things to look for in rb26?

[Valley]

found a place selling rb26's ecu/turbo's/all wiring/etc with the rb25 trans already attached for 3200+shipping. i've searched, and am wondering what things i should ask about and look for to be sure it's not a messed up engine/trans.

[CKs240sxNC]

Ive learnt the hard way, i bought a rb25det and all the pistons were cracked and broke. So unless you can actually hear it running or tear it apart first, then its a gamble. Ask on warrenty questions etc etc. Cause you never know how the previous owner abused it hehehe thats my 2cents. BTW Welcome to the forums, where in VA are you?

[Valley]

about 30minutes south of fairfax, going to be in norfolk in another couple of months.

[Nameless EJ6]

I wouldn't trust anyone selling that stuff for 3200$ unless I'd seen it with my own eyes.

[Valley]

http://www.jspecautosports.com/default.aspx is the place that's selling it.

[CKs240sxNC]

Cool, used to live in fredericksburg, i have a cousin in norfolk... anyway, you realize that motor is in canada? well i guess as long that it isnt osakamotors lol ive had a bad experiance with them, dont trust Knucks anymore

[gawdzilla]

that place sucks. got my 26 there. turbos were crudded up, cylinder 2 leaking 30%, water pump had rust in it, elec connectors broken, 25 transmission was the wrong type. now the dude "ismael" wont answer my emails. call him and ask him why you don't answer Will's emails about giving me a half-dead motor and a transmission w/ mismatching clutch hahaha. i'm sure he'll give you some bs to try and get your business.

long story short, im doing a lot of work now cuz i cut some corners. if you want a good motor, go somwhere else. if you want a rebuildable project that will blow away all thoughts of a reasonable budget and are willing to drop the money, time to scour the earth for parts, make calls, research, etc. etc., get it from them.

actually the last 3 prolly go w/ any RB swap maybe the $$$ factor only goes w/ the blown 26. saving the few hundred to $2k looks good in the beginning, but be ready for disappointment. take it from me.. i have first hand experience there. wouldnt go back there.

[Valley]

yes... so far when i've had to go through canadians i haven't had problems... though it's starting to sound like this is like all other places to get an engine from... hit or miss...

hmm... i'm glad to get feedback about them.. seems like i'm going to look around more.. main reason i wanted to go through them was i can't find places that just sell rb25 trans.

[Nameless EJ6]

And there you have it.

Too good to be true.. probably is.

I'm not trying to be a d!ck, but you can't honestly think you're going to get an RB26DETT from a "Skyline" with the RB25DET box for 3200$ and expect everything to be ok....

I paid over 4k for mine.. and the MAF's were broken, there was no clutch, turbo's were stuffed (not like I truly care)..

It's not a swap for someone looking to get the best deal.

[Valley]

heh... i just can't find an importer that'll just sell the rb25 trans by itself. if i could, i'd buy a rb26 from a local place.

noob question but i can't find the answer, does the rb26 mated to a rb25 used the rb26 clutch/flywheel or rb25 clutch/flywheel?

[Nameless EJ6]

The RB26 uses the RB26 flywheel. You can use any clutch setup for a Z32 300ZX N/A, or RB25DET.

I'd suggest going with an RB25DET clip and scratching the whole RB26 idea. My reasoning for that isn't vague, if you wish to know... just ask.

[gawdzilla]

i agree with namelss on going with the 25.

when you're shopping for the motor, just keep in mind what your goals are. for example... if you're not keeping the crappy stock rb26 MAFs- missing or crushed mafs = ok.

if you're going single turbo, roasted twins are fine.

if you're not gonna be revving high, early r32 w/ the short oil pump collar is ok.

keep your goals realistic and it will help you when shopping for the motor. don't dive in and buy the first cheap motor you find, end up being in way over your head (which i thought to myself many times during this project), and end up having a giant paperweight that you cant get running.

[Valley]

yeah, i've been keeping them in mind, i like high revving, and power... that's why i've leaned towards the 26, though i could get a rb25 clip delivered for 3200, and the place is 2miles from my house so i can and have looked at their stock. hmm... the possibilities... but aye, what're you reasons for suggesting a rb25?

the car already is a giant paperweight... bought it for $300 non-running, no rust, straight body, etc... towing it to my yard next weekend..

thanks you all for all the input

[74260zt]

that place sucks. got my 26 there. turbos were crudded up, cylinder 2 leaking 30%, water pump had rust in it, elec connectors broken, 25 transmission was the wrong type.

Hi gawdzilla, can you explain the wrong 25 transmission to me? I just bought a spare 25det trans, but can't see any differences.

Are there different types?

thanks

[Imissmyturbo]

I was just wondering...Why are you guys that paid 4-5K+ for RB26 motors so proud that you paid that much for a motorset that was purchased for $500 in japan? I guess the difference between the 5K and 3200 is the seller will stand behond the motor they sell. After all we are the ones who set the price of motors. If we would refuse to pay what importers are asking the price will come down. I think 3200 is a good price for an RB26 motor with an RB25 transmission.

