RB20det position in 240Z

[mbentsen]

Hi All,

This is my first forum entry, so I hope I'm doing it the right way.

I am currently installing a RB20DET out of a R32 skyline half cut into a 1973 240Z.

The sump/oil pick up modification will be initiated the next couple of days.

I will document this and post photos to help others. I can't find any on the web for a reference.

What is really needed is specific dimensions/photos showing the modification.

Have you come across anything like that?

I'm a little unsure how far back I should mount the engine gearbox.

With un-modified front engine mounts, the tail shaft length is correct, but the gear stick sits about 70mm to far forward compared to stock.

If I move it back I need: To get the tail shaft shortened/balanced (AU$170), make up new front and rear engine mounts and make a large fan shroud for good cooling.

All that is fine, just a lot of work and a few dollars, but I'm worried about the balance of the car.

I wouldn't want too much weight to the rear. I think stock is 52% front and 48% rear so it's pretty close to ideal.

Do you have any experiences with this?

Regards,

Michael

[Mr Camouflage]

Member Cuong Nguyen would be the guy to ask about RB conversions, he seems to have done a few. He's putting a rb26 in a 240 at the moment.

Track him down in the members section and send him a PM (Personal Message).

Also try the search function in the forums to finds other posts about RB20's.

[mbentsen]

Thanks Mr Camouflage,

Using the search function on this amazing website is a really efficient way of getting the info needed fast.

I think contacting members using personal messages, stops other members getting the same useful information I am after.

Is there any sort of unwritten rules in this regard for this, in this forum?

I believe what I am trying to do (read: doing) is something that loots of people are interested in.

I wonder how many?

Please reply to this if you are or want to put a RB engine into a 240/260 Z.

Thankyou all for all your inspiring contributions.

Mbentsen:geek:

[That Ozzy Guy]

Hi Michael

For a short while (very short while) I considered doing the rb26 surgery. Only things that stopped me was the fact that I did realise I want to keep it original and the cost of the conversion.

Anyway, goodluck and I hope to meet you one day to pick your brain and experience re this conversion.

If you are keeping an expense sheet I'd love to know the final figure if you don't mind.

[Jesusus]

i'd like to know more about doing a RB conversion, although i probably wont get around to doing one anytime soon.

=Eddie

[mike240]

hey bentsen,

i am also planning on doing an rb20 swap into my 73Z. you will have to let me know your progress on it. i have a shop that will be doing mine. they have this deal where if this is the first time they do a swap with a particular car and engine, they don't charge for the fabrication items in the swap. i would like to take them any documentation i gather from all the Z sites as possible.

one thing i noticed you mentioned is a longer fan shrould...think about this(which is what i'm going to do, take the clutch fan off and get an electric fan. you can fabricate a mount to mount it right in the middle of your current fan shroud, AND, taking off the clutch fan will free up a few(just a few) horsepower because it has a little less parasitic drag.

[Cuong Nguyen]

Hi Michael,

try www.hybridz.org for RB conversion information. There has been lots of threads posted there on this.

You can also email me at nguyenxcuong@hotmail.com if you have any specific questions. Check out my photo gallery by clicking the blue link to the left of this post to see pics of my RB26DETT 240Z.

[Ivan]

I'm a little way through a RB25DET conversion, have you seen this web site before:

http://www.members.optushome.com.au/charleswilliams/

[mbentsen]

Hi Cuong,

I have studied hybridz with interest, but even moreso your photo gallery.

The quality of the work you have done is impressive.

I a bit of a perfectionist myself, which slows a project like this down.

I'm battling on at the moment with modifying the sump.

I moved the oil dipstick to the rear in the block (factory drilled), and modified the sump to have the same oil capacity, but clearing the steering rack.

Nearly finished welding it back up, but when checking it's straightness found it to be slightly warped.

I will now have to cut it in two spots secure it to a piece of 32mm plywood and re-weld it.

There would be nothing worse that a leaking sump!

If I started all over again I would do it this way: Fix the sump to a 32mm piece of plywood using many screws. Cut the sump 10mm above the mating surface all around. Turn the top 180 degrees. Panel beat the top for a perfect fit and reweld.

I think this would have saved me a lot of time. Any way too late for that.

Michael

[mbentsen]

Ivan,

I have seen the Charles William website.

That was probably the main inspiration of my project.

Have you modified your sump yet?

Any thoughts re engine position?

Michael

[mbentsen]

Mike240,

I will keep you up to date with progress and I have considered electric fan/fans.

I have used a electric fans a few times in different cars, and have so far not seen any to be as efficient as a stock fan.

I the old days without a fan clutch, I would aggree with you on loosing engine power, but I think these days it would be minimal paracitic drag on the engine.

My car has a G-nose on it so with a good fan shroud and ducting, a stock fan would keep the radiator/engine and turbo cool.

The two little flaps, next to the bonnet, will have vents in them for hot air exit.

Your solution would look neat and be simple to install though.

Like any big project,you need to divide it into subprojects, so I have concentrate on sump mods and engine/gear box mounts first and then see about the cooling.

Michael

[Ivan]

I used the 200ZR oil sump and pick up, used the 240z trans mount on the r33 rearbox in the original position and made some engine mounts, still need a new drive shaft, don't know if the original one will fit but it is probably better to get a new one that is designed for 250hp+

you can use the 200zr mounts as well and the drive shaft off a Skyline or something (not completely sure) then you don't need to make any components but apparently it puts the engine higher than it needs to. I have the part numbers if your interested