Making good power with an RB20

[Tyler.]

Seeing sr prices went up a few hundred bucks recently i was thinking about saving the extra $1000 that i would need to get an s14 sr and instead go with an rb20det. I don't know the motor well at all but im sure some of you guys do what would you guys recommend to do to get the rb to around 270-300whp. Thanks

[ILoveJDM]

imo rb20 is a waste of time when you compare it to sr20's.
i have enough friends with gts skylines to compare the motors to, in the end if your just going to be doing minor bolt ons, rb20 is a waste of time/money especially if its being swapped into an schassis, people only want it so they can say they have a SKYLINE motor :p

[cbcm2435]

you pretty much just need basic stuff just like an sr, bigger fuel pump, bigger injectors and bigger turbo

[s13 @ fullboost]

intake mani should be first injectors turbo fmic full exhaust turbo and good tune

[Pinggg]

Just get a SR and save yourself the trouble.
I honestly would onlyngo RB25/26 not that crap 20 but that's just my opinion.

[Flushed_S14]

Just get a SR and save yourself the trouble.
I honestly would onlyngo RB25/26 not that crap 20 but that's just my opinion.

Very true....might as well go RB25/26. It will be worth it

[Imarvin240]

if your only going for 300 max, just get an SR...not hard at all to get 300 out of that. if you are going RB, dont let it be an RB20

[Tyler.]

can someone explain why the 20 isnt the way to go? not just saying its crap lol

[GhostlyCoupe]

RB20DET fits fine, works fine, does fine. Search around and you'll find everything you need to install it and get the power you're looking for.

People use it and people make good power, don't listen to the naysayers. It's up to you to decide if you're serious and have the money and know how to do the swap.

[89JDM240sx]

Rb20's make good power keep in mind these motors are DE-TUNED! So they can handle more power!! I've owned a rb20 before they pull good and in a S chassis with the right bolt-ons can be a problem....

I'm now building a 1200hp Rb25... It all depends on you and what your interest are...

RB20: Good daily motor just refresh it gasket, timing, etc...

Don't get me wrong SR's are great motors but everybody is diff

[laocivic]

i've had both and if i'd do it again i would go RB again. sr's are fun and are more responsive, but i always felt the RB was so much more reliable than the sr and like mentioned earlier just upgraded turbo and fuel system will get you 300 easy

[90white240]

Can't beat the sound of it though!! straight pipe ftw!

[roboticnissan]

The only reason ppl hate on rb20s is cuz there is a bigger form of rb the 25 26 and 30.

Rb motors can take much more abuse than sr ANYDAY. Check out other forums like skyline australia for builds. 300whp is SIMPLE. On the sr its easy aswell but rb are a better motor.

[Edwin562]

I love the sound of the RB, holy crap.... now i want one. hahaha

[Rome704]

dont waste your time on a RB20

[godrifttoday]

my next motor is an ls1

[roboticnissan]

Dont waste your time with a sr20

[Big Zee]

550's,EBC, FMIC, turbo back exhaust, a good set of cams ( make sure they are degree'd ) and a good tune. should net you 300ish to the wheels.

[Imarvin240]

Clearly, you are not going to get a solid answer in this thread...its up to you. Either engine can get you the 300 with very minor work. Both engines have pros and cons...just have to research and see which pros and cons work best for you.

that is the best answer someone can give you in here

[Nidd]

RB20 is fine. just hard to find parts for.

[ManoNegra]

2.0 liter 6 cylinder motor that costs more,
Requires more work ($$$$) to fit,
parts are harder to come by and makes
roughly the same power as an SR?
Sounds logical to me.

[Hashiriya415]

Why down grade from a 2.4???
If you are already buying injectors, pump, turbo, fmic, piping, and tune, so you can reach 300whp on rb.
Why not just put those parts on the ka? makes a lot more sense to me.

[CleanAndLegit]

2.0 liter 6 cylinder motor that costs more,
Requires more work ($$$$) to fit,
parts are harder to come by and makes
roughly the same power as an SR?
Sounds logical to me.


this
rb is a expensive sr that wastes more gas
yeah its cool to have a skyrine motor but thats it the cool factor.

like the other guy said ls1 is my next motor too after another sr :P

/thread

[HyperTek]

sr20 bolts right in.. and great aftermarket support . DOOO ITTTT

[roboticnissan]

Rb20 are not more expensive thab sr20.

[Imarvin240]

Rb20 are not more expensive thab sr20.

The price for the engine isn't to different, but there are more parts needed to run the rb in the car than an sr...making that similar price, not so similar anymore. As for the KA comment, he would really want to consider doing some minor motor work if he is going to turbo it...not exactly the best choice to throw a turbo on and expect a reliable 300hp.

