If you do end up doing something with a subaru awd platform, just know that every drive train save for the expensive sti is made of glass. You will be shelling out some coin for aftermarket or used sti parts if you plan on doing much HP wise...

Ive got a buddie who really wants to do a late sixties chevy nova with all evo 8 running gear and motor. I think its a *****in idea if youve got the time and $$!!

 

After the last two projects which were both scratch builds a major swap is going to be easy.

The RB26 is 2WD only. The main focus at this point is AWD

The geometry of an STI drivetrain in a Z looks difficult, it's definitely not made for it like the V8 Z Scarab. The engine will be crammed in the front possible making it necessary to move the intercooler and or radiator back.

Don't think expense is going to be much of an issue, after the scratch builds. Should come in under $20K. Leaving the STI engine near stock and the big performance gain being weight shaving. Stripped Z's typically come in at 2200 lbs. vs the 3400 lb STI.

Starting to think I don't need a complete STI, just the power train and suspension. Use the complete Z chassis and just add a full roll cage for rigidity.

There's a rusted Z right now on Craigslist for $1000.

The last proj was 8 years and $60K. Estimate 1 year to 18 mo and < $20K.

 

Yeah good info, making sure to use a complete STI drivetrain, no mixing it up.

The performance gain will be less weight, stripped Z 2200 lbs. STI 3400 lbs. Leave the motor near stock or just light tweaking.

How about a 1st gen Camaro or Firebird with an EVO drivetrain?

 

I think the hat tip to the RB26 was to suggest utilizing that entire drivetrain, or at last that is what I would suggest. It is also longitudinal, and parts-bin engineering is more in your favor, though still limited and requiring fabrication. Of course, due to the difference in all dimensions, cutting/welding the front axles is inevitable, if not the rear as well.

 

Why the rb26 is 2wd only?
The GTR drive train is very unique. The Front axle setup is part of the oil pan, it sits right at the front wheel. I think this is better option.

 

That's what I am conveying. It is mated to a different trans and bellhousing in 2WD configuration. Typically, at least when I was big in the Z32 world, you run a 25 trans and Z32 bellhousing. Hell, we had guys running the 6 speed from G35's mated to VH setups. Learn your Nissans, to the OP.

 

Sorry, I don't really know modern Nissans or Subi. Last worked for Nissan in '89.

Only last week did I start thinking about using a Subi, before that is was Evo.

I just Google imaged RB26 and there was some pics of an engine with a RWD trans. My bad.

The Skyline GTR drivetrain would be very nice in the Z but just guessing it's way out of budget?

Just for arguments sake does anyone know how much a complete Skyline AWD driveline would cost? Talking everything needed including AWD controllers.

 

The GTR we are referring to can be R32 on up. You can also look into the R32 GT-Four, it is the GTR AWD drivetrain with an RB20 instead of rb26.

 

The Z is 65" wide the STI is 70" wide. The IMSA Z flares add 4" on either side so 73", a different offset wheel will take care of that. I've cut and welded tubular driveshafts but never a solid CV shaft. Always just found an off the shelf length or had one machined.

The RB26 is a iron block straight six, it's got to be heavier than the EJ-25 alum block flat four.

To fit the flat four thinking angle the front driveshafts forward to get the engine back, also you could move the wheel back about an inch in the wheel opening. Possibly even move the wheel opening back. The IMSA front fenders are one piece glass, with some work it could be done.

I would love to use a Skyline drivetrain. Someone tell me where I can get one for under $12 to $15K

 

I was implying using the AWD system. Since that drivetrain has been out since R32's (as was mentioned) they can't be that expensive. I'm sure there is some wreaked ones up here in Canada that you can salvage the system out of.....you could buy a hole R32 up here for 7-10 grand. Idunno, the power potential is in another realm compared to the Subaru, and the AWD system is pretty good as well.

 

What about a 2g gsx platform and buy a shep or tre evo 5 speed, rear diff, transfer case etc.

..or am I missing the point?

 

No matter how you slice it, this is a $25,000 to $30,000 project, if you get extremely lucky sourcing parts, and fab everything yourself and to do it the right way. I'd rather fab little pieces on an already proven setup that's under the same brand than try to figure out frankensteining some Subaru junk in there. If you want to really get some wisdom under your belt from other Nissan freaks that take the road less-traveled, join hybridz.org. I've been on there for several years, and you can usually find some parts as well. I hope this helps.

P.S., wasn't trying to be a dick about the Nissan remark, just suggesting going down the wormhole with them like I did about a decade ago. Hybridz is a good group, though it's been at least 3 years since I was really on there. Best of luck!

(I can totally see the other side of the argument being (why not just build a Skyline haha)

I'd suggest drive a 300RWHP S30, in just that fashion. I think you'd seriously say "ok, **** AWD." It is unnecessary weight and engineering on a setup that has won championships as-is.

 

do it

 

Okay, the hybridz is a good forum. But no, AWD is the primary goal, have done too many RWD.

Far as I can tell the RB26 AWD 240Z has not been done. It's been discussed and looked at but nobody has done it. Or if they have it's just a rumor and not on the internet. The front axle centerline where it goes through the pan is too far rearward for the Z by about 10", so it puts the engine way forward. It may be possible to re-locate. But this AWD setup is also heavier than the stock Z because it has the separate front diff, front drive shaft, and transfer case. And compared to the EVO or STI AWD setup it's got to be heavier there as well. Guessing between 50 and 100 lbs in either case.

Combine these issues with the availability problem and the most likely extra expense.

So back to the STI. Turns out a AWD NA Subi setup has been put in a 240Z. It's a real backyard hack job and he hasn't finished as of a year ago, but it fits. There's no room for the stock Z radiator in front so he's put it up above the transaxle. And he set the axle up centered, not angled forward like I'm thinking.

With the drive shafts angled forwards about 1-1/2" and the wheel moved back in the wheel well another 1" or 1-1/2". Your looking at 3", that's enough to keep the radiator in the front. You could even move the radiator support forward a bit if necessary. All the moveable weight to the rear, battery etc.

EJ-25 trumps the RB-26 on availability and most likely on price. EJ-25 is lighter, but most likely the weight is further forward. The fitment comparison seems about the same amount of effort either way. The RB-26 will handle more power mods, but I'm not going that route. This will stay stock, the STI is already fast, shave 1000 lbs weight and that's all you need. Weight savings is the best power adder, it's totally reliable and in this case with sweat equity it's less expensive.

One thing do want. A cable actuated exhaust gate and diverter pipe, behind the cat maybe, to switch between full muffler and near straight open. On the down low, or not. Pull up alongside the unsuspecting Vette or Mustang, like going through the I90 tunnels maybe. Get the revs up with it muffled like a light throttle downshift.... open the gate and WOT.

 

Looks like I'm wrong and you guys were right. Now leaning toward the RB26

They can be had on Ebay for around $4K, the EJ25's are on Ebay also but they are around $7K.

Measured my buddies na EJ25. Apparently the factory already angles the CV shafts in the forward direction, so that negates the 1-1/2" thought was going to get for radiator clearance.

If the AWD doesn't work out then the RB26 is probably better as a RWD. The published HP on both these motors is around 275hp, but the real HP is about 300 for the EJ25 and 325 for the RB26. And the RB is stronger just in case I need to build it up. Might as well have that reserve just in case.