***rb20det Engine Rebuild Question***

[cruising_r32]

Hi guys,

I've got a R32 GTST with an RB20DET in it.

The head gasket appears to be on its way out so I am looking at a rebuild seen as I have to dig down that far into the engine.

I have the following parts bought for this round of work-

Conceptua head gasket kit- inlet, manifold, rocker covers, head gaskets

Conceptua head to manifold gasket

Conceptua manifold to turbo gasket

Conceptua turbo to turbo elbow gasket

Conceptua decat gaskets

Conceptua manifold studs

Conceptua Fuel filter

Conceptua Oil filter

Exedy organic clutch

A new oil pump

Japspeed Oil cooler and filter relocation kit

HKS oil temp gauge

HKS coolant temp gauge

Do-luck steel braided brake lines

I'll be ordering a fmic from japspeed tomorrow.

I've been talking to a mechanic already about carrying out this work and he has said he will arrange for new shells, bearings etc in the bottom and a clean and hone from a local engineering shop.

I'm looking for peoples thoughts on this rebuild please-

What other parts should I buy?

What other work should I have done while the engine is out?

What parts should I upgrade now instead of later on?

You get the picture- if you have been there already or have useful knowledge I'd really appreciate you sharing it.

ps.

The car has the following work down so far-

Japspeed alloy radiator

Japspeed engine torque damper

Japspeed rear strut brace

Japspeed turbo elbow

Japspeed down pipe

Japspeed decat

Tannabe cat back system

Conceptua BYCAS system

K&N air filter

255lph fuel pump

Apexi RSM (wired in)

Apexi AVCR (wired in but not set up)

Apexi SAFC (just sitting there)

R33 GTR Brembo calipers and discs

[R31Nismoid]

The headgasket is a simple head off replace situation, far from motor out & rebuild time.

How much power are you making at the moment? turbo setup etc?

[cruising_r32]

Turbo is standard and running at 0.8 bar.

I am really only at stage one tuning for the moment and probably running about 230bhp and 210 torque.

I know the motor can stay in for the head gasket replacement but the mechanic I am going to use reckons it would cost the same in labour charges for him to leave it in and work on or take it out and work on.

If he takes it out it will make life a lot easier for him.

While it is out he is planning on sending it off for a clean and hone, then some new shells, bearings etc. ???

I've never been into that part of the engine myself so its kinda over my head.

[Mr. Untouchable]

mmm unless compression etc is upto shit I wouldnt bother mate, I'd just be doing the usual head gasket stuff.

[R31Nismoid]

^ I couldn't agree more.

cruising_r32 - I'm really failing to see how it can be "about the same" price.

You have to take the head off regardless. Motor in or out. Motor out just adds on another day or two's work pulling it all out.

All the work you've listed can EASILY be done with the head off.

The stud's etc etc all bolt into the head, not the block, so it'll be a piece of piss doing it on a bench

The old RB20 will hold ~250rwkw (~340rwhp) without ANY worry in the world. I would just rip the head off. Do your studs/gaskets and so on, put it back on.

Whist it's off have a good look, but i would highly doubt anything major would be wrong at all requiring any work.

If you don't plan on doing anything more than the above power, then there is little realistic reason i see, to rebuild/alter anything at all.

[cruising_r32]

Cheers for the info.

When you say studs, do you mean the head bolts- like the ones ARP make?

I've got the exhaust manifold bolts already bought.

Once it is all put back together including the new front mount inter cooler I will be happy enough with the power for now. It is my budget that is stopping me from going any further at the moment as I have a second R32 I am trying to get track ready.

BUT in the near future I hope to go for more power, nothing stupid, just another hundred or so horses.

So, if I am planning on pushing more power in the next year or so-

What work should I be thinking about?

Sorry for the vague questions but I know you guys have pushed your RB20's way further than most people up on this side of the planet so I'm curious to see what way you think I should proceed.

Any help or suggestion would be appreciated.

Alan.

[R31Nismoid]

No i meant your exhaust manifold studs (ones you have already).

If you plan on more power, only 100HP - basically... nothing.

The factory RB20 in good condition will make those power levels day in, day out, as long as you service it regularly and don't thrash it all the time (sitting on limiter, 5min burnouts etc etc).