[NAIRB]

there is good an bad with any motor, instead of coming in here an just sayin rb20's are shit bla bla. give some advise or technical info instead of making useless threads.



rb20's are normally reall hard to make good hp on cuz there such a small motor for being a six cylinder. but thats also good because of having such a short stroke means you can rev the fuck outa them, which does make hp if its built correctly.

the motor is not gonna have any tq so if your trying to make a motor thats gonna feel like a v8 an have quick spool up then sell it before you buy anything else for it.

instead of just throwing on a bigger turbo an upping the boost, setup the motor to actually make hp where it wants too, way the fuck up in the rpms.

for a setup like youd like 270-300hp. a new intake with short runners, rb26 cams,adj cam gears. an any smaller size t3 turbo would work out well.

if youd actually like to make quite a good amout oh hp with it, then obv you should do internals. reall large cams, solid lifters, gt35ish sized turbo. this in no way is going to spool up fast but because you have a much higer rev limit than the normal sr an ka you can run a lower final drive which will get you into the power faster, like a 4.37 or 4.67.

[silviaks2nr]

Why down grade from a 2.4???
If you are already buying injectors, pump, turbo, fmic, piping, and tune, so you can reach 300whp on rb.
Why not just put those parts on the ka? makes a lot more sense to me.

literally this.

Build you a ka. Piece together quality turbo components. Get it professionally tuned and make 400 wheel for the same price as you would to make 300 with an sr/rb

[Corbic]

can someone explain why the 20 isnt the way to go? not just saying its crap lol

What is this -2001?

[Corbic]

Very true....might as well go RB25/26. It will be worth it

And if you are doing a 25/26 - might as well do a 1/2JZ.

[Corbic]

there is good an bad with any motor, instead of coming in here an just sayin rb20's are shit bla bla. give some advise or technical info instead of making useless threads.


Why - this has been covered a BILLION FUCKING TIMES. This shit is elementary. Rather then asking the stupid question - what motor should I swap; how about you/op actually SEARCH.


Whatever is saved in the motor purchaser price is completely lost down the drain in the additional cost of actually swapping the fucker. The OP should already know this before opening his mouth. He should have already read the 35 FAQs, DIY and How To's posted on this Forum and the other Nissan forums. He should have already run a price check on all the parts he needs and have them in the spreadsheet. He should already see that a RB20 costs a shit ton more to swap and has ZERO aftermarket support.

Fuck, guys in Australia rip out their RB20s for SR20s to drop weight and give them a better motor to work with.

[Imarvin240]

Why - this has been covered a BILLION FUCKING TIMES. This shit is elementary. Rather then asking the stupid question - what motor should I swap; how about you/op actually SEARCH.


Whatever is saved in the motor purchaser price is completely lost down the drain in the additional cost of actually swapping the fucker. The OP should already know this before opening his mouth. He should have already read the 35 FAQs, DIY and How To's posted on this Forum and the other Nissan forums. He should have already run a price check on all the parts he needs and have them in the spreadsheet. He should already see that a RB20 costs a shit ton more to swap and has ZERO aftermarket support.

Fuck, guys in Australia rip out their RB20s for SR20s to drop weight and give them a better motor to work with.

BOOM! that just happened!

[ship2236]

^^^^ lmao. My rb20 cost $600 less than my redtop did, with a little time and research found a used mount kit for $75, gets only about 3mpg less than my sr and ka-t did, and in it's current state w fmic/ceramic ass 25 turbo/ tubular Mani and mines ecu and 10lbs would prolly smash both on the top end of things lol. So all u haters can hate. It's only cus you are biased to one motor and one only. They all have there pros and cons. The shit has been beat to death though so do more research

[omgRWDgoodness!]

Just don't end up getting a weakass motorset like I did and then become too lazy/busy to figure out why it isn't running 100%.

Some days I wish I just bought an S14 SR...then again that probably would've ended up in the same situation -___-

[Imarvin240]

^^^^ lmao. My rb20 cost $600 less than my redtop did, with a little time and research found a used mount kit for $75, gets only about 3mpg less than my sr and ka-t did, and in it's current state w fmic/ceramic ass 25 turbo/ tubular Mani and mines ecu and 10lbs would prolly smash both on the top end of things lol. So all u haters can hate. It's only cus you are biased to one motor and one only. They all have there pros and cons. The shit has been beat to death though so do more research

im not hating on rb20 motors, like i said in one of my earlier posts in this thread...the OP has to do some research and figure out what pros and cons he wants to have. Also, it seems to me that the OP isn't doing a whole lot of research, so im guessing he may not search for some of the deals that you got...thats just my opinion. im not going to be bias toward one, they both have pros and cons.

[ship2236]

For sure man. I agree with you for the most part. Op, in the end, whatever choice you make is gonna have plenty of possible choices on power and reliability based on how u want to build it.

[Corbic]

Just don't end up getting a weakass motorset like I did and then become too lazy/busy to figure out why it isn't running 100%.

Some days I wish I just bought an S14 SR...then again that probably would've ended up in the same situation -___-

Remember / you are buying a 20 year old used motor out of a wrecked car.

[robots]

300HP is easy piss in RB20, change injectors to 370cc/440cc.
Get a remap for ecu or Nistune
RB25 stock turbo
Run 1-1.2 bar thtough it. Gonna rev to 7.5k or more if you like.
Put something like TD06/HX30 and get the 350 and just be done.
And shit, the motor that started it all for me. Still runs somewhere, swapped through several cars. Still pushing 1bar through RB25 turbo and CAS set to max advance.

