ZFreak's RB26DETT Z32 300zx build...

[ZFreak]

It is very painful to see it be in any garage other than mine, let alone for this long period of time.

I have a few plans once I get it back, like a better brake upgrade. My old Z I had a stoptech 355mm (14.1") front big brake kit, but my 350z stoptech 2pc front rotor "upgrade" finds its limits pretty quickly at Motorsport Ranch - Cresson (MSR-Cresson) braking from about 125mph down to about 30mph, and from 90mph to 35mph repeatedly.

Since this is mainly how the car will be used (roadcourse), I'm looking to do a 4 wheel Stoptech "Trophy caliper" BBK 14.1" front, 13" rear, which utilizes their new lighter caliper, saving me almost 2.5lb per corner compared just to the old kit, let alone the stock setup. The downside is that it is so new, the prices have yet to come down (I'm looking at like $6500 for all 4 corners instead of about $4200 for the "standard" stoptech 4 wheel kit).


I'm just going to sit back and wait for the RB build to be finished though. In the mean time, my accord is enjoying sitting in its place in my garage. I'm probably going to tackle the paint on said accord while my Z is out of pocket.

 

[GlassJAw]

You have inspired me now sir, I am currently working on swapping the old E34 BMW for an R32 Skyline. End goal is to RB26DET it (single turbo conversion) I was trying for a 300ZX but couldnt find a person willing to part with theirs as a trade for the BMW.

 

[ZFreak]

AWesome.

Well, a little update:

Wiring is about completed, radiator has been mounted and eveything related to it plumbed. That's about all I know right now.

 

[GlassJAw]

Sounds like the mighty ZX is nearing completion!!! (I'm getting excited about seeing those start up vids)

As I have now taken ownership of the R32 Skyline I have been investigating prices on the RB26DETT here, they seem to be going anywhere between $3,295 USD & $4,028 USD..... dont know what your engine cost you, but it's looking a better option for me to go for an RB30DET Hybrid type engine.

 

[Russianred]

Whoa man, how do you make an RB30??

Can it be RB30DETT?

 

[GlassJAw]

Whoa man, how do you make an RB30??

R31 Skylines come with a 3.0ltr SOHC i6 Engine - RB30. What you do is replace the DOHC head and a few other bits (oil reduction dowels, water pump, etc) with that of one off an RB26DETT (see below) or one off an RB25DET.

Can it be RB30DETT?

It could be a DETT if you use the RB26DETT head off a GTR, but you will find you get more bang for buck out of having a single big turbo like Mr ZFreak has on his engine.
Have a look here: http://gtr.org.uk/R.I.P.S/rips-power.htm

 

[ZFreak]

I paid $3300 USD for the engine with the AWD transmission. It's an R33 RB26 that doesn't have the crank collar/oil pump issues that the R32's had.

Every RB30 build I've seen ends up costing at LEAST $20,000 USD if not more, done correctly.

GTR Power forums are a good place to learn a lot too. UK and AUS guys on there.



UPDATE:

Radiator is in, mounted, and plumbed.
Wiring is completed (merging the two harnesses).
Power FC D-Jetro is installed.
Battery has been relocated to the back and cables run.

Working now on modifying the exhaust manifold (external wastegate pipe) to clear the steering column.

 

[GlassJAw]

Wow, thats some good progress there!!
Good score getting the engine and drive train so cheap, not too long to go before we get to see a start up vid??

 

[ZFreak]

I'm hoping within 4-6 weeks. Progress has been slow lately and I've had a lot of other stuff going on. (My wife and I are building a new house, and it's been taking up a LOT of my time).

 

[GlassJAw]

Jeebus, working on this beasty.... the Accord and building a house, are you some kind of Cyborg??
Seriously there's not enough hours in the day for all three and be able to see your family!