Nissan RB engine

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The RB engine is a 2.0L to 3.0L straight-6 four-stroke gasoline engine from Nissan.

It has an aluminum head with both SOHC/DOHC versions, with the SOHC versions having 2 valves per cylinder and the DOHC versions having 4 valves per cylinder, all cam lobes move only one valve. All RB engines have belt driven cams and a cast iron block. All turbo models have an intercooled turbo (except the single cam RB20ET & RB30ET engines), and most have a recirculating factory blow off valve (except when fitted to Laurels and Cefiros) to reduce boost surge when the throttle is closed.

Some sources indicate the 'RB' name stands for 'Race Bred'[1], although this is disputed. The Nissan RB Engine is actually derived from the 4 cylinder Nissan CA engine.


Contents

[edit] Bore and stroke

All Nissan engines follow a naming convention, identifying the engine family (in this case, RB), displacement, and features present- see the list of Nissan engines for detail.

The stock dimensions for the RB engines;

  • RB20 - 2.0 L (1998 cc, bore: 78.0 mm, stroke: 69.7 mm)
  • RB24 - 2.4 L (2428 cc, bore: 86.0 mm, stroke: 69.7 mm)
  • RB25 - 2.5 L (2498 cc, bore: 86.0 mm, stroke: 71.7 mm)
  • RB26 - 2.6 L (2568 cc, bore: 86.0 mm, stroke: 73.7 mm)
  • RB30 - 3.0 L (2982 cc, bore: 86.0 mm, stroke: 85.0 mm)
  • "D" indicates a double overhead cam as opposed to a single overhead cam
  • "E" indicates the engine is fuel-injected as opposed to carbureted
  • "T" indicates the engine has a factory installed turbocharger

[edit] RB20

RB20E engine in an R31 Nissan Skyline
RB20E engine in an R31 Nissan Skyline

There were a variety of 2.0 L RB20 engines produced:

  • RB20E - single-cam (85 to 96 kW (115 to 130 ps) @ 5600 rpm, 167 to 181 N·m (17 to 18,5 kgf·m) @ 4400 rpm)
  • RB20ET - single-cam turbocharged (107 kW (145 PS) @ 6000 rpm, 206 N·m (21.0 kgf·m) @ 3200 rpm)
  • RB20DE - twin-cam (110 to 114 kW (150 to 155 PS) @ 6400 rpm, 181 to 186 N·m (18.5 to 19 kgf·m) @ 5600 (and later with a NEO-Head 4400 rpm)
  • RB20DET - twin-cam turbocharged (158 kW (215 PS) @ 6400 rpm, 265 N·m (27.0 kgf·m) @ 3200 rpm)
  • RB20P - single-cam (94 PS @5600 rpm and 142 N·m @2400 rpm)
  • RB20DET-R - twin-cam turbocharged (210 ps @6400 rpm and 245 N·m @4800 rpm

The first RB20E/ET/DE/DET engines were fitted to the R31 Skyline and there it produces 170 ps @6000 rpm and 216 Nm @3200 rpm. The early twin cam engines are generally referred to as 'Red Top' engines because they have red cam covers. The early twin cam engines featured the NICS (Nissan Induction Control System) injection system, while the single cam engines always used ECCS (Electronically Concentrated Control System). The non-turbo models were also fitted to various Holdens sold in New Zealand (RB20E). The Z31 200ZR was fitted with an intercooled RB20DET.

RB20ET engine in an R31 Passage Wagon
RB20ET engine in an R31 Passage Wagon

Laurels, R32 Skyline and Cefiros used the second (1988-1993) series RB20E/DE/DET. This series of engine has an improved head design over the previous version, and used the new ECCS injection system. These later motors are known as 'Silver Top' engines.

R34 Skylines and Nissan Stageas used the RB20DE and RB20E (Stagea only) engine with a 'NEO' head. The Neo RB20DE is the most economical RB engine so far produced, it is classed as a 'LEV' (Low Emission Vehicle) engine. In the R34 and the Stagea it produces 165 ps @6400 rpm and 186 Nm @5200 rpm

The RB20DET-R was used in the Nissan Skyline 2000GTS-R (HR31). It is limited to 800 units.

The RB20P is the autogas LPG (Liquified petroleum gas) version of the RB20, but with 12 valves (OHC).