[Corbic]

300HP is easy piss in RB20, change injectors to 370cc/440cc.
Get a remap for ecu or Nistune
RB25 stock turbo
Run 1-1.2 bar thtough it. Gonna rev to 7.5k or more if you like.
Put something like TD06/HX30 and get the 350 and just be done.
And shit, the motor that started it all for me. Still runs somewhere, swapped through several cars. Still pushing 1bar through RB25 turbo and CAS set to max advance.

You mean - upgrade turbo, injectors and tune and you'll make 300hp on a 2liter motor?

OMFG

[ILoveJDM]

You mean - upgrade turbo, injectors and tune and you'll make 300hp on a 2liter motor?

OMFG

he must be talking about an sr20!

[ZenkiCam]

2.0 liter 6 cylinder motor that costs more,
Requires more work ($$$$) to fit,
parts are harder to come by and makes
roughly the same power as an SR?
Sounds logical to me.



Welcome to 2012 . Getting parts for an RB is as simple as going to your local Nissan dealership to get them .

[Corbic]

Welcome to 2012 . Getting parts for an RB is as simple as going to your local Nissan dealership to get them .

Cool, they got a FMIC?

Turbo manifold? Intake? Forged Rods? How much for bearing and piston rings?

Standalone ECU?

Fuck, let's start talking about the CA18det again!!

[ManoNegra]

RB20 - all of the e-cred of a skyline motor without that annoying displacement.

[robots]

You mean - upgrade turbo, injectors and tune and you'll make 300hp on a 2liter motor?

OMFG

Same as SR. :spank:

[Corbic]

RB20 - all of the e-cred of a skyline motor without that annoying displacement.

Which could only happen in American. The RB20Det is pretty much the V6 of the Skyline family.

No one is swapping a GM 3800 going "OMFG Camaro motor!!!".

What made the Skyline cool is not the crappy engine put in Sedans and boring coupes - it was the race spec RB26DETT and AWD.

You are already giving up on the AWD - so you want the engine from Grandma Hikari's station wagon?

[n8RPS13]

can someone explain why the 20 isnt the way to go? not just saying its crap lol

Its a 2 liter inline 6 that makes very little power to start. The water jackets are a shit design that leads it to be prone to overheating. Amongst other things its heavy for th little power it does make. Go SR ready to make power and rev happy.

[mikerbike]

Not that my opinion matters..

So, this one time, someone offered to trade my KA coupe for an RB20 hatch. I declined. He offered me $400 on top. I test drove it, no power steering so I declined again. He offered me $1000 on top. I traded.

So, I had an RB20 for a few months while i also had an SR20.

The RB had a rad intake manifold, HMIC, Q45 TB, 3" turbo-back with no cat, and ran 13psi with the stock turbo.

The SR had a HMIC, 3" turbo-back WITH cat, and ran 7psi with the stock turbo.

The SR was very much more responsive and was a tad faster. I enjoyed the broad powerband of the RB i guess. It just seemed pretty sluggish conpared to the SR. The RB developed a knock and while looking around, I wasn't impressed with the lack of parts.

I don't think I'd ever buy an RB20 though. I traded it away for the same KA it replaced and made another $500. I have since put about $800 into a turbo setup for the KA and I am very much more impressed at power delivery.

Good luck!

[robots]

Its just zilvia LOL. For simple road racing RB is better than SR.
More ignitions per revolution, more safe revs. And it never dies.
Actually its RB20 that started RB26. And group a r31 cars. So please enough of your crap guys. SR is just a granny motor for teenagy kids who wanted to take their date to a nearby love-hotel with a bit of turbo whistle.
That can be discussed over and over. Haters and Lovers.
It depends what you fucking want to do with your car. You want 400+? Go 25 or 1j or 2j or LS or fuck else.

[Tyler.]

What is this -2001?

sorry im not 30 sitting on zilvia i was in 4th grade in 2001.. this thread was how to make good power not which motor to swap andtrash talk the rb..

people like you is what ruined this forum you either dont know how to read or just have fun shit talking and being a post whore

and btw the local importers sell the rb20 for 1000 and a redtop is 1700 and s14 sr is 1900 they probably raised the prices bc of all the forum sr fanboys

[n8RPS13]

sorry im not 30 sitting on zilvia i was in 4th grade in 2001.. this thread was how to make good power not which motor to swap andtrash talk the rb..

people like you is what ruined this forum you either dont know how to read or just have fun shit talking and being a post whore

and btw the local importers sell the rb20 for 1000 and a redtop is 1700 and s14 sr is 1900 they probably raised the prices bc of all the forum sr fanboys

Actually SR's have always been more than the RB20. At least since 2003.

[Tyler.]

Actually SR's have always been more than the RB20. At least since 2003.

yes i know but within the last year sr's jumped up

[Imarvin240]

i don't get why sr engines are jumping up, people seem to be going LS/v8 and everything else instead of going sr. eh...whatever

[trickey1991]

the only SR ever manufactured from factory that was better then the 20 is the VVT .

