RB26DETT

Hi all, its nice to see that others are going to the trouble of building a rotisserie for their zed!!! I rebuilt my 240Z on a rotisserie that I built myself and placed the car on it by using primitive jacks as well. It came very useful for sanblasting the shell, stonechipping and painting the underside. There are photos of my RB26DETT powered 240Z in the other forum sections or on the link in my signiture. Respect to all those that are "doing it properly!!!"

Hi Jason, I have a '73 240Z with an RB26DETT. I have changed my twin turbos to a single Garrett ball bearing one, you can click on the link below to see photos of my car. If you have trouble sourcing AFM in the US I can try and get some here for you in Australia.

Hi all, if you want to chase down RB parts or Skyline related performance, maintenance or general info, try this website, they have members from all around the world. www.skylinesdownunder.co.nz

Hi BLKMGK, Brad D and all, I'm not sure on how to explain the engine management issues that a RB26DETT has (or any multiple throttle bodied turbo engine!!). There has been a lots of write ups regarding this issue in an Australian performance magazine called Zoom. Maybe someone with a scanner can post up the articles, I have all the magazine issues, but no scanner. It is well know that there are problems if you don't choose an appropriate ecu for the RB26DETT motors!!! In Japan, lots of the drag cars remove the individual throttle bodies because they sometimes prefer to use a ecu that doesn't enable them to control the RB26DETT multiple throttle bodies set up. I myself use an Autronic SM2, but if I had to recommend an ecu it would be Autronic or Motec, nothing else comes close to these two brands. As for the availability in the US, I'm unsure of what you guys have over there. Stony >> My turbo manifold was custom made for my car, using long equal length runners to eliminate pulsing between cylinders and improve the torque. Do you have any issues on ecus??? Are you still using the air-flow meters (I done away with mine!!!)

Hi Stony, its custom made, do you want one??? I can oragnise to send you one over for to change over to a single Garrett ball bearing turbo!!! They cost $2000 AUD, approx $1000 US. It features equal length runners to eliminate pulsing between cylinders.

Hi all, just a warning about RB26DETT stand alone aftermarket ecu's. NOTE that not all ecu's will work with an RB26DETT because they have individual throttle bodies, unless you use something like a Autronic which can handle MAP vs TPS, you will have problems if you dont run the air-flow meter. With an Autronic you can do away with the restrictive and troublesome air-flow meters. Make sure that you understand the needs of an RB26DETT before you buy the ecu. This does not apply to other RB engines such as the RB25DET or the RB20DET which have a single throttle body.

Hi all, I'm using a Bosch Motorsport fuel pump, and is working well, its the 044 Bosch one (there are more than one Bosch Motorsport fuel pumps) Make sure that you are not solid mounting the pump to the body, otherwise it will drive you crazy with the noise. Dont forget that I'll need a surge tank for your fuel system also.

Hi all, Well my RB26DETT 240Z is finally ready to hit the dyno for some tuning! I'll be keeping the boost low (wastegate value only) in order to get the car licensed (dont want to scare the inspector who drives it and get knocked back for lack of traction!) Then it will make its way down to the motor trimmers for a new interior, its all on the final strecth home from there!!! I'm reconsidering making the RB conversion kits avaliable, mainly due to the numerous "time wasters" which I have received stupid emails from with rediculous offers from (appolagies for those that are keen, the time wasters, you know who you are!) Will keep you all posted on the progress of the project.

