Sr or Rb20??

[clever240sx]

I dont know if this is the right place to be posting this but anyways, if someone wants they can move it.But i am getting an s13 shell and i have the option of getting an Sr or the rb20det. Which one would i be happier with(power wise)?? Let me know! ~jordan

[S13FASTBACKSR]

well from what I know both engines are pretty close to the same amount of power in factory form..the rb20 takes the win there though but not by much. also from what i have heard rb20's are not very expensive..atleast not as expensive as most rb's (this is what i have heard ive never been shopping for one of these though) and another thing is the expense of modifying a rb compared to a sr..i dont think making an rb20 faster is as expensive as other rb's but i dont think its cheaper than an sr...there are also many usdm parts that will work for the sr and not so many for the rb20..i think most sensors are interchangable with usdm sensors but thats about it..all i can really say is research both and see which you like better as far as buying price, modifying price and maintence work

[clever240sx]

OK IM GOIN RB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I just did a search and i found alot of info on both and im really likeing the specs on the rb.thanks anyways!!!!!!!!!!!!

[27RB240]

Actually man, I think you would really have to do alittle bit more searching..On both....I have been debating over this stuff for more than a month..its not that easy...Just depends on what you want....On one hand you have a 4 cylinder that makes nice power stock but adds practically no weight, you can have AC without too much of a hassel, can find any part for it just about anywhere, more info on it (makes the swap kinda easier because its more info to help you out)..and on the other you have an inline 6 that less ppl do, but its becoming alittle bit more popular, they make alittle bit more power than a SR, PRICE is cheaper, adds anywhere from 20-50 pounds i believe....parts are alittle bit more of a hassel to find along with the swap being alittle bit harder, and if something broke you would spend alot more to build...BUT either way you end up spending the same on either swap, because replacement parts because SR parts are less expensive...But from what I hear RB20s can handel alittle bit more hp than SRs in stock form, but both are good motors...Hope I helped BTW!!! sorry if it's kinda long but u know...

[thechinamannN]

i hear rb's are expensive to mantain

[ILikeMy240sx]

your life will be easier with a SR...

So many interchangeable parts from sentras and huge aftermarket support. Also, swap is much easier.

[S13FASTBACKSR]

Actually man, I think you would really have to do alittle bit more searching..

to that too..There is a lot more involved besides the specs. you've go to look at installation process and the fact that if you get stuck with something are there gonna be a lot of people who actually know what they are talking about to help you out.

what are these specs that you like so much about the rb over the sr? because it doesnt take much modifying for an sr to put a smile on your face. sure maybe the rb20 will have more hp factory wise but a few cheap mods to the sr and its just as fast..then a few more cheap mods and its faster... an rb part is gonna be more money that the same part for an sr

[ILikeMy240sx]

RB sounds better with exhaust tho... ahaha

[27RB240]

to that too..There is a lot more involved besides the specs. you've go to look at installation process and the fact that if you get stuck with something are there gonna be a lot of people who actually know what they are talking about to help you out.

what are these specs that you like so much about the rb over the sr? because it doesnt take much modifying for an sr to put a smile on your face. sure maybe the rb20 will have more hp factory wise but a few cheap mods to the sr and its just as fast..then a few more cheap mods and its faster... an rb part is gonna be more money that the same part for an sr

ILikeMy240sx RB sounds better with exhaust tho... ahaha

Yes they do sound good, but you are also right with saying they are more expensive to maintain...the motor itself is really cheaper, but i guess if you think you can deal without certain parts, its the only way you can save money, other wise you will still be spending 3k+ on both...

[Blown240sx]

The RB20 is a waste of money. Yea its an RB but like has been said before they cost more to maintain, aftermarket sucks for them, and your intial cost to install the motor is going to be more since you have to buy mounts and drive shaft to just get the motor in.

If you do want an RB get the RB25 GTST motor and be happy.

[oki_bum]

hey if you go RB, thats great. I was thinkin about goin RB, but i went with the SR instead. I finally finished my swap too, so if you ever need any help with SR or RB swap just let me know!! If you do decide to go RB, you might as well as go RB25. Both the SR20 and the RB20 are 2.0L motors...yet the RB20 has six cyliders. Thinkin back, i should have gone RB25. I mean hell...not too many people in MO can say they have a skyline motor in their car. Hit me up sometime if you ever wanna meet up. I let you see the SR and you can get an idea for it.