[CKs240sxNC]

Yea i got my rb25det with no turbo and injectors for $1,500 BUT later on i found a suprize, all the pistons are F***ED. zerothread?id=110072

[gawdzilla]

Hi gawdzilla, can you explain the wrong 25 transmission to me? I just bought a spare 25det trans, but can't see any differences.

Are there different types?

thanks

r34 rb25det is the only one that came in pull. i happen to have that one. basically, the front cover is different, fork is different, TO bearing, etc. the slave cylinder piston points towards the rear, resulting in the "pull" type action. its still cast with the place where the holes for the "push" type slave are supposed to go. i basically need to drill and tap those holes and flip the slave around. then get a new fork, front cover, pivot ball, etc. pic for your reference below. see how my holes for the slave are on the rear making the slave piston point towards the motor?

[Nameless EJ6]

I was just wondering...Why are you guys that paid 4-5K+ for RB26 motors so proud that you paid that much for a motorset that was purchased for $500 in japan? I guess the difference between the 5K and 3200 is the seller will stand behond the motor they sell. After all we are the ones who set the price of motors. If we would refuse to pay what importers are asking the price will come down. I think 3200 is a good price for an RB26 motor with an RB25 transmission.

The US price is what we see. The price in Japan is irrelevant. And what we've come to know in the US, is that money = quality. But.. there are rare occasions that you might find a beyond spectacular deal. I'm not saying I'm proud to pay alot for an RB26. I'm just saying I've yet to see someone get a better deal and a better engine.

An RB25DET clip is a better choice IMO. Because you do not have to worry about sourcing all of the parts to complete the RB26 swap. There's ALOT more sourcing of parts than it sounds. Whether you trust me on that, I could care less because it'll be evident once you are ready to drop the RB26 setup into the car. I'm only at 8k right now.. it's not running. I think that speaks for itself.

My bottom line is that the RB25DET clip would likely be complete in running condition. You don't have to worry about sourcing extra parts. Another reason, is that it's a 2.5 liter. It'll make MORE than enough power to satistfy anyone who wants to drive it on the street.

If I intended to drive mine on the streets, I wouldn't have gone the RB26 route.

[74260zt]

Thanks for the pic gawdzilla. Is it possible to swap the stuff needed off a R32 push rb26 awd trans, onto the R34 rb25det trans?

Do you have the stuff to do the conversion yet? or are you planing to go that route?

[gawdzilla]

Thanks for the pic gawdzilla. Is it possible to swap the stuff needed off a R32 push rb26 awd trans, onto the R34 rb25det trans?

Do you have the stuff to do the conversion yet? or are you planing to go that route?

its very possible to do the conversion. i'm not sure if r32 rb26 trans parts are compatible with r34 rb25. i'd need to check the FAST system.

the parts that i looked for and referenced are for the r33 rb25

the toughest part is getting the front cover assembly. thats the only JDM part. the rest of the parts are all usdm. i already have the front cover and the slave. still need the fork, retainer, spring holder, to bearing, pilot pushing. i'm gonna get them from usdm nissan.

hit me up on AIM or email if you have any other Qs.. i feel bad jacking this guy's thread check my nico profile for my contact info.

[Valley]

heh, it's all good, i'm learning too

i like the extra 1k rpm red of the rb26, and the extra turbo + power from it... though it is starting to look bleak... hmm... rb25 this summer, rb26 the next... or can the rb25's valve train be modded to rev higher, like lifters + springs from a rb26? yes i know it'll be moot without a cam and whatnot else to take advantage of the extra rpm.

oh yeah... how long does it take to be able to PM?

[Nameless EJ6]

heh, it's all good, i'm learning too

i like the extra 1k rpm red of the rb26, and the extra turbo + power from it... though it is starting to look bleak... hmm... rb25 this summer, rb26 the next... or can the rb25's valve train be modded to rev higher, like lifters + springs from a rb26? yes i know it'll be moot without a cam and whatnot else to take advantage of the extra rpm.

oh yeah... how long does it take to be able to PM?

Honestly, I wouldn't worry about the extra 1k. It's not like you're going to need it. The price it costs to swap the RB26 easily outweighs what it'll cost to modify the RB25DET to your needs.. and you don't have to worry about 2 turbos. Upgrading two turbo's is generally BIG $$.

There are alot of benefits in the RB25 compared to the RB26. You will be able to take advantage of the single turbo manifold. There's alot of options for bolt on turbo's that'll make you more power than you'll even have a NEED for. If you are desperately determined to have that extra rpm, there's more than enough aftermarket support that won't murder your wallet. And because you have an RB25DET, you'll have it's wonderfull gearbox. As most know, you'd be very lucky to find an RB26 that comes with that. It's price range is about 1k.

If you can make a list and do the math, you'll see that the RB25DET is a better choice and easier/faster to modify.