Both of these swaps costs about just as much as eachother.

Which engine will produce more horsepower with basic modifications

Front Mount intercooler
3" from turbo back exhaust
Cone filter
Boost controller/turbo timer


I want to spend no more then 6k on my car. Im going to keep the apperance stock. Im looking for a 89-90 coupe with a bad engine, i find them all the time in tow yards so no problem there. I can get it for about 300$, i bought a few cars from this place and he said he would give me a call once he gets one in (their common)

Going to get Tein Coil overs, 300ZX lsd and front breaks.

I'd go with the RB20 than the SR, but most everyone will disagree with me. But for 6K, why not get an RB25????? it's just about the same.

Im going with the SR just because There will be more US support.

true... it'll be easier to find parts for the sr. But, if you got 6k... get a decent ka24de and add the letter T to it. it'll do wonders.

after i've had 3 timing chains go, 1 in a stanza, 1 in a 240sx and one in an altima. Im never going back to the KA24DE. I was talking about 6k total. Thats in engine and engine mods and suspension and breaks. The RB25 and instalation will take up most of that 6k and not leave much else left. If i buy an rb20 I will have money to mod that and do suspension and breaks and still have money left over.

HP might be close... maybe SR might have a very slight advantage. The RB20's stock turbo runs out at about 290. But tourque will be better with the RB.. overall powerband will be better on the RB.

RB sounds better!!

RB20 is the best value of the RB line.

yeh i think im gonna go rb20, the swap wont be any harder then swapping an sr20

Actually, they said the hassle of swapping an RB20 wasn't worth it, cuz it is just as difficult as an RB25 swap. I agree the RB25 will be costly, but, I'd say then, get an SR (can't believe I said that), it makes more sense, it will be cheaper to install, and the parts are more ubundant of all the JDM engines. Ppl don't go RB20 cuz most say it ain't worth the trouble, and I agree. An besides, with the SR, you get better weight distribution, and it is lighter, and you still have the same displacement as the RB20.

RB25 and RB20 are both just as easy to install. RB26 is the hard one. RB20 is cheaper then the sr20 and i beleive it to be a better engine, unless someone proves me wrong.

i realy dont understand why more people dont do RB20 swaps. I asked someone who had done one at a car show (RB25 S14) and he said it was very straightfoward and he had to get his mounts custom fabbed and did his wiring himself. He told me Rb20 would be just as easy, and even easier in an S13. SR20 costs to much for what it is.

i thought the rb20det is pretty straightforward so long as you get a front clip, you can use the mounts from that and such

http://www.nissaninfiniticlub.com/zerothread?id=75506

very good info on the swap

after i've had 3 timing chains go, 1 in a stanza, 1 in a 240sx and one in an altima. Im never going back to the KA24DE. I was talking about 6k total. Thats in engine and engine mods and suspension and breaks. The RB25 and instalation will take up most of that 6k and not leave much else left. If i buy an rb20 I will have money to mod that and do suspension and breaks and still have money left over.

If you lost three timing chains (I am reading this as you ignored the noise until they broke) just turn your keys in. It's akin to driving 30,000 miles and not knowing you had to check the oil.

i realy dont understand why more people dont do RB20 swaps. I asked someone who had done one at a car show (RB25 S14) and he said it was very straightfoward and he had to get his mounts custom fabbed and did his wiring himself. He told me Rb20 would be just as easy, and even easier in an S13. SR20 costs to much for what it is.

SR20 bolts in...the RB needs special mounts. RB will have more smoothness, the SR more support.

IMHO if you are doing RB do 25 or 26 (converted to single turbo). Great fit and performance....even in Japan, the serious racers make the DETT a DET.

My only hold back from doing a RB25/6DET is the fact they are not legal in the US anywhere. It's a great looking engine in a S14 though.

I am doing a 250-350 KAT.

Not to argue with anyone, but....

Just had an RB20 swap done. (I will admit that I didn't do the labor myself, so the info that I will share is what I was told by the mechanics and is reflected in the costs passed on to me)

The RB20 IS easier to install than the RB25. You can use the stock RB crossmember for the 20. You don't need to buy special mounts. You also don't need to cut the hood. Plus with the 20 you can use the stock driveshaft. The 25 requires a new driveshaft. Both need custom downpipe.

The RB20 is as close to bolt in as an RB can get.

The SR is still a little easier though. It is straight bolt in.

Personally, I like to be a little different... Lots of SR's out there.. the RB gets the wow factor. Plus the sound of the RB makes it all worth while.

