Americanizing the RB26

GReddy Performance Products

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A "crate motor" refers to a complete engine packaged in a wooden crate. While it's been popular in America for a long time, it's still somewhat unfamiliar in Japan.
In America, major manufacturers like GM Performance, Ford Racing, and Mopar sell racing engines for NASCAR and drag racing as crate motors online. This reflects the deep-rooted and widespread custom culture tailored to privateers, represented by hot rods. Although companies like NISMO sell complete engines in Japan, they are not something the average user can easily order in a crate.
At the 2022 SEMA Show, GPP (GReddy Performance Products) unveiled their RB26 complete engine. This engine, designed to cater to the growing demand for second-generation GT-Rs in the North American market, aims to introduce the RB engine, which was never sold in new cars in the U.S., as a unique crate motor.
"We assemble everything with new parts. Not just the head and block, but even the water pump and oil pump are brand new. Furthermore, moving parts like pistons and connecting rods are original designs, so the development process, affected by COVID-19, took about three and a half years. Despite this, we managed to speed up the development by utilizing the new parts we had in stock," explains Kenji Sumino, head of GPP.
GPP's RB26DETT complete engine features GReddy's 2.8L stroker, increasing displacement (the stroke is 77.7mm as standard, but 79.0mm custom orders are also possible). The crankshaft balancing uses advanced equipment that can measure the load on the journals, allowing for precise rotation balance measurements at every 1,000rpm (with a maximum intended measurement of 10,000rpm). The cylinder block is also meticulously measured for bore thickness using an ultrasonic gauge. The honing process, done with minimal bore enlargement, uses a special 5-axis CNC honing machine that allows for precise cross-hatch angles.
"Being able to use such advanced and specialized technology is one of our strengths. Our long-standing involvement in motorsports like Formula D has allowed us to build connections with specialists that are usually out of reach. The depth of American machining technology is impressive, often benefiting from advancements aimed at the aerospace industry. The measures GPP incorporates into its complete engines might seem like overkill at first glance, but the fact that the price (starting at 50,000 USD for the complete engine) doesn't skyrocket is a testament to the depth of American machining industries," Sumino adds.
GPP's RB26 complete engine can handle up to 1500hp in terms of block strength, and there are many American customers seeking specifications over 1000hp.
"Drag racing events like TX2K in Texas are very popular in America. Participants in such events often seek high-power outputs. We offer several turbine options to meet these varying power demands. The GP78R, released at the 2023 SEMA, can achieve up to 1450hp. For outputs exceeding 1200hp, additional reinforcements like block guards are necessary, but the inherent block strength allows for durability and longevity at around 700hp, making GPP's complete engines attractive for customers looking to restomod their second-generation GT-Rs."
In addition to RB26 engines, GPP also releases complete engines for the 2JZ and other models. They are also actively developing parts such as magnesium valve covers and manifolds made using 3D printing technology.
"We're planning to approach chassis components in the future, and we see potential in the R35 VR engine as well. The R35 GT-R is very popular in the drag racing community, such as at TX2K. With the second-generation GT-R now gaining solid recognition in America, enthusiasts who have traditionally favored high-performance cars like Porsches and Ferraris are increasingly turning their attention to it. We aim to continue providing high-quality power that makes even the most discerning enthusiasts say, 'The RB is amazing, the GT-R is the best.'"

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"Being able to incorporate aerospace industry technology is a unique strength of America."

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"If needed, it can handle up to 1500hp. The power supremacy mindset remains strong."

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"The turbine uses billet compressor wheels and Inconel turbine wheels. Moving parts like pistons are treated with anti-friction coatings and hard anodizing to withstand E85 (ethanol) fuel. The billet-machined, full-counterweight crankshaft and X-beam connecting rods showcase America's top-tier technology. The finish of each part is so beautiful it takes your breath away. The quality extends to details like the breather plate stud kit to cover oil spray."

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GReddy Performance Products
Kenji Sumino
Kenji Sumino, born and raised in the U.S., joined TRUST in 1995. After a training period in Japan, he helped launch GPP and has been dedicated to establishing the "GReddy" name in the American market from his base in California.

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GPP's pit garage often features second-generation GT-Rs. They also handle NISMO complete engines, with Sumino saying, "Our strength lies in transcending manufacturer boundaries." Indeed, his personal car is a BNR32 equipped with a NISMO S2 engine.