# Newman's 1986 BMW 326rb build thread. **URL:** \ **Category:** Builds\ **Created:** [December 25, 2006, 8:54pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/newmans-1986-bmw-326rb-build-thread/22123 "2006-12-25T20:54:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![newman](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/newman/32/7569_2.png) [@newman](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/newman)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2006, 11:21am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/newmans-1986-bmw-326rb-build-thread/22123/41 "2006-12-26T11:21:39Z")
> [@Zong](#): > > Do you have a curb weight prediction? not ATM. i would like to say 2500 lbs… but i don’t think i am going to be gutting the car. point: It seems the car weighs about 2750 lbs point: The RB is assumably heavier than the BMW I6 it is replacing, however, i am hoping that Rb26 - AC - PS - twin turbos and cast manifolds = stock BMW engine weight. point: I have been told there is 200 lbs of sound deadening. this will be removed point: There will be some minor things removed for weight savings. If i had the car, i could tell you more. It will be a bare bones engine bay, that’s for sure. ---
**Author:** ![Fry](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/fry/32/7284_2.png) [@Fry](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Fry)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2006, 11:55am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/newmans-1986-bmw-326rb-build-thread/22123/42 "2006-12-26T11:55:07Z")
Any reason for this other than to be unique? Aren’t there easier or cheaper motors to stuff in there with good potential? ---
**Author:** ![woz](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/woz/32/7605_2.png) [@woz](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/woz)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2006, 11:58am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/newmans-1986-bmw-326rb-build-thread/22123/43 "2006-12-26T11:58:53Z")
the e30 was wat was available and rwd and cheap, pretty sure thats the reason, he had the motor, just needed something to throw it in ---
**Author:** ![Fry](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/fry/32/7284_2.png) [@Fry](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Fry)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2006, 12:10pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/newmans-1986-bmw-326rb-build-thread/22123/44 "2006-12-26T12:10:39Z")
How do you just “have” an RB26? ---
**Author:** ![snowracer101](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/258eb7/32.png) [@snowracer101](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/snowracer101)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2006, 12:21pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/newmans-1986-bmw-326rb-build-thread/22123/45 "2006-12-26T12:21:05Z")
> [@BikerFry](#): > > How do you just “have” an RB26? I believe he traded his built rb26? I really can’t see you driving a bmw, newman. Whats next… an audi build up? ---
**Author:** ![Fry](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/fry/32/7284_2.png) [@Fry](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Fry)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2006, 12:29pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/newmans-1986-bmw-326rb-build-thread/22123/46 "2006-12-26T12:29:46Z")
VW R26 :tup: ---
**Author:** ![blk\_hatch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/839c29/32.png) [@blk\_hatch](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/blk_hatch)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2006, 12:59pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/newmans-1986-bmw-326rb-build-thread/22123/47 "2006-12-26T12:59:13Z")
wow read the whole thread before you post… it’s andres old stroker 3 series right? mpd bought it now isn’t using it?? newman and don took his old built rb from his 240 and put it into someone else’s skyline, removing the “old” rb that has a few mods… newman now has an rb and cashish & decides to throw the rb into something light rwd and locally available now… very very easy to understand… christ people!! ---
**Author:** ![MPD47](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/mpd47/32/7383_2.png) [@MPD47](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/MPD47)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2006, 1:00pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/newmans-1986-bmw-326rb-build-thread/22123/48 "2006-12-26T13:00:06Z")
Except you are completely wrong. ---
**Author:** ![onefst240](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/onefst240/32/7224_2.png) [@onefst240](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/onefst240)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2006, 1:03pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/newmans-1986-bmw-326rb-build-thread/22123/49 "2006-12-26T13:03:30Z")
Want to try another Fastback rb26? lol I have one and if its the right price i could sell it. Its rolling ready for a swap. ---
**Author:** ![Anonymity](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/anonymity/32/7215_2.png) [@Anonymity](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Anonymity)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2006, 1:06pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/newmans-1986-bmw-326rb-build-thread/22123/50 "2006-12-26T13:06:24Z")
> [@newman](#): > > keeping the car AWD constrains me to an exact motor location fore and aft. It also adds undue complications. RWD is the best for my particular needs. if that is the reason then why not an LS(somthing) swap? ---
**Author:** ![newman](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/newman/32/7569_2.png) [@newman](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/newman)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2006, 1:11pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/newmans-1986-bmw-326rb-build-thread/22123/51 "2006-12-26T13:11:41Z")
i just want to do it. that’s why. there doesn’t need to be a good reason. ---
**Author:** ![Anonymity](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/anonymity/32/7215_2.png) [@Anonymity](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Anonymity)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2006, 1:24pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/newmans-1986-bmw-326rb-build-thread/22123/52 "2006-12-26T13:24:33Z")
i am not mocking your, reason. because my project that i am working on is hard to justify(AWD+CRX=me having fun). But i would “think” that making an AWD running gear non-AWD would be a waste. because you are then tooo limited on gear selection and what is your rear end of choice.(car speaking) ---
**Author:** ![Shockwave179](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/shockwave179/32/7496_2.png) [@Shockwave179](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Shockwave179)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2006, 1:30pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/newmans-1986-bmw-326rb-build-thread/22123/53 "2006-12-26T13:30:33Z")
> [@MPD47](#): > > Except you are completely wrong. +1 It’s not the black stroker car that was sold on here. ---