Man, screw haters, the 20 is a good engine. They LOVE the revs man I have one in my R32 and it's limiter is 9000 and still runs 155-160 comp across the board . They sound 10x better then a SR so whoever says they don't is just whining because they have a 4banger. Sure the displacement is the same blah blah blah blah blah but dude..... The Skyline is an iconic car for more then 1 reason not just cuz the GTR (yes its mostly cuz of gtr) but come on they wouldn't put a shitty engine in a Skyline. The only thing from stock that restricts and chokes the engine up is the stock exhaust mani.

Peace!

[trickey1991]

But to answer your question: I'm going to be running this spring:

Precision T3/T4 3231E 55mm
Deatschwerks 750cc injectors
GTR fuel pump
FMIC
3" full exhaust
38mm Tial Wastegate
50mm BOV
Stock Exhaust mani with 38mm flange welded on
Custom made intake mani

shooting for 350whp

[KiLLeR2001]

Going RB20 instead of RB25 is the equivalent to going CA18 instead of SR20. Sure, they are all awesome motors but... cmon meow.

[SidewaysFreak]

5.3 lsx. Cheap, dependable, easy to make power. An if you trash one it's 300-600 for another complete motor. I have a sr an doing another lsx swap In mine. Just my two shiny Lincoln's lol

[trickey1991]

Going RB20 instead of RB25 is the equivalent to going CA18 instead of SR20. Sure, they are all awesome motors but... cmon meow.


Cant argue you there, the RB25 is a great motor. But I just have a crazy love for the 20, yes a 25 would be sick cuz you can make 450whp+ on stock engine with some bolt ons. I would def rather have a RB20 then a Sr20 though, any day , ANY DAY!

[Corbic]

i don't get why sr engines are jumping up, people seem to be going LS/v8 and everything else instead of going sr. eh...whatever

Limited supply.

They have been importing and selling them for 10 years now. Prices are still retard low so stop being a baby.

Go price a B18.

SR20s once cost over $3,000 on a good day. I believe it was a big deal when HeavyThrottle sold them for $2,700.

The RB has always been sub $1,000 because it has always sucked.

[ship2236]

Fuck both motors. FJ20>sr/ca/ka/rb20. Sure parts are ridiculous to try and find, but so what. Man up lol

[ManoNegra]

The RB20 has always been sub $1,000 because it has always sucked.

fixed it for you.

[Mrpopo]

I had one of the very first rb20 swaps in the country back in 1999. R32 subframe, gutted hood, and crazy wiring. I hated it. It sounded good and that was it. My next swap was an rb25 in 2001 and I loved it. Same sound as a 20 and much more power and aftermarket support. Rb25/26 or SR are the best way to go.

By the way rb20s were used in taxis in japan. I don't trust taxi drivers take care of their cars.

[Imarvin240]

Limited supply.

They have been importing and selling them for 10 years now. Prices are still retard low so stop being a baby.

Go price a B18.

SR20s once cost over $3,000 on a good day. I believe it was a big deal when HeavyThrottle sold them for $2,700.

The RB has always been sub $1,000 because it has always sucked.

hah no one is being a baby there buddy. I have no problem offording to buy one, let alone building one...I was asking a simple question hah. calm down there lil guy!

[OLDSCHOOLRICER]

Im going to order my rb20det from zerolift next week. Oh yea lol i really dont care what people think its what you want and can afford.....

[Matej]

Approximately how much power would an RB20DE and an RB25DE make, if one makes them non-turbo?

[Corbic]

Im going to order my rb20det from zerolift next week. Oh yea lol i really dont care what people think its what you want and can afford.....

Dumbass.

Please research.

RB20DET will cost more to swap, regardless of initial purchase price.

You people are spending dollars to save pennies.

[Corbic]

But to answer your question: I'm going to be running this spring:

Precision T3/T4 3231E 55mm
Deatschwerks 750cc injectors
GTR fuel pump
FMIC
3" full exhaust
38mm Tial Wastegate
50mm BOV
Stock Exhaust mani with 38mm flange welded on
Custom made intake mani

shooting for 350whp

If your doing all that garbage why not spend the extra coin and get a RB25? You'll be ahead in the long run.

More displacement
Better stock exhaust manifold (T3/4)
Better transmission
Better rods
Bigger stock turbo
Newer motor
Better aftermarket

[Perfect Balance]

So a RB20det bolts in with a used subframe that can be had for under 200 bucks. Then its in the car. Stock ka driveshaft works, and all you've got to do is swap some sensors and do some wiring. Where are people getting these extra costs from?

Yes, I know you have to do things like change your radiator setup and run push fans, and possibly put together some form of fmic, but these are things you should do regardless of engine choice. They're necessary if you plan on driving the car hard regardless.

[WhipsGoneWild.net]

lol all these lmao replies if ur going to choose from sr20 and rb20 id say go sr i have an rb25 and love it friends have sr's and they are cheaper hell you could pick up 2 sr's for the price of an rb! lol but the low end torque and sound is priceless (: if your target is 300 im sure simple bolt ons would get sr there in no problem idk much on rb20 but 25 is almost 300 horse out of the box with few parts and crank boost let us know what you decide with and your plans! my friends always say your first goal is 300hp year later its 500 and year after that is 6-700 lol

[Corbic]

So a RB20det bolts in with a used subframe that can be had for under 200 bucks. Then its in the car. Stock ka driveshaft works, and all you've got to do is swap some sensors and do some wiring. Where are people getting these extra costs from?

