My Rb swap - incase you're interested

[sblake01]

A shop here in So Cal quoted me a price of $4300 for the RB26DETT with trans, ECU, and harness (ECU to engine). All things, considered, that's probably not a bad price considering it is the twin turbo. You'd still have to deal with the fabrication (oil pan, motor mounts, transmount, wiring, etc.).

[venom42]

The RB26 is reguarded as one of the best built 6's in the world, being Nissan's engine of choice for the mighty R34 Skyline GTR. Capable of very high hp on the stock bottom end, it can go toe to toe with the ever-so-popular 2JZ that came in the MKIV Supra turbo cars. I have seen them on the web for as little as $2600, but then you have to consider shipping, and the fact that you cannot check it out before you buy it. I have seen pics of a few early Z's with the RB26DETT transplant. I would post some, but I do not recall where I saw them. It would defintely be nasty.

[LEN168]

I would assume that parts for RB series are easier to get in Aus and Japan of course, and its only logic to see that they are a better choice for me due to those factors. L motors go for like nothing in California, and the turbo engine and driveline goes for a little more than nothing, making it a no brainer for me. If we in USA ever had RBs im sure Id have one, but for now it will just be a nice thing to see I guess. No disagreements about power or fuel economy vs. L series for me, but the L28et is not a joke either...

[ryoojin83]

Hey, to answer a previous question about L series engines with cross flow head... L series is not a cross flow head (obviously, no offense), BUT you CAN get one, (maybe everyone knows this...but i just found out) it was made by a company in Japan called O.S. Giken and its a DOHC cross flow but it will run you about $12,000 not really worth it in my opnion, but iy does look nice.

and now I have a question, its been eating at me for a while.

how does the weight of the RB Series (looking for RB26/25 mainly) compare to that of the L Series (L24)?

Everyone talks about the great weight distrobution on the Z and I would have to agree that its pretty neutral. (this being the main reason that Id never swap a V8 into a Z, that and they are far less reliable, im not a fan of american cars, :sick:).

[venom42]

I *THINK* the RB is an iron block and aluminum head as well, so I Would imagine it to be similar. However, these things can make a rediculous amount of power on stock internals, so there may be some extra weight there? Not to mention the extra cam and valvetrain. Prolly still bfairly close I would think though. These engines are so renowned that there is a wealth of info on the web about them. I am sure someone has the weight posted.

[zeiss150]

Just to clairify.... I know that the L series heads are NOT cross flow. But thanks for answering my original question about weather or not a crossflow head exists for an L engine. It sounds like a great invention but $12,000 is, well quite silly. I could put in a twin turob 350 V8 for that much and produce a mind blowing 879 RWHP with a stagering amout of torque. There is a local guy here in Southern California that did that and I've seen his dyno. How does he get that much HP to the wheels you ask? 15 inch slicks that's how, It's a pretty bitch'n set up! I'm glad that my post created so many comments on RB's, thanks for the info guys.

Rock on Z (and Zed) people!

Matt-

P.S. to bad the skyline's were so ugly. J.K. :-D!

[venom42]

There are several Skylines that make well over 1000 hp as well. That is just plain sick out of a 6 cyl engine. I can't imagine what it would be like in a 2400 lb Z.

[drunkenmaster]

Originally posted by ryoojin83

and now I have a question, its been eating at me for a while.

how does the weight of the RB Series (looking for RB26/25 mainly) compare to that of the L Series (L24)?

my RB30DET motor including shipping pallet weighed in at around 220-230kg from memory so approx. 500lbs.

What does an L28E weigh?

[280z1979]

hey mate,

I just got this 1979 280z 2 days ago. now thinking of a SR20 or RB25 conversion. I am just wondering, what is the spec for the engine mount and transmission cross member to get the shifter in right position.

What sort of suspension and brake setup are you having?

do you use nw brake cylinders and booster?

love your work, am thinking of getting my babe blasted first

[260Zed]

Originally posted by 280z1979

love your work, am thinking of getting my babe blasted first

Sounds like fun!

[drunkenmaster]

Engine mounts and gearbox mount will have to be custom made with your main concern being just not to hit anything i.e the bonnet

As far as lining up goes all report i have heard and seen say that in true nissan style it all lines up perfectly.

I plan to upsize my brake master cylnder, cant remember the size as i am not good with feet and inches but does 15/16" sound right? I think its from a 280zx?

[280z1979]

I live in Auckland NZ

so use cm will be fine. I saw this photo in your gallery. I am wondering the suspension spec of yours

what brand are they? easy to get from australasia?