How does an RB20DET in an S13 HB Feel?

[nismo270r]

I'm speechless...It was pure finesse...I was SO amazed at how smooth the car was. It felt like a Euro, smooth and calm when off boost, but as soon as boost is on...WOOHOO!! :biggrin: All I have to say is "SR what?!" I have a totally new outlook on the RB20DET after tonight's ride. I was given the blessing to ride in Unstable Hybrids' S13 Hatchback with the RB20DET tonight. Jason Stonebreaker is here visiting relatives and called me up. "You're not gonna guess what I have in my possesion right now...RB powered 240SX...Wanna check it out?" The last couple of times I met up with Jason when he was here in town visiting was when he had his old SOHC hatchback...then he drags this beast into town...Just WOW...OMG....I HAVE TO HAVE THE RB!! It sounds SOOOOO awesome through the Dual N1's too. Don't get me wrong, the SR is a great engine, and the KA likewise...but the RB is something out of this world. You can see pics of the car on www.unstable-hybrids.com and here are the only two I took tonight as it was ball freezin' cold out, and I was too anxious to get into the #### car!
http://home.insightbb.com/~nismo270r/ZilviaPictures/RB20DET1.jpg
http://home.insightbb.com/~nismo270r/ZilviaPictures/RB20DET2.jpg
Derrr...I was so excited I forgot to post the pics...HAHA

(Edited by nismo270r at 11:59 pm on Dec. 29, 2001)

where are the two u tooK? <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'>

[Zemus]

was the handeling as good, or not because of the weight diffrence?

[nismo270r]

Handling wasn't all that great, because suspension was stock, but otherwise, weight distribution didn't seem phased at all...FOCKIN' AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Quote: from Oni on 12<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'>7 am on Dec. 30, 2001
was the handeling as good, or not because of the weight diffrence?</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

[Zemus]

how much goes the engine and the swap run? u have intreged me, i want to learn more

[nismo270r]

Check out www.unstable-hybrids.com for more info on the swap, and more pictures! &nbsp;Just drop them an email if you are interested.

[Zemus]

I see this
http://www.unstable-hybrids.com/rb20detinstalled.html
But im just wondering how hard it would be to do it myself, if unstable send me everything but the labor (duh) would then send me instructions how to put it in, (my dad is a car guy, he could put it in)

[nismo270r]

Not quite that easy man...Custom motor mounts, custom fit intercooler, radiator...quite a bit of custom work involved in the RB swap. &nbsp;

[Zemus]

so it is a pain in the ass, cant u buy the custom mounts or do u have to make them yourself.

[nismo270r]

I believe Unstable does all the custom labor for you...that's why the price is a little more than a regular SR swap.

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Quote: from Oni on 12:24 am on Dec. 30, 2001
so it is a pain in the ass, cant u buy the custom mounts or do u have to make them yourself.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

[240sxspeedracer1]

what are the specs of the RB20DET? &nbsp;I think that the sr20det is stock 205hp right? &nbsp;I wanted to compare the two.
Did you ever drive a 240sx with sr20det in it Nismo270r?
You never know the difference until u tried both to see which one is really better.
(In no way am i trying to offend you)

[Zemus]

i like the overall looks of the RB better than the SR, the RB looks more powerful.

Also:
<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=599797246

Is" target="_blank">http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymot....46

Is</a> this a good deal, or is this missing some major parts?

[nismo270r]

Yes I've driven a '96 240 with an S13 SR that was completely stock with an A'pexi Dunk exhaust and K&amp;N cone filter, FMIC, Boosting around 12psi with a Greddy Profec B...The feeling of the RB was MUCH more refined than that of the SR...The SR was more of a raw type of power, but both are fun...I do have to say, the RB felt much more fun than the SR though...Plus the sound of that I-6 rumbling out the A'pexi Dual N1's...EHHHHH &nbsp;The RB was stock boost at 10 psi, no boost controller, starion FMIC, and K&amp;N intake...so my comparison is of two pretty equally modified engines.

I'm not sure about that RB on ebay...I just don't like the idea of buying an engine from eBay period, unless I know the person I'm getting it from.

[Zemus]

####, now i want this engine, the price is very close to that of a SR, but the power, the controll, and the sound of this engine just makes my skin crawl, and i like the overall look, how much more weight is it?

[nismo270r]

I don't know about the weight differences...something you'd need to ask them...But the power, control and sound are UNBELIEVEABLE!!! &nbsp;It reminded me of an S4....so quite and smooth until you romp it and it just ROARS!

[BlankFlip]

i think somebody wanted to know some rb20det specs.

rb20det: I6, ~215hp, 2.0 l

i've never been in a 240 w/ an rb, but i'd like to see how that is. the rb isn't that much heavier at all by the way. &nbsp;but yeah, i 've been in both rb and sr powered cars n i liked the rb better. if i had to do a swap here though n choose between the two IN THE STATES, it would still be the sr for price n aftermarket support.