[27RB240]

hey if you go RB, thats great. I was thinkin about goin RB, but i went with the SR instead. I finally finished my swap too, so if you ever need any help with SR or RB swap just let me know!! If you do decide to go RB, you might as well as go RB25. Both the SR20 and the RB20 are 2.0L motors...yet the RB20 has six cyliders. Thinkin back, i should have gone RB25. I mean hell...not too many people in MO can say they have a skyline motor in their car. Hit me up sometime if you ever wanna meet up. I let you see the SR and you can get an idea for it.

See its good to hear ppl that had to go through both things to me...I am not 100% on the SR, but I know just about everything I need about both..RB20s are great I mean I have no prob with them or anything, I love them alot...But like was said earlier, you would jave less problems in the future with the SR....so LOL i really dont know either...And I disagree with the RB20-RB25 statement, because its alot cheaper than the 25, and alot of 20s have beat 25s easily....But I wont get in detail about it...So can you talk about your SR and just say why you did it, or anything in general? I think it would be good, for otehr ppl to see what is involved with searching...So there will be one less RB20 or SR20 thread....

[rb240det]

The RB20 is a waste of money. Yea its an RB but like has been said before they cost more to maintain, aftermarket sucks for them, and your intial cost to install the motor is going to be more since you have to buy mounts and drive shaft to just get the motor in.

If you do want an RB get the RB25 GTST motor and be happy.

I'm not sure where everyone gets their information regarding maintenance to the RB motors, but 99.9% of the parts can interchange with other Nissan vehicles and are no more expensive than a part you might have to replace on an SR.

And no...the aftermarket does not "suck" for the RB. Their popularity is bringing out more readily available parts (as opposed to when I first swapped my RB20), and they are very reasonably priced if you look carefully.

RB20 is a waste of money eh? I paid $35 for my R32 crossmember to put it in my S13. And you do not need a custom driveshaft for the 20, just the 25/26. I paid about 1K for my motorset, a little for the X-member, and a little here and there for misc. parts (FPR, filters, etc...). I don't see how that's more of an initial cost.

[kapower06]

CA18det......

[27RB240]

I'm not sure where everyone gets their information regarding maintenance to the RB motors, but 99.9% of the parts can interchange with other Nissan vehicles and are no more expensive than a part you might have to replace on an SR.

And no...the aftermarket does not "suck" for the RB. Their popularity is bringing out more readily available parts (as opposed to when I first swapped my RB20), and they are very reasonably priced if you look carefully.

RB20 is a waste of money eh? I paid $35 for my R32 crossmember to put it in my S13. And you do not need a custom driveshaft for the 20, just the 25/26. I paid about 1K for my motorset, a little for the X-member, and a little here and there for misc. parts (FPR, filters, etc...). I don't see how that's more of an initial cost.

Pretty much what I was saying in better terms...ha ha The RB20 isnt a waste......Just depends what all you wanna do, and you can save much more...

[Blown240sx]

Yea cause everyone loves the early model RB Turbos also... Ceramics suck

The RB IMO isnt worth the time or wieght. Good job on having 6 cylinders than make the same power as 4....

[Blown240sx]

CA18det......

CA is the biggest waste of all You need to go down to Adrenaline Motorsports there in St Louis and talk to Chuck or Jimmy about getting you a real motor.

PS my SR on stock everything exhuast as the only mod running 12 psi trapped 100 mph @ 14.0 (open diff provided a 2.3 60ft) just something to think about when you say CA

[rb240det]

I

Yea cause everyone loves the early model RB Turbos also... Ceramics suck

The RB IMO isnt worth the time or wieght. Good job on having 6 cylinders than make the same power as 4....

I think the number of cylinders has very little to do with the potential of the RB vs. SR, considering they're the same freakin' displacement. As far as the turbo, who gives a crap about the turbine blades!? They're fine up to about 14psi, and anything past that is getting out of their efficiency range anyway. I think that your biased opinion towards RB's (and apparently CA's now) is a tad ignorant of the motor. Bring some revelant information to this discussion before bashing RB's.

