Engine Swap.

[ye.808]

I currently have a r32 gts-4 manual, and want to put an rb26 into it. Ive searched through the forums and the topics were quite old, so would like to ask some advice on going about it. Is it worth doing these days or would it be better to just buy a r32 gtr? My situation would be, if i were to put an rb26 into it, i would go to a workshop.

[Hanaldo]

For the price you can pick up a 32R these days, I would just sell and buy a GTR. Less headaches than an engine swap, especially if you're not doing the work yourself.

[GTScotT]

isn't that rb25de as is? Uses Rb20 injection etc???

Logic tells me turbo it and save big dollars, then slam stocky gtrs with it.

just confirm what motor u have and when i get to a pc I'll comment further...

[ye.808]

No no, its got a rb20det in it. I think you are thinking about the r33 gts4?

[DR 32R]

I'm doing the Stagea swap. All wheel drive rb25, I agree with giving thought to a r 32 GTR. There is a lot of satisfaction in doing a swap, rb26s are getting cheaper. If you did both a rebuild and a transplant it will add up quickly. If you buy a 32gtr you could also be sorting out a motor and wear and tear any way. Most people will tell you GTR. I still think a gts4 with swap is interesting. With you Vic address have you looked at legalities of the swap? If you're buying a GTR why not get a later model 33 or better still 34 and just service it, a 32 is often a rebuild/restore etc.

Edited May 23, 2011 by WHITE gtt

[GTScotT]

Id honestly love to have a GTS4 over a GTR, there is a certain element of surprise that allures me.

Personally, having done the RB20 and 25 things in the past, Id probably try to pick up the shortest ratio diff I can and keep the RB20. Having a good turbo on it that will max out at something like 230rwkw would make for a very fun and respectable car.

If I had to have more, I would buy an RB25 donk and retune the exact above setup with non vct cams. That would unlock about 20kw more and all bolt back into place.

Doing an RB26 is probably going to set you back atleast 5k more than the above and will still be in stock trim... Only just faster than above if not at all.

[DR 32R]

The GTS4 gives you the cheapest all wheel drive chassis, which you own already. This is an example of the type of Stagea set up you could buy. An upgrade turbo or highflow turbo, could see you performing better than a stock tired GTR. Potentially you could have the GTR performance envelope, and more money in the bank.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370511948278&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

[Rolls]

get a neo rb25 instead, better than half the thrashed rb26s out there

ultimately just sell the car and buy one with everything already done to it

Edited May 24, 2011 by Rolls

[ye.808]

Never actually considered putting an rb25 in it, thanks for all your suggestions and information so far. Appreciated

[DR 32R]

get a neo rb25 instead, better than half the thrashed rb26s out there

ultimately just sell the car and buy one with everything already done to it

He would have to track down a Stagea Neo all wheel drive RB25, agree better cylinder head and rods.

[dorifticon]

I think the main point from the OP is that he'd be paying a workshop to do it.

Honestly, you may as well hand over your wallet, bend over and drop your daks.

I really can't see how you are going to come out ahead - $$-wise, kw-wise - getting a workshop to do the conversion. They charge for every hour they spend.

Even if you were doing it yourself in your shed it would be questionable. At least then the risk would be your time rather than $$.

If you are dead set on getting a GTS-4 conversion, wait for one already done to pop up, it's bound to happen.

[DR 32R]

If he buys an r32 gtr, a move which makes sense to me, when the engine has a problem, (quite often clutch electricals, ATESSA, suspension as well), where will he go? A workshop as many on this forum do. He could remove the existing engine and donor engine, with friends and an engine crane source parts, to control his costs.

[ye.808]

Hmm, i guess ill just look towards buying a gtr, i figured a swap would be reasonable because i already had a gts-4. Probably spend the extra cash to find a decent one then.

[DR 32R]

Used car values including gtrs are soft at the moment.

[GTScotT]

Do whatever makes you happy, whatever you want more. Nothing is cheap, yet I would be damned if I could not beat a GTR with a GTS-4 dollar for dollar. Performance and reliability as said above.

GL

[DR 32R]

If you picked a sensible power figure above a stock GTR, I'm sure I would get there more cheaply starting with a gts4, than buying a gtr and upgrading it. Similar to the post above.You already have a GTR chassis with an unflared body. Consider the nz gts4 below.

Edited May 25, 2011 by WHITE gtt

[Sarumatix]

gts-4 4-door + RB26 is a winning idea in my books.

[DR 32R]

http://forums.gtrcanada.com/gts-project-cars/41614-baddest-gts-4-ever-always-updating.html

Thread showing rb26 in gts4