rb26 verse vg30?

[gbabcock]

I'm new to the Hybrid world of Zs. Having pushed my L28 about as far as I can go without turning it into a stroker, I am now trying to determine what my best bet if I end up doing a swap. I've always heard a lot about the rb26 but after a couple searches, I've noticed that they tend to run a good 2500 more than a vg30, with only a 30 hp difference. I was just wondering if anyone would be willing to outline the major selling points/drawbacks of each as they are generally understood. BTW - this is an amazing resourse and my apologies if this topic has been covered a lot before - thanks

[Careless]

I'm new to the Hybrid world of Zs. Having pushed my L28 about as far as I can go without turning it into a stroker, I am now trying to determine what my best bet if I end up doing a swap. I've always heard a lot about the rb26 but after a couple searches, I've noticed that they tend to run a good 2500 more than a vg30, with only a 30 hp difference. I was just wondering if anyone would be willing to outline the major selling points/drawbacks of each as they are generally understood. BTW - this is an amazing resourse and my apologies if this topic has been covered a lot before - thanks

 

well the RB26 might cost a bit more upfront, but it is lighter (i think) than the VG30 and it also does have the potential to make a bit more power than the VG30 on the standard internals, as well as the fact that you only have to buy two cams if you were to upgrade (saves you a couple hundred bucks), and i think it fits the engine bay a bit easier, and makes things easier to work on.

 

the VG30 is pretty wide, but could probably sit a lot further back in the bay, allowing it to have a bit better weight distribution.

 

I Just think the RB26 might be easier to work on, however, a lot of the parts you're going to buy will have to be special order.

 

Either way, you'd have to use the transmission from the VG30 if you want to have RWD 5-speed. So unless you can find one on it's own, or get an RB25 with the 5speed instead of the AWD (some shops will do this, as they've already taken the hint that most applications for the RB series won't be going into a AWD car or use the standard 5 speed AWD transmission or the 6 speed getrag.

 

If you'd like to make it economical and better bang for the buck, go RB25DET. can't go wrong with that combo.

[gbabcock]

thanks -

 

overall cost and ease of working are really the top priorities for me; I would like something quite a bit quicker than an L28, but I'm not looking to make a drag car and I would really like to stick with a nissan engine.

[Careless]

RB25 is the best bet, I think. it will come with the transmission you need, depending on where you get it. and only a few modifications would need to be done.

 

I've seen swaps on here done for about 4 - 6k, complete and running with all stock equipment. you'll want to replace certain things like the oil and water pump as well as the oil pan and sump pickup (those last two are a must)

 

in total, you spend about 2500 on the RB25 with transmission and all the gadgetry, then another 1000 in parts for the engine, plus 500 in misc other things.

 

from there, you can make the RB25 sing pretty nicely with a bit more money (FMIC, Bov, Cams... etc.)

 

be prepared for about 5 - 6 k complete. 4 if you're doing it yourself and on a bare minimum budget. that might cost you more in the end though.