RB26DETT in a 300ZX?

[SR20DET240]

Hey guys!

I was really interested in getting a 240 and doing the Sr20 swap before I go to college. My parents talked me into getting a tahoe instead because of the snow there so I cant get Nissan till after college. I will probably save up money for my Nissan and was just wondering if anybody has put the RB26DETT in a '90-96 300ZX?

I searched but could not find any pics, got any?

Also would it matter if I used a 300ZX TT or NA for my platform?

Thanks.

[boileralum00]

It has been done, but it really wouldn't be cost effective. The turbos / piping interfere w/ the brake MC and steering shaft on RHD cars. It would be more cost effective to spend the money rebuilding a VG30DETT and putting some big (HKS GT2835s or Greddy TD06-20Gs) turbos on instead.

[SR20DET240]

Ah, didn't take that into consideration. Thats why I'm here asking! :pface

I didn't think that would be a problem because the SR20 drops into the 240 just fine. Of course, I havent spent much time under the hoods of Zs either.

So just scrap the idea? I heard that the VG is weak. I could do an extensive buildup like SCC mag did but it would be cheaper to put in a RB than do mods like they did.

Got any links to the RB in the 300zx?

[boileralum00]

I used to have a pic but I don't know what I did with it.

How do you figure that an RB swap would be more powerful than a VG for the same money? The RB drivetrain alone (just motor & transmission) would be more than enough to rebuild the VG w/ upgraded internals and freshly rebuilt heads, then when you figure the fab costs of actually installing the RB, you can buy a nice set of turbos (and injectors & bigger ICs) and be putting 500+ RWHP down w/ the rebuilt VG vs. maybe 270 rwhp down w/ your stock RB that has unknown miles and condition. I'll take the higher HP and the rebuilt motor, myself.

[SR20DET240]

Yes, I guess you are right about that. I was not considering the actual cost of the conversion into the upgrading price.

I really want a Skyline, but you need to have major $$$ in order to own one of those babies. I guess the RB 300ZX is my way of a taking a nissan rwd platform closely related to the skyline and dropping in the rb26. Its one step below actually getting a skyline. Plus nobody expects to see a rb26dett under the hood of a ZX.

If anybody knows of any sites about the swap that would be great. I want to see what the major problems are such as turbo clearance with the steering shaft and how to get around that. I know the swap wont be as easy as the SR20 into the 240, but I figured that going this route would be a little more original and a faster setup.

[boileralum00]

I think a unique, powerfull Nissan swap would be an RB25DET into a 240sx. There are a few in the works now, but that would definitely be a rare swap in the US (especially the midwest ). In fact, that's one of the projects I have in the back of my mind for when I win the Powerball. Except mine will be a 240sx convertible w/ the RB25 & a Silvia front end conversion. :thinker

[boileralum00]

Aha! Found the RB in z Z32 pic (notice it's a RHD Z):

[SR20DET240]

Wow that looks cramped! I thought it would be spacious because you are replacing a V6 with a inline 6.

Oh well, I'll probably just put a SR20 into a 240SX like everybody else does.

[s14kaibigan]

Nah bro, think about the RB25det in the 240sx...seriously...go to the 240sx forum and into the RB subforum...there's lots of info there...I'm thinking about doing it..considering Dauntt sells the S14 SR20det for 3200 and the RB25det for 3500...now all I need is Mr Benjamin Franklin to come by and visit me....atleast 35 times...

[NeedCAforS13]

Wasn't there a factory z32 (or was it a z31?) with an RB series engine in it? I thought I'd heard that somewhere...

Sean

[EZcheese15]

Wasn't there a factory z32 (or was it a z31?) with an RB series engine in it? I thought I'd heard that somewhere...

Sean

It was a Z31 with an RB20DET. Sold in Japan only.

[jEzTeR]

I say go for the Z with a full rebuild and upgrade.Or just get a Skyline.I bet if you started looking you might find a place that can get you a R32 for a good price!;)

[nlzmo400r]

I say go for the Z with a full rebuild and upgrade.Or just get a Skyline.I bet if you started looking you might find a place that can get you a R32 for a good price!;)

now wer're talkin baby, ahh the possibilities

[stroker-ace]

Opinions on the SR-Z32 swap? It will be time to build a promotional piece soon.