**Author:** ![newman](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/newman/32/7569_2.png) [@newman](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/newman)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2006, 1:31pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/newmans-1986-bmw-326rb-build-thread/22123/54 "2006-12-26T13:31:07Z")
> [@fastandcheap](#): > > i am not mocking your, reason. because my project that i am working on is hard to justify(AWD+CRX=me having fun). But i would “think” that making an AWD running gear non-AWD would be a waste. because you are then tooo limited on gear selection and what is your rear end of choice.(car speaking) come again? among other things, the skyline center differential is remarkably complex. It utilizes hydraulic pressure generated by a rear dif mounted pump to control the torque split, governed by a computer and wheel speed sensors. Granted, I could use a center spool, but i just don’t want to. AWD is an added concern I just don’t feel like dealing with. This means locating 325ix front suspension parts (if they are even available for e30s) then i’d need to perfectly match the rear dif to the front dif. It’s just alot of hassle. ---
**Author:** ![blk\_hatch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/839c29/32.png) [@blk\_hatch](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/blk_hatch)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2006, 1:37pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/newmans-1986-bmw-326rb-build-thread/22123/55 "2006-12-26T13:37:15Z")
my mistake i assumed it was andres after someone mentioned a turbo s54 should have been motor of choice, regardless if your not a moron you could still deceipher he meant skyline motor in e30. ---
**Author:** ![newman](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/newman/32/7569_2.png) [@newman](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/newman)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2006, 1:39pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/newmans-1986-bmw-326rb-build-thread/22123/56 "2006-12-26T13:39:53Z")
why buy roundstock for the plugs when you can just make it? 1.225" Round 6061 Aluminum cut from 4" square of Billet 6061 Aluminum on a wire EDM. ![http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/ctnewman2/edm1.jpg](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/ctnewman2/edm1.jpg) ![http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/ctnewman2/edm2.jpg](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/ctnewman2/edm2.jpg) ![http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/ctnewman2/edm3.jpg](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/ctnewman2/edm3.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Anonymity](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/anonymity/32/7215_2.png) [@Anonymity](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Anonymity)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2006, 1:47pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/newmans-1986-bmw-326rb-build-thread/22123/57 "2006-12-26T13:47:00Z")
> [@newman](#): > > come again? > > among other things, the skyline center differential is remarkably complex. It utilizes hydraulic pressure generated by a rear dif mounted pump to control the torque split, governed by a computer and wheel speed sensors. Granted, I could use a center spool, but i just don’t want to. > > AWD is an added concern I just don’t feel like dealing with. This means locating 325ix front suspension parts (if they are even available for e30s) then i’d need to perfectly match the rear dif to the front dif. It’s just alot of hassle. I understand the complexity of this swap. and the engineering that needs to take place. but if all that looking to be accomplished is putting a RB motor in a BMW. Then i cannot wait to see it done. But here are a group of question/ concern i could ponder at the moment. In no order. can the chassis handle the (jewels) or watts ? weight distribution handling braking gearing pedal set up gear selector position tire selection ---
**Author:** ![Anonymity](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/anonymity/32/7215_2.png) [@Anonymity](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Anonymity)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2006, 1:54pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/newmans-1986-bmw-326rb-build-thread/22123/58 "2006-12-26T13:54:17Z")
wow, that is a nice hook up right there. ---
**Author:** ![newman](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/newman/32/7569_2.png) [@newman](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/newman)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2006, 1:56pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/newmans-1986-bmw-326rb-build-thread/22123/59 "2006-12-26T13:56:17Z")
> [@fastandcheap](#): > > But here are a group of question/ concern i could ponder at the moment. In no order. can the chassis handle the (jewels) or watts ? I asked mike about this, he seems to think that 500WHP will be within an acceptable chassis tolerance weight distribution I am replacing an iron L6 with an iron L6, the rb26 trans weighs much more than the bmw unit. This will mover the CG back slightly. The plan is to install the engine as close as possible to the firewall handling i’m not building a track car. it’s a street car, more or less for cruising and going fast straight. i would probably expect to see some cheaper coilovers to produce that “slammed” look. I have two cars that handle well. If i want to get hairy, i’ll take out the elise. braking apparently, the chassis comes with a big brake kit installed. I have no idea if the prop valve has been replaced. Again, as long is it stops reasonably, I’m ok with this. gearing Gearing. Stock for now. Some sort of lsd in the future. as for final drive ratio, unsure at the moment. pedal set up Stock gear selector position If i need to modify the shifter trim, i will. As i said earlier, i will try and position the motor towards the rear as much as i can. tire selection whatever i decide to slap onto the cheap rotas i buy. Remeber, I am NOT making a track/handling car. It’s a novelty thing. It’s cool. It’s fun to build. It’s fast, etc. ---
**Author:** ![Onyx\_Z32](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/onyx_z32/32/7581_2.png) [@Onyx\_Z32](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Onyx_Z32)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2006, 1:59pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/newmans-1986-bmw-326rb-build-thread/22123/60 "2006-12-26T13:59:53Z")
This is going to be hot :tup: But I would have loved to see that motor in an FBOD ☹ [Previous page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/newmans-1986-bmw-326rb-build-thread/22123.md?page=2) [Next page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/newmans-1986-bmw-326rb-build-thread/22123.md?page=4)