I was looking for some other opinions on the subject of whether it is better to use a VQ ( from the 350z ) or an RB ( from the R33 skyline ) for an engine swap ( basically a complete overhaul ) in a 260z? Taking into consideration futher modifications and overall goodness.

Anyone?

I am not familiar with the RB but from what I have heard it has a lot of power potential while the VQ is limited probably to around 400 RWHP maybe less for longevity. Plus you have the room so go with the inline.

That and a RB is a tried and tested strong engine... The VQ35 is still new and has much to prove still. Not to mention, the rewireing required for a VQ swap would be a pain to do not many have tried it (none to my knowledge) and finding parts to do it would be next to impossible not to mention expensive. I say run with the Inline too.

U hate to say this but I have to agree somewhat with Mr.Hodo, but, now here comes the but.

The RB's are tried and true engines and make much power, whereas the VQ is the newest latest state of the art design and lighter.
Point one for the RB, lots of goodies for it, and the VQ until the aftermarket people catchup well be limited in aftermarket goodies. Like all old things (even me) must give way to the new.
Now anything or any engine if you have the desire and money is possible and me being somewhat bias would choose the VQ or a VH. Parts well only become more plentiful as the demand increases.
Lots of luck in what ever your choice.

But think about trying to fit that VQ35DE into that incline six engine bay... It wont be fun at all.

And RB25DET or RB20DET would fit in much easier, as opposed to the VQ. Granted, VQ may be lighter, but RB's power can be tickled up much easier, and cheaper. Also parts are much cheaper because the engine isnt as new, as Albert said.

I would say go RB

-Wes

RB series engine...its been proven. you cant go run with the RB swap.

All of this sounds like the thing i wanna do with my car?

Well, sounds like RB is the go, ...now for the next questions,
Which model of RB?
Which is better for P/W ratio and ease of install; Turbo or Supercharged??

Power weight Ratio? Do you realize that the L26 in the 260Z had about 160HP? An RB20DET has about 180HP, RB25DET is pushing a little 220HP, and the RB26DETT is 300HP!!! Power is easily attainible with the RB series! Extreme power! With the light chassis of a 260Z and a powerful RB engine... shit you can throw that whole Power to weight ratio table out the window...

I say stick with an RB20DET because of it's simplicity...

yeah rb20det or rb25det, either one. if i was looking to put down some serious power i would go with the rb25det for displacement but if i was going for just a 200-400hp engine i would go with RB20...it is known for putting down over 400hp on stock internals!!!

RB series engine...its been proven. you cant go run with the RB swap.
You can't go run with it?.....Kinda defeats the purpose eh?

Maybe it was meant to be can't go wrong...

You can't go run with it?.....Kinda defeats the purpose eh?

Maybe it was meant to be can't go wrong...

ehh...i dont know what i meant by that. i think i mean to say...run with the RB swap. as a figure of speech...

nevermind, i re-read your post and my post and that must have been what i meant.

"you cant go wrong with the RB swap"

^ Thanks for pointing out the obvious... Capt Obvious!

maybe I should get to the point, I am building a 260z track car and I hope to make this baby fast and light, but most of all I want it to have the quick response and cornering capabilities in relation to modern cars as it did when it first came out. It sort of stems from the idea that when the 240z ( I think) first came out it was able to go head to head with a porsche 911 of the day...I want to recreate that in a 260z with a new engine for 911's of today.

Stop me if this sounds mad.

Honestly... If you are building a track car I would just use a L28ET outta a 280ZX Torbo. Think of it... you are gonna be runnin' the shit out this car and things are gonna break. Coming by RB parts is gonna be a bitch. The L28ET has been in the US for some time and there is a cult following which means parts are readily availble... just my two cents!

Just for reference the 2003 Porsche 911 Turbo provides 415 horsepower and the 2004 911 GT3 (standard) is rated at 380 horsepower @ 7,400 rpm.

"The L28ET has been in the US for some time and there is a cult following which means parts are readily availble..."


I live in Australia and skylines are very plentyful around here...worst comes to worst I will order from NZ as they are one of the largest importers of Japanese cars in this hemisphere.

But thanks for the imput it all helps.

Well... shit... why all the Q's!?! If you are surrounded by the real thing: GO OUT AND DO SOME RESEARCH!

yeah, if you are living in austrailia, pick yourself up an RB25DET!!!

how much does the 260Z weigh??? i would think a rather stock RB25DET and a good suspension should be able to keep up with a porsche of today in a light 260Z...

"how much does the 260z weight?"
From the information sheet on this forum it says that the curb weight is 2,605 LBS ... umm metric should be around 1182kg (approx.). I am hoping to keep this thing as nimble as possible...maybe if I get rich some day I could add a TCS.

Power weight Ratio? Do you realize that the L26 in the 260Z had about 160HP? An RB20DET has about 180HP, RB25DET is pushing a little 220HP, and the RB26DETT is 300HP!!! Power is easily attainible with the RB series! Extreme power! With the light chassis of a 260Z and a powerful RB engine... shit you can throw that whole Power to weight ratio table out the window...

I say stick with an RB20DET because of it's simplicity...


The L26 has 140hp stock.
The RB20DET has 215hp stock.
The RB25DET has 250hp stock.
The RB26DETT has 280hp (rated) stock, estimated to be 302hp (R33) and 327hp(R34).

Geeze, get yer facts straight boy. Throwin out numbers at random can be dangerous to your health. ;)

I stand corrected... also it would matter which car the engines came out of... since some were a lil' more detuned than others...

"how much does the 260z weight?"
From the information sheet on this forum it says that the curb weight is 2,605 LBS ... umm metric should be around 1182kg (approx.). I am hoping to keep this thing as nimble as possible...maybe if I get rich some day I could add a TCS.

yeah, your car weighing it at a shade over 2500lbs with the 250hp RB25 and a few bolt-ons, should be able to keep up with the porsche's in straight-a-ways. but your gonna need some supension work to keep up with them around the corners. and always remember that RB25 can handle well over 400hp on stock internals, so if you need more, give it more!!!

Doesnt the 240Z and the 260 have the same engine bay size?

Grab yourself a RB30E out of a VL commodore, and throw a RB25DET head on. Instant porsche destroyer.

RB30E halfcut probably $1000
RB25DET head probably $1000
T3/T4 turbo at most $1000
custom exhaust/intake/misc other things, probably $1000

-Mike