Rb26 Noise At Low Revs

[BoostedBarge]

Hi Guys,

Dunno why I didn't post this question earlier. I have a Stagea 260RS, which I've owned for over 2 years. One thing I've always noticed with this car is that the engine kinda makes a rattley/rumbly sorta noise at low RPM (perhaps 2000rpm). It's hard to explain, but it sounds like it's sorta labouring. It's not pinging, I've heard pinging before and it sounds nothing like it. It's a lower frequency rumbling sorta noise. Perhaps it's the body kit or something resonating at that frequency. Maybe the exhaust. I dunno. Has anyone else noticed this? Is it a normal RB26 thing? I've never had an RB26 before this, so have nothing to compare against.

This noise has been there since I bought the car and I'ver never been overly concerned about it. Over the last few years I have replaced the ECU with a Vipec, fixed a leaking inlet manifold gasket and done the 100k service kit. I've checked compression twice. The last time was 18 months ago and got 180+ in each cylinder and 160 something in cylinder 6. Any ideas?

Edited June 12, 2010 by BoostedBarge

[R.3.2.G.T.R]

maybe post up a video clip of it

[J - Rad]

Is it a kinda grindy noise? I have a similar noise at low rpm, kinda sounds like its coming from the gearbox or front dif.

[tranman]

Mate i think i have the same thing. Bought it like that.

At first i thought it was my airbox resonating since its a loose. I currently suspect it may be the intake pipe not being fully seated on the turbo. Although the car does sound like its struggling....i don't think it is as it doesn't feel like your typical lugging.

The sound I get emanates from the passenger side - front quarter. Let me know what it is if you find out! At the moment I don't have my tools on me to take it apart to ensure everything checks out.

[frederico]

Same thing here . . . Recently purchased a Stagea 260RS and noticed the same noise described above. This is the first RB26 I've owned or driven, so I cannot compare to much. Like @tranman said, the car sounds like it's struggling, but feels fine. And indeed the noise does sound like it's coming from the front/passenger side.

Anyone ever find out what the cause is?

[BoostedBarge]

I ended up selling my stagea a couple of months ago. It still has the noise. A couple of mechanics looked at it and didn't think it was anything to worry about. I just bought an R32 GTR that makes a similar noise, but much quieter. I'm pretty sure it's the throwout bearing. Try pushing the clutch in when you hear the noise.

[frederico]

I've spoken to a mechanic/importer who deals with a lot of GTRs. He wasn't sure about where exactly the noise is coming from, but said this is very common in GTRs (and the 260RS) and it's nothing to worry about.

I've recently driven a second 260RS (stock engine and exhaust) with an aftermarket clutch and it did not make the noise. So it could indeed be coming from the clutch/flywheel area as suggested above. If I push the clutch once the noise comes on it does go away.