Would like some input on the rb20 as a daily driver.

[Redemption1978]

I am looking at getting an s13 coupe and in working out my plans for the car I need to decide on an engine. I like the rb20 over the other options for various reasons but not knowing much about the engine from a reliability standpoint I would like to get some input from you guys.

Premium gas here is 93 octane. I keep regular mainanance upI don't have to worry about emissionsI'm really only looking to get 300~ hp

Assuming a good instalation will it be fair to say this will make a good daily driver?

While I'm asking for advice I will first be replacing bushings(possibly with urethane bushings), Coilovers, 5 lug conversion, 300zx brakes, and stitch welding a few places. I'll be doing this first then body mods then engine but I've scratched and saved for a while so hopefully I can get rolling in a relativly short period of time. Is there anything I'm leaving out or need to take into account?

Thanks a ton in advance.

[rbpower240sx]

What's up man? I own a 1990 240sx with an rb20det swap. I got the front clip from http://www.jarcoinc.com(those guy's are awesome). I'm getting 300hp at the rear wheel and I drive the car everyday on pump gas. The engine is stock except for the intake plenum, front mount intercooler, turbo, and exhaust. It runs smoother than any sr20det I've ever seen. Let me know if you want pics or list of mods.

[swwifty]

actually, i'm curious what mods are giving you 300whp? Sounds like you did very little!

[Carl H]

my s13 did very well as a dd with an rb20 in it, however when i modded the crap out of it and put it into my s14 i began to have problems......i would get the motor in first then slowly mod it, 300whp is a tall order, you are essensialy adding 100 hp over stock soo you will need to make sure its done right.

[ca18detizzle]

.. i wonder how much gas mileage your planning to get daily with that much HP.. Must be my driving but I get horrible mileage... I better lay off the boost on the RB =)

[Redemption1978]

Thanks for the input.

I'm not too terribly worried about gas mileage I don't live far from work and I drive a mustang GT right now with about 310 hp. I can't imagine the difference would be that great. Possibly better when not under boost condition or cruising.

If I cannot reach 300hp thats fine. Its my goal however and I think a fun one to try and reach.

What kind of shape were your engines when you got them? How much work did it take to get it where you wanted it?

[SeVa-S13]

Why go RB if you're looking for such low power? Just wondering.

[Wulfgang]

Because an RB20 is cheap, smooth, unusual, great sounding, and most importantly, more powerful than stock on an OEM turbo engine. Why not?

You can hit 300 hp with nothing more than a mild tune (ECU chip or piggyback), an FMIC, and a cheap turbo. Someone just did it and posted the dyno sheet (stock injectors, MAF, etc.).

Your gas mileage should in fact increase since the new (cheap) turbine will flow more and cause less reversion. But that minor difference will be irrelevant to you since you'll be going from a Mustang GT to a Nissan 240SX. Your gas mileage will improve quite a bit going from a 4.6L (or 5.0L) American engine to a 2.0L Japanese engine.

[Gold Digger]

My friend has about 370 on his RB25 right now, and he drives it every day. It is a smooth runnin engine and he only runs the hell out of it on the highway. I say, if you wanna go with the RB for your reasons posted, go for it. The 20 is a decently dependable motor. Mine is having issues because the spark plugs are going...need to get those done, but coming back stateside in 10 days and need to save as much money for my trip as possible.

300 for a daily is not a problem. Just mod accordingly and you will be fine. Also, as themadscientist for any questions...he seems to be the RB20DET and FJ20DET guru. At least thats what he tells me....lol.

[themadscientist]

that's not all I told him, like this one time at band camp,,,

[themadscientist]

I am looking at getting an s13 coupe and in working out my plans for the car I need to decide on an engine. I like the rb20 over the other options for various reasons but not knowing much about the engine from a reliability standpoint I would like to get some input from you guys.

Premium gas here is 93 octane. I keep regular mainanance upI don't have to worry about emissionsI'm really only looking to get 300~ hp

Assuming a good instalation will it be fair to say this will make a good daily driver?

While I'm asking for advice I will first be replacing bushings(possibly with urethane bushings), Coilovers, 5 lug conversion, 300zx brakes, and stitch welding a few places. I'll be doing this first then body mods then engine but I've scratched and saved for a while so hopefully I can get rolling in a relativly short period of time. Is there anything I'm leaving out or need to take into account?

Thanks a ton in advance.

Ok some of the RB guys may throw crap at me but I am used to not being appreciated in my own time. Now temper this with the fact that I have necer put a wrench on a KA so it is exotic and mysterious to me as the RB is to you and I only know about it what I read. Why go Rb when you could boost a KA?

I know, boo, hiss but here is my reasoning;

Your power goals, 300 seems to be quite attainable with a boosted KA on the stock long block, maybe a cam swap and a head gasket.

For the price to get a used good (you hope) RB20 you could get a new in the box turbo kit for the KA.

The KA is legal for inspection, sure poopoo, pop the hood no SR here.

KA is easy to get parts for, RB never went to the states man. The aftermarket is warming up but RB stuff is still pretty scarce and the 20 is the black sheep.

If you are dead set on the RB20 it will do eactly what you want, it's mainly the scarcity issue that I have trouble with. I'll of course help if I can, everyone here is really helpful so we got your back.

[Gold Digger]

that's not all I told him, like this one time at band camp,,,

Dude...what are you doing, you said you would never tell about band camp...wait till i tell your wife....wait...you prolly did that already.

[themadscientist]

she has secrets of her own

[Redemption1978]

Thanks guys I appreciate your input.

I will be looking for a car this weekend cash in hand.

I will probably order my engine next weekend so I can clean it and make sure its up to par while I do my suspension.

Thanks for being so welcoming I am sure I will be back lots with tons of questions.

Why an RB? Well I have owned a few straight sixes and I fell in love with them. So a 4, although it will do the job and do it well it just isn't my perferred option. Obviously just because I can do it doesn't mean I should but legally I believe I will be ok.

AAAAK BAND CAMP FLASH BACKS!

[rbpower240sx]

swwifty, I installed a Greddy e-manage computer, greddy electronic boost controller, greddy blow off valve, innovative designs custom built t3/t4 turbo with external wastegate, 3" stainless downpipe, 3" cat bypass pipe, 3' EXHAUST. And don't forget the custom intake plenum and massive front mount intercooler. These are just the engine mods.

[swwifty]

interesting, are you running stock boost levels? I'm curious to see your dyno graph too. I've only seen a few rb20s putting out over 300whp.

[rbpower240sx]

Running 17lbs of boost

[blues14]

themadscientist has a point. As much as i love my rb20 s14, It has been a year of headache that probably could have been avoided by going KA-t. Then i would still have a/c, cc, and i wouldnt have an ulcer:) but then again, I would miss that look of awe in peoples eyes when i tell them theres a skyline lurking under my hood:) and the exhaust note is untouchable by any 4 cyl.