The RB hookup?

[gottwins?]

Alright here is the deal, I have budgeted myself and have $2400 to spend on an RB26, the requirements: it needs is to have a full wiring harness, ecu, and for it to be shipped at that price. If you know of one with a lower price tag I will kick in a few bucks your way for the deal finding skillz. Transmission is a plus but I can deal with that separately. Any help would be appreciated for anyone with JDM hookups!!

[twicks69]

PM Murray == whatsadsm

He may be able to help!

[Beagle]

PM Murray == whatsadsm

He may be able to help!


Murray (whatsadsm), Nismodave or maybe even flicktitty would know who to talk to.

[Flicktitty]

good luck trying to find a complete 26 for $2400. If anything...Try going on Zilvia.net there are a few importers on there that offer deals, but that's cheap...cheaper then i've seen for a full 26.

[gottwins?]

good luck trying to find a complete 26 for $2400. If anything...Try going on Zilvia.net there are a few importers on there that offer deals, but that's cheap...cheaper then i've seen for a full 26.

Thanks, Ill try zilvia.net, Ive got a friend in California that can hook me up with one for $2000 but hes in Florida for another month and I am pretty impatient lol :chair:

[Exitspeed]

I know a lot of people on zilvia that I can check with. Not sure you'll find one at that price but I can ask. I'm gonna check with one guy in particular first. He was importing Nissan engines before people knew you could even import engines. I got a friend of mine a deal through him and he delivered one of the cleanest SR's I've ever seen.

I just sent him a PM.

[WhatsADSM]

What is this going in?

IMO if your budget is $2400 you are looking at the wrong motor. If you want a basic swap done right in a 240sx the cost is around 8k for the DIYer. A 300z is probably similar but maybe a little cheaper because you can reuse the z32 trans.

You can find very questionable R32 motor sets for around 3200 on ebay but that is a shot in the dark.. and there are a lot of horror stories out there about them. Most TRUSTWORTHY decent motor sets will be around 4k from a reputable place.

Motor set 4k
RWD RB25 trans ~1k (you can play games though with a z31/z32 trans an rb26 bellhousing but shifter position will suffer)
Stuff to freshen up (timing belt, tensioner, pumps, hoses, etc): 500+
Mount kit: I forget I think they are around 350 or so
Custom drive shaft: 300-400
RB25 oil pan, or modifying 26 pan for RWD: 100?
Slim fans: 100-200
Custom IC & piping: 400-800
Custom exhaust (at least downpipe) to clear everything: 500-800
Fuel pump: $100
Wiring: Free if you DIY otherwise probably 400 or so.

Then you get into the question of the crank collar... especially with the lower cost R32 RB26. The early 26s are known to hurt the oil pump under decent power and high revs, and the R33+ motors fixed this with a larger diameter collar on the end of the cranks. There are also aftermarket parts for the R32 which I think are like 100 or less but then you need the crank out so you can bring it to a machine shop.


So in reality with that budget the RB26 just isnt a good option. I actually think you would have better luck with a 2jz or even a 1jz. It is easier to find a good motor set for cheaper, it is a little more stout from the factory and at the end of the day probably requires about the same amount of modification. And even the 2jz which I'd bet is cheaper to do, is still quite a bit more than 2400.

You will definately have better luck finding a SR20 for that amount of money, and if it is going into a 240sx it is a lot easier and cheaper for everything else.

Otherwise, if the price is right I know of a beautiful, highly modified, singled, ready for show/street/drag/road coarse RB26 98 240sx :)

[WhatsADSM]

P.S. IMO the best (US) place for all your RB questions is:
http://forums.nicoclub.com/zeroforum?id=135

But I will say people there are very opinionated and will probably flame you pretty hard if you ask where to pick up an RB26 for 2400, so make sure you have some thick skin.

[Exitspeed]

What is this going in?