My two cents...

sr20det = blown, eazy to fix, lots of support in u.s. rb20det = not blown, lot less suport,good luck working on it. ka-t = not blown, easy to fix, good after market, just right for daily driver.

so between the sr and the rb i say.......rb because its inline six sounds pretty, it wont blow as easy as the sr(from what ive heard and seen they do that alot, a few shops around here have stopped doing the swaps because of that), but with 3k you can make your k.a. stand for kick ass. just a suggestion.

if u ask i will list a long number of reasons, but RB engines are stronger and if u plan to use it at the track or rev it hard rb is the way to go.

^^^thank you^^^ i really dont see why the sr20 is so highly regaurded.

I would never use an RB20 over an SR20. The trend iere is for RB20 users to swap out for SR20s just for the weight savings. The RB puts out about the same, but weighs more. In an S series nissan an RB20 is just plain foolish.

ka-t covers all bases, willing you can go without the pop of the hood and everyone drooling over your sr or rb.

ka-t covers all bases, willing you can go without the pop of the hood and everyone drooling over your sr or rb.
So....can you translate that into English please? I have no idea what you are trying to say.

if u ask i will list a long number of reasons, but RB engines are stronger and if u plan to use it at the track or rev it hard rb is the way to go.
That is bullshit. The RB is a nice engine, but an RB20 is more weight than value. The SR is JUST as strong....especially if it is well tuned.

[QUOTE=lucki17]
... it wont blow as easy as the sr(from what ive heard and seen they do that alot, a few shops around here have stopped doing the swaps because of that)...QUOTE]

There is a difference between a weak engine design and idiots blowing them up. Chances are the driver's are not following the proper care of their engines and then it makes for a customer support nightmare for the shops when Little Johnnie's parents come barging in saying Johnnie's 300HP SR20 build up just blew while he was driving to school and he NEVER races.

On average, how much do RB20's and SR20's cost

RB20 dosent weigh that much more then the KA either

On average, how much do RB20's and SR20's cost

for the rb20det front clip you can get it for $1200 (monthly special) from venus-auto.com

it's an awesome price, and i am highly considering getting one too. Plus the fact that it's a front clip will make it much easier to install yourself.

for the rb20det front clip you can get it for $1200 (monthly special) from venus-auto.com

it's an awesome price, and i am highly considering getting one too. Plus the fact that it's a front clip will make it much easier to install yourself.


I think I can still hook you up with an RB20 from a perfect used car (not a junkyard) for $1200 through a business associate. Let me know if you want more info.

SR's are typically at least $2500


Also.. in response to an ealier post.. and a false stereotype... The RB20 is very close in weight to the KA and SR. From what I gather it is within 50 lbs. With a battery relocation, you can get an equal if not better wieght distribution with the RB20. The RB25 however is a bit heavier. It is like 180 - 200 lbs hevier.. a lot of that is just in transmission becuase it's much heftier.


If you have not already decided on the RB... let bring up one thing that I don't think you've addressed in great detail yet. Parts availability.

The SR is super easy to get parts for. No problem... fast, cheap, and with lots of development behind them.

The RB is not so easy. Not impossible, but not easy. Cost of parts is not necessarily high, but the shipping cost and time it takes is high for a lot of parts. RB is getting easier with more support growing, but still can be a challange. So here's the question...

Are you building a hobby car, or is this your daily driver? If you have no other transportation, you should probably go with the SR because if your RB goes down it could take a couple weeks to get the parts you need to get it back on the road.

Also... Are you good at working on the car yourself? Do you have a shop, tools, etc...? The reason I ask is... if you aren't prepared to work on it yourself, or at least have a specialized shop willing to work on the RB you might be in trouble. A lot more mechanics would work on the SR because it's so similar to the SR20de that was sold here in the states.

Anyhow.. good luck decidiing. Sounds like you are going RB by what you said in your posts so far. Keep us all updated with pics and stuff when you get it.

Later

Between the two I would have to say RB25 but that is not an option. so I would say SR. the difference in weight is about 100 pounds and the rb also extends a few more inches forward so it throws off weight distrobution even more. the RB doesn't put out much more if any power. and SR is cheaper to mod. only need 4 720cc injectors, 4 forged pistons, everything is just cheaper for the 4 cylinder. another example is cams. sr cams 199 each, rb20 cams ummm wait I can't seem to find them. oh well this is my 2cents.

