R32/33 26 visual differences

[tommytomatoes]

Hi guys, just bought a car w/ a swapped rb26 in. Car is currently in Japan, I cannot see the serial numbers on the block until it arrives. Is there any visual differences between the two from the top of the engine bay? Ive compared and unless its a 34, I cannot tell.
Thanks!

[gtrjon]

Im also in to know but im pretty sure there isnt a way to tell. atleast i cant think of anything

[sb119]

Only visual difference I can think of is wiring harnesses and coil packs. On the r33 the main engine wiring harness connects to the sub harness (knock sensor harness) right between the #1 and 2 intake manifold runners (big grey connector). On the r32 the harnesses don't go though the manifold but connect more at the back.

[sb119]

Although if its a r33 engine in a 32 they likely just swapped with r32 wiring and coil packs onto the new engine so that wouldn't help

[tommytomatoes]

Thanks for the replies guys. Honestly i just hope its a 03/93 or newer, dont want to have to deal with the oil pump issue.

[NoLimit0596]

The only way to tell if is r33 engine or late r32 is to see oil pump drive on the crankshaft for the wider one and also clutch type is *pull type* but if ben convert to push you will never know!

[MattiasJacobs]

Thanks for the replies guys. Honestly i just hope its a 03/93 or newer, dont want to have to deal with the oil pump issue.

Keep your pocket book open to a little more than an oil pump. RB's like money.

[bobbo]

Oil pump fear is overrated if you drive it properly and aren't making monster power. Add an oil cooler.
Man I hope I don't eat my words

[tommytomatoes]

Oil pump fear is overrated if you drive it properly and aren't making monster power. Add an oil cooler.
Man I hope I don't eat my words

An oil cooler wont help the pump collar issue... Granted if you are tracking the car an oil cooler is a must have.
Really since I dont bang cars off the rev limiter I shouldnt be too worried but the question is about the previous owners driving habits.

[bobbo]

An oil cooler wont help the pump collar issue...

Thanks for that rediculously obvious statement that you should be embarassed for making. I can see by how long you've been a member here and that this is likely your first RB that you feel you should need to point out the obvious especially to someone who's trying to help you and make your experience as enjoyable and economical as possible.

Don't worry about what's happened in the past. Be aware of the problem and as you don't beat on your cars you are more likely to be fine than not. You can put hundreds of thousands of kms on the motor and never have an issue.
If you do have an issue, pull the motor and fix it.
If you have money burning a hole in your pocket than by all means do the preventative mantainance but your more likely to fine a few thousand dollars worth of things you'll want to deal with first.
This is an opinion based on my first hand experience and the experiences of a few owners that I know locally. I'm sure there are countless members on here that haven't had any issues with mild builds aswell.

[tommytomatoes]

Sorry it does sound abrasive and simple to point out something so basic. It seems to me to be a part solution the way it was put in the post, apologies to Bobbo.
Unfortunately I still believe the past is a big deal in determining the condition of the pump collar. Just because of your own vehicle and local cars lasting a long time w small to larger bpu modifications, I cannot assume mine will be ok. Pulling the engine over the winter break anyways so I will take a closer inspection then.

[Oakville]

Unless you plan on bouncing off redline for hours at a time (exaggeration of course, but you catch my drift), there are a ton of things that will go before the crank collar issue will show itself... now that I think about it, I don't know if I've ever read about anyone thats run into that issue on this forum, yet it is THE number one discussed issue!

However i feel your need to know, I myself bought an R33 block off a reputable seller here a few years ago, Sadly theres no way of me telling..

[bobbo]

If you read the articles on here regarding the crank collar issue you'll see that the size of the oil pump drive collar is only part of the problem. There is still the issue of the clearances and the cintered materials used for the pump gears.

[Eat_Sleep_Shift]

Agreed! My oil oil pump blew up from over revving, I had no rev limiter and I also had an r33 crank but I missed a shift and the n1 pump gears shattered, I used a JUN oil pump for my issue.

[tommytomatoes]

Agreed! My oil oil pump blew up from over revving, I had no rev limiter and I also had an r33 crank but I missed a shift and the n1 pump gears shattered, I used a JUN oil pump for my issue.

Quite a few people on the UK and Aussie forums have a few horror stories about the n1 pumps with later model cranks, which surprised me.