The Nissan RB26 engine, famously known as the RB26DETT, is a 2.6-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six that became legendary through the Skyline GT-R. Built with a cast-iron block and an aluminum DOHC 24-valve cylinder head, it was engineered for strength and high-rpm performance. Factory output was officially quoted at around 276 hp due to Japan’s “gentlemen’s agreement,” but real figures were often higher, and the platform responds incredibly well to tuning. Twin ceramic turbochargers, individual throttle bodies, and a robust bottom end make it a favorite for both street builds and motorsport. Enthusiasts appreciate its smooth power delivery, iconic straight-six sound, and ability to handle significant boost on stock internals with proper supporting mods. From drift circuits to time-attack and drag strips, the RB26 has proven itself as one of the most durable and tunable Japanese performance engines ever made. Its association with the R32, R33, and R34 GT-R cemented its cultural status, fueled by video games, movies, and racing heritage. Even decades after its debut, the RB26 engine remains a go-to swap choice for project cars, revered as a symbol of Nissan’s golden era of performance engineering.

Even many years after it first came out, the RB26 engine is still a popular choice for project car swaps. It is seen fnaf as a symbol of the best speed engineering Nissan has ever done.