Disadvantages of using r33 crossmember for RB install

[jacobzking]

What are the disadvantages of using the r33 crossmember to install an RB25 into an S14?

Does anyone make a driveshaft that will fit if you go that route?

Downpipe clearance issues? Steering rack issues? Motor sit too high or too low?

Any other problems? I've researched it a bit and can't keep up with the issues.

[fliprayzin240sx]

R33 cross member is actually the best setup, only issue you'd have on S14s is the elbow. You'd have to modify the elbow or basically re do it to clear the steering shaft.

[silver350z05rb]

Yes , agreed, best way to go if you have it

[fliprayzin240sx]

Best setup but also the most expensive is R33 cross member and Syko mount setup. Kit comes with an elbow that will clear the shaft and will mate up to an SR20 downpipe. Then you still have to get or make a custom driveshaft. Roughly 46" for S14s from the back end to the where the input shaft spline starts.

[JDM_Tuner]

ive read that if you keep the stock intake manifold the hood wont close completely but ive never tried it.

[MeanS14]

R33 crossmember made mine sit way too high and had all sorts of clearance issues with the elbow and other stuff.

Im using the stock s14 crossmember now with Top Hat Performance mounts and love how low and far back the motor sits right now. I think the r33 also sits the motor a little farther forward which sucks because there is already barely any clearance in front for a good fan setup

My current setup

[Melonburst]

Not being Formula D legal is one of the disadvantages. But if its for the grassroots level competition its a better alternative. Its a stronger subframe that was built for the inline 6 torque.

[jacobzking]

Originally Posted by MeanS14

R33 crossmember made mine sit way too high and had all sorts of clearance issues with the elbow and other stuff.

Im using the stock s14 crossmember now with Top Hat Performance mounts and love how low and far back the motor sits right now. I think the r33 also sits the motor a little farther forward which sucks because there is already barely any clearance in front for a good fan setup

My current setup

so with the top hat mounts, can you use the stock turbo elbow and the stock intake manifold? hood close, etc?

[Sileighty_85]

I have the R33 CM with SYKO Mounts, Zero Issues.

I have a build thread on dropping an RB into a S14. its called Project RB. Check it out

MeanS14 it sounds　like you were using OEM mounts which would cause those issues

[singlecamslam]

Heres mine, r33 member and stock mounts, no issues closing hood, elbow etc.

[encludemeout]

Originally Posted by singlecamslam

Heres mine, r33 member and stock mounts, no issues closing hood, elbow etc.

What tranny mount are you using? I see yours is in an s13, which mine is too. I used an r33 crossmember on mine and it didn't work at all and ended up being a huge pain. Way to far forward, elbow was sitting on the steering rack, oil pan on the sway bar, etc.

[MIKE 34]

Originally Posted by singlecamslam

Heres mine, r33 member and stock mounts, no issues closing hood, elbow etc.

does the stock s13 power steering work with the r33 crosmember ? i planing on using syko mounts.

[fliprayzin240sx]

S-chassis power steering rack will bolt up to any R-chassis crossmember. If you're using an RB20 and RB26, get an R32 cross member. If using an RB25, R33 crossmember. The angle of the engine mount tray is different between R32 and R33. R33s are flatter while the R32s are more angled in and works with RB20 and RB26.

[KPNITRL]

Originally Posted by MIKE 34

does the stock s13 power steering work with the r33 crosmember ? i planing on using syko mounts.

Flip is correct. Further assurance; thats what Im running. S13, R33 crossmember, syko mounts.
I never had any clearance issue, didnt even beat up the tunnel

[Ilya]

Any way of fitting the clutch fan with an R33 crossmember in either s13 or s14?

[NismoPlsr]

Originally Posted by Ilya

Any way of fitting the clutch fan with an R33 crossmember in either s13 or s14?

I'm working on it in my s13; it is real tight. S14 has loads more room and a lot of people have run the clutch fan.

My problem is that I am running a Parts Shop Max highmount intercooler so I can't push the rad forward enough to make room for the OEM fan flipped on the clutch. I have machined the flange on the clutch and going to try to run the s-chassis GKtech fan without the RB adapter. Not sure if it will work yet.

[double zero]

so I have a s13 with a r32 engine x-member. I fit my rb20 and now my rb25 with their stock mounts with no issues with the hood closing. with stock intakes and aftermarket(on my 25).

[teddyjr]

+1 on Syko and the R33 cross-member. Mine turned out SO nice and factory looking. The stainless turbo elbow clears the steering with about 1/4 inch. I did have to massage the area behind the starter for more clearance. The shifter is in the exact center of the opening. Highly recommended solution. Oh, I abandoned the stock power steering cooling "loop" in favor of a 350Z PS cooler and that looks tight and factory too.

[rbs14kouki]

I was using mckinney motorsport mount with my rb26/s14

Realy good set-up eith nothing bad to say about it !


Now that zerolift is out there , i would probable go with them , its a similar design but cheaper

For the elbow/downpipe just get one made

[omgRWDgoodness!]

There are no disadvantages. Anything else is just Fisher Price, Mickey Mouse-ass bullshit.

[EnemyS15]

The only thing I have noticed some people saying is the clearance between firewall and the hump of the starter. Some people say you need to notch the firewall in a 1/2 - 3/4 inch @ that starter hump. I personally didn't have that issue with my 33 crossmember and syko kit, in my s14.

I agree with flip and the others. It's the best way to go about installing rb25 into s chassis.