An R35 coil conversion swaps the RB26's original coil packs for coils from the R35 GT-R, held over the plugs on a bracket or holder. This guide covers the kits we list, what changes on the wiring and ECU side, and which spark plugs to use.
What a conversion involves
- A bracket or holder that sits the R35 coils over the spark plugs.
- Wiring: TAARKS, which makes a conversion kit, doesn't recommend the standard loom because the R35 coils draw more current, and suggests a loom built with the right wire gauge.
- The igniter: the TAARKS and Superforma kits both do away with the original coil pack igniter.
- Dwell: the ECU has to be set up for the new coils, covered below.
The kits we list
- Superforma RB R35 coil pack conversion kit: a bolt-in kit for the RB20, RB25 and RB26 with billet aluminium holders, anodised black. It uses Superforma's hybrid coil, an R35 top with an RB lower section, which takes the standard RB spark plugs, seals out water and lets the coil pack cover stay on. Superforma offers it with genuine Hitachi or OE coils, and with or without a conversion harness.
- MRE ignition coil bracket: a billet aluminium bracket for the RB20, RB25 and RB26 that takes R35 coils with their standard boots. MRE says it won't clear the standard Nissan coil pack cover.
- Astemo ignition coil for the R35 GT-R: sold singly, so an RB26 needs six.
Superforma RB R35 coil pack conversion kit | MRE Bracket Ignition Coil - R32-R34 GT-R | Astemo Ignition Coil - R35 GT-R
ECU and dwell
Dwell is how long each coil charges before it fires. 5-0 Ignite, another conversion kit maker, says the standard RB26 ECU runs about 1.9 to 2.1 ms of dwell and the R35 coils may not work properly on it, so while its kit can run on the standard ECU, an aftermarket ECU is highly desirable. 5-0 Ignite and TAARKS both give about 4 ms at 14 V as a typical setting, with the table set across battery voltage. 5-0 Ignite's figures are maximums for sequential firing, and wasted spark needs less. Superforma also says dwell times will need adjusting. Your tuner sets the final figures for your engine. We list plug-in ECUs for the R32 to R34 GT-R from Link and Haltech.
Link G4X Plug-in ECU - R32-R34 GT-R | Haltech Nexus Plug-in ECU - R32-R34 GT-R
Spark plugs
TAARKS says to use resistor spark plugs, because non-resistor plugs can damage the coils. 5-0 Ignite lists NGK BCPR series plugs, as fitted from the factory. Ask your tuner about the heat range for your build.
HKS Super Fire Racing Coil Pro
HKS makes its own coil for the RB26 rather than an R35 conversion: the Super Fire Racing Coil Pro, with a separate part for each car, 43005-AN001 for the R32 GT-R, AN002 for the R33 and AN003 for the R34. HKS gives a recommended dwell time in its instructions and says not to go over it.
HKS Super Fire Racing Coil Pro - R32 GT-R | HKS Super Fire Racing Coil Pro - R33 GT-R | HKS Super Fire Racing Coil Pro - R34 GT-R
Ordering
Tell us your car, your ECU and the kit you want by email or the contact form, and we'll confirm fitment before you pay. HKS parts come from Japan and usually take 1 to 2 weeks at the minimum.
Related guides
Haltech vs Link for the GT-R | Skyline GT-R sensor upgrade | RB26 injector upgrade | RB26 boost control
FAQ
Do I need an aftermarket ECU for R35 coils on an RB26?
5-0 Ignite says its kit can run on the standard ECU, but an aftermarket ECU is highly desirable because the standard dwell is shorter than R35 coils need. Ask your tuner before you buy.
Can I keep the coil pack cover with R35 coils?
It depends on the kit. Superforma's kit lets the cover stay on, while MRE says its bracket won't clear the standard cover.
Which spark plugs should I use with R35 coils on an RB26?
Resistor plugs. TAARKS says non-resistor plugs can damage the coils.