Jump to content
SAU Community

Rb20E Head Swap

JediKnightBoB
 Share

Recommended Posts

JediKnightBoB Apprentice

JediKnightBoB

Posted
Posted

Oh hay guyze.

So, turns out RB20E's are slow and gutless. I'm considering my various options for conversions. Obviously a full swap to a 25DE is an option, but I'm wondering what might happen if I put the 25DE head on the 20E block? Can that be done, do channels and bolt holes line up? Would I need to change ECU or loom? Straight swap or splicing?

I have a guy who can do the wiring, and we've got everything we need to do that conversion, so I could do it myself over a week or so (planned time, actual time expected to take up to a full month... lol).

If this is a shitty idea, let me know. What other head swaps should I think about? Obviously the 20DE head will fit, and I know that'll be f**k all power increase, but it'd be nice to at least clear 100kw and be able to keep up with a Prius or Tiida... lol. Should I abandon the whole idea and only consider full engine swaps?

Cheers all,
B.

Link to comment
https://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/429216-rb20e-head-swap/
Share on other sites
JediKnightBoB Apprentice

JediKnightBoB

Posted
  • Author
Posted

It's a lot of work then? I was hoping manifolds etc. would be the same, or at least similar enough to make it fit, haha. Just pop it off, pop a new gasket and a better head on, and reattach everything (i.e. a day's work). Out of interest, and so I know, what else would need changing?

But yeah, I can get a 25DE for under a grand, so I see your point. I'll just have to find an engine loom and ECU somewhere, and replace it all, yeah? AFAIK the gearbox and engine mounts wouldn't need changing, but feel free to correct that if I'm wrong there :)

Cheers.

Link to comment
https://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/429216-rb20e-head-swap/#findComment-6944244
Share on other sites
StevenCJR31 Veteran

StevenCJR31

Posted
Posted

Given the price that complete engines can be had for, and how much work would be required for the head swap versus an engine swap, I'd go the engine swap

^^ do this. . easiest way to go and no headaches

Link to comment
https://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/429216-rb20e-head-swap/#findComment-6945302
Share on other sites
JediKnightBoB Apprentice

JediKnightBoB

Posted
  • Author
Posted

The RB20 can't take the head if any other RB without serious custom work to make it fit.

Bore size on the RB is different to a 25, 26, and 30.

Swap hole engine, or swap the whole car.

Thank you, I was after technical reasons it was or wasn't a good idea. Cheers :)

Wont be legal if youre doing this on your ps... sell car buy another or deal with the amazing rarity that is an rb20e.

Lol I don't even remember being on my P's...

Link to comment
https://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/429216-rb20e-head-swap/#findComment-6948744
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing


  • Similar Content

  • Latest Posts

    • Duncan
      V36 2008 Coupe Wiring Differences with Android Screen

      By Duncan · Posted

      It doesn't really answer your question...but is the head unit full android or just android auto, are you happy with how quickly it boots and responds, and do you have a link?  If we can identify good Android alternatives it will really help people stuck with Japanese screens. Did it have a separate reverse camera input so you would replace the factory one, or are you just going without now...that would be a pretty big steps back. And finally, do you have a picture of the "wire" that you can't plug in? Most likely it is some sort of aerial that is not too important eg japanese traffic or am radio or something if you haven't noticed a functionality issue
    • Duncan
      Neil's R33 Gts-t Build

      By Duncan · Posted

      haha funny enough I did ask him wtf he had been up to with the electrics....but no answer
    • Matvei27
      WTB noltec r32 front upper (camber) arms

      By Matvei27 · Posted

      Still wanted
    • joshuaho96
      Brake pad Compound suggestion

      By joshuaho96 · Posted

      For a daily just run Akebono ceramic pads. That's what they're optimized for. Obviously don't try to run it on track or anything like that.
    • sausagepianist
      V36 2008 Coupe Wiring Differences with Android Screen

      By sausagepianist · Posted

      Hey all, I'm sorry if this has been discussed before.  I have a 2008 Japanese import V36 coupe with nav but without Bose. I bought one of those AliExpress android screens, which for the most part works really well.  The only thing that doesn't work is the air con controls (well sort of) and the factory reverse camera.  The AC can be controlled fine but it doesn't report the change in temp and mode to the screen, and the volume knob/other audio controls from the panel don't register on the learning app.  I am pretty certain that the problem is the difference in the head unit between base model (Nav but no Bose) 2007-2009 coupes and anything after 2009.  Mine is the one with the blue connector all the way to the right as seen in this forum post:  The reason I think this is there is one wire left over that doesn't fit anywhere on this head unit, or in the factory screen which also uses different connectors to more recent versions.  I've seen the upgrade from OWC, and have sent the guy a message on eBay but no response yet.  I also don't particularly need the whole kit, just *maybe* an adapter for this one cable.  Did anyone else here have the same problem, or have any insight about what I can do to get this working?  I have been in contact with the seller but all they seem to be able to do is ask for more pictures and videos. Minor edit to add:  I have been researching and found a screen on Aliexpress that actually specifies my head unit in the listing, so these things do exist.  I will contact the seller to see if the wiring adapters are interchangeable with other screens.   Thanks in advance!
×
×
  • Create New...