2JZ vs RB26: Which one is the best? 

*Pfft…everone knows the true legends are the Gallo 12 and Gallo 24!*

You can’t go wrong with that Toyota reliability at the end of the day, but something about the RB26 just can’t be described through words.

They’re both equally legendary in my mind.

Mostly for the sound... My favourite between the 2 is the RB26. The sound that engine makes is nnothing short of glorious!!

I’ve owned both a 2jz and a Rb26 that I had in my Datsun 240z , I have to say the 2jz is my favorite for power and reliability. Which is rare, the only other engine that is at par with the 2jz is a ls3 . The rb26 however is just plain beautiful and the sounds it makes are orgasmic. But I blew it after 4 months of owning it . The 2j I can beat the shit out of it and it won’t brake .

ive had a 32 gtr and 34 gtr, both fairly modded, love the skylines, the RB's are awesome motors, I'm also an engineer and I've built Rb's for those cars before. The last one was a 26/30 but the 2J's stronger, hands down. its not a diss or anything. bigger displacement and stronger.

All great points and a great video! Would have to pick the rb26 personally due to higher redline and lower weight as I prefer nimble cars.

What about a Gallo 12 or Gallo 24?🤣🤣☠️

6:34 I have the same opinion about the old rally Evos. Mitsubishi started seeing more success in WRC after adding AYC technology during the 4th Evo generation. Most of the credit goes the awd drivetrain but everyone puts that success on the 4G63. Ironically the Evo X was the only Evo in the USA to come with all the JDM rally technology but isn’t considered a “real evo” because it didn’t have the 4G63.

Never driven a 2JZ, but the 1JZ in my Chaser puts smiles on my face but I also really enjoy the higher revving RB26 in my R33. The 2 engines feel very different to me so I get to enjoy them for different reasons.

2JZ vs LS is a better question for Americans. Similar reliability, similar cost to boost them, both readily available. RB26 is still a pipe dream for most.

Even though I got a nissan, 2jz all day, bigger displacement, stronger bottom end, and easier to get your hands on.

I have a 34 and a MK4 at this time, but have had 9 Supra’s ranging from stock to around 700kw’s and 2 R32’s 3Rp33’s and my R34 I have now they range from stock to around 500kw. I think they are both great cars but the RB’s do cost much more to modify than the Supra. If I had to make a choice I would pick the 2JZ due to it being a lot more reliable then the RB for my own history with both engines.

The RB26 has individual throtttle bodies, and a single trubo for three of the 6 cylinders. More liner in response and boost by a long shot. But people don't care about drivability as much as they do Dyno numbers, and that's why slower cars designed with driveability in mind always out preform these two cars.

Hector is going to be running 3 Honda Civics with spoon engines. And on top of that he just came into Harry's and he ordered 3 T66 turbos, with NOS, and a Motec system exhaust.

Funny how ppl compare two great engines. Both are great and completely different. Both are POWER HOUSES to say the least. There's no best engine here. Im sure one of them might be more popular for certain motorsport applications, but that's personal choice. Another thing i find funny is ppl saying stock for stock. Nobody is racing stock engines, both are highly modified. We're lucky to had had two great engineering teams create these two masterpieces for us enthusiasts. Thats the real focus

0:58 As a Rotard, I get over the fact you showed a 13BT then the FD; Which had a 13BREW

I'll just say this. I honestly love both engines despite knowing I probably won't be able to ever afford one in life

i concede that 2jz is more robust and power capable.. but that RB sound is sooooooooooooo damn good.

High revving plus the note of the rb does it for me. I'll never have any use for a car with over 600hp, so rb all day.

If I had a choice of preference in sound of engine, it’s the 3 cylinder geo metro . Crisp, clean and the rpm sweep from zero to 4,500 is a smooth 6.8 seconds. Pure heaven 😊😂

This was such an interesting video! Absolutely love the channel. Thanks for the info. I've always loved the RB but this video has me thinking.

When it came to the import drag racing scene in the states, the only engine to give the 2JZ a run for its money was always the good ol 13B, reminding that there was something smaller and scarier on the strip.

That 240 of yours is the most gloriously 80s thing I have ever seen in my life.