[edit] RB24S

This is a relatively unknown engine, as it was not produced for the Japanese domestic market. These were fitted to some left hand drive Nissan Cefiros exported from Japan new. Mechanically it is made from an RB30E head, RB25DE/DET block and RB20DE/DET crank with 34 mm height pistons. This engine used carburretors instead of the Nissan ECCS fuel injection system. It is able to rev harder than the RB25DE/DET (as it has the same stroke as the RB20DE/DET) as well as being almost the same displacement as the RB25DE/DET. A common modification is to fit a twin cam head from other RB series motors while retaining the carburreted set-up. The standard single cam form produced 141 PS @ 5000 rpm and 20.1  kgf·m (197 N·m) of torque @ 4400 rpm.

[edit] RB25

1993 RB25DET with VCT
1993 RB25DET with VCT
1998 NEO RB25DET
1998 NEO RB25DET

The 2.5 L RB25 engine was produced in three forms:

  • RB25DE - twin-cam 140 kW/190 PS and 147 kW/200 PS (with VCT) @ 6000 rpm, 255 N·m (26.0 kgf·m) @ 4000 rpm)
  • RB25DET - twin-cam turbo (245 to 250 hp and 319 N·m)
  • NEO RB25DET - twin-cam turbo (206 kW (280 PS) @ 6400 rpm, 362 N·m (37.0 kgf·m) @ 3200 rpm)

RB25DE and DET engines produced from August 1993 also featured NVCS (Nissan Variable Cam System) for the intake cam. This gave the new RB25DE more power and torque at lower rpm than the previous model.

In May 1998 a NEO head was fitted, which enabled the engine to be classified as a low emission vehicle engine (LEV). The non-VCT and non-turbo was fitted to the R32 Skyline, the VCT turbo and non-turbo was fitted to R33 Skylines and Stageas. R34 Skylines also use these engines, but they are fitted with a NEO head.


[edit] RB26DETT

RB26 in an R33 Skyline
RB26 in an R33 Skyline

The first 2.6 L RB26DETT featured twin-turbochargers and produced 280 PS (206 kW) @ 6800 rpm and 260 ft·lb (353 N·m) @ 4400 rpm. The last series of the RB26DETT produced 280 PS (206 kW) @ 6800 rpm and 289 ft·lbf (392 N·m) @ 4400 rpm. However, several stock (unmodified) engines have been dyno tested and reported to obtain nearer the 320 hp mark. It is widely known for its strength and extreme power potential. It is not uncommon for 600 hp to be achieved on the standard bottom end. With regular maintenance, many of these engines have been driven way past the 100,000 mile mark with a few heading toward 200,000 miles. [2]

With extreme modification, the RB26 motor is capable of power in excess of 1 megawatt (or over 1,340 hp). [3][4]

(From Japanese wiki) Autech made a small number of R32 GTS-4 Skylines with a naturally aspirated RB26DE conversion. The engine used forged pistons, a higher lift cam, and a tuned ECU. It produced 162 kW (220 PS) @ 6800 rpm and 245 N·m (25.0 kgf·m) @ 5200 rpm.

Although there was never a factory Nissan Variable Cam System for the RB26, tuning companies such as HKS sell aftermarket options.[1]

Originally the R32 GT-R was planned to have a 2.4L RB24DET, and compete in the 4000cc class (in Group A rules, the displacement is multiplied by 1.7 if the engine is turbocharged). This was when Nismo was going through the process of designing the R32 GT-R to be a Group A race car. But when the engineers added the AWD system, it would make the car heavy and less competitive. Nismo made the decision to make the engine a 2.6L twin turbo, and compete in the 4500cc class, resulting in the RB26DETT known today.[5]


The RB26DETT was used in the following cars:


[edit] RB26DETT Z2

This is the engine used in the Nissan Skyline Z-Tune. It is basically the RB26 block, modified with Nismo parts, and stroked to 2.8 L. The end result was the RB26 Z2, which puts out 500 hp and 550 N·m of torque. They originally aimed for 630 hp, but the engine had to be de-tuned after problems were encountered with high emission values.

[edit] RB30

Three models of 3.0 L RB30 were produced:

  • RB30S - carbureted single-cam
  • RB30E - fuel-injected single-cam (114 kW @ 5200 rpm, 247 N·m (25.2 kgf·m) @ 3600 rpm)
  • RB30ET - fuel-injected single-cam turbo

This motor was produced because the Holden 202 (3.3 L) powering the Holden Commodore could no longer satisfy emissions requirements, and with all new cars required to run on unleaded petrol by 1986, a quick replacement was needed. Nissan Motor Co. teamed up with GM to build their biggest displacement RB, the 3-litre RB30E. The RB30ET was only found in the VL Commodore.The RB30E suffered issues with the cylinder head cracking due to the radiator being fitted lower in the engine bay that the cylinder head causing air locks in the water galleries in the head. This issue was mosly related to being fitted to the commodore although the Skyline did suffer this issue to a lesser extent also. The engine proved to be very reliable other than this issue. The RB30S was found in some Middle Eastern R31 Skylines and in some Nissan Patrols. The RB30E was found in R31 Skylines and VL Commodores in Australia as well as in South African R31 Skylines (with 126Kw @ 5000rpm and 260Nm @ 3500rpm)

Nissan Special Vehicles Division Australia produced two limited runs of 200 R31 Skylines, the GTS1 and GTS2. These contained slightly more powerful RB30E engines.

