust as there mods. It makes me look bad and I get made fun of for there stupidity....I own a 94 Acura Integra and I get called rice all the time when it isnt true. You know how annoying and mad that makes me. So far everyone that I have seen that has come to this forum for help has gotten it and a better understanding of their 240sx and engine. I personally would not like the article to be written but if it is lets supply them with the best information we can so the dumb kids out there with no money and just mom's credit card can make an educated decision and hopefully we wont end up with a whole lot of RWD rice running around. BTW the comment about being under 20 and all that stuff is not true...its a generalization I found offending. I am 18 years old, paid cash for both of my cars that I worked for(real job) and I am currently working 6 days a week to keep up with insurance, gas, and modding the 240sx. Yes I am still in high school but that doesnt mean I am not eager to learn as much as I can and do things the right way. My knowledge of cars may not be as great as some of you but I read as much as I can and dont just fart around and tell lies or BS ppl. Dont bash because of age, educate so we have a more knowledgable society. Thanks guys

[Redline240]

I personally would not like the article to be written but if it is lets supply them with the best information we can so the dumb kids out there with no money and just mom's credit card can make an educated decision and hopefully we wont end up with a whole lot of RWD rice running around.

He's got a point there, the cost will most likely turn people away. There are no altezza'a or black widow hoods for the 240. So hopefully it will be like the supra, the ricers dream but not worth it cause there arn't enough ricy parts out for it. And most ricers are into it for looks, and the 240 is much more about performance than anything else, and that performance is much more than a CAI and some hotwires...

Redline

[lessthanjakejohn]

dave asked for info on the RB. You guys gave him info on SCC, he did not want info on SCC. He wants info on RB. I don't know info on RB. Some of you speak up who know info on RB.

who cares what people think, You should get an RB because you like the charateristics of it and it fits your budget.If more people buy RBs the price of them goes up. THe price of their parts goes down.

Dave: There are a few RB gurus around. I do not know how they feel about your magazine so I will not give out names, but I am sure that you can find them by how they represent themselves. Try emailing them and you may get some good responses.