[clever240sx]

wow this thread has really expanded. But now im not 100% sure if im gonna do the rb. The main reason was b/c i did a search for the sr vs. the rb20 and some guy did an amazing job of explainin why the rb20 would be the better buy. ANd i was fully convinced that i was gonna go with the rb.

Ok lets just put it this way, which engine would be the easiest/less hasle of the two(rb20 or sr) to swap in? But whatever enigne i do put in what all would i need to replace? Now plz dont be all stuck up b/c i asked this question cuz im just trying to figure out the best way to do the swap and i dont want any screw-ups.thanks!!

[rb240det]

If you want an "easier" swap, I would go with the SR. The RB is by no means a difficult swap, but requires a bit more (intially) to swap it in.

As far as what I needed to swap in my RB20.

- R32 crossmember ($35)- A little time and patience for the wiring- Replaced a belt or two since I had it out of the car, and some of the little things (spark plugs, hoses, etc.)

If you don't want to use the R32 X-member, then there are a few mount kit options out there.

[clever240sx]

Can you guys plz give me your own opinion on which engine you would get..thanks

[Blown240sx]

I

I think the number of cylinders has very little to do with the potential of the RB vs. SR, considering they're the same freakin' displacement. As far as the turbo, who gives a crap about the turbine blades!? They're fine up to about 14psi, and anything past that is getting out of their efficiency range anyway. I think that your biased opinion towards RB's (and apparently CA's now) is a tad ignorant of the motor. Bring some revelant information to this discussion before bashing RB's.

Your right I hate RBs not that my buddy I live with owns one and I love the motor but its no RB20 he got the RB25. Also if you would do any research about the Early RB turbos you would see they recommend no more than 12 psi on those turbos but you go ahead and run 14. Go read any of the forums by the aussies since they have the most exsperience with RB motors.

Im still waiting to see how the RB20 is so much more a better swap other than getting to say hey I have a RB series motor. If you want all the cons go to the RB forum and look at thier post on the RB20 vs RB25 vs RB26

The SR Market for parts is huge and the swap is cake theres my argument.
Modified by Blown240sx at 11:48 AM 8/13/2006

[rb240det]

Your right I hate RBs not that my buddy I live with owns one and I love the motor but its no RB20 he got the RB25. Also if you would do any research about the Early RB turbos you would see they recommend no more than 12 psi on those turbos but you go ahead and run 14. Go read any of the forums by the aussies since they have the most exsperience with RB motors.

Im still waiting to see how the RB20 is so much more a better swap other than getting to say hey I have a RB series motor. If you want all the cons go to the RB forum and look at thier post on the RB20 vs RB25 vs RB26

The SR Market for parts is huge and the swap is cake theres my argument.

Modified by Blown240sx at 11:48 AM 8/13/2006

Hey bro...I post on the RB forum Sherlock. I never said the RB is a "better" swap than the SR. I just tired of ppl hating on them without any substantial info to prove them inferior to the SR. And I have researched regarding the tolerance of the RB turbo to boost. Many ppl have ran 14psi on them with no problems, I know I never had any. Please do not lecture me when it comes to RB motors.

You know what...you are correct, the SR swap is "cake" compared to the RB. Gosh...can't believe I tried something somewhat challenging *gasp*...grow up dude.

The RB aftermarket is expanding quite nicely IMO. I have no problems getting any parts I need. Your argument is inconclusive.

[oki_bum]

hey now, lets all just settle down. The RB is a great motor and so is the SR. But honestly now...parts for the SR is so much more vast than the RB. I mean come on, they have companies that dedicate their ENTIRE inventory to the SR. But yes, the RB motor is rising in available parts. And as for the ease of swap. Yes the SR drops right in...and a majority of people on this forum is CHEAP (no offense) or are on a tight budget (college, family..blah blah blah). Hell even if you can find someone selling a R32 crossmember for $35, you'll find someone asking $25 shipped. And OMG!!!! Have you seen how many people ask about wiring!? About every week, maybe twice a week. And there all newbies. And if there not, they still screw it up cuz we still see a "Wiring problem" or "Wiring Question" thread.

