Buying RB26 Parts on eBay: OEM Part Numbers and How to Avoid Fakes

Quick answer: Search eBay by the exact Nissan part number (for example 11044-05U16 for the RB26 head gasket), not by description, and ask about supersessions if a seller lists a different number. Treat "ARP" studs priced far below everyone else as likely fakes, read "OEM style" as "not genuine", and compare total cost including shipping and GST across countries.

Parts in this guide, with live eBay listings

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The RB26DETT is now more than 30 years old, and the GT-Rs it powers have become collector cars. Good parts are getting harder to find locally. As a result, many owners in Australia end up buying from sellers in Japan, the US and the UK on eBay.

That works well, but the RB26 market also attracts replicas and outright fakes. Here's how we approach it, ideally before your wallet does.

Rule 1: search by part number, not by description

"RB26 head gasket" returns hundreds of listings of mixed quality. A Nissan part number narrows it to the actual part.

A few examples of genuine Nissan parts that appear regularly on eBay:

Part Nissan part number Link
RB26 head gasket 11044-05U16 Search listings
RB26 engine hanger 10006-05U15 Search listings
R34 GT-R valve (cam) cover, red 13287-AA301 Search listings
Block-to-head dowel pin — Search listings

Tips:

  • Nissan sometimes supersedes numbers (replaces an old number with a new one). If a seller lists a different number, ask whether it's a superseded part.
  • Copy the number exactly, including any suffix.
  • Some R32 parts have been remade through Nissan's NISMO heritage parts programme. Those are genuine new parts, not reproductions.

Rule 2: be very careful with "ARP" studs

Head studs are the part most worth getting right on a built RB26, and they're also a known target for counterfeits.

  • Search the ARP part number, for example 202-4207 for the RB26 head stud kit. → ARP 202-4207 listings
  • Genuine kits come in ARP packaging with instructions and assembly lube.
  • A price far below every other seller is the biggest warning sign.
  • Prefer authorised dealers or sellers with long feedback histories in performance parts.

Other bolt-on hardware from known brands follows the same logic: ARP exhaust manifold stud kit, Tomei cam cap stud kit.

Rule 3: know what "replica" means

Some listings are honest about being reproduction parts. They're cheaper and sometimes perfectly fine for a driver, but they're not OEM. Watch for:

  • "OEM style", "OEM type" or "replacement for", which usually means not genuine.
  • Stock photos only, with no photos of the actual item or packaging.
  • Brand names misspelled in the title.

Nothing is wrong with a good replica if that's what you want. The problem is paying genuine prices for one.

Rule 4: compare total cost across countries

Our links show eBay listings from every country, not just Australia. For RB26 parts that matters: Japanese sellers often have the best range of used OEM parts, and US sellers carry a lot of aftermarket stock.

When comparing, sort by price + shipping and remember:

  • GST applies to imports into Australia, and eBay usually collects it at checkout.
  • Heavy parts (heads, covers, transmissions) can cost a lot to ship. Check before you fall in love with a listing.
  • Read the return policy. Returning a part internationally is expensive.

Rule 5: used OEM can beat new aftermarket

For cosmetic parts like valve covers, timing covers and trim, a clean used genuine part can look more correct than new aftermarket. Full sets do come up. → RB26 OEM valve cover & timing cover sets

For a modern twist, aftermarket brands also make useful upgrades. → Nitto clear timing belt cover, Nitto 10AN head oil drain

Quick checklist before you click "Buy"

  • ☐ Part number matches (or is a confirmed supersession)
  • ☐ Seller feedback is solid and relevant to car parts
  • ☐ Real photos of the item, packaging and part number
  • ☐ Price isn't suspiciously far below the market
  • ☐ Shipping cost and GST included in your comparison
  • ☐ Return policy read

Think "everything on eBay is fake" or "overseas is always cheaper"? Both get a fair hearing in 7 myths about buying car parts on eBay.

Browse all RB26 parts on YOU SHOULD, SHA. Parts →

Own an R32 or R33? Our main site has the bigger picture: R32 and R33 common faults (what tends to wear out first) and R32 and R33 running costs (what to budget for parts and servicing).

FAQ

What is the Nissan part number for an RB26 head gasket?

The genuine Nissan RB26 head gasket that appears regularly on eBay is 11044-05U16. Copy the number exactly, including any suffix, and ask the seller if they list a different number, since Nissan sometimes supersedes part numbers.

How do I spot fake ARP head studs for an RB26?

Search the ARP part number (202-4207 for the RB26 head stud kit), expect ARP packaging with instructions and assembly lube, and treat a price far below every other seller as the biggest warning sign. Prefer authorised dealers or sellers with long feedback histories in performance parts.

Does "OEM style" mean genuine Nissan?

No. "OEM style", "OEM type" or "replacement for" usually means a reproduction, not a genuine part. A good replica can be fine for a driver; the problem is paying genuine prices for one.

Are NISMO heritage parts for the R32 genuine?

Yes. Some R32 parts have been remade through Nissan's NISMO heritage parts programme, and those are genuine new parts, not reproductions.

Is it worth buying RB26 parts from Japan or the US?

Often, yes. Japanese sellers often have the best range of used OEM parts and US sellers carry a lot of aftermarket stock, but compare price plus shipping, remember GST on imports into Australia, and check the return policy because international returns are expensive.

Ad / Affiliate links: we earn a commission from eBay on qualifying purchases made through links on this site, at no extra cost to you. We are not eBay and not the seller. Part numbers are provided for reference; confirm fitment with the seller before purchase.