s13 coupe conversion questions

[bob stone]

Hello all

Bob stone here :P


I just read about 200 FAQ postings that was kind of time consuming, any ways I have been a long time enthusiast of the 240z, 240sx and the skylines. Having read all the info about importing the cheapest r32 gt-r available from motorex I have decided before I do something like that I would buy a warranted Subaru wrx sti hehe, but to get to the point here. I am joining the air force soon and plan to finally build MY car….


What I am thinking here is that I plan to spend approximately 10k to 20k total for car out the door and street legal. The main plan is to get a late model s13 coupe. I am planning on getting an rb26dett motor for it. The reason I am going with the rb26dett is because what I have read about it indicates to me that I can get 400 to 500 hp and still have it reliable enough for every day driving. (and of course I got a hard on for that series of motors :P’’’ ) Of course at first, all I want to install is the motor, trans, and rear diff. What I would like to know is, before I start this project. In my price range could I possibly get the AWD system or should I just stick with RWD??, (I plan on street driving, some Solo racing, and maybe a little drag racing ) What would be the pro’s and con’s of having a awd over a rwd. should I go with a shop that has experience with the rb26dett( I have some family friends that drag race and replace there own motors and do all the work them self’s with the occasional help from a local auto mechanic shop that works on hot rods.) I was thinking I could save a lot of cash by going thru them.

Umm I guess that is most of it :P any reliable companies to contact by email about this subject would be helpful



O YA. Also if I buy the motor from motorex, is it a street legal motor? Or what steps would I have to go thru to get it street legal.


Thanks for everyone who was able to read this far in to the post

Bob Stone

P.S. I think I covered mostly stuff that wasn’t covered in the faq’s if I totally zoned out and am going over a post badly please kindly inform me of it.

[Bryants95240sx]

What it would cost to set that car up as awd is way outta that price range.And i think only like two people have done it.Just stick with rwd.

[*rps13*]

Originally Posted by Bryants95240sx

What it would cost to set that car up as awd is way outta that price range.And i think only like two people have done it.Just stick with rwd.

yep awd is gonna up your budget..i would stick with teh rwd..it's funner anyway :P

[bob stone]

kewl, only does any one know about the legal aspect of this project, street legal that is.

Thanks
Bob Stone

[bob stone]

o ya and something I forgot to ask last night, what would be the pros and cons of useing a 240Z body Vs. a 240SX

[Bryants95240sx]

well of course it wont be legal neither is sr20 swap but that hasnt kept anyone from doing it, has it ...lol just hope you dont have a wreck

[J_Spec_NiTeMaRe]

The RB25 will handle the power you're looking for with the stock bottom end. The RB26 is twice as expensive in every area, and is more complicated to install correctly, especially with awd.

In order to get into 450-500 horsepower, the best option is to convert to a single turbo, which the RB25 is set up for in the first place(the RB26 uses twins). Bottom line: the RB26 belongs in the GT-R for all practical purposes. The RB25 with rear wheel drive is by far the best choice for the 240.


The motors are available through a few places. www.night7racing.com has alot of mixed reviews about it, and they are kinda pricey. www.flashoptions.com is much better in pricing, but I don't know anyone whos ever gone through them. Anyway, you can buy a front clip and have everything you need to complete the swap. Alot of things really help when performing it though, read the FAQs at night7racing and unstable hybrids.


I know that SRs are really smoggy, and I imagine that RBs are even worse. They will not pass smog in California. For the diff, I'd say cusco or kaaz are the best reviewd manufacturers. And for using the 240sx over the 240z, well you're asking 240sx enthusiasts this question. Plus I don't think that the Z engine compartment is even close to how the SX is, which means that the engines won't swap right in.

[Bryants95240sx]

But isnt the 240z engine bay a bit larger than the 240sx i have a 280zx also and the engine bay is a good bit bigger than the 240sx. im pretty sure you would need custom motor mounts but yea.So it comes down do you like the 240z body or 240sx.

[stealthj]

As for legality, im not sure because the SR20DET was never in america, but the skyline is SOLD in america, the rb26dett comes in a car that is sold in america, so im not sure, but its a clean engine, (newer, prolly more smog shit to it)

but who ever even plans to swap must have some kinna smog hook up

[bob stone]

one reason I was thinking to go the 240z rout is that a car older then 74 does not need to get smoged in CA any more (I had a 73 bug and a 73 merc 450 slc ) so that might nip the legality problem right there ?? any one know about that, or would I still have to do something esle to make it legal if it is in a car older then 74?

Thanks
Bob Stone

[stealthj]

Originally Posted by bob stone

one reason I was thinking to go the 240z rout is that a car older then 74 does not need to get smoged in CA any more (I had a 73 bug and a 73 merc 450 slc ) so that might nip the legality problem right there ?? any one know about that, or would I still have to do something esle to make it legal if it is in a car older then 74?

Thanks
Bob Stone

it will never be legal...smog is just for the smog, the exhaust cleanliness

u wont pass visual if u had to have one, but u dont, so its all good

[bob stone]

ok I don't understand this completely, I can get the motor from motorex ( and I would assume that they can deliver it in a legal state ) but becuase I am doing a swap that will make it ilegal ???? did I get that right or am I missing something.

Thanks
Bob Stone

[stealthj]

hmm...all i can say is call up the local DMV and talk to them about it

[bob stone]

kewl, will do .

didn't think of that, thanks

Bob Stone