IMO if your budget is $2400 you are looking at the wrong motor. If you want a basic swap done right in a 240sx the cost is around 8k for the DIYer. A 300z is probably similar but maybe a little cheaper because you can reuse the z32 trans.

You can find very questionable R32 motor sets for around 3200 on ebay but that is a shot in the dark.. and there are a lot of horror stories out there about them. Most TRUSTWORTHY decent motor sets will be around 4k from a reputable place.

Motor set 4k
RWD RB25 trans ~1k (you can play games though with a z31/z32 trans an rb26 bellhousing but shifter position will suffer)
Stuff to freshen up (timing belt, tensioner, pumps, hoses, etc): 500+
Mount kit: I forget I think they are around 350 or so
Custom drive shaft: 300-400
RB25 oil pan, or modifying 26 pan for RWD: 100?
Slim fans: 100-200
Custom IC & piping: 400-800
Custom exhaust (at least downpipe) to clear everything: 500-800
Fuel pump: $100
Wiring: Free if you DIY otherwise probably 400 or so.

Then you get into the question of the crank collar... especially with the lower cost R32 RB26. The early 26s are known to hurt the oil pump under decent power and high revs, and the R33+ motors fixed this with a larger diameter collar on the end of the cranks. There are also aftermarket parts for the R32 which I think are like 100 or less but then you need the crank out so you can bring it to a machine shop.


So in reality with that budget the RB26 just isnt a good option. I actually think you would have better luck with a 2jz or even a 1jz. It is easier to find a good motor set for cheaper, it is a little more stout from the factory and at the end of the day probably requires about the same amount of modification. And even the 2jz which I'd bet is cheaper to do, is still quite a bit more than 2400.

You will definately have better luck finding a SR20 for that amount of money, and if it is going into a 240sx it is a lot easier and cheaper for everything else.

Otherwise, if the price is right I know of a beautiful, highly modified, singled, ready for show/street/drag/road coarse RB26 98 240sx :)

I do agree with all of this also.

[WhatsADSM]

Oh yea one more comment. RB26 is better than an RB25, however it is MOSTLY the "made tyte JDM Godzilla" hype than anything. I would feel MUCH MUCH MUCH more comfortable with you trying to get an RB25 instead of the 26. The motor itself is down only a .1l, and while it may not flow exactly like a 26, there are many reasons an RB25 is a better choice esspecially at your price point:

1) it is newer and typically in better condition
2) It is much cheaper for the motor set
3) Motor set comes with the transmission you want already (again much less $$)
4) At the end of the day it can make almost as much power as the 26.
5) Even stock they are very stout, again only a little less stout than the 26. Many people have put down 500+ reliably. IIRC someone recently did 600 something on a stock bottom end, although I think you are playing with fire there.

[Flicktitty]

And even the 2jz which I'd bet is cheaper to do, is still quite a bit more than 2400.




From what i remember i think that's what liz paid for her motor/trans and Harness through FNF motors. and that was shipped. They were DECENT. motor was in good shaped. fired at the first crank. haven't had any problems with the motor since we got it. the trans is on it's way out. so i'm not sure if that was out fault,the importers fault that the trans isn't good, or the shop we took the car too cause after it was at the shop it wasen't as good as it was before.

[WhatsADSM]

From what i remember i think that's what liz paid for her motor/trans and Harness through FNF motors. and that was shipped. They were DECENT. motor was in good shaped. fired at the first crank. haven't had any problems with the motor since we got it. the trans is on it's way out. so i'm not sure if that was out fault,the importers fault that the trans isn't good, or the shop we took the car too cause after it was at the shop it wasen't as good as it was before.

With an auto trans

[Exitspeed]

Yeah he said there's no way for that price. Even before shipping which is expensive for that motor. You're looking more like $4k before shipping.

He said he can get you some other motorsets for that much.

In fact my buddy might still have an SR from this guy.

EDIT: He said he could get you an RB25 for that price but shipping would be another $500.

[gottwins?]