[Zemus]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Quote: from BlankFlip on 10:45 pm on Dec. 29, 2001
i think somebody wanted to know some rb20det specs.

rb20det: I6, ~215hp, 2.0 l

i've never been in a 240 w/ an rb, but i'd like to see how that is. the rb isn't that much heavier at all by the way. but yeah, i 've been in both rb and sr powered cars n i liked the rb better. if i had to do a swap here though n choose between the two IN THE STATES, it would still be the sr for price n aftermarket support.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

I have heard 225 HP, but yea, the sr20 swap is comman when it comes to engine swaps, i want somthing rare as #### and unique to put in my car, so when ppl see it their like &quot;WTF!!!!!!!!!! What is that.... Wait!.. No it couldent be.... A SKYLINE ENGINE&quot; then i wake up from my dream, but i want it to come to

[BlankFlip]

well, i had an rb in my car n it was supposively 212hp, but u see 215hp around a lot. they're just from skyline gts-t's, which is still respectable. i'd also like to have an rb20det in a 240 though, but that would have to be my 2nd 240 if i ever had the opportunity to do that.

[Zemus]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Quote: from BlankFlip on 10:51 pm on Dec. 29, 2001
well, i had an rb in my car n it was supposively 212hp,</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

was this in a 240 or another car?

[nismo270r]

Thing I wonder about is maintenance on the RB...I wonder how readily available parts are here in the US?

[BlankFlip]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Quote: from Oni on 12:53 am on Dec. 30, 2001
was this in a 240 or another car?
</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
it was in this, a 90 skyline gts-t, but i've never rode in a 240 w/ an rb.

http://wsphotofews.excite.com/013/1s/dy/lY/G171242.jpg

[Zemus]

see i would just love to have my car be almost one of a kind, with the rb20det i could do that, its not like their are alot of 89 240sx' with a S15 conversion and a rb20det rolling around, not even in Ca, let alone minnesota (where i live) once i GET my car (which is hoppfully soon consitering im looking at many currently)i want it to be the best around

[BlankFlip]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Quote: from Oni on 1<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'>2 am on Dec. 30, 2001
see i would just love to have my car be almost one of a kind, with the rb20det i could do that, its not like their are alot of 89 240sx' with a S15 conversion and a rb20det rolling around, not even in Ca, let alone minnesota (where i live) once i GET my car (which is hoppfully soon consitering im looking at many currently)i want it to be the best around</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
that would be sweet if u could get an rb in ur car. for me, an sr would just be more practical (for now neway). but honestly, if i could afford it n afford to mod it i'd definitely get the rb. i've actually been thinking about staying n/a w/ this car for my current situation, but i still wanna look into some more stuff.

[Zemus]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Quote: from BlankFlip on 11<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'>8 pm on Dec. 29, 2001
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Quote: from Oni on 1<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'>2 am on Dec. 30, 2001
see i would just love to have my car be almost one of a kind, with the rb20det i could do that, its not like their are alot of 89 240sx' with a S15 conversion and a rb20det rolling around, not even in Ca, let alone minnesota (where i live) once i GET my car (which is hoppfully soon consitering im looking at many currently)i want it to be the best around</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
that would be sweet if u could get an rb in ur car. for me, an sr would just be more practical (for now neway). but honestly, if i could afford it n afford to mod it i'd definitely get the rb. i've actually been thinking about staying n/a w/ this car for my current situation, but i still wanna look into some more stuff.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

Is it really that hard to put in, and is their alot of preformance parts for it, or is it a pain in the ass to get the parts, do u have to get all of them off JDM or what?

[nismo270r]

All these questions should be asked to the guys at Unstable Hybrids...I'm sure they would be able to answer most of your questions about the RB, as they have done the research on it already. &nbsp;From what Jason told me, it's tough to find info on it...Drop them a line...

[BlankFlip]

well, compared to other swaps, i'm sure the rb wouldn't be as difficult or technical at all, n is also probably the best &quot;swap&quot; to do if u don't go sr or ca. but yeah, there has never been ne car produced in the u.s. w/ an rb chassis so everything will have to come from japan. the sr is also only overseas, but more ppl know about it/complete the swap since it's basically made for our cars.

[Zemus]

yea, ill be sure to email the ppl at u.h. but their out till Jan 2, so ill be sure to do that, im really consitering this engine, its getting me kinda pumped

[BlankFlip]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Quote: from Oni on 1:21 am on Dec. 30, 2001
yea, ill be sure to email the ppl at u.h. but their out till Jan 2, so ill be sure to do that, im really consitering this engine, its getting me kinda pumped</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
haha. don't quit till' ya get ur rb engine!