Yes, I know you have to do things like change your radiator setup and run push fans, and possibly put together some form of fmic, but these are things you should do regardless of engine choice. They're necessary if you plan on driving the car hard regardless.

Pusher fans are not not needed on an SR. You'll also still have to make mounts for that cross member. The intake setup on the RB sucks donkey-dick. There really are no RB20DET bolt-in FMIC kits, you'll have to make something. Wiring is also a much larger PITA as the SR is only a matter of lengthening wires. You'll also need to screw the cluster to get the Tach to work.

The RB is also a Timing-Belt motor, replacing that will cost money.

So now you have a heavier motor with a peakier power range and less aftermarket support. You saved $100 congrats.

If you actually plan to upgrade your turbo or make more then 200whp - then you just wasted your time and should have bought the RB25. Its transmission is fucking tits, it comes with a usable exhaust manifold and the turbo is already a T28. The only added cost is the drive shaft and motor price - both are well worth it.

[Perfect Balance]

I will agree pusher fans aren't needed in an Sr, since you can use the stock fan, but that's meh. You can rob fans off pretty much anything with electric fans for probably free. You can find subframe conversion kits with upgraded mounts for just about as cheap as buying some aftermarket ones for an Sr, so consider than an upgrade that's worth doing to either motor. Making a FMIC "kit" is as easy as running some piping/upgrading to a better intake manifold (since we are talking about "making good power")

Wiring is easy if you understand how to do it. I know not everyone can, but if you aren't capable of doing a swap then don't do a swap. Timing belts need to be replaced, yeah, but you'll probably do it once in the entire lifetime of the motor, so that's insignificant.

I'm in no way saying it's a better motor, but I feel it's completely simply a matter of opinion and preference. I'd live with a motor with less aftermarket support for something I can rev the piss out of and have something slightly atypical. It's got "enough" power. People drift stock KAs all the time.

[Tyler.]

Dumbass.

Please research.

RB20DET will cost more to swap, regardless of initial purchase price.

You people are spending dollars to save pennies.

You are calling people dumbasses when you clearly can't even read.

He said its what you can afford and what you WANT.

We get the fact that its only saving a couple hundred dollars but that couple hundred could buy me a day on the track or a set of tires.

This thread is about how to make power not argue about different motors i dont want an sr 95% of swapped 240s have an sr is it ok that i want something a little different.

[ship2236]

Lol I guess my rb20 coupe is a worthless piece of shit because it now has an rb20 I got for way less than my sr and about as much as it cost me to run a legit ka-t setup. I'm doing everything wrong and still can't figure out why it pulls so nice. I need to rethink everything I've ever done soley off of the rest of u naysayers OPINIONS! Lol they are all ficking good motors depending on what ur vision for each is. No matter what u can still comeup on crazy deals based on good timing for any of them. U guys all forget the big picture and that is, who gives a fuck about seeing 50,000 ka/sr hatches w the same mods. Let ppl be diff w/out hasting them based on your OPINION.

[millsaps]

get the rb20 its very much worth it. buy a bigger turbo off an rb25 or something still bigger(i have to4b) with injectors that dont need to be massive like an sr, and a carl h tune the car will be fun. im near 300 horse with 440cc to4b turbo and sidemount. very fun car.

[n8RPS13]

SR20s once cost over $3,000 on a good day. I believe it was a big deal when HeavyThrottle sold them for $2,700.

The RB has always been sub $1,000 because it has always sucked.

+1!! God I haven't heard anyone talk about heavy throttle in almost ten years! Thats actually were my brother and I got or first SR'S HAHA! We got a "deal" on both complete motor's for 6k and that was in 03...

[trickey1991]

If your doing all that garbage why not spend the extra coin and get a RB25? You'll be ahead in the long run.

More displacement
Better stock exhaust manifold (T3/4)
Better transmission
Better rods
Bigger stock turbo
Newer motor
Better aftermarket


I already have the parts.. its done.. I love my RB20 and will upgrade but Ill bypass the 25 and go to a single turbo 26 or 30..

[trickey1991]

PS: I know guys running 420whp+ on stock 20's with bolt ons all day long and they're reliable .. so they can make power... if you have connections and no where to find deals you can make your 20 make 350+whp with 1500-2000 ...anyways everyone has there own opinions I love my 20 they love revs and they are a good engine, all you haters can hate.. grow up and let people be different..........

[trickey1991]

lol all these lmao replies if ur going to choose from sr20 and rb20 id say go sr i have an rb25 and love it friends have sr's and they are cheaper hell you could pick up 2 sr's for the price of an rb! lol but the low end torque and sound is priceless (: if your target is 300 im sure simple bolt ons would get sr there in no problem idk much on rb20 but 25 is almost 300 horse out of the box with few parts and crank boost let us know what you decide with and your plans! my friends always say your first goal is 300hp year later its 500 and year after that is 6-700 lol


RB25DET is 250 Crank HP thats like 220-230 Whp if you're lucky..

RB20DET is about 220 Crank hp 190-200 whp if you're lucky.