The 2j in factory form is better than an RB26, however when an RB30 bottom end with a built engine is paired with an RB26 head the extra flow of the R26 head blows a 2j out of the water. Skylines are better in practically every single aspect. They're 4wd meaning they accelerate quicker, have more traction, they obviously turn faster, they look better and RB's sound better. I will also note that the worlds current fastest legitimate "streetcar" is a skyline and there's many others in the 6 second range to back it up. JUN II is a FULL factory chassis R32 GTR with full interior, IRS suspension, Radials and even still features little things like powered windows, being a car that has ran a 6.37 @224mph in the 1/4 which it did on its old setup.

That was an awesome breakdown. Great video

I’ve ran through 5 rbs💀 and my jz is still up and running since I got it

My JZ always starts runs, and makes 500hp on pump gas. It’s a daily for the summer. 3:36 My neighbours FD RX7 hasn’t run more than a day at a time for nearly a decade. It’s pretty though. My friends RB25 sits on an engine stand and hasn’t run in years.

It's all 2JZ for me.. I had a 80 a 84 and a 96..they were my favorite cars ever..Supra is a fun and exciting vehicle from the factory..

Aesthetically, both auditory and visual the RB is my preference. It’s also my preference for driving but I had an S2000 so high revs are something I love. Despite my preference I would have to say the 2JZ is the better overall engine though.

The RB25 has a more of a mature, unified sound to it than the 2JZ. Both of them are excellent masterpieces but I just would have to go with the RB25, cause it’s simpler. . . “Simplicity is the key to Brilliance” - Bruce Lee

Still ain't got nothing on the Australian 4 litre barra inline 6

In my opinion, there is more options with the RB platform example 1jz,2jz, over RB20,rb25,rb28,rb30

I have been told that a RB30 with RB26 head covers sounds insane. If I had the funds I would do that to my R33 but for now the RB25 is going for bone stock reliability build.

Stock to stock, 2jz wins, its block and other internals and stronger along with a .4 larger displacement. However when built,Rb26 hands down, the 2jz bores are closely packed meaning little room to improve on the displacement, the rb26 has alot of bore spacing leaving plenty of room to be bored out.This means while both engines would have a billet block with the same level of strength the displacement of the Rb26 would be larger

Rb26 has the better sound but the 2jz is a stronger engine.

best inline six is the Ford Barra engine from Australia. 4.0 straight six turbo

Both engines are great! The 2JZ is the better engine though. I remember you even talking about it in one of your Instagram Live Videos.

I like both but i gotta go with that RB. Those revs and that sound.

I like the gallo 24🤷

I love Japanese engines mostly for their reliability. The car designs have been hit or miss for me over the years but yes, video games introduced me to the JDMs. In reality, you have to modify pretty much all JDM cars from the 90s/2000s (until the new GTR) to make any significant performance. The stock Supra and GRT were "quick" for their time, but didn't dominate anything until modified. Most of my friends liked JDM's but never liked the sounds of the MAJORITY 4 bangers. If you grew up in the 90s, you'll remember terrible sounding civics...like pop rocks in milk. I always thought the best car out of Japan was the NSX. It really was on that exotic level in my eyes with rear engine, great handling and overall performance. I also remember the Viper being a great buy back then, more exotic than anything and amazing performance. 90s cars are amazing!

The sound from the ITBs on the RB26 at high revs sounds good. Aside from that though… 2JZ > RB26 all day. Hell, VVTi 1JZ > RB26 too. On that note, let’s talk about how Toyota basically just hit the copy paste button for the 2JZ after having Yamaha do the bulk of the work designing the 1JZ for them 👀

I pick both 2JZ and RB26. Both of them always sound best as well.

Smokey Nagata had a RB series inline 6 in his Top Secret Supra MK4 that got the high MPH numbers.

All my favorite Street track (courses) racers ran the RB once it became available… To watch race teams do what they do is very impressive, I have helped out on both Oval and street tracks, I’m always in awe…

I loved the Supra in the 90's but my jam was the Mitsubishi 3000gt twin turbo. That is my secret dream car. Outside of the Porsche 911. When I attended the illegal street drags in SoCal. It was generally all American cars. Occasionally we would see a supra.

Hector upgraded, hes gonna be running 3 civics with 700 wheel horsepower capable stock k24 engines😳

Because we are talking about tuning - the RB25/30 DETT is an interesting option. Common in Australia.

This is very US-centric. Aussies have been building high horsepower RBs for as long as tuners here have been running the 2jz. You absolutely do not need to overhaul the internals of a RB to get to 600hp.

Was always more of a Nissan fan since my first new car was a 98 200sx SE-R. So I always leaned twards sr20s and RBs. I had no Idea 2Js had that much more weight.. Thats like drag racing with a large man sitting shotgun.