Hi all, Stony has done a good write up on RB conversions in the past, do a search and it'll come up, dont want to double up on this issue. I will be making RB mounting kits available, those that are SERIOUSLY interested can contact me at: nguyenxcuong@hotmail.com They will consist of: 1) LHS engine mount 1) RHS engine mount 1) gearbox mount 1) oil sump (tail shaft may be made optional)

Hi Jeotep, cutting up both the RB25DET and the RB26DETT sump will NOT give you the sump that you'll need. The RB26DETT sump is extreamely thick aluminium and the front drive shafts come out of them, the RB25DET sump is metal (how are you going to weld them together in the first place???) The thing to do is to modify a RWD RB20DET, RB25DET or RB30DET sump. If I get enough interest I will make the sump and engine mounts available. SERIOUSLY interested people can email me at: nguyenxcuong@hotmail.com I can make them, and have made it before, they will defenetly work, check out my pictures of my own RB26DETT 240Z in the other post

Hi all, since I dont have my own digital camera yet (those photos are taken by 26ounce, thanks Chris) I have limited numbers of photos as of now to post up. I'm looking to make my home web page (in the near future, any RBZ pictures to forward to me anyone???) that will be dedicated to RBZEDS. The car will be at the Perth Auto Saloon on display at the SST Automotives/Per4manz Turbochargers trade display in October.

Well, just beneath it it says "Western Australia" Only kidding/no harm intended, I'm from Perth, WA How about all of the guys on hybridz? Anyone from OZ?

Hi all, thanks for all your kind messages, the RB26DETT project has been a long time coming! My hard efforts are finaly starting to make sense! RON,PParaska and Stony>> I love your rides too, max respect for all of your solid efforts!!! To all others, if you want an RB powered zed or whatever else, be persistant and I'm sure you'll get there. Just make sure you're fussy with the whole project and don't do a half a*s job of it! Remember that an engine transplant is not a "whole" project, it may be the crux of it but the package as a whole is what a "well engineered" car is. Will keep you posted on more pictures and short clips (thanks to 26ounce for the digital camera, oh by the way, 26ounce>> tell all the others about the ride in Eric's RB30DET 260Z!)

Hi all, check out some new photos of my RB26DETT 240Z, also photos of Eric's RB30DET 260Z. Here are the links: http://www.240z.org/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=1871 http://www.240z.org/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=1872 http://www.240z.org/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=1873 http://www.240z.org/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=1874 http://www.240z.org/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=1875 http://www.240z.org/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=1876 http://www.240z.org/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=1877 http://www.240z.org/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=1878 http://www.240z.org/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=1866 http://www.240z.org/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=1865 http://www.240z.org/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=1864 http://www.240z.org/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=1863 Any comments? I also have pictures of engine mounts to install RB30DET into a RHD 260Z, photos of an RB25DET 260Z,photos of an RB30DET engine (single cam 3 litre) with RB25DET 24 valve twin head and twin Garrett ball-bearing turbos!!!! My RB26DETT 240Z is now RUNNING!!!! Stay tuned for short video clips (probably of dyno tuning and power runs)

Hi Dangerboy, I've recently done this carby swap myself also, as the flat tops in my '77 260Z kept squirting fuel out of the front nozzle also. I used the complete intakes and carbies that I took of my '73 240Z engine. Try and get a complete setup, that way there is no messing around, just bolt up the intakes to the head then some fuel lines to the fuel bowl of the SUs, then it should all be sweet (after you tune the carbs!!!) Something that others haven't said, I found that I needed the metal rod which links the throttle from the carbs to the firewall from a 240Z as this bit is actually longer that those on the flat tops. As for the pollution gear, all that can stay off as the 240Z set up doesn't need it!!! You may also need to get a plug to block up the hole in the exhaust manifold if you are using the 260Z manifold and taking of the pollution gear. Good luck.

Arch MY260, the RB26DETT oil pan will not work as it has the front drive shafts coming out of the, don't forget that the car that the engine comes from is 4WD (Nissan Skyline GTR) For my RB26DETT conversion into a '73 240Z I used an RB30 oil pan and modified it to clear the steering rack (I assume that a similiar mod can be done to the RB20DET) You may also need to relocate you dip stick and modify your oil pick up (I did, but again an RB20DET might be different to an RB26DETT) For the mods to your oil pan, search your area for a competent welder/fabricator, they should be able to do this for you, providing that you specify what you want changed (make sure that they dont make the sump to big otherwise you'll be spending tons of $$$ to fill it up with Mobil 1, also make sure that the oil baffles are right!!!) Good luck!!!

