280z RB swap
03-06-2012, 02:55 PM
#1
280z RB swap
I own a 280z, I've had it for about half a year now and now that I have the money I'm ready to work on this project. I'm looking into removing the stock L28 and replace it with an RB25DET...I was about to order the motor, but I was asked if I wanted the series 1 or series 2; that's when I got stuck because I didn't know what I was gonna deal with. so I'm asking for any advice/help/recommendations on which motor or series I should go with.
the sooner as possible would be much appreciated. I'm trying to build this car under a time limit.
thanks.
the sooner as possible would be much appreciated. I'm trying to build this car under a time limit.
thanks.
03-06-2012, 04:22 PM
#3
This may not be his opinion, but for me it's because I love straight-six engines and the RB series seems like sticking more to the roots of the car for me.
I personally would pick the RB over the VG any day, not because of power or efficiency or how new it is. Just personal preference.
I personally would pick the RB over the VG any day, not because of power or efficiency or how new it is. Just personal preference.
03-06-2012, 05:07 PM
#4
Ruff Ryder
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: palm desert
Posts: 6,140
This may not be his opinion, but for me it's because I love straight-six engines and the RB series seems like sticking more to the roots of the car for me.
I personally would pick the RB over the VG any day, not because of power or efficiency or how new it is. Just personal preference.
I personally would pick the RB over the VG any day, not because of power or efficiency or how new it is. Just personal preference.
03-06-2012, 05:34 PM
#5
03-06-2012, 05:55 PM
#6
Good thing you guys are helping him find the answer... 
franco... click (first Google result):
http://forums.nicoclub.com/whats-the...s-t185996.html
Comes down to personal choice, cost, and availability.
franco... click (first Google result):
http://forums.nicoclub.com/whats-the...s-t185996.html
S2 are newer (late r33's)
no igniter chip (each coilpack has one, vs 1 for all)
other small electrical differences
*rumor* the turbo has a steel exhaust wheel vs the standard ceramic. no proof tho.
no igniter chip (each coilpack has one, vs 1 for all)
other small electrical differences
*rumor* the turbo has a steel exhaust wheel vs the standard ceramic. no proof tho.
is there any thing that i can look for on the engine to be able to tell ?
well, like above said, look on top of coil pack cover between the valve covers. Sitting on top in the back should be a box. If there is a box you have a Series 1, no box = Series 2. Also check the MAF sensor and plug. 3 prongs inside the MAF connection = Series 2, 5 prongs = Series 1.
03-06-2012, 06:35 PM
#7
Über User
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: lemont, Illinois
Posts: 9,532
I'd go s2 that's just a better ignition system and I think more ppl do use the s2 so you might be able to find more help and info on it/the swap. I think there's a write up on how to wire the neo engine into an s30 on hybridz.
03-06-2012, 07:14 PM
#8
The Emblem Thief y0!
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Tulsa, Ok
Posts: 947
03-07-2012, 03:54 AM
#9
yea, the series 2 has a better ignition system but so I read on other pages that the rb25 neo is not worth it and supposedly it has less hp than the series 1...i also read that the series 2 is just a hybrid and was built for "emissions and fuel efficieny" i hear different type of stories and I just dont know what to go with.
to the rest of you guys...I've always wanted to buy an RB engine, Nissan skyline's especially R34's has always been my dream car. >.<
im a big fan of inline 6's the torque they can put out is just amazing!! I wouldn't consider myself going with anything else, personally.
03-07-2012, 04:10 AM
#10
Ruff Ryder
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: palm desert
Posts: 6,140
thanks for the actual help. Lol
yea, the series 2 has a better ignition system but so I read on other pages that the rb25 neo is not worth it and supposedly it has less hp than the series 1...i also read that the series 2 is just a hybrid and was built for "emissions and fuel efficieny" i hear different type of stories and I just dont know what to go with.
to the rest of you guys...I've always wanted to buy an RB engine, Nissan skyline's especially R34's has always been my dream car. >.<
im a big fan of inline 6's the torque they can put out is just amazing!! I wouldn't consider myself going with anything else, personally.
yea, the series 2 has a better ignition system but so I read on other pages that the rb25 neo is not worth it and supposedly it has less hp than the series 1...i also read that the series 2 is just a hybrid and was built for "emissions and fuel efficieny" i hear different type of stories and I just dont know what to go with.
to the rest of you guys...I've always wanted to buy an RB engine, Nissan skyline's especially R34's has always been my dream car. >.<
im a big fan of inline 6's the torque they can put out is just amazing!! I wouldn't consider myself going with anything else, personally.
Also torque is more camshaft, displacement and stroke more then cylinder configuration.
Last edited by hoov100; 03-07-2012 at 04:22 AM.