You guys are getting it all wrong, my budget for the motor is $2600, ive got a couple more grand stashed away for the actual project...I have already done the extensive research on parts, modification ect. Im not THAT much of a noob to it, I like to study things before I get into them ;-). The average price for the RB26 is around $3,000 with everything including the AWD tranny. I was just wondering if someone had a hook up to get one cheaper...ive read so many stories about people picking up RB26's for cheap that they found, was just wondering if I could have the same luck :-(.

As for the 240 idea, with all do respect AND I mean WITH ALL DO RESPECT (lol will ferrel) that would be a down grade for me (not yours specifically), 240's are just not my thing.

[gottwins?]

Oh yea one more comment. RB26 is better than an RB25, however it is MOSTLY the "made tyte JDM Godzilla" hype than anything. I would feel MUCH MUCH MUCH more comfortable with you trying to get an RB25 instead of the 26. The motor itself is down only a .1l, and while it may not flow exactly like a 26, there are many reasons an RB25 is a better choice esspecially at your price point:

1) it is newer and typically in better condition
2) It is much cheaper for the motor set
3) Motor set comes with the transmission you want already (again much less $$)
4) At the end of the day it can make almost as much power as the 26.
5) Even stock they are very stout, again only a little less stout than the 26. Many people have put down 500+ reliably. IIRC someone recently did 600 something on a stock bottom end, although I think you are playing with fire there.

Yeah I know im fighting myself on this one...so your telling me the RB25 can handle almost just as much power as the 26? As in buy the RB25, slap a decent turbo on it and your good? My friend whos is going to modify my cross member keeps telling me what your saying......hmmmm

[gottwins?]

Yeah he said there's no way for that price. Even before shipping which is expensive for that motor. You're looking more like $4k before shipping.

He said he can get you some other motorsets for that much.

In fact my buddy might still have an SR from this guy.

EDIT: He said he could get you an RB25 for that price but shipping would be another $500.

HOLY SHIT haha that guy is TAXING. I can get an RB25 with everything for $1500 lol I can get an HKS rb26 for $500 more. Thanks for checking though , appreciate it.

[WhatsADSM]

You guys are getting it all wrong, my budget for the motor is $2600, ive got a couple more grand stashed away for the actual project...I have already done the extensive research on parts, modification ect. Im not THAT much of a noob to it, I like to study things before I get into them ;-). The average price for the RB26 is around $3,000 with everything including the AWD tranny. I was just wondering if someone had a hook up to get one cheaper...ive read so many stories about people picking up RB26's for cheap that they found, was just wondering if I could have the same luck :-(.

As for the 240 idea, with all do respect AND I mean WITH ALL DO RESPECT (lol will ferrel) that would be a down grade for me (not yours specifically), 240's are just not my thing.


Yeah I know im fighting myself on this one...so your telling me the RB25 can handle almost just as much power as the 26? As in buy the RB25, slap a decent turbo on it and your good? My friend whos is going to modify my cross member keeps telling me what your saying......hmmmm


Ahh okay... as long as you got a bunch more saved up for the swap itself. I always get a lot of people saying oh yea I am going to swap my 240 with a RB26, I saw one on ebay for 3200, that includes everything... and so I always have to explain how in general to "do it right" will cost around 8k if you are watching it and doing a lot of work yourself.

I still think 3200 (let alone 2400) is too cheap for an RB26. Basically all of the reputable places are right around 4k, but then you actually know the motor will be good. Most of the cheap places will offer a "warranty" on their motor but it is many times hard to get them to honor it, they won't honor anything but the longblock, and if the motor is tired but still runs well they don't cover that either because it is just a startup warranty. You are correct in saying sometimes people have had amazing luck buying a nice JDM set for really cheap. However for every story about someone picking up a clean solid cheap motor, there are 5 stories about someone getting screwed by trying to save some cash on the motorset. But yea if money is really a big issue you can always play roulette and hope for the best.

