Rb20 and 25 owners..

[urcaptnspeaking]

So Im in a heated debate with myself on what I want. Aside from all the "well it depends on budget,ect,ect" junk.. I want opinions from owners of cars with these motors.

Those that went Rb20 do you regret it and do you think you should have gone 25?

25 owners: Was it really worth the extra money? Or if you would do it all again would you go 20?

Just want some solid feedback some people with experience with these motors... not someone who just reads their info...
Modified by urcaptnspeaking at 2:02 PM 5/14/2009

[blacksrjdm]

U should know better than this. These threads are so pointless. Read up on the two, firgure between the two which one you will feel better about, and then buy it. Which motor should I buy??? I have an SR but dont know if I like it, what should I do? Lock this thread, before it takes up too much bandwith or whatever.

[heartofaskyline]

at least go do this in the rb section

[xX RB Xx]

i loved my rb20.. i thought it was worth it.

[Kalypso]

get an rb20 C from C's garage has one... and he's the dude.

I have an SR but dont know if I like it, what should I do? Lock this thread, before it takes up too much bandwith or whatever.

your blacksrjdm you're my hero.

[placham]

RB20 and I dont regret it. Any RB power plant will put a smile on your face. From the moment you get if first started to, to a crowd of people that always want to see the motor cause it sound different. There is always that question what motor is it? .

Personally If I would do it again I would spend $2000 more and get me the RB26.

If your just getting into the RB game, RB20 is a good solid starting point. All you need is a R32 cross member and some know how to do the wiring. Has good pulling power for the street use, sounds great not like a Honda with a fart cannon, and is good on gas.

If your more into engine mods, RB25. Only reason I like RB25 more over RB20 is cause they get Greddy bolt on IM, good luck with RB20 IM. Essentially their both alike but not the same .5L difference. You also get the "beefy trans" but need custom drive shaft unlike RB20 which is essentially drop in.

If your a vet to RB's and heavy into engine mods, RB26. I can see this being done for under $5000. You do your own work, cause you cant do it any other way. If you let the shop do the work, might as well not buy it and sell the car. Cause you miss out on the whole fun of doing swaps.

I dont dislike other power plants from Nissan, RB's just look sick in a S chassis, fills up your entire engine bay. And uneven weight distribution is a bunch of BS. I like my RB20, wouldnt have it any other way.

Since economy is in the $hiter, you can pick up Rb20's super cheap think for 1300 you can have it shipped. You would expect to pay as much for RB25 as you would for the SR20det some where around $2000-2500. And for about $3500 you can get RB26. So if your think about RB and have some money, now would be good time to buy one.

But thats just my 2cents.

If you want an RB, I would first start looking around at RawBrokerage.com, Ricky or "coolwhip" his is on this forum mainly at RB section.And Jhot also had some good stuff.

This is what I started with 1year ago, for $2000 shipped. Full HCR32 RB20det clip with all panels, was only missing the Radiator. Since then only thing that broke is HICAS power steering pump, it still works but makes noise now, so I'm replacing it with the NON_HICAS.

[Kalypso]

the digital climate control makes that clip worth every penny....

steering wheel also!

did it come with two front coilovers!?

[crash n burn]

probably made half, if not more, of his money back selling the body panels, headlights, dash, just about everything.

[nevertheless]

whered you get the clip for 2,000?

[urcaptnspeaking]

haha I do know better than to make these threads. BUT,most of the info is opinion based and by people who dont have first hand experience.

Thats the point i was getting at. Instead of asking like 10-15 different people individually .. I posted this.

it was pretty noobish, but we have our days.

[zerodameaon]

heres the way i looked at it. the car comes in the US with a 2.4L. why would i drop down to a 6cyl 2.0L that is still going to cost more then an SR20. and why would i drop down to a 4cyl 2.0 when i can always go bigger and better. i love my RB25. it can take a beating, and is actuly more reliable then the KA. and well its basicly GODZILLAs slightly smaller brother. that and its way less of a headach to swap.

[pepegurr]

I have an rb20 and i love it, i wouldn't trade it for any thing else. I've thought of this swap as my learning curve into the rb world and will eventually go bigger and better, but for a beginner or someone who's not looking for insane power, rb20 is the way to go just because of the ease of install and overall cost versus the 25 and 26. But also be aware that the rb20 does not carry quite the aftermarket that the bigger engines do. In the end it's your money, your style ,and your goals that need to be the determining factor here.

[Cjmartz2k]

Can we move this back to the SR forum?

[Bluefire]

Personally I think the RB20 is a complete waste of money... I've heard all the excuses... RB20's are dirt cheap, they rev higher, yadda yadda yadda. The bottom line is if you really want an RB get a 25 or 26. If your gonna put a heavy a** iron block inline six in a 240, it better have the displacement to move it and the transmission to hold the power.

Seriously with an RB20 all your doing is adding more weight, decreasing displacement, sticking with the same crap transmission, and ultimately spending more money to custom make everything, JUST so you can say you have an RB...

