RB25/FD Build
 

I’ve always loved the body style of the FD ever since I first saw it. I finally bought one back in February of 2005 and I’ve been working on it ever since. I'm starting this thread so that I can share some of the things I have already completed on this build. I understand that some of you may not like my choices but I'm not doing this for anyone else. With that being said, if you have any insults about my choice of swap, keep it to yourself. I will however listen to and consider any productive advise on my process so check it out and enjoy my build. :nod:

After two blown rotary motor, I took a break from working on the car to rethink of my approach on my project. My brother showed me a picture of an RB26DETT in an FD and I told myself I was going to do it. These are a few pictures of the car summer of 2007 when I began the swap.
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...d/DSC00376.jpg
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I decided on the RB25 because it came with a RWD manual transmission for $2500 shipped. I know some will say that the RB26 is stronger than the RB25 and I would agree with you because it is but I already knew that I was going to do a complete build which means completely tearing down the motor and building from the ground up making the 25 stronger than the 26 so the 25 was the cheaper option since I only needed the block and head :)
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...d/DSC00540.jpg
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...d/DSC00541.jpg
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http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...d/DSC00551.jpg

After simplifying the motor, it was time to drop it in the car to see what modifications I needed to make. Pictures of the initial drop in.
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...d/DSC00557.jpg
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...d/DSC00558.jpg
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http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...d/DSC00561.jpg

Sweet! What's your plan for total moddage? And what will you be doing with the car?

I'm not sure where I'll stop as far as the mods. I can say that I plan on upgrading every part that deals with performance. I'm building a street/road course so my next big challenge after the car is running is suspension and brakes.

Once I knew how the motor sat under the hood, I was ready to start cutting the firewall so the motor and transmission lined up perfectly. Pics of the firewall, motor, and trans lined up.
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...d/DSC00039.jpg
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...d/DSC00032.jpg
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...d/DSC00033.jpg

I have a temporary trans brace right now but I will be getting one made soon. Pics will be posted after brace is made.
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...d/DSC00037.jpg
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...d/DSC00038.jpg

The reason for cutting the firewall was to move the motor and trans back so that my shifter would be centered.
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...d/DSC01061.jpg

Once the motor and trans were lined up, I took the car to my friends shop and had him weld the firewall. I didn't like how the firewall came out so I'm planning on getting it redone before I decide to paint.
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...d/DSC01761.jpg

I also took apart the entire front end and replaced the front rotors, brake lines, cleaned control arms, and powder coated the subframe.
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...d/DSC01762.jpg
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...d/IMG_0185.jpg
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Front end re-assembled and ready for motor and trans to be dropped in.
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...d/DSC01777.jpg
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...d/DSC01778.jpg
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...d/DSC01782.jpg

While everything else getting done, the block was built by my brother, greddy intake installed, and exhaust manifold with 44mm tial wastegate also installed. Spec clutch bolted to motor and ready to drop in. This is not the clutch of choice but it will work for now until I can spend more money on a better one.
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...d/DSC01784.jpg
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I had to add 1" spacers between the subframe and motor mount because the oil pan was sitting on the steering rack I still need to figure what bushings I'm going to use. The hood clears with no problems as of now :)
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...d/IMG_1340.jpg
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Hell yea nice work. Will be looking forward to this one.

Cutting the firewall and moving the motor and trans back gave me space to do a v-mount setup so I ordered the core and had in welded together.
Making templates for endtanks.
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...d/DSC01941.jpg
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...d/DSC01942.jpg

Finished cooler: bell core, endtanks were made from 3/16" think aluminum plates, 3" in/out.
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...d/DSC01951.jpg
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http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...20Build/35.jpg

Very nice work. I will be keeping a look out on this project sweeeeet!!!!!!!

This progress is so rad

Take two steps forward only to take one step back.... I ran into a bit of a wall.... It looks like I'm going to be a little to close to my brake booster with my down-pipe so I'm going to get a new custom turbo manifold made.
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...d/DSC01946.jpg
I used a 3" piece of inter-cooler piping to see exactly how close my down-pipe would be to the booster. I've confirmed that I need to fix this problem. Definitely don't want my brakes failing.
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...d/DSC01948.jpg
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Seeing that I need a new manifold made, I decided to go v-band instead. I'll be running a Tial stainless steel turbine housing.
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...d/IMG_1528.jpg
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Just a few more goodies that will be going into my car :) Microtech LT12 and X6 Ignitor.
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...d/IMG_1548.jpg
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...d/IMG_1550.jpg

Tial-Q 50mm BOV
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...d/IMG_1542.jpg

Sound Performance boost activated cutout.
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...d/IMG_1544.jpg

Very nice. If you don't know already, depending on your year rb25 the crank snout only half engages the oil pump. At high HP (~500hp) and/or RPM (right around redline) levels you'll destroy the oil pump. There are collars for the snout to correct this.

I already took care of the crank collar problem when I built the block :)

Ahh, even better, that thing is going to be a beast!

such a sexy build, can't wait until it's done

I just have to build the head now but I'm going to wait until the car is running before I get into that.

Thanks, I can't wait either. It's been sitting way to long.

Very cool build