As for the RB25 thing. Yea I mean honestly it has FAR more bang for the buck than the 26... the biggest thing it is lacking is the hype. If you have a well tuned 25 I'm sure it will take 500. And you already get a motor setup for RWD, as well as the trans that everyone wants. And actually if you plan to single it, then yea it will be a lot cheaper to do with the 25. IIRC it already has a single manifold with a t3 flange on it so you could find a internally gated T3/T4, throw it on and get some pretty good numbers out of it honestly. My only other gripe about the RB25 is the lack of native Nistune (IMO best tuning Nissan solution) support. Although many use Nistune by repinning their harness for a Z32 ECU and just running the Z32 ECU+Nistune. The RB26 is definately a better motor, however the RB25 kills it in bang for the buck, so if you find yourself lacking a little bit of funds at the end of the day the RB25 would be a great route to take.

And yea no offense taken about the 240, I just assumed it was a 240. It would actually be pretty cool to see an RB in something else. Is it fair to assume it is a Z32? :shades I know Andy (his screen name is booztd or something like that) has a pretty cool RB26 Z32.

[Exitspeed]

HOLY SHIT haha that guy is TAXING. I can get an RB25 with everything for $1500 lol I can get an HKS rb26 for $500 more. Thanks for checking though , appreciate it.



I still think 3200 (let alone 2400) is too cheap for an RB26. Basically all of the reputable places are right around 4k, but then you actually know the motor will be good.

Yep. What he ^ said. It might not be the cheapest but he's gonna sell you a quality motor. I'd personally rather pay the extra "tax" and know I'm getting good stuff. This dude started modding and swapping engines when the 510 CAME OUT. He knows good shit and has been a respected person in the Nissan scene for DECADES. If you would have seen the SR I'm talking about you'd understand. The thing looked like it came from Nissan it was so clean. Sure you can pick up engines for cheap, but that's why there are so many horror stories out there. You get what you pay for. I'm sure you're aware of that.

No problem on checking though.

[gottwins?]

Well considering the information/advice given to me from whatsadsm, and the fact that I just went into my "budget" and bought 3 more Z's (maybe a 4th if someone can buy my damn Wii so I can pay in full!!!) I think I will go with the RB25 set up and shoot for the 450hp+ mark.

Thanks for the help and advice, I know who to go to now with some deep RB analysis, thanks guys.

[WhatsADSM]

Well considering the information/advice given to me from whatsadsm, and the fact that I just went into my "budget" and bought 3 more Z's (maybe a 4th if someone can buy my damn Wii so I can pay in full!!!) I think I will go with the RB25 set up and shoot for the 450hp+ mark.

Thanks for the help and advice, I know who to go to now with some deep RB analysis, thanks guys.

Awesome! Yea, in terms of bang for the buck you can't go wrong with the 25. Plus you gotta love the inline 6 sound, nothin else compares :thumbsup

Oh yea and also, someone just posted this recently. BONE STOCK longblock RB25 did some DEEP 9s in a 240z :wooo:
http://forums.hybridz.org/showthread.php?t=155627

[LIZMO]

From what i remember i think that's what liz paid for her motor/trans and Harness through FNF motors. and that was shipped. They were DECENT. motor was in good shaped. fired at the first crank. haven't had any problems with the motor since we got it. the trans is on it's way out. so i'm not sure if that was out fault,the importers fault that the trans isn't good, or the shop we took the car too cause after it was at the shop it wasen't as good as it was before.

ps theres one problem w/ the motor.. it runs HOT.

ok carry on w/ ur rb talk :)

[Irish]

...

[00formula]

For 2400, you could do an LSx, 6speed setup! :)

I like that idea.

[turbogarrett]

Otherwise, if the price is right I know of a beautiful, highly modified, singled, ready for show/street/drag/road coarse RB26 98 240sx :)

I had no idea the nice 240 at road america had a rb26 in it:headbang

Got any underhood pics? Figured it was a sr20 swap.