Stick with an sr20, rb25, or rb26...

-Bluefire

[Romeo_rus]

I think, since japs made r32 skyline with rb26dett they did not change the motor until R34 Skyline - that was a GREAT motor... but they changed rb20det with rb25det - IT WAS A REASON. Rb26dett lived 3 generations of high performance cars almost without changes, and rb25det lived 2 generations of these cars... rb20det - 1...

[Kalypso]

rb26 has the crank collar and oil breathing issues that I phuckin hate soo much.

( correct me if im mistaken about the symptoms )

ive always admired twin turbo lq4's with holsets since then.

[placham]

Kalypso123A/c was still charged with refrigirant,boy, LOLsteering wheel, was scuffed-up cause of the glass, If they would of gave me the front 2 tires than I could of rolled it off the trailer. , of course.

crash n' burnNo, I still have all the panels, cut the firewall, saved the steering rack, rad supprt, I have a feeling, I might get another S chassis, coupe to be more specific.

neverthelesslook for my previous posts, I have pics there and all the info, I dont want to advertise anything here.

[placham]

I think, since japs made r32 skyline with rb26dett they did not change the motor until R34 Skyline - that was a GREAT motor... but they changed rb20det with rb25det - IT WAS A REASON. Rb26dett lived 3 generations of high performance cars almost without changes, and rb25det lived 2 generations of these cars... rb20det - 1...

What are you talking about, your probably drunk and that's your excuse.RB20det-1, what you forgot the R31. That would make it 2. With NICS than changed to ECCS control.

And RB25 is probably an upgraded RB20, times changed technology changed, they slapped the VVT, slightly bigger turbo, changed cylinder head design. Kind of makes seance rb25 came out rb20 was discontinued. Or at least it was a replacement for Rb20.

And just because engine models are dropped, that doesn't necessarily mean they were bad. agencies, and now strict laws dictate what and how cars are made. So rb20 and rb25 both in 2 gens so does that mean their both as bad? And rb26 was not changed in R34 they stopped manufacturing I6 after r34 was dropped. , you can still buy new blocks but for mass produced cars their discontinued.

[urcaptnspeaking]

wait wait wait. I think this thread is going the wrong way. Im not a noob here. IM not new to building a car or driving a car with power.I was just looking for some insight from actual owners not compiled info from scattered sources based on what theyve read or heard (pretty reasonable if you ask me)

-Im not wanting to know which motor is better as I know there are a lot of factors. -Also this isnt just so I can say "I have an RB" Ive been looking at different swaps for over a year now.-Im not worried about the weight difference up front as its not going to effect me,noticeably. (ive driven worse)

Those of you who know me/know my thread... should know I can do my own work. Im also not scared to try things Im not sure of...thats what learnings all about. If I phuck it up, at least next time Ill know how NOT to do it.

Thanks to you dudes who gave me straight answers. Sorry this thread turned out the way it did. Next one will be better

[GTRs13]

I got an RB20DET AWD From a GTS-4

For me the RB26 was way too expensive in a swap that is questionable to begin with.

The RB20 has thick Cylinder walls so that's why I went with it. Plus I just converted from 4g63's so 2.0 liters is comfortable with me.

If it breaks, I'll just build forged internals, slap a GT4088R on it and call it a day.

Either way it all boils down to that sexy, sexy Japanese Inline-6 sound.

Personally I think the RB20 is a complete waste of money... I've heard all the excuses... RB20's are dirt cheap, they rev higher, yadda yadda yadda.

These are *All* The excuses?

Quote »The bottom line is if you really want an RB get a 25 or 26. If your gonna put a heavy a** iron block inline six in a 240, it better have the displacement to move it and the transmission to hold the power.[/quote]Guess what else is heavy, Iron and came with your 240? The Lame KA!

Quote »Seriously with an RB20 all your doing is adding more weight, decreasing displacement, sticking with the same crap transmission, and ultimately spending more money to custom make everything, JUST so you can say you have an RB...[/quote]None of this is true. You lose Displacement, ok. Adding weight? Its a marginal gain. Nothing that can't be offset with proper suspension damping.

But the KA with all its "displacement" doesn't even come close to a stock RB20. The RB20 also bolts in, meaning there is custom nothing.

A lot of people buy mount kits, but with an r32 x-member it is truly bolt-in.

I know you are entitled to your opinion, especially in this thread. But there were a lot of things you overlooked in your statement. By addressing those maybe we can cut back on the millions of threads like this all over NICO.

RB20DET= Fun

RB25DET= More fun

RB26DETT= Fun only if you fix the oiling quirks= More money= The most fun!

[craz4240]

I have an rb20det/s14.

Have driven it a total of 1 year since the swap 3 years ago lol.

Would I trade it for any other RB??? Only motor I would consider it would be a NEO RB25.

Why?? Out of the box power,potentially better internals.