So....can you translate that into English please? I have no idea what you are trying to say.

a turbo ka isnt as impressive as a sr or rb, but can make the same power.

bah impressive isn't what engine you have in your car unless you slapped a VG30 or VQ30 in there...impressive should be your driving...your time slip...results are what matter...how you get the numbers is really pointless...most people don't care...its about performance...some people just take different roads to the same track...

ok here is what i got when i tried rb20 install and wiring is slightly harder, shouldnt be too bad seemed decent enough

the sr20 vs rb20 weight not oo big of diff. its the distribution and the fact that the rb20 has alot less support over the sr20, harder to find replacement parts,

aftermarket is also going to consist of alot of custom work for the rb20

yeh parts arent realy that hard to get if you talk to people in global forums. Just the wait and the bother of having to ask people. Ka tranny bolts up with the RB bellhousing or whatever.

bah impressive isn't what engine you have in your car unless you slapped a VG30 or VQ30 in there...impressive should be your driving...your time slip...results are what matter...how you get the numbers is really pointless...most people don't care...its about performance...some people just take different roads to the same track...

i agree but i know alot out their who whould say that ka's suck any way you go, that they are crap and cant be made to go fast. i personaly dont see to many benefits of sr or rb unless it was a race only car.

Between the two I would have to say RB25 but that is not an option. so I would say SR. the difference in weight is about 100 pounds and the rb also extends a few more inches forward so it throws off weight distrobution even more. the RB doesn't put out much more if any power. and SR is cheaper to mod. only need 4 720cc injectors, 4 forged pistons, everything is just cheaper for the 4 cylinder. another example is cams. sr cams 199 each, rb20 cams ummm wait I can't seem to find them. oh well this is my 2cents.
You are right on the money! If one is doing an RB...don't waste your time with an RB20. The engine is ENORMOUS compared with an SR, but is in reality no more powerful. It throws of the weight balance...makes the car much less stable on the track...is more expensive and difficult to swap in...in general a mistake in an S series Nissan.

In the gladfamily fleet there are 2 Sileighties, a Skyvia, a Silvia (all S13s) and a Laurel. Powering these vehicles are SR20s, Ca18s, and an RB20DET. By far, the best engine in the bunch is the SR. The CA is virtually indestructable though.

rb20 isnt big, maybe long, but not big. Its only 2litres, the KA is 2.4

hey man, im actually on the same decision as you are, i got my 240sx ready for a swap, brakes, suspension, all that is done, all i need now is the new engine

i think an rb26 would be really awsome to have but would be hard to get parts for up here in canada, but there are lots of ka24de's around, so i was thinking of putting ka24de and adding a t to it, i think thats the best by my insufficent funds..ps. what kind of exhaust is good for that engine ?

the KA? well i always like the Apexi N1, it sounds very nice on the KA. but you may want to go 3" for a turbo, my friend got his exhaust custom made at meinike, look around for a decent 3" inlet muffler. A turbo tends to take the riceyness out of the way larger diamiter exhaust sound.

I am also considering a CA18DET, im realy only looking to make 250-300hp so that should be more then enough. They are pretty cheap and about a grand or less then a sr20. Plus they are very reliable. RB26 is a bit overkill, someday when i have an S14 I may consider it if prices drop. Right now i want to hit high 12's, have a sick suspension set up, and a awsome looking car (silvia conversion with wider fenders all around, all black, and a type X wing)

can larger displacements engines usually take more beating then the smaller displacement ones ?

from what ive heard, most of the rb20's weight is in the trannie, so its not a big deal when it comes down to it.

I would go with sr20, thats the one i want for autox and drifting purposes the handling is better. With rb you need a fat person in the back, or fill the trunk with a big ass stereo or bricks for good weight distribution. It's more of a drag engine. I think it belongs in skyline and should stay in there. While sr was designed to be in silvias and should stay that way.

I'm goign insane right now I can't decide betwwen rb25 or sr20 anymore. And it wasn;t that bad but I finally got a non running s13 HB yesterday. AHHHH!!!! what to do. I have to do an auto to manual so no matter what I need a new driveshaft. And I'm gonna get new mounts too. but I want about 300-350 whp just a tad more than Bill. so not to steal the thread but this is my dispute

RB25 Pros:+800 redline stock, +.5L, +45hp stock, +75 stock potencial, legal.
Cons:+800 for clip, +700 for install, +100 pounds, more costly aftermarket.

Sr20 Pros: 1500 cheaper clip/install, lighter, more support.
Cons: weaker, lower redline, Crazy common(like rice is to honda),

Hmmm. well actually after righting it out I am back to my RB25 decision. I can't afford a skyline but I can afford engine.

good choice. i hope to get 300hp out of my ka soon.

Listen, on the SR being known to blow up, that is a load of crap. You have to consider the facts,
Fact: there are thousands more SR swaps out their over RB.

so if there are lets say 200,000 Sr powered 240sx, and 30,000 RB swaps, and 10% of each engine series blows up, that means there are 20,000 blown SRs' and 3,000 blown RBs', :case in point, you are going to hear alot more about the SR blowing up than the RB cuz they are far more common.

