GQ RB30 Turbo Conversion

[thedogzeus]

Hi guys,

Picking up my new GQ on Sunday.
It has an RB30, and I WILL be turbo converting it.

Before I get flamed....I've searched, googled, scanned and can't find a step by step how to on here.

Can anyone post me a link to a good how-to?

From what I've gathered, the Patrol RB30 block already has the mount and and oil galleries on the block. I'm guessing I will need an EFI head, turbo, turbo manifold and ECU from a VL crummydore or R31 Skyline. Is ther anything else required...fuel pump? Exhaust? Etc etc

If I only want low boost (5-6psi) can I slap the head and turn straight on the block without modifying the bottom end for lower compression etc?

As I only want to improve power with minimal boost, I'm guessing an inter cooler an bypass aren't really required.

Thanks in advance and apologies as I'm sure this has been asked a million times (guide would be a great sticky IMO).

[Dales300exc]

An intercooler is always preferred. Look into some vls, there are plenty out there running bug boost through originally na motors with a decomp plate. You would still need a different fuel system to go efi from carby. I threw out a rb30 injected engine not long back unfortunately!

Are the heads different? You could use the standard manifold if funds dont stretch to a aftermarket one.

[taslucas]

A mate has been talking about a forum called vl Calais.com or something similar, I'm not sure exactly. I haven't looked at it myself but he reckons there is a lot of good info.

Tap, crackle, pop

[Alitis007]

Heads are all the same mate, u will need atleast a bosh 070 thats factory vl turbo high pressure pump and you will need a low pressure pump with a surge tank, on my last vl bt1 i used a cometic 1.9mm thick head gasket to lower the compression down a fraction aswell. If you get an engine loom off a vl you will need to run a wire for the knock sensor , it should be cut off the loom from factoyr above the drivers side engine mount so you will need to go to a jap import wreacker to grab a knock sensor and plug from a r33 skyline rb25det. You will need to run a cooler to stop the motor pinging. I cant remember what else i did, when i do i will post again.

[thedogzeus]

Thanks for the advice lads. Keep it coming.

I'll document the process when I do the conversion (with some pretty pictures and all).

[thedogzeus]

Ok, scratching together bits of info here and there. Need to begin with a comprehensive shopping list, so far I've come up with the following. What am I missing ?

- T3 Turbo (internal wastegate type)
- Oil Feed/Return lines
- T3 / RB30 Exhaust Manifold
- Intercooler + piping
- VL EFI Intake Manifold
- VL Turbo Fuel Injectors
- VL Electronic Distributor
- VL Turbo ECU
- VL Crank Angle Sensor
- VL Ignition/ECU Wiring Harness
- Bosch 070 Fuel Pump

I dont see any real need for a surge tank, blow off valve or external wastegate, as I'll only be running 6-8 PSI and a very stock setup.

[Alitis007]

I've got VL Turbo : Cam, high rise spaghetti manifold, a knackered t3/t4 oil cooled turbo, turbo pletnum/ inlet manifold missing a couple of screws and bits, 2x machined & ported heads, turbo manual computer, ADR compliant AVO intercooler and plumbing and possibly some other pieces that i have spare from my conversion that i will be getting rid of soon let me know if your interested.
I suggest you get a surge tank because when you go up a hill you might find that the petrol in the tank might rush back and you could starve the motor of fuel but it your choice.

[taslucas]

Ok, scratching together bits of info here and there. Need to begin with a comprehensive shopping list, so far I've come up with the following. What am I missing ?

- T3 Turbo (internal wastegate type)
- Oil Feed/Return lines
- T3 / RB30 Exhaust Manifold
- Intercooler + piping
- VL EFI Intake Manifold
- VL Turbo Fuel Injectors
- VL Electronic Distributor
- VL Turbo ECU
- VL Crank Angle Sensor
- VL Ignition/ECU Wiring Harness
- Bosch 070 Fuel Pump

I dont see any real need for a surge tank, blow off valve or external wastegate, as I'll only be running 6-8 PSI and a very stock setup.

Would you need a computer? I've heard that a standard efi one works well instead of spending up on an aftermarket one. But I really don't know much lol

FanTapstic!

[Alitis007]

Would you need a computer? I've heard that a standard efi one works well instead of spending up on an aftermarket one. But I really don't know much lol

FanTapstic!

Massive difference between turbo and non turbo computer from factory, apart from a/f ratios the vl turbo ECU has a extra mother board in side it for the Knock sensor. Non turbo part numbers 3EM - manual trans, 3EA - auto trans. Turbo ECU 3TM - manual 3TA auto.
You could get away with a non turbo pletnem/ inlet manifold coz it gives the motor more power coz the runner have a larger internal diameter but its not EPA friendly. Oh and just so you know the VL turbo inlet manifold is off a RB20 SOHC motor, that was the only way it could comply with ADR's back in the day.

You should also add to your list to try and find the bracket for the accelerator cable coz turbo and non turbo variants are different. Also a AFM is the same for turbo and non turbo AND before i forget you will need got to Pertex or Enzed and make up a "T" piece with the straight section 5/8" or 16mm and the 3/8" or 10mm for the bottom section, that will fit into one of your heater hoses as the water feed line to your turbo.

[Alitis007]

Here what my engine bay looked like before i sold my BT124602 and this is stock24603 can you tell the size difference of the inlet manifold?

[threedogs]

Think my mates has a spare VL wagon[his sons] at home doing nothing I'll txt you might get whole car for next to nothing
Only over strathmore, PVS way
Bumped nah its gone only just though

[Steve200b]

it is easier to use R31 skyline setup, just put the inlet manifold and distributer in the Gq motor run the loom in the cab put two wires into the loom job done. don't forget about changing the fuel pump and ensure you do the hoses to injection hose.

[thedogzeus]

Picked up the new beast.

Solid as a rock, dual fuel, zero rust!

Had a horrible miss though, and wouldn't rev over 3000 on both petrol or gas, drove all the way from Melbourne to Adelaide running in five...

Easily sorted when I finally got home...ignition module in the dizzy was stuffed...popped in a module from a wrecked laser as good as gold. Revs smooth all the way to 6k now.

I'll be starting to gather the bits require for the turbo conversion and will continue to post updates as I go. And as promised, when I do the conversion I'll do up a full how to to assist anyone else planing the conversion in the future.

Gotta say, I don't regret getting a patrol one bit...it's an absolute beast!

[525moto]

Hey mate. I've got an rb30 powered gq also. Currently part way through a full ground up resto. Do you have any updates for the turbo project?

[thedogzeus]

Wow. Didnt think it had been this long...

Just picked up a decent RB30E from an R31 with loom and ECU. Will rebuild the engine first then start the documentation process for stage one of the conversion (EFI into patrol). Stage 2 will be LPG setup for the n/a EFI. Stage 3 will be installation of the turbo.

[KUSKALIONE]

Any updates mate?