  • GTS1 RB30E - injected single-cam (130 kW @ 5500 rpm, 255 Nm (26.0 kgf·m) @ 3500 rpm) - special cam profile, special exhaust[6]
  • GTS2 RB30E - injected single-cam (140 kW @ 5600 rpm, 270 N·m (27.5 kgf·m) @ 4400 rpm) - special cam profile, special exhaust, piggy back computer, valve porting[7]

[edit] RB30DE

These rare engines were used in the Tommy Kaira M30 based on the R31 Skyline GTS-R. It delivered 177 kW (240 PS) @ 7000 rpm and 294 N·m (30.0 kgf·m) @ 4800 rpm. Apparently the engine was made up of a RB30 bottom end mated to a modified RB20DE head. These engines also exist as a hybrid conversion using a RB30 bottom end and a RB25DE head.

[edit] RB30DET

RB30DET - R31 RB30E block, R32 RB25DE head.
RB30DET - R31 RB30E block, R32 RB25DE head.

Nissan did not produce this engine, but it refers to a turbocharged engine featuring an RB30E block with a twin-cam head conversion. Common hybrid in Australasia using a RB30E bottom end mated to a RB25DE cylinder head and turbo. The RB25DE cylinder head from the R32 Skyline, A31 Cefiro or C33 Laurel can be used. The RB25DET (from the R33 Skyline or C34 Laurel or Stagea) head is also used, however an external oil feed must be fabricated for the variable cam timing on the RB25DET which further complicates things.

Although it has a larger displacement than the RB26DETT, maximum possible horsepower is less, as the RB30 block lacks the RB26 block's internal cast-in bracing, and consequently cannot rev as high due to harmonic issues at ~7500 rpm. To compensate, the RB30DET produces more torque at lower revs. There is also an 'RB30DETT' kit manufactured by OS Giken of Japan, which bolts an extension on top of the RB26 engine block, and fits liners, to give an 86 mm bore x 86 mm stroke. It is available as an assembled short block, containing billet chrome-molybdenum crank, billet chrome-molybdenum H-beam connecting rods, forged pistons, and costs ¥1,500,000.[8]

[edit] RB-X GT2

The RB-X GT2 (also called REINIK) is an engine specially made for the Nismo 400R. The difference between this engine and a RB26DETT is the engine is bored to 2771 cc which gives out 450 PS (331 kW) at 6800 rpm and 47.8 kgf·m (469 N·m or 347 lbf·ft) at 4400 rpm. This engine comes with a reinforced cylinder block and cylinder head, metal head gasket, pistons with cooling channels, forged crank shaft, forged connecting rods, N1 turbine with reinforced actuator, high flow air cleaner, stainless down pipe, and low air resistance sport catalizer, most of which were not offered for the RB26DETT.

[edit] Notes:

  1. ^ Butler, Andy (2006). Skyline GT-R The Ultimate Japanese Supercar. Haynes, pg. 25. ISBN 1-84425-105-5. “...RB26DETT, which stood for 'Race Bred, 2.6-litres, Dual overhead camshafts, Electronic fuel injection, Twin Turbos'.” 
  2. ^ from a highest mileage table in GT-R Magazine, January 2006 issue
  3. ^ (July 2006) Turbo and High-tech Performance #186. 
  4. ^ Ex Vi Termini : GTR-700 specifications. Retrieved on 2006-08-24.
  5. ^ Japanese Wikipedia on RB26DETT (Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-01-06.
  6. ^ Cleary, James (November 1988). Modern MOTOR (Australia), pg. 36-41. “A new camshaft profile and modified exhaust combine to give the GTS 130 kW of power at 5500 rpm and 255 N·m of torque at 3500 rpm.” 
  7. ^ (October 1989) Car Australia, pg. 58-63. “Power is up to 140 kW over the stock car's 114 kW...” 
  8. ^ OS Giken RB30 Kit (Japanese). Retrieved on 2006-05-21.

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