The Legendary RB26 ITB - Induction of the Iconic Nissan Skyline GT-R Engine

The RB26 ITB - A Legendary Induction Setup

The rb26 engine produced by Nissan for their legendary Skyline GT-R sports car is well known among tuning enthusiasts as one of the great modern engines. With an incredibly strong iron block, sturdy internals, and an innate ability to handle immense power with the right modifications, it's no wonder the RB26 became a legend. One of the most popular induction upgrades for the RB26 is the individual throttle body (ITB) setup. Let's take a closer look at why rb26 ITBs are so popular and what makes them such an iconic modification.

The Quest for Maximum Power

At the heart of the rb26's legendary performance is its twin-turbo setup. The sequential turbos work exceptionally well to deliver a broad power band and tremendous top end power. However, the factory induction system can become a restriction when pushing the engine past 400-500 horsepower. This is where ITBs come in. By replacing the factory throttle body and intake manifold with a set of large bore, individual throttle bodies, rb26 owners can achieve several key benefits:

• Increased air flow - the large bore ITBs offer less restriction than the factory throttle body allowing more air into the engine.
• Tunability - ITBs allow for precise tuning of each cylinder's fueling for optimized power production.
• Throttle response - no longer linked by a single throttle body, each cylinder reacts immediately to throttle inputs.

With these improvements, rb26 engines with ITB kits are able to reliably produce over 600 horsepower. The instantaneous throttle response also transforms the driving experience, making the engine even more engaging and responsive.

The Legendary RB26 Sound

Beyond the power gains, one of the most iconic elements of an rb26 with ITBs is the sound. The individual throttle bodies give the six cylinder symphony of the rb26 a sharper, more pronounced tone. The engine seemingly comes alive, with a banshee-like wail as the revs climb. The sound is so intertwined with the rb26 legend that even renderings of imagined future rb26 engine swaps contain the signature ITB screams.

Hearing a built rb26 at full song with ITBs is an automotive experience every enthusiast should have. Videos from events like Formula Drift showcase the spine-tingling sound as the drivers feather the throttles through drifts. The ITB sound has become a signature for RB26s and is a key part of their appeal in competition, on the street, and even in movies and video games. Standing near an rb26 with ITBs at full throttle is guaranteed to be memorable.

Legendary Show & Track Pedigree

Far from just being a sound modification, rb26 ITB kits have the pedigree to back up their legendary status. Ever since the R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R captured the imagination of tuners worldwide in the late 80s and early 90s, the rb26 has been a popular choice for incredible show and track builds. The ITB induction setup has been a staple in these builds since the beginning.

From the monster 1000+hp drag cars and drift machines built by the likes of Daigo Saito, Robbie Nishida, and Smokey Nagata to the flawlessly detailed show builds created to showcase the engine's potential, ITBs are ubiquitous. Having ITBs sticks builds firmly in thestoried history of rb26 modification and performance. An engine bay dressed with ITBs makes a bold statement that the rest of the build is ready to deliver on the promised power.

ITBs have also been proven over decades of competition use - from professional drifting to time attack racing and everything in between. Their reliability and performance makes ITBs the induction of choice for rb26 engines built for the track. The results speak for themselves, with rb26s still dominating today nearly 30 years after the engine's debut.

Choices for rb26 ITB Kits

Given the rb26's popularity, many manufacturers have engineered ITB kits specifically for the Nissan straight six. Most kits are based around either 48mm or 52mm individual throttle bodies. There are some key factors to consider when selecting an rb26 ITB kit:

• Throttle Body Bore Size - Larger 52-60mm ITBs can flow more peak power but may have drivability issues. Sticking with 48-50mm offers a good combination of top end flow and streetability.
• Throttle Body Material - Billet aluminum or carbon fiber throttle bodies have a premium look and feel, while cast aluminum is more affordable.
• Tunability - Look for ITBs paired with programmable aftermarket ECUs for the best power and drivability tuning.
• Fitment - Ensure the ITB kit fits the rest of your setup, like oil feed lines, accessories, intake piping, etc.

Well known rb26 ITB manufacturers include HKS, Tomei, and Garrett. While the kits are not cheap, usually selling for $3,000-$6,000, the performance, sound, and look offered by rb26 ITBs make them one of the most sought after engine modifications in the world.

Conclusion

When it comes to induction kits for the legendary Nissan RB26, individual throttle bodies represent the pinnacle. Their ability to help the engine produce mind-bending power over 600hp, signature screaming sound, and decades of iconic show, drift, and track use cement rb26 ITBs as one of the most legendary and desirable tuner modifications of all time. For RB26 owners looking to build an engine that does justice to its heritage, rb26 ITBs are a choice that echoes the great GT-R engines of the past, present, and future.

FAQs

What makes the RB26 engine so legendary?

The RB26 is legendary for its incredibly strong iron block, sturdy internal components, and ability to handle immense power. It was engineered for Nissan's GT-R to produce over 276hp naturally aspirated, while having room for much more with turbocharging and modifications. Its race-bred design allows it to be tuned to over 800hp.

What is the stock horsepower of the RB26 engine?

In the R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R, the stock RB26 made 280 PS (276 hp) at 6800 rpm and 293 lb-ft of torque at 4400 rpm. This was at approximately 0.7 bar of boost from its small single turbo setup.

How much power can an RB26 make with ITBs?

With supporting mods like upgraded fuel systems, ITBs allow the RB26 to reliably produce over 600 horsepower. Top builds with built internals and huge single turbos can make over 1000hp on ITBs.

What causes the iconic RB26 ITB sound?

The signature screaming wail of an RB26 with ITBs comes from the free-flowing straight through design. With no restrictions of a manifold or single throttle body, the sound resonates through the large individual funnel stacks.

Where can I buy an RB26 ITB kit?

Popular manufacturers of RB26 ITB kits include: HKS, Tomei, Garrett, JUN, and Hypertune. Kits are available from JDM importers online or specialized RB26 and GT-R shops locally. Prices range from $3000 to $6000 USD.