The Ultimate Guide to the RB26DETT Engine – Specs, History & How to Buy One
Need a legendary engine that packs performance, reliability, and JDM street cred? The RB26DETT is your ticket in—and we’re going to explain why it’s so awesome, and how to purchase one from us. RB26DET engine specs
1. What is the RB26DETT?
The 2.6-liter twin-turbo straight-six Nissan engine found in its performance car models, most notably the Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32, R33, R34).
Here is a very brief overview: RB26DET engine specs
- Engine family: RB (straight-six)
- Code: RB26DETT → “26” = 2.6 litre, “DE”: Dual Overhead Cam + Electronic fuel injection, “TT” = Twin Turbo.
- Model years: Around 1989 to 2002.
- Why it matters: Ready to roll and race-built, rated to be almost the best in the tuner crowd for power and performance.
And yes — we do sell these engines: inspected quality, ready to ship, and supported by our service. If you need a good JDM engine, upgrade, or swap into a project car, you’ve come to the right spot.
2. Core Specifications
Let’s take a peek at the technical core of the RB26DETT so you have some idea of what you’re laying your cash on. They’re figures to many motors that have been set up to turn the wheels, but it’s nice to have something to set it against.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2 568 cc (2.6 litres) |
| Configuration | Inline-6 cylinder, DOHC, 24 valves |
| Bore × Stroke | Approximately 86 mm × 73.7 mm (3.39″ × 2.90″) |
| Compression Ratio | Factory spec. approx. 8.5 : 1 |
| Max Power (standard) | ~280 hp (206 kW) at 6 800 rpm |
| Max Torque (standard) | ~353 Nm (~260 lb-ft) at 4 400 rpm |
| Induction | Twin turbochargers (standard twin set) |
| Block & Head | Cast-iron block with aluminium alloy head |
The above numbers make the RB26DETT a very powerful engine out of the box, but that’s only half the story.
3. Why It’s Revered in the Tuner & Swap Community
Durability
Even as a performance block, the RB26DETT was constructed of superior material by the factory. With proper care, it is not unheard of for owners to see these motors go trouble-free for hundreds of thousands of kilometers. RB26DET engine specs
Upgrade Potential
Given its big block and construction, tuners have no qualm upgrading RB26s to factory-and-beyond. Examples: RB26DET engine specs
“The block so over-engineered that tuners would strap it back over 600, even 800 horsepower…”
Racing Heritage
The Skyline GT-R race cars were powered by the RB26DETT. Such heritage is a component of its value and demand. RB26DET engine specs
Swap & JDM Appeal
If swapping an engine or rebuilding an old drift/street car, the RB26DETT remains one of the most popular JDM engines to sell. Our clients mostly purchase with intentions to swap into non-stock or modified vehicles. We deal with fit, age and condition, to make things easy. RB26DET engine specs
4. Most Popular Variants & Things to Keep an Eye Out For
While stock specs are a good starting point, there are significant variants and things to watch out for. RB26DET engine specs
- The stock RB26DETT is the standard engine.
- The “N1” type (competition spec) featured heavier internals, better oiling & block cooling for increased power output. RB26DET engine specs
- Subsequent models (e.g., in the R34) used ball-bearing turbos and further advancements. RB26DET engine specs
Due to age, there are rarely new engines available; used/rebuilt is the norm; condition can be highly erratic. When buying, note hours completed, service history, and internals condition (turbos, oil pump, state of block).
What to inspect / ask us about when buying:
- Are engines original spec or modified?
- Are turbos in good (or freshly done) condition?
- Is the oil pump or cooling system replaced? The original early models of the RB26 had suffered from oil starvation with high load. RB26DET engine specs
- Are accessories, harness, sensors, and manuals (if available) included with the engine? RB26DET engine specs
- How is the block/head condition (repairs, cracks, etc.)?
- Are you purchasing for stock output, mid-tune level, or high output construction? We can advise accordingly. RB26DET engine specs
5. Purchasing an RB26DETT from Us – Why Our Offer Rocks
This is what you get when you buy an RB26DETT engine from us:
- Guaranteed condition: We pressure/compression test the engine condition prior to sale (where applicable). RB26DET engine specs
- Clean specs: We accurately record block code, serial number, engine hours (where available), mods, and turbo/accessory availability.