Yes the SR is easier. Yes the RB is a little more challenging. And yes if your hella cheap, a newbie, and screw your **** up, we'll still help you.

So clever240sx, SR or RB.... its really up to you, eitha way they BOTH are great motors.....if they weren't why the hell would we spend so much money to own one? Now as i stated before, i wish i went RB(25) just for the extra displacement (and umph), and because everyone in Oki either had an SR20 or RB20.

Enough bantering please and lets just marvel @ the fact that we own Nissans

[rb240det]

hey now, lets all just settle down. The RB is a great motor and so is the SR. But honestly now...parts for the SR is so much more vast than the RB. I mean come on, they have companies that dedicate their ENTIRE inventory to the SR. But yes, the RB motor is rising in available parts. And as for the ease of swap. Yes the SR drops right in...and a majority of people on this forum is CHEAP (no offense) or are on a tight budget (college, family..blah blah blah). Hell even if you can find someone selling a R32 crossmember for $35, you'll find someone asking $25 shipped. And OMG!!!! Have you seen how many people ask about wiring!? About every week, maybe twice a week. And there all newbies. And if there not, they still screw it up cuz we still see a "Wiring problem" or "Wiring Question" thread.

Yes the SR is easier. Yes the RB is a little more challenging. And yes if your hella cheap, a newbie, and screw your **** up, we'll still help you.

So clever240sx, SR or RB.... its really up to you, eitha way they BOTH are great motors.....if they weren't why the hell would we spend so much money to own one? Now as i stated before, i wish i went RB(25) just for the extra displacement (and umph), and because everyone in Oki either had an SR20 or RB20.

Enough bantering please and lets just marvel @ the fact that we own Nissans

Word man...sorry to let my temper get the best of me. Yeah the RB wiring is a bit hairy if it's your first time, but nothing too difficult. Both motors have great potential, and are fun as hell.

[clever240sx]

Enough bantering please and lets just marvel @ the fact that we own Nissans

True dat!!

[Blown240sx]

You know what...you are correct, the SR swap is "cake" compared to the RB. Gosh...can't believe I tried something somewhat challenging *gasp*...grow up dude.

Had to quote this little section.

Also to respond to the people run 14 psi no problem. I know people who have run 15+ on T25s ont he SR with out problems in the short run. But like I said go for it on the 14 psi.

Now back to your quoteWhat are you arguing here? The guy asked which motor would be the easiest. Guess what SR wins that battle.

Also something more challanging? You told me you bought a cross member put it in and everything else just went together... How is that something more challanging? If you want a challange stuff some crazy motor in there and Ill give ya props on a swap.

Also grow up... Why cause I gave you info on the RB20 motor being more of a hassle and Ive yet to see why he shouldnt go SR.... Grow up ha

[rb240det]

Had to quote this little section.

Also to respond to the people run 14 psi no problem. I know people who have run 15+ on T25s ont he SR with out problems in the short run. But like I said go for it on the 14 psi.

Now back to your quoteWhat are you arguing here? The guy asked which motor would be the easiest. Guess what SR wins that battle.

Also something more challanging? You told me you bought a cross member put it in and everything else just went together... How is that something more challanging? If you want a challange stuff some crazy motor in there and Ill give ya props on a swap.

Also grow up... Why cause I gave you info on the RB20 motor being more of a hassle and Ive yet to see why he shouldnt go SR.... Grow up ha

Well I thought the debate might be at an end, and we might have come to a conclusion...but I guess you can't just let it go.

You are correct...the SR is the easier swap. I stated that in a previous post, but thanks for re-stating the obvious. The RB swap requires a bit more focus on wiring, that is the more challenging part I was refering to.

You're "information" regarding RB's means little to me. I've been running an RB powered car for 2 years, have done plenty of research and discussion on it, so once again please do not lecture me when it regards RBs. Swapping an RB isn't a "hassle"...it's just not a complete drop-in swap. If he wants an easier swap than I would recommend an SR...in case you did not catch my previous post.

So how about we be men about this and quit bickering like kindergardeners, because frankly I am tired of it...