[Zemus]

#### RIGHT, question, how many ppl hear have a sr20? lots or not very many?


(Edited by Oni at 11:33 pm on Dec. 29, 2001)

[BlankFlip]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Quote: from Oni on 1:31 am on Dec. 30, 2001
#### RIGHT, question, how many ppl hear have a sr20? lots or not very many?
</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
not 2 many here on this site have the &quot;t&quot; at the end of their engine names, but in the states, A LOT more ppl have sr's than rb's.

[Zemus]

yea, i dont know what to get first, s15 front end or new engine, its a hard choice, show or go

[BlankFlip]

personally i would go w/ the engine n learn how to control ur car real good first w/ its new added power. that way u can feel more secure 'bout not wrecking ur nice new s15 front end later down the road.

[Zemus]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Quote: from BlankFlip on 12:40 am on Dec. 30, 2001
personally i would go w/ the engine n learn how to control ur car real good first w/ its new added power. that way u can feel more secure 'bout not wrecking ur nice new s15 front end later down the road.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'> good point, i still need to learn how to drive a stick, but see, i want do drift some times also, cuz ive done it in my current car, and i think it rocks hard core, so i might do some safe drifting (parking lot) and just be happy with that for a while, whould it be harder to drift with a heavyer engine

[BlankFlip]

it's actually not &quot;heavier&quot; like ppl say it is. it's only 60 to possibly 100 pounds more, 'bout 2800 lbs overall i believe. so yeah, it shouldn't be no problem at all, just relocate the battery to the trunk, try to lose some weight up front or add more to the rear, i'm sure u could work it out. even if u left it alone, u'll still have a good handling car.

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"> the sr is also only overseas, but more ppl know about it/complete the swap since it's basically made for our cars.
</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

i have a sr stock in my car
ohh waits its a sentra:)

[nismo270r]

Yeah...I'm gonna have to talk to Jason about how maintenance, parts, etc for an RB would go about. &nbsp;Well...hopefully if things go right, we'll be able to get the parts as easily as SR parts...

[Grant]

####, i can't wait till Mckinneymotorsports is finishes with the RB25DET powered S13, maybe that's the way to go, hehe $8k though

[KoukiS14]

Gonna have to agree with Chris on this!!! The RB powered S13 was one of the best cars I've ever been in. . gaaawwwwwwwwd . . silky smooth, and very linear power delivery. . Also, important to note. . the car WAS an auto, and now it's a 5 speed. . the swap was flawless. .

I'll have to say, the only two reasons I'd even consider an SR now is parts availability, and initial cost of the swap. .

-Rob

[nismo270r]

It was funny as #### to see the reaction on everyone's face that showed up last night when Jason popped the hood...&quot;WTF!?!&quot; &nbsp;I just wish that car had a LSD...oh man...that thing would hook up like a mofo I'll bet!

[sspikey]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Quote: from Oni on 12:44 am on Dec. 30, 2001
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Quote: from BlankFlip on 12:40 am on Dec. 30, 2001
personally i would go w/ the engine n learn how to control ur car real good first w/ its new added power. that way u can feel more secure 'bout not wrecking ur nice new s15 front end later down the road.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'> good point, i still need to learn how to drive a stick, but see, i want do drift some times also, cuz ive done it in my current car, and i think it rocks hard core, so i might do some safe drifting (parking lot) and just be happy with that for a while, whould it be harder to drift with a heavyer engine
</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>


oni i dont mean to offend you by this but learn stick before you get a car with that much power. just buy a rust bucket civic with a manual tranny for like 1000$ then when you feel you can drive manual get the power in!

[thedigitalpimp]

oni, your from mn? i was reading the posts and am i'm always excited to meet another 240 guy from MN, if your intrested in meeting, email me a [email protected]

[thedigitalpimp]

oni, your from mn? i am, if you want to meet up or anything, hit me back at my email: [email protected] if you guys want to see a s15 motor put in a s13 get option video #34

[Zemus]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Quote: from thedigitalpimp on 1:28 pm on Dec. 30, 2001
oni, your from mn? i am, if you want to meet up or anything, hit me back at my email: [email protected] if you guys want to see a s15 motor put in a s13 get option video #34</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

that would be awesome, once i get my car, u know anyone in the area lookin to sell one kinda cheap in good conition, i missed a mint 240 91 fb 5spd for 1200$s and another just like it for 1700$s cuz i wasent quick enought

[carnal c30]

agree
learn how to drive stick with the stock 240SX dont run and drop in an aftermarket engine before doing anything
I learned how to drive on an SR20DET 240SX and it was harrrrdddd... having a car with too much power just makes everything harder