RB26.. my father / grand father took a stock rb26 put it in a full chassis sentra we made. All we did was put a cam, bigger turbo , injectors and a external oil pump , left bottom end alone. Car ran high 7s in the quarter mile full season on c16. This was in 2005. Stock bottom end.. rb26 can do way more then 400 with proper modifications.

I was living in Australia when the R32 came out and the Bathurst edition is a limited edition R32

@Craig Lieberman. What do you think of the Ford Barra engine. Would be cool to do a video about it.

I love the 2jzgte vvti sound of the Torque sound

When you say easier to tune I assume he means most Americans understanding of how to make easy power with what Equation. In other words what Specific parts to use to make specific power. The Australians and New Zealanders have had a great understanding of how To tune the r b engine.

Saving up for an RB for my Midnight Purple 300zx. Which RB should I get?

RB26 for me, but the 2JZ is epic.

The reason both these engines are so dominant is because their blocks are made from cast iron so they can easily take over 1000 horsepower on stock internals. They can manage heat so well

I prefer RB26 STU STU STU!!!!!!❤❤❤❤ IM ALWAYS A GT-R FAN OF COURSE 2JZ AS WELL WITH HIGH POWER BUT GT-R IS IN MY MIND ALWAYS

I'm planning on getting a 93 Lexus ls400 with Toyota's 1UZ 4.0L v8 that has forged internals and can make 1,000hp without modification of the internals

As a mechanic, I will say stock for stock the 2j is a little easier to work on. Nit a fan of the factory intake plumbing of the rb. And fuck the air filter on it. Lol

Nice and enlighting comparison and well done. 👍 Nevertheless quite the unbeaten path for me as my heart beats for Bussos 😉

Such American car hate in this haha It was understandable for people back then to go for a C4 Vette; other than sharing their FR layout it was a quite different car to the Supra. The C4 was lighter weight, smaller, V8 power, and had a low slung driving position; it was a legitimate sports car as opposed to the Supra being more of a GT. At that time it also had a strong market cache not only for older folks and but also for people who just wanted a great bang for buck sports car; the Vette was a known commodity. If you were interested in a Corvette you weren't cross shopping a Supra; you were probably looking at something like a 911. The MK3 Supra was a bit of a dog of a car with its large size, heavy weight, lumbering handling, and measly power unless you were one of the fortunate few who ponied up for the 1JZ. So the MK4 releasing as a follow up at the price that it did and at the time not quite knowing the tuning potential of it; yeah this wasn't a recipe for great sales success.. There was a reason Toyota cut sales on it here in the US in '98 whereas they continued on elsewhere till '02. Hindsight is 20/20 now given the tuning potential of the MK4 is a known commodity, the limited sales here in the US, and the media hype train that followed it being discontinued mainly via the FnF movies. I also don’t think time has been kind to the C4’s design. Of course you'd pony up the extra cash for a Supra over a C4 nowadays.

Craig will you be doing a video on your take of the fast x trailer?

I’ve always been partial to the rb because I’ve had a lot of Nissans and I love the L series. I have a 2j currently and it is rock solid. No real complaints other than Toyota is messy with their vacuum lines.

Awesome information. Which one is easier to install in a Datsun 240z?

Interested to hear what you think about the new mk5 supra. Would you consider buying one now that it comes with a manual?

Both blocks are very good, but it is very well known that the RB is prone to failure such as the oil pump and blocks cracking.

If the JZ is the Machete, The RB with ITB's and neo would be the Katana. JZ for brute torque and tolerance from materials engineering and RB for the engineering additions that went into the ITB and NEO, the RB cam is Lift compatible through some aftermarket support. The response from the RB is just subliminal. To put it in BMW terms, 2JZ is more like a stroked, boosted S52 while the RB has more characteristics aligning to boosted Euro-Spec S50.

Bpu, I've not heard that phrase in a while. It was almost mandatary that a supra had it in the late 90's. 2jz for me, just for the sound it makes. Thank you for making the content you do.

there's a good reason why at the highest levels of drifting everyone swaps 2JZs into their silvia's and BMWs. Almost no one use's RBs and the people that do often have constant issues

This old question again? The 2JZ has always been the better engine.

My favorite sounding would be a rb26 with a trust t78 or t88 by a little all those 1000hp+ tx2k Supras sound absolutely amazing too

I love these debates

Sir,you are legend!