Mine personally made 251whp at 11.6psi and my buddy whos running stock hp made 217whp at 12psi on stock engine and turbo.

[wangan_cruiser]

corbic have you owned an rb20 before?

[Corbic]

We get the fact that its only saving a couple hundred dollars but that couple hundred could buy me a day on the track or a set of tires.
.

If your budget is that tight - you can't afford to do an engine swap.

[Corbic]

corbic have you owned an rb20 before?

Fuck no. 8 years ago the thought crossed my mind but I did this amazing thing - researched!!!

I went as far as joining Skylines Austrailia and that is where I saw people ditching the 20 for SRs. In Aussie world you can pick up a RB20 for a few hundered - they are not desirable engines.

[xBandiTx]

Dang this thread is crazy, instead of bashing eachother cant we just provide useful info bout the engines. Come on guys were a community were supposed to help eachother not fight eachother.

[fliprayzin240sx]

The only thing that I can say about RB20s is that they seem to take on beatings better than SRs. SRs are oil starved rod knock machines...

[Corbic]

Dang this thread is crazy, instead of bashing eachother cant we just provide useful info bout the engines. Come on guys were a community were supposed to help eachother not fight eachother.

The information is out there, it has been covered hundreds of times. Why not make an effort to show you actually care about the community and it's records and search for that information?

[blkkouki]

I just recently swapped out my RB20 for an RB25 last week. I've owned SR's, KA's, and RB20, and now an RB25. I like the RB20 alot more than the SR because of how smooth the power delivery was. I beat the shit out of it all day and it never missed a beat. All said and done, my RB20 was putting out 375 whp and was daily driven for 2 years on the stock bottom end with no problems. I only swapped to the RB25 because I will be aiming for 550-600 whp

[wangan_cruiser]

Fuck no. 8 years ago the thought crossed my mind but I did this amazing thing - researched!!!

I went as far as joining Skylines Austrailia and that is where I saw people ditching the 20 for SRs. In Aussie world you can pick up a RB20 for a few hundered - they are not desirable engines.

possibly it was a hype over there just like ls1 over here lol.

[OkiCefiro]

Have an RB25- Love the sound, like purring kitty!

[Corbic]

possibly it was a hype over there just like ls1 over here lol.

Yes cause the LS1 is overhyped. :picardfp:

[two40guy]

God perfect.. another Rb vs sr thread.. I've owned a fully built s14 Sr in a s13 and have an rb20 s13 now and I prefer the Rb. Do I miss the quickness of the Sr.. sometimes. But the powerband of the Rb is way better revs for days and I beat the living piss out of my Rb and I can honestly say it handles it pretty well. And hey can't beat the sound. Makes girls randy baby!

[Pinggg]

God perfect.. another Rb vs sr thread.. I've owned a fully built s14 Sr in a s13 and have an rb20 s13 now and I prefer the Rb. Do I miss the quickness of the Sr.. sometimes. But the powerband of the Rb is way better revs for days and I beat the living piss out of my Rb and I can honestly say it handles it pretty well. And hey can't beat the sound. Makes girls randy baby!

Your saying your RB20 outrev your built SR20? You must of not been crazy :nono:

[wrgibson]

Just FYI, Corbic, you are wrong about the exhaust mani on the RB20.....the exhaust mani from the 20 is the same as the 25.

[smoked240]

Read a couple posts. Do what you want man. If you can afford the SR and want an RB,get the RB. I would recommend the 25 because its simple and parts are all over. Good luck. Either way I bet it would turn out nice

[Newtypex]

Skylines came with CA's.. Get yourself a CA18DET ignore everyone else ;)

[coupesallday!]

I understand why you wanna be different. I bought a fj20et nissan s12 front clip and plan on putting it in my 13. Ima have to do some custom fabrication but it's better than having an sr20 like everybody else. there is barely aftermarket support for this engine but idgaf it's gonna sound sick as fuck! so I say get the rb20 fuck it

[Newtypex]

CA18!! It weighs about 50lbs less then an SR. Running a S15 T28, good software/tune, and some RX-8 injectors works really really well. Not to expensive either.

[Supraclean]

My Rb puts down 341 Whp and 300 torque all day long. If your going to be "different" It costs more for sure, I have invested more then enough money into it that I could have bought an Rb25/rb26.

End of the day I enjoy my happy revving not prone to oil pump failure features of the 26/ and crappy piston rings of the 25.

That been said those problems can be fix pretty easy to give you a peice of mind.

Just let the rest of the guys have been sayn, you want 300hp get and Sr, easy swap. You want a skyline motor? get a rb25 or rb26.

Want a torque monster and have 8000-10000$ get a Ls1,2,3 whatever.

[Oo skyline oO]

I have an rb20 and love it I find a lot of parts for it it too! Making it a time attack car will be great and unique...

