LOL @ people with RB20's saying "they're fine". Riding a pedal-bike is 'fine', walking is 'fine', but who the fuck wants to go slow?
If you're going to do all the work of putting a RB-series motor in (instead of a SR, which is drop-in), wouldn't you want something that's actually better than a SR? The price difference between the motors is usually $1000, and you need a new driveshaft (~$300) with the 25 (you can use a stock M/T driveshaft with the 20), but the performance difference is huge - plus, the "cap" on what you can get out of it with a turbo/injectors/maf/tune upgrade is MUCH higher.
As far as budget goes, you're looking at $2500 on the motorset, $600 on mounts and a driveshaft, $200 on a radiator, $100 on a timing belt, $300 on new water pump, oil pump, idler and tensioner pulleys, $300 on a intercooler kit, $250 on an intake manifold (stock IM + FMIC = lammmmmme), $200 on wiring (average), and say $200 for random shit like gaskets/fuel filter/fuel hose.
That's ~$4700 if you can do it yourself, another $500-$700 to have a reputable person swap it for you. WAY less than $7k.
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Originally Posted by 951's 330i
1. For a car that is going to be a DD and maybe start some drifting, should i get the 25? Or would the RB20 be enough? I am not really looking to get extreme numbers, maybe try for 300 plus to the wheels? Or untill i feel satisfied with my butt dyno lol. I've searched as much as i could by also visiting other sites for info. Just would like the feedback of someone who has experience this swap already.
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300whp can be done with a stock RB25. If you had a RB20, you'd need a new turbo/injectors/tune/MAF - it's no longer cheaper. Plus the torque of a RB25 is what's fun on the street, more than anything else - just ease into the gas and feel the smile creep over your face.
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Originally Posted by 951's 330i
2. Where can i purchase either one? I know there are vendors on here, but has anyone had any experience with them, or have found greater deals on other sites? Feedback on that would be appreciated as well.
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Lots of importers in socal, shop around and find one that you're comfortable with (good price, startup warranty, etc). Marco @ SR20store and G-Dimensions are the "good ones", and if they don't have any RB25's they can point you in the right direction.
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Originally Posted by 951's 330i
4. On the Rb25det, i have read both sides saying the SI is better then the SII, and vice-versa. What is the real difference between the two besides the turbo? Or is it just all personal preference?
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The biggest difference is age - all the S2's are fairly new motors, and are generally lower mileage. People that prefer S1's generally like the fact that there are
many more S1's floating around, so it's easier to find parts. I have no preference.
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Originally Posted by 951's 330i
5. With the swaps that sell the uncut wiring, that just means i have to do the cutting and wire everything up right? But is this very hard to do? Where can i fine a wiring diagram for either swap? Or better yet, when i get started, can someone in socal help?!  |
Uncut wiring is nice because you can be fairly sure that there won't be any electrical problems once you have someone convert the harness. I do these swaps a lot (and do swap wiring professionally), and charge more to inspect everything if you start with a hacked up harness.
PM me for pics of my work/etc and I'll talk pricing on doing the swap with you, or point you to some people that can help you locally.