[WhatsADSM]

^^

LSx is great platform :thumbsup but again not for that price. LS1/T56 for $2400 is just as much of a pipe dream as RB26/25 trans for $2400.

Most good motorsets with t56 go for way more than that, then there would be a considerable amount of modification to get it into a Z32 (or even an S30).

[Irish]

^^

LSx is great platform :thumbsup but again not for that price. LS1/T56 for $2400 is just as much of a pipe dream as RB26/25 trans for $2400.

Most good motorsets with t56 go for way more than that, then there would be a considerable amount of modification to get it into a Z32 (or even an S30).

How many Ls1's have you bought or sold?

I sold a motor and trans for $1900. That would still leave $500 on the table for other stuff. I am not saying it's the end all be all. I think a mod motor/t5 setup would be pretty cool too. Or how about a turbo 3.8 with a t56?

I think $2400 could get you a lot if you are johnny on the spot with the cash on some good deals.

I will admit that I have no idea on what it would cost to get it in there though.

[WhatsADSM]

I had no idea the nice 240 at road america had a rb26 in it:headbang

Got any underhood pics? Figured it was a sr20 swap.

Thanks! Your FD is nothing short of amazing as well. I was oogling that thing coming down the front straight all day :drool:


I really should take some more updated pictures of the car, but here are some underhood pics from about a year and a half back. A few things have changed but it is still mostly the same.

http://www.murlynna.com/pics/Car/resized/Engine1.JPG
http://www.murlynna.com/pics/Car/resized/Engine3.JPG

And since this is an RB thread after all, this is what they sound like (even the 25 sounds VERY close to this), small displacement inline 6, short stroke, high revs. This is some video that I guess some bystander took of my car one day when I went to GLD with it.
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/stang-and-240sx-grand-nat_703064.htm

[WhatsADSM]

How many Ls1's have you bought or sold?

I sold a motor and trans0 for $1900. That would still leave $500 on the table for other stuff. I am not saying it's the end all be all. I think a mod motor/t5 setup would be pretty cool too. Or how about a turbo 3.8 with a t56?

I think $2400 could get you a lot if you are johnny on the spot with the cash on some good deals.

I will admit that I have no idea on what it would cost to get it in there though.

This is true I have personally not purchased a single one. Although I have budgeted for many a projects for that included some LSx variant and it was always way more than 2500. Truthfully a good T56 is worth not too far frmo the $2400 number on it's own. EDIT: When you sold your setup for $1900, was it an auto or something?

The one project I was involved with that was completed (FC3S LS1/T56) the LS1/T56 motorset was had at a "steal" for around 3300 when all was said and done (well actually we needed to source an F-body pan as well, but I digress). It comes back to the same thing as I mentioned before with the RB26. Can you find a LS1 with everything on it (every sensor, full harness, PCM, etc) and a T56 in good condition for $2400?... sure, but those kinds of deals are hard to find and personally I wouldn't count on it. Most people in the sport compact communities I frequent plan on around 4k for a motorset which is reasonable.

[Irish]

...

[gottwins?]

Personally I would not be able to bastardize the Z by putting in an American motor in her, for me its either a built Vg30dett or an rb25/26. My friend is offering me a package deal which would consist of an rb25/trans/wiring harness/ecu/polished greddy intake/t51 turbo/modified manifold and down pipe for $3500 which is what I am currently looking at right now.

Currently shes completely gutted right now, im going to start re-upholstering the interior and sanding down the engine bay and painting it.

[Exitspeed]

Why not a VQ? Have you thought about that route?

[gottwins?]

Why not a VQ? Have you thought about that route?

Nah, it would not be worth the modification needed to put it in. The VG30dett is superior motor when talking F/I. I hate the fact that it takes someone with an RB what, half an hour? to remove a turbo and I have to pull my engine. Granted it only takes me a few hours but its still just a pain. I will eventually have a TTZ with a built VG30DETT but I have special plans for this one.