[kriss]

my RB20 in Australia, 370HP for you American folk

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d85/anmlrx/074fcc5c.jpg

[mike10562004]

I have always been a rb20 fan, personally i hate sr20s but thats just my 2cents worth i hate the way they sound however if i was to do it over i would go 26 due to how much $$ i have put into my 2nd one

consists of the following:

Magna fluxed head for cracks
K-line bronze valve guides
3 angle valve job I may go back and * * *do a 5*
Port and polish*
Chamfered all 90* mating surfaces
Removed all casting flash
Decked head
Micro polished buckets
Tomei *270* *8.8mm
Line drilled oil gallies
Twin external head drains
Tomei oil restrictors (x2) 1.25mm
Stock Rb26 intake manifold with itbs
Rb26 nismo fpr
Bosch 800cc HI injectors

Magna fluxed block for cracks
Decked block
Removed all casting flash
Bored block 20 thou over
pro engines crank collar (to fix short snout)
ARP Head studs
ARP main studs
ARP rod bolts
Balanced Shot pinged/modified rods*
line bored block for main studs
Micro polished and Balanced crank
CP forged pistons 20thou over @ 8.5:1 static CR




at the end of the day yes a 20 is nice but a extra .5 or .6l in displacement is a better base to start with

[Walperstyle]

CA18!! It weighs about 50lbs less then an SR..

50 lbs... :picardfp:

[budderigs]

I have a rb20 in my car and I love it. I would not trade it for a sr even if I was paid to do so.

Just my opinion.
I like the way is sounds, I like the way it revs, I like the way the power comes on and I really like how easy it was to up the power on it.

I don't dyno my stuff. But if I was to guess I would say mine makes 350ish wheel and cost about $500 to get there.

[ricekiller]

I could careless about this debate, ive learned that a lot of sr guys hate on the rb20, but parts are cheap, parts are everywhere, due to all the sheep buying sr20's. Keep it this way. Plenty of guys making big numbers on the "turd sandwhich" rb20.

[bardabe]

so let's be real here.

how many people in this thread have actually swaped and owned a proper RB20?

I"ll start the list

1. Bardabe

feel free to copy paste and add yourself.

I had great experience with my RB20 ti for sure took the abuse 10X better than my Sr20 did, made me a die hard 6 cylinder fan ever since. with simple bolt on mods, turbo upgrade, supporting mods and nistune i was keeping up with RB26 swapped S Chassis.

[Yellow4g63]

2. Yellow4g63

[hamizle]

Not to mention the rb20 sounds so much better :)

[ricekiller]

I had great experience with my RB20 ti for sure took the abuse 10X better than my Sr20 did, made me a die hard 6 cylinder fan ever since. with simple bolt on mods, turbo upgrade, supporting mods and nistune i was keeping up with RB26 swapped S Chassis.

ive read so many comments like this, people who've actually owned both motors, usually always pick the rb20 over the sr20.

[fliprayzin240sx]

So you saved some money on the engine but you spend just as much as you saved to mount the engine into the car...sounds like a great idea!!! I hate the SR but you cant hate on the practicality of the swap since its a damn drop in engine. I'd take the RB20 for the simple fact that the fucking engines wont die if you constantly beat on it. Thats assuming you're leaving it stock. Most folks I knew who had them get to about 450hp before stuff starts breaking...just about the same point as an SR would start having issues.

[omgRWDgoodness!]

RB20 is fu**ing dumb. That is my input to this thread.

[Corbic]

So you saved some money on the engine but you spend just as much as you saved to mount the engine into the car...sounds like a great idea!!! I hate the SR but you cant hate on the practicality of the swap since its a damn drop in engine. I'd take the RB20 for the simple fact that the fucking engines wont die if you constantly beat on it. Thats assuming you're leaving it stock. Most folks I knew who had them get to about 450hp before stuff starts breaking...just about the same point as an SR would start having issues.

Only the SR is lighter, has more aftermarket, more parts available locally, and does not have that stupid cross flow intake system making FMIC an expensive PITA.

The RB20 is a turd. If you want an Inline 6, swap a RB25 or better yet a 1JZ.

[Corbic]

I have a rb20 in my car and I love it. I would not trade it for a sr even if I was paid to do so.

Just my opinion.
I like the way is sounds, I like the way it revs, I like the way the power comes on and I really like how easy it was to up the power on it.

I don't dyno my stuff. But if I was to guess I would say mine makes 350ish wheel and cost about $500 to get there.

I've never dyno'd my car... but if I was guessing, I'm putting down 400whp... and it cost me only $5 to get there...

:wavey:

[drifterjoey]

After reading every post in this thread i just have to laugh. RB20DET's dont suck! I daily drove and drifted my RB20DET swaped s13 for the last 2years. In stock form it was ok and would be the same as other s13's with SR20's. Dyno run was 225hp and 215tq at 10psi at the wheels. Currently it hass 660cc injectors, t43 turbo, nistune ecu, full exhaust and huge same side intercooler. After the last tune on 100 pump gas it was at 380Hp 360Tq on 15psi. This is with the stock longblock the way it came off the pallet. As for the install it was a r33 front crossmember I payed 180 for it with having the rack relocated at GetNuts By Forrest Wang and s13 auto trany mount (FREE Cause nobody wants it). Its only 6 or 8 wires to wire in to the s13, took us about an hour to hook up. Stock 2 piece drive shaft from the s13. So its not much more work or cost to install than the Sr. I have driven 350hp Sr cars and its nothing like the RB. I have had die hard SR guys take a ride in my car and come back a RB guy. If you can afford the RB25 it is more power and does have more room for higher HP but bang for the buck i would go RB20DET all day over SR20DET. More than happy to give a ride along to anyone, i just ask that you dont wet yourself in the car. lol

[Piggy]

so let's be real here.

how many people in this thread have actually swaped and owned a proper RB20?