Also, RB engines are much more powerful, that I agree, but, for the cost, I don't know, it is how much you are willing to pay, and what you can afford. SR swaps are costly if you ask me, but with them comes convinience, and a strong after market support. Now if you are looking for great power, RB is the way to go.

rb20 isnt big, maybe long, but not big. Its only 2litres, the KA is 2.4
I am NOT talking about displacement!! I am talking about the actual size of the thing. It is MUCH bigger than an SR20!

from what ive heard, most of the rb20's weight is in the trannie, so its not a big deal when it comes down to it.
You heard wrong.... It IS a big deal. BTW you would need the tranny as well anyway.

what about the KA24DE, its HUGE displacement, but hows the weight ?

It is still a 4 cylinder. It weighs less than an RB. PLUS it was designed for the S series cars. (well...the trucks anyway

i dont know maybe, stil 2 litre is a 2 litre. A 2 litre inline 6 is sure as hell gonna be longer then an inline 4, but i dont think its gonna weigh anymore because it would be the same Cubic inches. Also the heavy tranny is the RB25 im pretty sure, the KA tranny bolts up any way.

the RB20 is also very cheap as opposed to the SR20. So it makes the same power, sounds better, and is cheaper. Only thing to sacrifice is slightly worse handling and harder to find parts. I think i'd rather pay 1200$ for an RB then $2500 for the SR and put the rest in tein coil overs

i dont know maybe, stil 2 litre is a 2 litre. A 2 litre inline 6 is sure as hell gonna be longer then an inline 4, but i dont think its gonna weigh anymore because it would be the same Cubic inches. Also the heavy tranny is the RB25 im pretty sure, the KA tranny bolts up any way.
You are wrong my friend. Have you ever SEEN an RB next to an SR? There is a VAST difference. The RB is MUCH bigger and heavier.

i dont know maybe, stil 2 litre is a 2 litre. A 2 litre inline 6 is sure as hell gonna be longer then an inline 4, but i dont think its gonna weigh anymore because it would be the same Cubic inches. Also the heavy tranny is the RB25 im pretty sure, the KA tranny bolts up any way.

Whoa!

displacement is really a measure of the 'air' in an engine and as such is basically weightless. However, those little metal slugs that pump that air, and the iron/aluminum around those slugs (with enough space in the form of water-filled cavities) to cool and house it are not.

More pistons, valves, springs, crank lobes, etc weigh *way* more than air....pun intended.

i have seen an RB25 in an S14 and an RB20 in an S13

i see what you mean tho, maybe i'll just get a CA18, thats cheap too

CA18s are indestructable, but they too are a bit heavier. (not nearly like the RB though)

hey did I hear truck motor?

KA24DE is not a truck motor........

it was designed as a performance motor believe it or not and the first car it was used in was............................................... ......

.................................................. .a 240sx


since all these KA haters call the KA a truck engine... Im going to start calling the SR a POS econobox rental car sentra motor.

exactly....freaking idiots about the truck motor thing.

Plus regardless it puts out great numbers esp turbocharged.

Plus regardless it puts out great numbers esp turbocharged.
but it never comes turbocharged!

I'd take my SRs anyday.

I am not belittling the KA. I just prefer the SR.

the "RB" will make more power but the "SR" has less weight and i think the parts are cheaper to get.

but it never comes turbocharged!

I'd take my SRs anyday.

I am not belittling the KA. I just prefer the SR.

However it's also legal in the US in everywhere but probably California.

SR20DET is 100% illegal and impoundable in many places. Just not the gamble I'd like to make. SR20DET is a great power plant, one of the better small displacement engines made....KA24DE is average at best stock with it's only big plus being a nice torque level for the size.

isn't ca is like a choped off rb, they look so much alike to me, i still would get sr20, add sleves and 2.2 liter toda kit all for 7000 and you can run soooo much boost on it its not even funny, good for over 700hp. Then you can put a big turbo treat the head with all the little things and you ll have your self a true race car for about 15 g I guess, so sr are not bad, just my personal preference. While its light it would such a nice set up, kind of like signal s15.

They may look alike much like any two engines from the same company look alike...they are pretty different though.

Do you understand what 700HP or even over it would be like on a two wheel driven 240SX/Silvia...it'd probably ruin the fun of the car unless 1/4 miles were your only goal....a AWD skyline has trouble hooking up that kind of power.

What is that kit you have in your signature...I saw it a couple times and seems like a 'simply stated' wide body as opposed to the fins and vents everywhere kind of kits that seem so popular.

My first step is to maybe go with just the K grille on my kouki....although I love the rear JDM bumper with valences. The USDM with lip/JDM seem to both offer things I like and things I don't.