Am I ever changing my rb20 for this NEO RB25?? Nope just ask my wallett and the 30K he's dishing out to completely rebuild the whole car,motor,turbo setup over the next couple years.

Stock RB20-FunStock RB25-More FunStock RB26-More funner (if you are Bill Gates)Stock Neo RB25-Funner Some MoreBuilt RB20- Most fun for the money

Oh and the trans ain't weak you just don't know how to drive!!!!

[blues14]

I have had my rb20 in my s14 for over 4 years now.....although it was faster than the ka, it was a little dissapointing, only becuase i didnt do my homwork. after putting on bigger injectors, fmic, and a bigger turbo, the car kills. I got my clip for 1,200 bucks, and threw another $k at it and now makes 320whp and hasnt given me a day of trouble. The guys at the dyno thought it was an rb25....they were shocked when i let them know it was "just an RB20" with a few bolt-ons and a slipping z32 n/t oem clutch kit.

Only thing i would do different is change out some of the gaskets and waterpump/timing belt BEFORE installing the motor.

[Coolwhip]

rb26 has the crank collar and oil breathing issues that I phuckin hate soo much.

ALL early RB engines suffered from the crank collar issue. Even into the R34 RB25 NEO had short collar issues in some cases.

Sub of a RB26 the R34 RB25 NEO is the motor of choice. But overall, for the price, ease, parts for a swap... the RB25 NEO is king IMO.

[urcaptnspeaking]

here is a neo swap... or so it says.. on ebay for like 1600 bucks or something ridiculous.

[zerodameaon]

ALL early RB engines suffered from the crank collar issue. Even into the R34 RB25 NEO had short collar issues in some cases.

Sub of a RB26 the R34 RB25 NEO is the motor of choice. But overall, for the price, ease, parts for a swap... the RB25 NEO is king IMO.

we lucked out... the crank coller issue is rare on the 25s as far as i have experienced personaly and read.

[AZ89two4Tsx]

How's the gas mileage on the RB20?

[scottymizt]

well i have an rb20 in my sonoma and i have a rb25 in my 76 280z and from personal expirence iwouldnt give up either. I love both engines and the rb20 is a great motor, but if you choose to run it get rid of the stock turbo and replace it with a much better one. My rb25 is a very impressive engine just like the rb20 but for the cost i would go rb20 myself. Now if you want real power there is always the rb30det I am building one now for my 280z and swapping the rb25 into my 280zx. Honestly anyone that dogs the rb20 just plain doesnt have one or didnt upgrade the turbo. My sonoma weighs 3600lbs which is 900lbs more than my 280z and the truck is hella fun to drive at 12psi on the t3/t4 turbo. Im guessing im into the mid 14's now since i was running 15 flat@93mph on the stock turbo with stock boost. Dont mind some of the guys on here that talk crap and think posts like this are a waste of time because even if there is another like this post there is now another with more info.

[Bluefire]

I got an RB20DET AWD From a GTS-4

For me the RB26 was way too expensive in a swap that is questionable to begin with.

The RB20 has thick Cylinder walls so that's why I went with it. Plus I just converted from 4g63's so 2.0 liters is comfortable with me.

If it breaks, I'll just build forged internals, slap a GT4088R on it and call it a day.

Either way it all boils down to that sexy, sexy Japanese Inline-6 sound.



These are *All* The excuses?

Guess what else is heavy, Iron and came with your 240? The Lame KA!

None of this is true. You lose Displacement, ok. Adding weight? Its a marginal gain. Nothing that can't be offset with proper suspension damping.

But the KA with all its "displacement" doesn't even come close to a stock RB20. The RB20 also bolts in, meaning there is custom nothing.

A lot of people buy mount kits, but with an r32 x-member it is truly bolt-in.

I know you are entitled to your opinion, especially in this thread. But there were a lot of things you overlooked in your statement. By addressing those maybe we can cut back on the millions of threads like this all over NICO.

RB20DET= Fun

RB25DET= More fun

RB26DETT= Fun only if you fix the oiling quirks= More money= The most fun!

Alright lets just leave out the KA since I agree that motor sux big donkey balls. Basically the cost to drop in an RB20 is roughly the same as an RB25. The only real added cost to the RB25 swap is the custom driveshaft which is an extra $300. So the final difference in price between the two swaps is the difference in engine price (around $1000) + $300 for the driveshaft.

So the question simply boils down to: Is the RB25 worth $1300 more? This is a definitive YES. With an RB25 you get a much beefier transmission ($800 right there) , .5L more displacement, bigger turbo, and a MUCH wider selection in aftermarket parts.

You may try and deny it but anyone with an RB20 wishes they saved a little more and bought an RB25. Hell I wish I had waited a little longer and got an RB26... but the price jump is a hell of a lot more than $1300...

[Bluefire]

Oh and by the way, RB's are not bolt in. I can yank a KA, drop in an sr and have it reliably driving on the streets in a day. Can you do the same for an RB?

[Kalypso]

does the rb25 in your opinion have less

reliability issues then a 26, oil drainage and ect