Some Q's on RB20 into S14 swap? Help a Noob prepare for a big project please!

[Eikon]

Hey all, Wondering if you could chip in and lend some advice on preparing to swap an RB20 into an S14.

I have spent hours and hours searching through these forums, but find myself confused on a couple of issues. Especially on S14 specific issues... I have trouble figuring out what applies to S13's or S14's or both. I am finally getting ready to order an engine, but I want to make sure that I am prepared before hand. I have never tackled much more than changing oil, so I know this will be quite a project. I just want to make sure that I can get the thing in and started inside of 1 month so that the start-up warranty won't expire before I get to use it. I have help if I need it from a couple friends locally, but I really want to accomplish as much of this as I am able to on my own.

Question 1.) Mounts. I read the sticky in this forum, but find myself more confused after reading it. I gather you can either use custom mounts, or the R32 crossmember. But which is better? Which one would work better in an S14? Do you have to get a custom downpipe either way? Who has the best mounts?

Question 2.) Preparing the engine to install. I have read different write ups in different areas all mentioning different things. Can someone post a concise write-up for engine prep? For example... It is obviously wise to change the engine oil, and transmission fluid before you mount the engine in the car. You should probably change the water pump and timing belt while they are easy to get at. You should check for wear on other belts and hoses...etc... But, what other recommendations are there? Does anyone strongly recommend doing gaskets, seals, rings, other internals? How hard are some of those things to do?

Question 3.) Immediate Modifications and upgrades.My goal is 300 - 350 hp at the wheels, but on a budget. Can someone help me figure out what items I will need to do that, and which things are inexpensive and smart to do right away? I expect to get a FMIC, but that is pretty expensive and may take some time to save for. I will most likely need a turbo timer and blow-off valve. Can the stock Turbo on the RB20 reach 350HP? How about 300? Should I upgrade the fuel system before I install the engine?

Question 4.) Wiring.I have seen a few different wiring guides for S13. But, I am having trouble coming up with info for the S14. Can anyone post a wiring guide?

I know this is a lot of questions to post, and hope they don't seem to be stupid questions. I try to find all the information I can by searching first, but I just needed some clarification on some things before I put down a deposit on an engine.

Thanks a ton to everyone who will post with some help!!!

EIKON

[PalmerWMD]

Come on RB Gurus.help the guy out, even if its just linking him to the right threads.

Fred...

[NISMO_RB25]

First off my experience is an RB25 into an S13, but no one else is helping you so her it goes.

Question 1.) Mounts.

You are right you can use mounts or not. For me mckinney mounts were the best option. (This is a decision you have to make) The big benefit is that they also sell a driveshaft, so you don't have to find a shop to make one for you. It cost around $1150 if you go that route, but I had the motor installed in one day and I had never done anything like this before. (I have pics posted in the Member Rides section) I did have to shorten my down pipe shortened for better ground clearance.

Question 2.)

Honestly, this all depends on you. I didn't change anything except fluids. All I did was inspect the belts, wiring and spark plugs. Depending on the condition of your motor, you shouldn't have to replace gaskets, seals, rings. Now with that said, based on your HP goals, it would probably be a good idea to inspect your gaskets and anything that is easier to see when out of the car.

Question 3.) This can be found while searching. Everyone has opinions on what can and can't be done. I have done very few things to increase power at this point. I prefered to spend the money making the car handle it's new found stock power.Koyo Radiator $300VLSD $450Dual fans $200Tein Flex Coilovers $1400Energy Suspension Bushing kit $120 (still hasn't shipped)

power modsApexi N1 Dual exhaustCat converter adjustment

Question 4.) I paid mckinney to do the wiring. People always ask this question, but I have yet to see anyone post for the S14 wiring, so good luck.

Sorry I couldn't be more helpful, but hopefully this will give you a starting point.

One thing to remember, allthough this can be done "cheap" , you can easily spend a ton doing it right. I have probably spent around the $10-11K so far including the car ($2500).

Worth every penny!!

[Wulfgang]

1. For the RB20, mounts are simple. If you have a clip, go ahead and use the R32 x-member and mounts for a painless install. If not, buy custom mounts and use your KA x-member.

4. S14 wiring for RB20 has been posted many, many times now. Complete guide, including A/C, is at http://www.rb25det.org under the technical section.

[NISMO_RB25]

I guess I was wrong on number 4.

[HybridOne]

you don't need a custom driveshaft. I have an RB20det in an S14 and the stock S14 driveshaft slid right into the transmission and then right into the diff.I'm using custom mounts and i believe they are the better choice. They seat the engine lower in the bay, and i can use a strut tower brace. Although...i did have to make a custom downpipe and modify my swaybar.

How far you go in engine prep depends on how anal you are. Just realize that things are much easier to replace with the engine out of the car.

For power...if you use custom mounts, you might have to make a custom downpipe...make it 3". Use a 3" exhaust. That frees up alot of air. Go to a cone intake, and use a front mount intercooler. Install a bigger fuel pump...255lph is the most common size. Then all you have to do is upgrade the injectors and slap on a bigger turbo and your making much more power. OH...and get some kind of fuel management....like an SAFC, and possibly an adjustable 1:1 boost ratio fuel pressure regulator.

The wiring isn't so bad. rbsileighty did most of my wiring, and we just adjusted the S13 wiring write ups to apply to an S14.

[NISMO_RB25]

custom driveshaft is just for the RB25, sorry about that.

[Eikon]

Thanks a ton for the input so far. I really appreciate it.

A couple of follow up questions..

That's awesome that you found that wiring guide. I have looked and not been able to come up with anything. But, that is for 95... I understand that the 96 has OBDII. Will that affect the wiring much? Anybody know what will need to be done differently if anything?

As far as the fans go. If you used custom mounts (that theoretically move the engine a bit lower and farther back), do you still need to get a new fan/fans?

Thanks again.

[NISMO_RB25]

look me up under members rides. Yep, you have to go with new fans. The stock won't clear. I had some "modified" puller fans with the stock radiator, but with the KOYO upgrade I had to go pusher fans (see pictures).