The RB26DETT: A Tuner’s Dream
The heart of the legendary R32, R33, and R34 Nissan Skyline GT-Rs is the RB26DETT: a 2.6-liter, twin-turbo, Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) inline-six engine.
Factory Specs & Performance:
This engine was officially rated at 276hp and 260 lbs-ft of torque, adhering to the Japanese “Gentlemen’s Agreement. However, its cast-iron block, forged internal components (like the crankshaft), and dual ceramic turbochargers were engineered for Group A racing, making the true stock output often closer to 320 hp. This robust, over-engineered foundation is the key to its fame.
Upgrade Potential (The Godzilla Factor):
The RB26 is one of the most celebrated tuner platforms globally.
- Easy Gains: With basic bolt-ons (exhaust, intake, boost controller) and an ECU tune, the engine easily and reliably hits 400+ hp.
- Extreme Power: By addressing known weaknesses like the oil pump and upgrading the ceramic turbos to steel versions, the stock long block can reliably handle 600+ hp.
- World-Class: With fully built internals (pistons, rods, and stroker kits to increase displacement to $2.8L or more), the RB26 block has been pushed into the realm of 1,000 to over 1,500 hp, cementing its status as a legend of Japanese engineering.