83_280z_lov3

i have a 83 280zx the motor is in good shape but im wanting to do a rb20 swap but dnt knw if its possible plz comment nd let me knw wat u think should i do it or should i just rebuild my slant 6 really in the middle on this one guys help out oh also i want some zdriver stickers and fairlady z badges any help plz

WanganDevilZ

The RB20DET is a direct drop in, right after you flip the oil pan, and oil pickup 180 degrees. If you have a 5-speed Trans in your car currently, all you need is the 280zx Automatic transmission mount, and the motor will drop right in.

As for the 20 HP gain for all that work? Not worth it. $1,300 for a motor that will get you less than 1 second in track time, keep it stock. I am currently rebuilding my original L28ET, and I can't wait to hear it.

If you're looking to keep to a Nissan L-6 Motor, go with an RB25DET, but that will cost you upwards of $8,000 in fab work, including the motor.

As for the Zdriver stickers, I've emailed the guy who originally made them, and he hasn't gotten back to me in a few months, and ebay is your best bet for Fairlady emblems.

83_280z_lov3

thanks for the help man im going to rebuild my stock motor it is beast and i am 5 speed ill upload pics soon but car is in bad shape needs love catching hell trying to find parts for it like my hood

FricFrac

Turbo swap - do it.

WanganDevilZ

Yes. This. I have a spare turbo motor.

Come get it lol.

I'd prefer the RB20 over the L28ET, due to the shorter stroke resulting in a sexier engine noise, but it's not worth the time or money. The RB25 is, however, worth the time and money. I recently rode in a Tuned Rb25 powered S14, (Bigger turbo, Nistune'd board, bigger Injectors, etc.) and I don't think I've ever gotten to 140mph that quickly before

feifongwong3

Better late than never I guess. I've completed an RB20DET swap into my 280zx and I can honestly say that if you really wanna do it, do it. Don't let others decide for you. It's your car, make it what you will.

Aside from that, I love my RB20. I like the fact that I used my 5 speed tranny cross member to mount my 20 trans. I like the fact that I could use my stock drive shaft. Would I do it all over again? Yes. Most definitely. I think I made my car even more "mine", so to speak.

WanganDevilZ

It's definitely the easiest for the money, definitely a few more available upgrades. Do I regret buying my RB20? No. Do I regret not getting the car wired and driving? Yes, definitely. (The wiring was hacked in my old Z) Quicker to boost and quicker on speed as far as I'm concerned.

A low mileage RB20 is about the same price as a rebuild for your L28E/T, so it's really what you want. I've been there, and wiring is really the only issue, which is actually pretty easy.

feifongwong3

I wholeheartedly agree with you. And I do poke at you for not getting it running. I dunno how much a full rebuild would run here in Dallas, but I know a full RB20 set runs about $1100. And the wiring, let's just say that it's nowhere near as hard as one would make it seem. Also, it sounds incredible too (granted I've been running it straight out of the elbow for the last couple months. Dallas cops don't care, I'm in truck country what can i say?)