RB30E conversion

[Gordon]

Got a bit of time off work, so I pulled the CF1 out of the shed where it has been languishing for the last 6 months. Its time to consider a heart transplant. The old slant 4 is way past its best and I'm not keen to go the small block 350 route like I did on the CF2. First prize would be something with fuel injection and a 5 speed manual that would be pretty straight forward to install. This got me thinking about a RB30E out of a Holden VL or a Nissan Skyline R31. Did a search on BUGA to see if anyone has done one of these conversions before, but came up with a blank.

I'd be keen to hear if anyone has considered this conversion and any PROs or CONs. Cheers

[ShaneJ]

I have thought about using this engine as well but the common problem with straight sixes is generally the height. You would need to find one and take some measurements.
Also I think they are all front sumps? Possibly the patrols had a rear sump so you could swap parts.

[greasey monkey]

hi there, im running an RB20e in my bedford, and there is someone else with an Rb30e in a matt green bedford on here, its abit of a task putting on in, thou i am running an auto as they are cheap and easier to come by than the nissan manual gearbox setup($1000 a pop if not more),  the hardest part is doing all the wiring for the computer,injection etc, i found the easiest route was getting a complete car as a donor and working that way,i brought a cheap R31 skyline wreck and used the complete loom and am running the skyline gauges, it was a mission trying to wire up the computer's as r31's have two computers one for injection and one for auto.  its made hard work but what isn't these days, i have nearly got it all wired up and ready to run

[turbovan]

Hi As I remember there was a guy on Buga now this is going back at the least 2 1/2 years ago that was fitting a RB30 in a beddy.  I beleive he end for ended the sump and modified the pick up. By the look of what he was doing he had to take a fair bit out of the floor on the drivers side and he had to get rid of the clutch pedal. If you could get onto the old forum there would be photos there  

[Gordon]

Thanks for the additional info Shane, Greasey and Turbovan. 

[greasey monkey]

all good mate, if you do do the conversion and want photo's of engine mounts etc just pm me, i've got plenty of shots of how ive done mine

[Gordon]

Hi Greasey

Did you have to modify your sump and could you have kept your clutch pedal if you had gone manual?

I'm with you on the donor car. That's the best way to go.

[greasey monkey]

Did you have to modify your sump and could you have kept your clutch pedal if you had gone manual?

hi Gordon

with the clutch pedal, fitting the RB left minimal room between the steering column and engine cover was roughly around the 100mm mark. the sump has been reversed and had to modify the oil pick up to suit

Scott

[Gordon]

Hey Scott

Thanks for the extra info. Its greatly appreciated. Cheers

[Dano]

hey Scott create a gallerry mate would love to see these builds,we just luuuvveee piccies