[Sr20 B12]

I think this will be my next project.........

[Altiman94]

The VG TT motor is by no means weak. Being capable of Low 13's second stock is nothing to shake your fist at

[boileralum00]

There are actually stock turbo-stock engine Z32s into the 11s, the engine is definitely capable. It's just that working on the thing is a major PITA, as the numerous cuts and scrapes on my hands will tell you...

[jEzTeR]

Hey boiler,Kind off subject...but I was wondering if you had thought about coming to the Louisville meet at Tom Sawyer park on the 19th?I'd love to get another look at that Z!:D

[boileralum00]

If she's running I may... I'm finally getting very close to putting all the pieces back together again after pulling the heads off to get them rebuilt. BTW, you guys need to register on 502streetscene.net and keep us filled in on the meets on there as well, since most of us aren't on LS any more.

Rich

[quiksilvia]

" Well I would have to answer your question with another question...." (Zoolander) ... Why? The VG30DETT is THE most powerful stock motor Nissan has out. And as for SR20DET240saying its a weak motor, mine has 140,000 and its still boosting strong. Tell me that's weak? These motors are very strong and will go forever. I just don't see it being worth the $$ to to the RB26 into a Z... but anything is possible with enough time/money. IF you do want to be a baller and throw around all this money, you might as well start with a NA since it will be cheaper and have less stuff to worry about (i.e. HICAS pump/system).... Best of luck. El Fin.

[boileralum00]

Actually, I think the RB26 is the most powerful stock Nissan motor, even though it is technically rated lower than the VG...

If I were going for an all-out power/weight ration car w/ a Nissan motor & body, I would go for an RB26 in an s13 chassis. The Z32 looks much sexier, but it is a pig. If you are set on doing the RB in a Z32 chassis though, I would recommend trying to find a slicktop NA (no t-tops, 2 seater), which will weigh the least out of any of the Z32 models.

[pcbootleger]

I am pretty sure Z32's only came in t-tops or convertible. That was a choice made by nissan to cost down costs on production by not having to make a seperate assembly line for hardtops.

[Down_Force]

FOR ME I THINK SR20DET S14 MODEL IS THE BEST

[boileralum00]

I am pretty sure Z32's only came in t-tops or convertible. That was a choice made by nissan to cost down costs on production by not having to make a seperate assembly line for hardtops.

Wrong. They also made a version that is called the "slicktop" that has no t-tops. In the US, it was only sold as a non-turbo, and was a 2 seater.

[Down_Force]

boileralum00 i know what you talking ... i have seen it before!!

[quiksilvia]

but with more dispacement in a v pattern, the vg has more potential and is more easily attained, not to mention the legality of the swap is a plus

[AZ-ZBum]

Inline 6s are a more stable engine. Because of their design, they don't have harmonics and balancing issues near as bad as any other engine (only engine that's smoother is the boxer engine). Because of this, it's easier to make a few of the engine pieces a little lighter. But the V6 design is actually a smaller and lighter engine. The VG30 found in the Z31 was 20% lighter than the L6 it replaced. Not sure how that compares with the RB though.

While it's true that the bigger displacement motor theoretically can get more power, there's a lot to be said for the inline 6.

What would the legal ramifications be? Only thing to worry about is emissions. Otherwise, you wouldn't see tons of S30s running around with Chevy V8s in them. But there is nothing illegal about a motor swap. At least, not in the US.

[SmithSR]

The engines were never officially imported by the manufacturer, and thus, were not intended or tuned to pass smog. There's an outfit is California that is on EPA contract to modify RB engines in Skylines to meet Gov't mandated EPA standards.

The Chevy V8 theory is weak because it's 1. Made in U.S., intended to pass smog, allowed by the EPA2. Often ends up with smog exemption for the chassis it goes into.(kit, collector, classic, age exemption, etc)

[MainEvent212]

u mean a normal Z32...those are nice...get one adn do an SR20DET swap...haha, that's one whore of a motor, it has everything made for it by 4 different companies

[GatorS14]

I love the z32's.I love vg30dett engine.I hate that cramped *** engine copartment.It makes it nearly impossible to work on your own car.