03-09-2012, 04:47 PM
#12
Eleventytwo dollars. 
Pretty hard to give you an exact number as the cost of the motor, extra parts, and labor / time will vary.
Put that $ towards college.
Pretty hard to give you an exact number as the cost of the motor, extra parts, and labor / time will vary.
03-09-2012, 04:59 PM
#13
I have researched the crap out of the rb30/rb25det engine build/swap and I am pretty sure that is going to be my future build.
Also here's a useful PDF for the DOHC conversion of the RB30 block. I have more just not here at work.
http://rb30det.info/attachments/049_RB30_DOHC.pdf
03-09-2012, 05:49 PM
#14
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 31
my father told me he would buy me a 09 370z but id prefer keeping my 280z and im going to a community college first.
03-09-2012, 06:20 PM
#15
people had said they wasted like 10-11k for the rb26dett swap so would it possibly be around the 5-7k range and wouldnt a l28et swap be better for the 350hp range???
my father told me he would buy me a 09 370z but id prefer keeping my 280z and im going to a community college first.
my father told me he would buy me a 09 370z but id prefer keeping my 280z and im going to a community college first.
Again though the money really depends on how cheap you find the parts. Sometimes you can get lucky and score things for cheap.
03-09-2012, 08:19 PM
#16
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 31
You sure have a generous father. And yes you could do an L28et swap. With some tasteful mods and upgrades that engine can reach 350whp with relative ease.
Again though the money really depends on how cheap you find the parts. Sometimes you can get lucky and score things for cheap.
Again though the money really depends on how cheap you find the parts. Sometimes you can get lucky and score things for cheap.
would it be cheaper than doing the rb25det swap ?? and also im trying to shut all these haters up who drive hondas
03-09-2012, 09:27 PM
#17
03-09-2012, 09:58 PM
#18
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 31
Hmm might just do that swap instead more easier and cheaper im just aiming for 350hp for now
Wouldnt the l28e take EG,EK,CRX,etc out ??
And plus i still needa fix that fuel problem
Wouldnt the l28e take EG,EK,CRX,etc out ??
And plus i still needa fix that fuel problem
Last edited by Bucket280z; 03-09-2012 at 10:06 PM.
03-09-2012, 10:22 PM
#19
Über User
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: lemont, Illinois
Posts: 9,532
you're grades? you just said more easier... lololololol
and if you buy the bolt in mounts and driveshaft you're looking at 5k I think plus 3ish k for the motor tranny and harness. Plus you'll need an intercooler and exhaust made up and if you cant wire it in yourself or do the manual labor there is more money to pay someone to do it.
and if you buy the bolt in mounts and driveshaft you're looking at 5k I think plus 3ish k for the motor tranny and harness. Plus you'll need an intercooler and exhaust made up and if you cant wire it in yourself or do the manual labor there is more money to pay someone to do it.
03-09-2012, 10:23 PM
#20
I see what you did there..
I am assuming you mean L28et. And yes if it was putting out 350whp I would presume it could take out a stock or moderately upgraded civic.
I am assuming you mean L28et. And yes if it was putting out 350whp I would presume it could take out a stock or moderately upgraded civic.
03-10-2012, 09:35 AM
#21
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 31
you're grades? you just said more easier... lololololol
and if you buy the bolt in mounts and driveshaft you're looking at 5k I think plus 3ish k for the motor tranny and harness. Plus you'll need an intercooler and exhaust made up and if you cant wire it in yourself or do the manual labor there is more money to pay someone to do it.
and if you buy the bolt in mounts and driveshaft you're looking at 5k I think plus 3ish k for the motor tranny and harness. Plus you'll need an intercooler and exhaust made up and if you cant wire it in yourself or do the manual labor there is more money to pay someone to do it.
Cant i just find a donor 280zx and take everything i need for the swap??
03-10-2012, 09:36 AM
#22
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 31
03-10-2012, 09:41 AM
#23
Probably depends on the honda and how good of condition your Z is in.
Your car - brand new - had 150hp and the 280's are known for being the lightest of all the s30's.
Most civics in from the early 2000's have like 105-120hp.
Your car - brand new - had 150hp and the 280's are known for being the lightest of all the s30's.
Most civics in from the early 2000's have like 105-120hp.
03-10-2012, 09:43 AM
#24
Yeah you could. That's definitely the easiest way to do it. Though since you're taking it out anyway I'd rebuild it and check everything while you're at it.
03-10-2012, 09:59 AM
#25
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 31
My car is just had its engine rebuilt like 4 weeks ago and its just having a fuel problem where my car always chokes and hesitates whenever i step on the gad while in gear..
Most the hondas are like early 90's
