The RB26DETT engine (or RB26 for short) was installed mainly on the Nissan Skyline GT-R in the body of R32, R33 and R34, Nissan Stagea 260RS. This engine was developed in the Nismo division for the Skyline R32 GT-R car racing. The engine has a high potential to increase its power, thanks to which RB26DETT gained worldwide fame.
The timing mechanism is driven by a toothed belt. The RB26DETT intake system, unlike other RB series engines, has 6 throttle assemblies instead of one (one throttle valve for each cylinder). The engine is equipped with two turbochargers (T28 ceramic turbines). Such a system is called parallel turbocharging or Twin Turbo.
Engine Features
- Lack of hydraulic valve lifters. Rigid pushers are used instead. The valves are adjusted by the selection of washers.
- The original design of the intake system, in the throttle assembly of which 6 throttle valves (one for each cylinder) with a diameter of 45 mm are installed.
- Lack of electronically controlled variable valve timing system. Camshafts are used with parameters: phase – 240/236 mm, lift – 8.58 / 8.28 mm. The timing mechanism (timing) is driven by a toothed belt.
- The design of the cylinder block in which there is no oil channel.
Explanation of Nissan RB26DETT markings
| RB | Engine Series (R-Line) |
| 26 | Engine displacement, l x10 |
| D | The cylinder head has 4 valves per cylinder |
| E | Multipoint (Distributed) Electronic Fuel Injection |
| TT | The engine is equipped with two turbochargers (TWIN TURBO) |
RB family: RB20E, RB20ET, RB20DE, RB20DET, RB24S, RB25DE, RB25DET, RB26DETT, RB30E, RB30ET.
Specifications
| Production years | 1989-2002 |
| Displacement, cc | 2568 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 280/6800 280/6800 280/6800 |
| Torque output, Nm | 353 – 392 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R6 |
| Block head | aluminum 24v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 86 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 73.7 |
| Compression ratio | 8.5 |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Turbocharging | two Garrett M24 |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 / 5W-40 / 10W-30 / 10W-40 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.6 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 2/3 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Nissan Skyline GT-R 2001) — city — highway — combined |
15.2 10.4 12.8 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~320 000 |
| Weight, kg | ~260 |
| Oil consumption, gr/1000 km | up to 500 |
| Oil change interval, km | 15000 |
The engine was installed on:
- Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 in 1989 – 1994, Skyline GT-R R33 in 1993 – 1998, Skyline GT-R R34 in 1999 – 2002;
- Nissan Stagea 260RS WC34 in 1996 – 2001.
Frequently asked questions about the Nissan RB26DETT
How much power does the Nissan RB26DETT make?
Power output of the Nissan RB26DETT, hp: 280/6800; 280/6800; 280/6800. Torque, Nm: 353 - 392.
How much oil does the Nissan RB26DETT take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 4.6 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30 / 5W-40 / 10W-30 / 10W-40.
Does the Nissan RB26DETT have a timing belt or chain?
The Nissan RB26DETT uses a timing belt.
Is the Nissan RB26DETT turbocharged?
Yes, the Nissan RB26DETT is turbocharged (two Garrett M24).
Does the Nissan RB26DETT need valve clearance adjustment?
Yes, there are no hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances have to be checked and adjusted periodically.
How long does the Nissan RB26DETT last?
The typical lifespan of the Nissan RB26DETT is ~320 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Nissan RB26DETT?
Nissan Skyline GT-R 2001: city 15.2, highway 10.4, combined 12.8 L/100 km.
What cars was the Nissan RB26DETT installed on?
Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 in 1989 - 1994, Skyline GT-R R33 in 1993 - 1998, Skyline GT-R R34 in 1999 - 2002; Nissan Stagea 260RS WC34 in 1996 - 2001.
