RB20 problems

[Ihiryu]

Okay guys,

I just swapped in a RB20 into my S30. The car starts and runs, but has a problem with revving up. The Rev's aren't very clean, has an issue with stalling after revs too. At first didn't run well when cold.

The motor got a new gasket kit (installed by me), I've double checked mechanical timing, and everything seems good there. I've read on the forums about setting timing on the CAS, but it seems like the CAS only goes in one way, (15 degrees for a manual), so I'm not sure how I'm supposed to do that.

The only code I get is 43

I verified all the wiring for the TPS and idle switch. They all have power, ground, and signal to the ECU. So what's left is a bad TPS. I'm going to try to wire in a Z32 one in later.

I've already replaced the CTS sensor, but I haven't driven it since I replaced it. But it seems to run a lot better.

I tried to replace the CAS with one from a Z32, it physically fit, but did not fire.

Seems like the previous owner of this motor replaced the coils since they don't look broken at all (that and they are blue). Should I buy another CAS and ignitor just to try it? Forgive me, I'm a little new the RB's and I know the ignitor and coils seem to be a common issue.

[talonp]

RBs are known for spark problems so checking ignition related problems is a good start but i would say 90% of the ignition problems are at high RPMs and not from simple revving. Since it is a new swap I would check vacuum lines, MAF and TPS. If you are dead set on an ignition issue check plug gap, I have a good rb25 ignitor I would sell you. I'm assuming they are interchangeable but do you research if you are interested. You can also look into an LS2 coil pack swap because it will rule out any ignition issues and it's a good BPU for any rb motor. If you have Splitfire coils I wouldn't bother with an LS2 coil swap.

[Ihiryu]

Thanks for the reply,

Yeah I don't think it's solely an ignition problem, but I wanted some feedback just to be sure. I've got my Q45 TPS coming Wednesday so I'll check that.

My RB didn't have the MAF so I wired in a N60 MAF that is supposedly the same minus the wiring.

So I'll guess I'll wait and see.

Did some more messing around with her today, she threw code 21 also. Ignition Circuit. Anyone got an idea on this one??

[Carl H]

code 21 normally points to a bad ignitor.

n60 is 'supposed' to be the same but it is infact different...j60 will work or green label n60 but the purple label n60 is different.

[Ihiryu]

Carl,

Thanks for the reply. It currently idles pretty solid with the MAF that's in it, but that may be due to the fact it's in limp mode because of the TPS?
I think I'll go ahead and just buy a SAFC so that way I can just move over to the Z32 MAF.

I was able to get a hold of a RB25 CAS to borrow. I put it in my car, cleared the ECU, and still runs about the same. Of course, the TPS isn't working, so I'm sure that's part of my problem. New ECU on it's way, the spare one I bought was a dud. I checked the code and I don't have the code 21 anymore, but I'm going to let it run for awhile (since that's what it took for the 21 code to come up).

I'll probably wire in a J30/Z32 PTU/Ignitor just because, since there's no telling the age on mine, and it seems to be a common problem. At least those ignitors are much easier to come by.

[Ihiryu]

Got the new ECU in. Car sounds infinitely better, still stalls after revving, but sounds a whole lot cleaner. And still code 43. I checked the wiring again, and plugged in my Q45 TPS. Not really sure what to do at this point.

[Carl H]

hurm...might have it going the wrong way OR you have a power issue.
q tps works just fine on my car.