I"ll start the list

1. Bardabe

feel free to copy paste and add yourself.

I had great experience with my RB20 ti for sure took the abuse 10X better than my Sr20 did, made me a die hard 6 cylinder fan ever since. with simple bolt on mods, turbo upgrade, supporting mods and nistune i was keeping up with RB26 swapped S Chassis.

Piggy

I've had s13 Sr20, rb25det, ka-t, LQ4
and rb20.

My rb20 was a drag car. I did an rb25 turbo, fmic (CX racing.. quick search on google anyone?), and SPRAYED THE SHIT OUT OF IT.

Very quick s14 and never had a mechanical issue...well other than windsheild wipers not working...

[Bmxer300zx]

Had an sr20 in my car before it got tired, bought a rb20 shipped 1100$ whopping dollar.
Its currently in my car after 2year on 13lbs and and stays toe to toe with sr'd 240sx's, fyi my car is a 3300lbs 4 door.
I am currently debating going rb25 due to the price it'll cost seting up a z32 trans, gtr inj and a rb25 turbo for another 200$ i can just get a rb25.
.
W.e i decide i will say if i ever build a 240 later in life i will go rb20 never sr been around and had plenty of sr cars but my experiance with the rb20 has been good. Also why go sr20? ur only upgrade is a sr20 there is no bigger motor at least with a rb20 the main thing to change is the driveshaft when upgrading plus any mods done to the rb20 swap to the rb25, minus intake manifold but welding can fix that.
.
idk people hate the rb20, hats off to them last i checked the sr is basically the same price as a rb25 lol
Also i like cruising through town in 5th at 30mph in my rb20 do that with a sr and it feels like its having a siezure lol atleast any i've been around (7) my rb20 smooth as butter that low rpm

[PoorMans180SX]

You guys are all silly. This thread should be locked. Being 'unique" doesn't impress anyone, stop using that as a reason to do anything. No one cares.

Fast. Reliable. Cheap.

Pick two, and do what you want from there.

Research, research, research. Do it right the first time and you'll save yourself a lot of headaches.

[memphis180sx]

This is the same story with every motor debate there is. I bet if somebody made a thread what motor the ca18 or a sr20 the argument would be the same.

rb20 sounds like a rb26 but a whole lot cheaper makes ok power but your going for 300 so that shouldnt be to hard no matter what you go as long as its a sr20 or rb30. but here is the down side with rb motors most of the mount kits are junk the either need work or they will at some point in time. I've had countless freinds and times ive worked on a rb and they have always been problems. Don't forget the horrible turbo that they come with they are useally blown when they come to you.

A sr20 is as realiable as any motor on the planet you have to up keep them and they make good power. Just a t28 and other supporting mods so the sr would be a clear winner not beacuse i prefer the sr but beacuse the parts and simplicity of them.

But whatever you do do it right motorswaps arnt ment to be cheap so keep that in mind.

[Bmxer300zx]

A sr20 is as realiable as any motor on the planet you have to up keep them and they make good power. Just a t28 and other supporting mods so the sr would be a clear winner not beacuse i prefer the sr but beacuse the parts and simplicity of them.

rb20 is a 1k , rb25 t28 is 200-300$, gtr 444cc inj 100-50$ with tune can set 280-90whp plenty of aussie's do it. plenty of rb20's internally stock making 400+ whp even on this forum.
sr20's are great too i've been around, driven and had but after owning both sides i'm hands down rb20 plus any turbo setup and boltons are able to swap to the rb25.

But whatever you do do it right motorswaps arnt ment to be cheap so keep that in mind.[/QUOTE]
^ this is true end of the day something will always mess up and leave you crying lol

[91coupesr20det]

imo rb20 is a waste of time when you compare it to sr20's.
i have enough friends with gts skylines to compare the motors to, in the end if your just going to be doing minor bolt ons, rb20 is a waste of time/money especially if its being swapped into an schassis, people only want it so they can say they have a SKYLINE motor :p

truest shit ever!!

[eDmSiL80]

IMO both sr20 and rb20 are good motors. I believe an rb will hold 300+ a bit more reliable then an sr20 unless its an s14 sr. Sad thing is s14 sr is bout the same price as an rb25. And in that range you might as well go 1jz which is better then all of them.

My buddy had a rb20 and i personally liked it. Good torque, powerband, and sounded great. Slap at gtx28 on it with a power fc or something and you bang that bitch all day. Only thing you'd have to consider is stiffening your spring rate to compensate the engine weight.

Vice versa i had a stock s13 sr run up to 350hp. It was sick but i doubt it would last long without a rebuilt.

Figure out what you would like to do with the car etc. IMO i feel the sr is a more fluent feeling engine with an s-chassis compared to a inline 6. That's why the LS is kinda of a match made in heaven with an s-chassis since it's lighter then a ka.