My inspiration:

http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/pp249/chillin4daday/untitled16.jpg

[Flicktitty]

My friend is offering me a package deal which would consist of an rb25/trans/wiring harness/ecu/polished greddy intake/t51 turbo/modified manifold and down pipe for $3500 which is what I am currently looking at right now.


i'm not sure why you would even consider passing this up.

The turbo itself is about $1500 intake mani is a few 100 more. Do it. If not sell me the T51 for cheap i love the way they sound.




Nah, it would not be worth the modification needed to put it in. The VG30dett is superior motor when talking F/I. I hate the fact that it takes someone with an RB what, half an hour? to remove a turbo and I have to pull my engine. Granted it only takes me a few hours but its still just a pain. I will eventually have a TTZ with a built VG30DETT but I have special plans for this one.

My inspiration:

http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/pp249/chillin4daday/untitled16.jpg

hmmm Not sure if i would say the VG30 is superior to the VQ when it comes to boost anymore. they are doing some INCREDIBLE things with the VQ35 now. seriously one of the best import engines to come out in a long time.

[Exitspeed]

i'm not sure why you would even consider passing this up.

The turbo itself is about $1500 intake mani is a few 100 more. Do it. If not sell me the T51 for cheap i love the way they sound.





hmmm Not sure if i would say the VG30 is superior to the VQ when it comes to boost anymore. they are doing some INCREDIBLE things with the VQ35 now. seriously one of the best import engines to come out in a long time.

Fact.

[gottwins?]

Fact.

So is the VG though and is also a PROVEN champion motor. A lot of people like to down play the vg30dett and that's fine by me, I can get them cheap then. The vg30dett has championships under its belt which is a fact and another fact is that with $1500 worth in parts I can have a built motor that can easily handle 500hp+ day in and day out. VQ is a good engine but not worth putting into a twin turbo Z chassis, when you have a VG that will slide right in that can handle more power stock and is less expensive to build.

[gottwins?]

Mmmm yes...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBudnZrnjro

[Exitspeed]

I would think that the VQ engine being on Wards top 10 best engine in the world list since it's inception (except last year for some reason) qualifies it as being "PROVEN".

It's newer and weighs about 200lbs less too. Stock vs stock the VQ puts out approx the same HP in NA form then the VG puts out in FI form. I read a statment from Nissan a while back that said that they can tune the VQ from the factory to produce over 500hp.

Other then it being more expensive to add FI and performance parts being a little more expensive, the VQ is superior IMO. But if it's going in a Z32 then the VG is the obvious choice because of the ease of the project.

I always wanted a VQ powered 240 but no one has really perfected the whole wiring issues.

[lasttimearound]

I would think that the VQ engine being on Wards top 10 best engine in the world list since it's inception (except last year for some reason) qualifies it as being "PROVEN".

It's newer and weighs about 200lbs less too. Stock vs stock the VQ puts out approx the same HP in NA form then the VG puts out in FI form. I read a statment from Nissan a while back that said that they can tune the VQ from the factory to produce over 500hp.

Other then it being more expensive to add FI and performance parts being a little more expensive, the VQ is superior IMO. But if it's going in a Z32 then the VG is the obvious choice because of the ease of the project.

I always wanted a VQ powered 240 but no one has really perfected the whole wiring issues.

but if someone perfected it, where would the fun in the project be? if it was just a bolt in and go, it seems like it would be a pretty boring project.

[Exitspeed]

but if someone perfected it, where would the fun in the project be? if it was just a bolt in and go, it seems like it would be a pretty boring project.

Honestly I know jack shit about electrical so I'd be effed in the ass.

[lasttimearound]

ha, goodone. im never home, why rent? being a student, and full time worker sucks melborne. whats a better way to learn electrical than the practice? god created wiring diagrams for a reason. you'll be fine. now do it!