EXCLUSIVE: Brand New Nissan RB Engine Blocks

Platinum Racing Products (PRP) is no stranger to innovation in the automotive world. If you’ve been to any car events on the east coast of Australia in the last year such as GT-R Festival or World Time Attack Challenge, you may have spotted their prototype cast iron RB block, a game-changer for Nissan enthusiasts and racers alike. This article delves into the technical aspects and benefits of this new offering.

What is this, an RB for ants?
One of the first things you’ll notice about the RB block prototype is its unique appearance (it’s only a two-cylinder). No, this isn’t an RB0.8. PRP combined the front and back cylinders of an RB block, technically the most challenging parts of the block, as an important stepping stone on the path to production. This fusion was done to create a proof of concept, ensuring optimal material could be created between the Siamese bores and in the deck as well as other improvements to water and oil gallery design. RB engines are notoriously thin in the bore with the worst examples barely tolerating any enlarging of the bore to accommodate larger pistons. 

Why Cast Over Billet?
The automotive market already has billet blocks, and while they serve their purpose well, especially for high-end race applications, there's a significant portion of the community chasing increasingly scarce factory cast blocks. PRP's new cast block is designed to cater to this portion of the community, offering a robust and reliable solution that doesn’t start at $13,000 without compromising on performance.

Far superior to Nissan OEM Blocks
The PRP RB block won’t just be a copy of the standard item. That would mean copying all of the factory block’s faults and would only solve the scarcity issue. The new piece is a significant upgrade from the Nissan OEM versions. Here's why:

• Wall Thickness Increase: Stock gear is often 3.5mm wall thickness while the PRP block is 8.5mm.
• Extended Head Stud Bosses: An improvement on the factory casting, the head stud bosses now run all the way to the bottom of the bore, offering more flexibility in drilling depths.
• Enhanced Material: The ductile iron used is not only harder but also more elastic than Nissan’s effort. This elasticity means the bores can handle more cylinder pressure without cracking. Instead of permanent deformation, they experience an elastic deformation, allowing for block twists without breakages.
• Improved Oiling: While the openings remain roughly the same size, PRP have incorporated larger oil channels, ensuring better lubrication and performance with the addition of massively increased oil drains at the rear.
• Strengthened Mains: The mains have been reinforced and we’ve heard there will likely be an integrated four-bolt main cap solution coming.

Limitless Potential
When it comes to power, the sky's the limit. We’ve seen some serious horsepower made through factory cast blocks, but they’re generally a ticking timebomb when run hard enough for long enough. The real question is, at what point does the block's weight become a factor for your racing needs? For those looking to shed every ounce from their Pro Mod vehicles, a billet block might be more appropriate.

However, one of the standout features of the PRP piece is its 8mm wall thickness in a short deck design. This means users aren't restricted to specific piston sizes. Whether you're looking at an 86.5mm piston or a 90mm one (impossible in a standard casting), this block can accommodate it. Plus, with options set to include an additional 2mm deck height on top of the already massively increased 12.5mm deck thickness (std is ~6mm!), there's flexibility for switched-on engine builders to achieve the perfect rod and piston combo for optimal performance.

We’re looking forward to the completed, retail release of the new cast blocks. And yes, we understand that a redesigned billet head is also in the works.

Long live the RB!