RB20 vs. SR20

ONLY for ADVANCED technical discussion about the 240sx!
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Kira-Hachi
Posts: 50
Joined: Mon Oct 04, 2004 3:01 pm
Car: 1990 Sileighty / 1986 720 KingCab

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So I've done some trolling and cannot really get a clear picture in my head.

I have a 1990 240sx hatch with a S13 blacktop in it and a Silvia front end conversion. I've decided to take it apart and fix up the body so it looks like a new car again, and while doing so I figured I would give it some enhancements such as better brakes, 5-lug conversion, new suspension, T28 turbo from a S15, and a LSD.

Since money is always an issue (especially for students) I am looking for the cheapest available methods, without cheaping out on the car.

I've come across a '91 Skyline GTS-t for auction and am curious about it's value to me. It has the RB20DET with 120K Kilometers on the motor.

My questions are as follows:Are the Skyline's brake/lug components interchangeable with the 240sx like the 300zx's are? (hub, calipers, lines, etc.)

Would a RB20 be better than the SR20 in the long run? (Reliability, performance)

I realize that the SR is easier to install into the NA 240, and since I have already done so am I better off just keeping the SR and maybe selling the RB? OR maybe keep it as a back up? ( )

All non-flamming, logical opinions are greatly appreciated.


Sil240
Posts: 2973
Joined: Mon Apr 28, 2003 5:26 pm
Car: Nissan S13 "The One Cam Wonder"

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You can def use the brakes, they are similar to the Z32 brakes.

The 5 lug hubs.... I'm not sure about that.Probably though. But you'll only have the Fronts.Better off with just buying a conversion kit.

If you have a SR already, stick with it.Don't bother reswapping motors.The power difference is not there, plus the motor is heavier.

Just Buy some brakes off someone and the 5 lug conversion kit. And jump on a S15 turbo or some other turbo.

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kingtal0n
Posts: 176
Joined: Mon May 23, 2005 2:42 pm
Car: 240sx
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If you ever put an RB20 into anything besides a go-kart i will personally come and attach a magnet to the ECU and all of your replacement ECU

I say that because A: If I hurt the motor it becomes worthless B: if the motor becomes more worthless than it already is it will violate the second law of thermodynamics and rip a hole right through the fabric of reality.

seriously, dont even put an rb25 or 26

either 2JZ-GTE orSR20

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Kira-Hachi
Posts: 50
Joined: Mon Oct 04, 2004 3:01 pm
Car: 1990 Sileighty / 1986 720 KingCab

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kingtal0n wrote:If you ever put an RB20 into anything besides a go-kart i will personally come and attach a magnet to the ECU and all of your replacement ECU

I say that because A: If I hurt the motor it becomes worthless B: if the motor becomes more worthless than it already is it will violate the second law of thermodynamics and rip a hole right through the fabric of reality.

seriously, dont even put an rb25 or 26

either 2JZ-GTE orSR20
haha thanks ill keep it mind.

Second Shadow
Posts: 190
Joined: Sun Jan 26, 2003 3:10 pm
Car: 93' 240sx, s13 blacktop sr20det
Location: Columbia, MO

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The only reason I can think of to use an RB series engine in a 240 is drag racing, and then you would want a 25 or 26. I'm sure the RB20 has a couple advantages over the SR(I don't know them), but I do know they probably wouldn't make a difference until GT300 level racing.

Otherwise, the SR is a lightweight, smooth and high revving, very reliable engine that has less issues than any RB engine and is already in your bay.


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