Hi all, it will depend on how you make your engine mounts and sump that will determine if the factory RB25DET will fit under the bonnet. a forward facing inlet manifold will make the job of plumbing the intercooler easier if you are using a GTR style I/C. I noticed that you're in western australia, there is a guy who is currently selling a RB25DE (non turbo but still twin cam) with forward facing intake, modified sump,5 speed gearbox and simplified wiring, all for $1200 (drop me an email if your interested and I'll pass you the contacts) If you are making an intake you need to have it at least the volume of the engine (2.5 litres) and also be careful not to starve or favour certain cylinders of air, alternatively you can get an aftermarket GReedy intake to suit an RB25DET. Good luck and all the best!!!

Hi all, keep the RBs going into zeds, here is the link for Stony's web page. He has a 260Z that runs 11s. I also have a RB26DETT in my '73 240Z! Here is Stony's link: http://www.geocities.com/stonehac/ take care, Cuong Nguyen

Hi all, the RB is one of the coolest engines that you could think of swapping into a zed!!! I have a '73 240Z with an RB26DETT with single Garrett GT40 Ball bearing turbo, Autronic ECU with antilag and traction control and many, many other mods. For the conversion you'll need things like modified sumps, oil pick ups, engine and gearbox mounts etc. I have heard of others getting away by mix and matching mounts from various models, I however modified the aluminium GTR ones. I had to shorten my tail shaft as my engine is set as far back as possible, however I have seen 2 RB25DET and 1 RB30DET conversion which have retained the factory tail shaft. Other things to consider are all the hidden expenses and also the cost of bringing the rest up to scratch ie brakes, suspension, I/C etc. Good luck, Cuong Nguyen.

Hi all, note that the RB30 came out, both: n/a as well as turbo! These were available in Holden VL Commodores in Australia Yes, there is an increase in capacity in using the RB30 blocks, but the design theory behind the RB26DETT is that it has a short stroke which enables it to rev faster and higher! (if the RB30 was better than RB26DETT than why didnt Nissan use those in the GTRs?)

You should go for the Nissan sixes!!! They have very strong internals and respond extremely well to modifications. Then, when you feel like that you are craving more power, its just a matter of getting the performance parts catalogue out and picking up the phone to order some!!! You wont regret having an RB in an early zed, if they can make 1400kg cars do 11s and 10s, immagine what a lighter car can do! Plus you dont have the hassles of having to build an engine, 'cause they'll work fine to as a start from the wrecker, plug and play (as long as its not shot!)

Hi all, RickS and others> I will get around to upload pics and more detailed write ups as soon as I finish my 5 exams!! Will> the calipers are Brembo all round from 993 Porsche as stated above, front rotors = BMW 8 series, rear rotors = Z32 300ZX. Super280Z> I have talked to Stony about my car, his has done a 11.138@121mph and its a fairly stock engine!!! I think that itself is in the supercar zone, I'm not sure what my modified RB26DETT in a S30Z will do!!!

Hi all, thankz for the replies. Owen> sure, more detailed writeups on Brembo brake upgrade and WRX power steering coming up,(as soon as I get a scanner to upload photos) I'm also gathering info on other owners that have done RB conversions as I intend to start a web page for RBZEDS in the future. Take care, Cuong Nguyen

Hi Ron, the intercooler that I'm using was actually custom made to suit the car. It measures 550*300*70mm. The end tanks have been casted from a factory Skyline GTR intercooler. This end tank design has very good angles which enables the air to have optimum flow.

No, the WRX steering rack is not the same length, you basically have to shorten the tie end rods so that it becames the same length as the original Datsun ones. I'll post some pics soon.