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Built VQ35 or RB26DETT Swap?

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Old Feb 25, 2013 | 09:58 AM
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Default Built VQ35 or RB26DETT Swap?

I'm debating on cutting my losses with this VQ35 and going with an RB26 swap. Found a motor, rb25 trans, ecu, harness for $4200. I ordered a stage 1 motor from IPP and just found out my short block is trashed and won't be a useable core. Tack on an extra $750 to the $5000ish I've already had to shell out. Would it be worth it to sell off my JWT tt kit, cancel the motor order, and go with the RB26 swap? Will be doing the work with the help of a friend so labor cost isnt a problem. Lets get some opinions...

Last edited by Antlaw; Feb 25, 2013 at 09:59 AM.
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Old Feb 25, 2013 | 11:48 AM
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Damn. Cant wait to see what you end up with.
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Old Feb 25, 2013 | 12:38 PM
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RB26 all the way! That should of been the motor in the 350Z from the start!
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Old Feb 25, 2013 | 01:28 PM
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I'll be waiting for the build thread if you do swap the motor
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Old Feb 25, 2013 | 02:27 PM
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can you fab motor mounts, do you want your dash to work? do you think RB swap parts are cheaper?

The custom driveshaft you will need will basically be the same price as the core of a used VQ
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Old Feb 25, 2013 | 02:39 PM
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Originally Posted by str8dum1
can you fab motor mounts, do you want your dash to work? do you think RB swap parts are cheaper?

The custom driveshaft you will need will basically be the same price as the core of a used VQ
+1000
Theres a lot of hidden costs with doing a swap. Thats why I decided staying VQ. It will NOT be cheap trust use, but if you decide on this route keep use posted. GL

Last edited by sradenton; Feb 25, 2013 at 02:42 PM.
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Old Feb 25, 2013 | 04:11 PM
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Depends what you want from the car.
Sure the DE costs money to build but so does the 26.

Having had a few RB25's and 26's in cars, and driven the Z i'd stick with the VQ and spend the money.
Its not just the engine costs, the massive change in balance from the iron block and long 26 will really change the handling and feel of the car.
You will need to update front suspension bits like spring rates and dampers to suit, so keep in mind the $$ there.
Different raditor potentially depending on where the RB block sits etc etc

I am in the process of building a VQ35HR twin turbo for my S13 track car. I chose the HR over the RB26, why, weight cost and output for $$ spent. I also had a the majority of the 26 bits sitting there ready to install as well....

Hope that helps
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Old Feb 25, 2013 | 04:42 PM
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If you're worried about 750 for a core, Don't look into swapping in my opinion. There are a lot of things to consider now. All custom piping for everything, fuel lines, harness, and the parts are probably just as expensive if not more and may be harder to get due to it not being an engine sold in the USA from factory.
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Old Feb 25, 2013 | 04:50 PM
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Lol go ahead try and swap that rb.

You're gonna get it in the a$$.


SRS Talk.


If you want a cheaper core, just buy mine. I can ship it to them for less than $750... Head to the marketplace, engine, oem short block 44k miles by resmarted...

Either way, good luck. Swapping an engine is not going to be easy unless you buy a kit. Even then, PITA.
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Old Feb 25, 2013 | 05:09 PM
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i say just say f it and swap in a jet engine, i heard the rolls royce 250 c20 engines arnt THAT expensive after they are working but have exceeded the flight hours for aircraft

or go with the xzibit mustang swap should work here too

Last edited by jerryd87; Feb 25, 2013 at 05:13 PM.
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Old Feb 25, 2013 | 05:14 PM
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Originally Posted by jerryd87
i say just say f it and swap in a jet engine, i heard the rolls royce 250 c20 engines arnt THAT expensive after they are working but have exceeded the flight hours for aircraft

or go with the xzibit mustang swap should work here too
Jerryd87
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Old Feb 25, 2013 | 05:16 PM
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Originally Posted by jerryd87
or go with the xzibit mustang swap should work here too
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Old Feb 25, 2013 | 05:38 PM
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YOu will also get raped trying to get it smogged
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Old Feb 25, 2013 | 06:54 PM
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If your worried about staying within the platform then yes I understand a
RB26, if its high WHP your worried about why not a 2jzGTE?


Rb26 is straight JDM, so parts are harder to come by I assume.
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Old Feb 25, 2013 | 07:10 PM
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if it was whp could just as easily go lsx or tb48
Originally Posted by manny007
If your worried about staying within the platform then yes I understand a
RB26, if its high WHP your worried about why not a 2jzGTE?


Rb26 is straight JDM, so parts are harder to come by I assume.
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Old Feb 26, 2013 | 04:19 AM
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Originally Posted by jerryd87
i say just say f it and swap in a jet engine, i heard the rolls royce 250 c20 engines arnt THAT expensive after they are working but have exceeded the flight hours for aircraft

or go with the xzibit mustang swap should work here too
lmfao
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Old Feb 26, 2013 | 04:22 AM
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Years back I would have said RB all day. But as reality has set in years later I say built VQ or 2 Jay Z's
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Old Feb 26, 2013 | 05:17 AM
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Well, if I had more time I would've gone with the RB swap. I wish I had thought of it before ordering my motor from IPP way back in December. Hell, wish I had thought of it before I bought all kinds of new stuff for my Z for this build. Unfortunately I just won't have the time for the mounts and everything to be fabbed. CMS says its about a 2 week turnaround from when you place the order. My VQ will be done and shipped this week so no point in adding a week onto my build time by waiting for motor mounts and the RB motor shipping too. When it comes down to it, the money wouldn't have been an issue. I could sell or return what I have and have plenty left over to finish an RB swap. The problem is my friend that is helping me put it all together will be moving to Korea soon (we're military) and I don't have the experience he does in building these things.
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Old Feb 26, 2013 | 06:43 AM
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Ehhhhhh think the previous swap I posted has it beat. Op you shoulda known this would happen there is 0 reason to go with a rb26 unless you hate function and just wanna be "cool" which is a poor excuse to do something. edit:my bad posted from phone dint know pic was so big

Originally Posted by Highway Riding
Years back I would have said RB all day. But as reality has set in years later I say built VQ or 2 Jay Z's

Last edited by jerryd87; Feb 26, 2013 at 09:03 AM.
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Old Feb 26, 2013 | 07:17 AM
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Obviously any kind of engine swap is going to be at least a little bit for the "cool" factor. Thanks for the feedback guys.

Originally Posted by jerryd87
Ehhhhhh think the previous swap I posted has it beat. Op you shoulda known this would happen there is 0 reason to go with a rb26 unless you hate function and just wanna be "cool" which is a poor excuse to do something.
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