- Swap guidance: For an engine swap, guidance on mounting, wiring, ECU fitment, and compatibility issues.
- International shipping: International shipping, i.e., Cameroon/Africa continent — assisted packaging, export paperwork, and shipping.
- Post-purchase guidance: We can aid in recommended service schedules, upgrade solutions, and normative tuning targets.
Yes—far more than the simple purchase of an engine; it’s the purchase of a performance unit backed and guaranteed with expertise.
6. Fitment & Application Guide
Fitment Summary
RB26DETT was bolted longitudinally to the standard R32/R33/R34 GT-R chassis. Swap mounts will have to be fabricated or procured for your chassis. RB26DET engine specs
Clearance: turbocharger clearance, plumbing, intercooler mount clearance, and oiling/pick-up clearance must be taken into account.
Wiring & ECU: Correct engine wiring harness, twin turbo operation via the ECU, and sensors/actuators will have to be provided. RB26DET engine specs
Supporting mods: Exhaust, cooling, turbos, fuel pump/injectors—supporting systems must be upgraded.
Cooling & oil: Proper oil delivery, sump clearance and cooling are vital, especially for high-performance use. RB26DET engine specs
Typical Use-Cases
- Stock rebuild: Proven JDM twin-turbo engine, stock power for looks.
- Moderate tune: Fresh injectors, turbos, ECU tuning for ~400-500 hp build.
- High output build: Race internals, race turbos, heavy duty support items for 600+hp and beyond.
We can do the engine we offer (stock vs rebuild vs high output) to your price and wants.
7. Maintenance & Longevity – Servicing Your Engine
An engine like the RB26DETT will require to be maintained in top-notch condition if it is to remain an acceptable performer year in and year out.
- Oil & filter: High-quality synthetic oil, change as recommended (and more frequently with hard use).
- Timing belt: Due to interference design, timing belt failure is catastrophic—replace on service interval.
- Cooling system: Inspect coolant, thermostat, radiator and don’t run hot.
- Turbo health: Inspect for abnormal noises, verify boost delivery accuracy, and ensure oil feed/return lines are clean.
- Fuel system: Upgrade fuel pump and injectors for power targets. Lean running is deadly.
- Checkup: Compression test, leak-down, inspect seals/gaskets, especially on older engines.
Beware, most high-mileage RB26DETT motors are still running just fine. It’s not power—it’s endurance.
8. Overview & Market Trends Pricing
Recent research stands at:
- Good condition RB26 engines: $8,000–$12,000 USD
- Tuned/built RB26 engines: $15,000–$30,000+ USD based on condition, mods, and provenance
As you’re buying from us with support and shipping guaranteed condition, you’re getting value and transparency. We’re able to quote you on an individual engine basis by shipping, rebuilt status and condition.
9. Why Buy From Us – Your Reliable Engine Seller
We buy and sell JDM performance engines such as the RB26DETT, with complete transparency of condition and source.
- We provide inspection reports, photos/videos of the engine prior to shipping.
- We ship product safely, customs forms, and tracking.
- We provide pre-buy advice: fitment recommendations, wiring/ECU compatibility, upgrade path guidance.
- We back our product: we’ll answer your questions prior to and after your purchase, because you’re not merely purchasing an engine—you’re purchasing performance and dependability.
10. What to Do Next – Your Next Steps
- Call us regarding your requirements: Do you require a stock unit, low-mileage unit, rebuilt/tuned unit?
- Tell us your application: What are you going to install it into? What type of power do you require? This allows us to suggest condition and fit.
- Order condition report & quote: We’ll e-mail or mail serial #, spec sheet, price, and shipping.
- Accept to ship & pay: Once material is bought, we finalize sale, ship engine safely, arrange export logistics, and deliver to Cameroon (or your destination).
- Install & support: Include installation manual, recommend tuning (if necessary), and support our sale with after-sales assistance.
11. Summary
When you buy from us, you receive:
- Quality-checked and warranted engine.
- Open condition reporting.
- Installation, shipping, and fitment support.
- The sense of security you get by buying from a pro, and not from some unknown vendor.