Both are absolutely amazing! But I would probably pick the RB26

Best video from you in a bit

new plan. i will design my own inline 6 using the best of both engines. time to put my degree to use!

I’m always left with the whole “how much can I get out of the box” thought. With that being said. You get a lot of upgraded internals with the 2J you don’t get with the 26. As far as a daily/ street car? 2J. If money and parts were no object? We may never know.

If the RB is Godzilla and the 2J is Kong, then the LS is Ghidorah. The bitter rival from another solar system with immeasurable power. The Barra would be Gigan. Lurking in the shadows, not as visible as the others, but highly lethal. The F20C would be Gamera. Not as large as the others. But full of charisma and that high pitched shriek. The Subie EJ would be Baragon. It’s more cute than scary, it gives off an adorable little “rawr” and then dies.

MK1 supra engine was a 4ME (110HP). In 81, it was upgraded to the 5ME (116HP). You might have referenced the Celica engine for 1979 by mistake.

It’s tough…I’d kill to own either the mk4 Supra or a GTR (r32 or 34 preferably), but I also know I’m a car guy who would also wanna own the one I don’t, lol. But if I’m going off purely the engine, I’ve gotta go RB. Yes, I know tuning and power gains are easier on the mk4, but the RB just sounds and feels so much nicer on acceleration.

The 2 biggest reason the 2J makes more power is displacement and a stronger block. Pistons and rods are not forged.

have you seen the 6 second r33 skyline from Australia? absolutely nuts, 330km/h in under 7 seconds. I'd say 2jz is the better engine but there is something special about a RB, I'd say it comes from it being synonymous with the GTR which is a legendary platform overall

RB26 in a Skyline 2JZ in a Tacoma!

Craig, have you seen the 1976 280 Z with a RB 26 for sale at MotoXotica??? If so, I'd love to hear your opinion. It's been for sale for more than 3 years & they've even listed it at Hemmings. $45,000

Craig, your orange Supra was cool… but… a product of it’s time😄 That silver one though, it remains drool worthy even today among Tesla MSP’s and Porsche GT3’s.

Obviously bullet proof and reliable would be the 2jz but cannot disregard the sound of the rb. If it was either of those against LS by far i go with Japanese no doubt.

Been gripped by that RB sound ever since 2F2F. Only one winner for me

I like and love this video a lot and both cars the Toyota Supra and the Nissan skyline both are the best and awesome. 💯👍👍🙌🙌

2JZ will always be my favorite

TL;DR: the Nissan was a high tech race engine put in a high tech chassis. The Toyota by comparison was a bit of a lumbering behemoth, but with huge power potential. Supra fans really do rip on the Corvette when you consider that they’re literally driving the Japanese Corvette. Except their engine is 200 pounds heavier. 😮

I've always been a nissan fanboy but gotta give the 2j the nod. The non-interferance big boy is in the same category as the LS.... but for some reason my dumbass still put a RB20 in my 240sx 🤦🏽

Wait, are we gonna zoom past the high school picture of Craig? Looking like one of the Beatles!! haha. Thanks for sharing that~

I have a stock r32 sedan rb25De and a 02 lexus GS300 2jz-ge . I find my my 2j maintenance is easier over my rb but my rb does seem to have a stronger torque curve even though there both N/A.

I must say, that the older I get, the less care about horsepower......cause nowadays every Electric-Barrow runs quick or fast, even a Zoe or a Lupo..... So I value more and more on classic design and good sounding engines.

The "base" Corvette C4s costed a few thousands less than the RZ Trim 2JZGTE(Turbocharged) equipped Supra MK4 A80 Supra. And the RZ Trim Supra MK4 A80 had a tough time beating the Corvette C4 Base models. While the "base" model Supra A80 MK4 Non-turbocharged 2JZGE came nowhere to the "base" model C4 Corvettes

13:47 lol, even youtube considers that music.

RB for me, but honestly, I run an RB20DET in my '77 200SX, and a GM Vortec 4.2 in my '75 Buick SkyHawk (Chevy Monza).

I own a 1987 Toyota supra mk3 that i swapped in a jdm 2jzge in it put a gtx 3584rs turbo on it with arp head studs and oem 2jzgte head gasket running 20psi of boost and making a healthy 600hp on e85 with id-1050cc injectors i love the car iv owned a 1995 240sx with a rb25det in it mostly stock with a hypergear turbo and 550cc injectors loved it but i would pick a 2j any day