The RB followed the 1983 VG-series V6 engines to offer a full, modern range in both straight or V layouts.

[3] It was part of a new engine family name PLASMA (Powerful ＆ Economic, Lightweight, Accurate, Silent, Mighty, Advanced).

Most turbo models have an intercooled turbo (the exceptions being the single cam RB20ET & RB30ET engines), and most have a recirculating factory blow off valve (the exceptions being when fitted to Laurels and Cefiros) to reduce compressor surge when the throttle quickly closes.

Some RB engines were rebuilt by Nissan's NISMO division at the Omori Factory in Tokyo as well.

A common modification is to fit a twin cam head from other RB series motors while retaining the carburetor set-up.

From 1995 (series 2 engines), both the RB25DE and RB25DET had a revised electrical system and the turbocharger on the RB25DET(S2) had a ceramic turbine wheel rather than aluminium.

The NEO head featured solid lifters (needing adjustment over time) rather than hydraulic (self adjusting), revised camshafts (higher lift lower duration to complement smaller ports and torque), with on/off solenoid variable VCT, used a hotter 82 °C (180 °F) thermostat, model-specific coil packs and a revised inlet manifold (the runner diameter is reduced from 50 to 45 mm (2.0 to 1.8 in) to increase air velocity and low end torque) in particular the RB25DE NEO which had two inlets going into the inlet manifold.

The 2.5 L RB25 engine was produced in four different forms: The RB26DE is a naturally aspirated variant of the RB26DETT made specifically for the 1992 Nissan Skyline Autech Version GTS-4 (HNR32) sedan.

By the end of production, power levels had gone up to around 320 PS (235 kW; 316 hp) at 6,800 rpm and 392 N⋅m; 289 lbf⋅ft (40 kg⋅m) at 4,400 rpm,[14][15][16] not only because of developments and modifications to the engine, but also because of the "Gentlemen's Agreement" made between automakers at the time to limit the "advertised" horsepower of any vehicle to 280 PS (276 bhp; 206 kW).

This issue was resolved in later versions of the RB26 with a wider oil pump drive, which is found in all R33+ RB26 motors.

Aftermarket performance parts makers also make oil pump extension drive collars to rectify this problem.

This kit is available for most uprated RB26 oil pumps including Nissan's own OEM, N1 and Nismo parts, although most high HP RB-series engines all over the world have been proven to be reliable without spline driven oil pumps when built and tuned correctly.

However, when the engineers added the AWD system, they found that it made the car heavier than expected and as a result, much less competitive.

Nismo found that the standard RB26DETT engine required too much maintenance for use in a Group-A or Group-N race car and subsequently designed the N1 block; this was first used in Bathurst, Australia.

Nismo balanced the crankshaft to a higher specification than stock, as the standard RB26DETT engine experiences vibrations between 7,000 and 8,000 rpm.

It uses a stronger RB26 block based on Nissan's Le Mans GT2 and GT500 racing vehicles (stamped with RRR), stroked crankshaft, upgraded turbochargers, and a higher bore and stroke at a displacement of 2.8 L. It produces 500 PS (368 kW; 493 hp) and 540 N⋅m (400 lb⋅ft; 55 kg⋅m) of torque.

The radiator being a cross flow design and is fitted lower in relation to the engine in the VL, there is an increased likelihood of air locks forming in the (alloy) cylinder head if the correct bleeding procedure isn't followed, causing this to overheat and warp.

The RB30E was found in R31 Skylines and VL Commodores in Australia as well as in South African R31 Skylines (with 126 kW (171 PS; 169 hp) at 5,000 rpm and 260 N⋅m (190 lb⋅ft; 27 kg⋅m) at 3,500 rpm) The turbocharged RB30ET (producing 150 kW (204 PS; 201 hp)) was found only in the VL Commodore due to the conditions set out by Holden to Nissan in the contract to supply engines.

It consists of a lower compression RB30E bottom end, more powerful oil pump, knock sensor, Garrett T3 turbocharger, 250 cc (15 cu in) injectors, different intake manifold and supporting ECU.

The motor itself is still popular today in Australian and New Zealand motorsport and drag racing in VL Commodores, R31 Skylines and swaps in other vehicles.

Nissan Special Vehicles Division Australia produced two limited models of R31 Skylines, the GTS1 and GTS2.

A common hybrid in Australia and New Zealand (referred to as the RB25/30 or RB26/30) uses an RB30E bottom end mated to a RB25DE, RB25DET or RB26DETT cylinder head and turbo (RB20DE and DET heads are not used as the bores are different in size (RB30 86 mm (3.39 in) RB20 78 mm (3.07 in)); but were originally modified and used on the Tommykaira RB30DE as the RB25 engine did not exist at the time).

[28] This engine was manufactured with a reinforced cylinder block and cylinder head, metal head gasket, pistons with cooling channels, forged crank shaft, forged connecting rods, N1 turbine with reinforced actuator, high flow intake, stainless down pipe, and low exhaust resistant sport cats, most of which were not offered for the RB26DETT.

RB-X GT2 engines competed in LeMans 24hr race, Pikes Peak, and other forms of motorsports.

GT500 and Z-tune engines are also based on REINIK's design although later built by NISMO's Omori Factory.

These engines were ordered by Prince Nissan Dealership network for a special edition R33 GT25t called 280 Type-MR.