RB20 is going in!
07-24-2004, 04:16 PM
#1
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RB20 is going in!
This is a "documentary" of my RB20DET into S13 240SX swap from start to finish. I started with a complete front clip from a R32 Skyline GTS-T, many parts like the radiator, hoses, intercooler and piping, and crossmember you will need and can use from a clip-so get the clip! I own RSImports and ...borrowed.. a clip from my company. I have upgraded my turbo from the beginning and made myself quite a bit of extra work. The RB20 swap is fairly easy to install like a SR20. Expect to add electric fans and massage the tachometer from the R32 cluster into yours. Other than this the swap is actually simpler with less wiring than a SR swap. The stock RB heater hoses only need to be trimmed to fit, and the rad hoses from the KA work fine, trimmed slightly. The only downside of going RB is that getting parts is a slow process. Order a timing belt and tensioner pulleys, valve cover gaskets, and water pump from Japan before you start your swap. The water pump is located BEHIND the timing belt I recommend replacing it regardless with a NEW one, because it's a pain to replace in the car! These are the Japan only parts and DO NOT have any equivelents in the USA. There is a factory Nissan brand called Pitwork that has decent prices and OEM quality. For details and pics-read on
Last edited by rkcarguy; 08-06-2005 at 09:32 PM.
07-24-2004, 08:05 PM
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radiator comparison
Here's a pic of the KA and RB R32 radiator side by side(end view), note the thicker core, about 50% thicker. The mounting studs line up so this will be a bolt in upgrade over the stock unit.
07-24-2004, 08:15 PM
#3
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Crossmember comparison
The RB crossmember is a MUST HAVE. Either that or a set of aftermarket mounts. The RB crossmember has it's motor mounting points far forward compared to the KA, about a 5-1/2" difference. The bottom one is the RB xmember in the pic.
Last edited by rkcarguy; 08-06-2005 at 09:28 PM.
07-25-2004, 12:59 AM
#4
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tell me how the engine sits with the rb xmember...i heard its too far forward in some cases....causing me to think about gettin mounts....also u had to use a impact gun to get all the extra crap off the xmembers rite??? (my friend and i were having an arguement about this...)
07-25-2004, 12:26 PM
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We'll see how it goes. If it's too far forward I'm going to have the mounting holes slotted where the mounts bolt to the block. I use air to take almost everything apart. Today the RB and crossmember are going to visit the carwash before I install them.
07-25-2004, 04:12 PM
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clean
motor and crossmember are now clean. I covered all the hoses and ports with duct tape, and afterwards removed the plugs and blew out any water that might have gotten in. This can do very bad things if your swap won't get fired right away and there's water in the engine 
Tomorrow the fun part starts, installation
Tomorrow the fun part starts, installation
07-26-2004, 09:25 PM
#7
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It's finally in....
Got the RB20 installed. It bolted in, no spacers, no aftermarket motor mounts, no BS. The shifter is a little forward of it's old position, maybe 1/2". There is about 7/8" between the firewall and the back of the head. The motor installed in about 15 minutes from the bottom(I had a forklift), and I spent another 2 hours bolting all my suspension back on. I found out later you can undo the inner control arm bolts, and pop the steering ball joints, and then just swing them out of the way and let everything hangs on the struts. The only problem so far is that the swaybar is rubbing on the oil pan. Mechanically this appears to be a BOLT IN SWAP! Now for the wiring
Last edited by rkcarguy; 08-06-2005 at 09:31 PM.
07-27-2004, 10:56 PM
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shifter position-Neutral
I suppose so..... it's forward a little, but theres enough room that it can shift without any interference. I might pop it out of there and heat it up, and bend it back a little when I have the time.
07-30-2004, 08:40 PM
#12
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Originally posted by areitu
Are you using air tools?
I hope to do an RB swap someday.
Are you using air tools?
I hope to do an RB swap someday.
07-31-2004, 03:03 AM
#13
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Originally posted by Jedi Mind Gamez
yea he is....its impossible to change the xmembers without an impact wrench...i dont care if ure the world weightlifting champion....their just torqued on too tight...
yea he is....its impossible to change the xmembers without an impact wrench...i dont care if ure the world weightlifting champion....their just torqued on too tight...