Simian

I have a 1983 Toyota PU and I need to replace the 22r that is in there. I was hoping to find something with more performance but I just don't know who I can trust with that much of my cash. I have been given quotes from $1600 - $4500.

What do you guys think?

kdo58

Waist of money trying to get more hp out of a 22r.

Simian

Why do you say that?
Seems like there are tons of options out there to do it. I was just hoping someone had some info to help guide my decision making

kdo58

There is lots of guys who have tried, most say it would have been better to do a 3.4 swap. I put in a Weber 38 performance cam, it's still gut less.

Simian

http://22reperformance.com/rebuilt-e...ne-/index.html

this is just one of the many sites I have found like this but I just don't know anyone with experience with any of them.

kdo58

It's cheaper to just take it to your local machine shop.

Simian

Not in my small mountain town. They want $4500

83

When I had my transmission rebuilt, we took it two hours north to a bigger town. Someone else from town had already done the leg work, asking around at different shops until they talked to someone who actually seemed to know Toyota transmissions. They were happy with theirs, so I went with the same guy.

Depending on where you are, there might be a larger town within a couple hours drive where you can find a reputable rebuilder.

I agree with everyone else, though. There's not a whole lot you can do to get more power out of these. I mean you can get more power, but nothing all that noticeable, considering how much you'll spend. I guess it depends on what your expectations are. It's always going to be a small, old 4 cylinder. They can be torquey, but not powerful.

Anyway, just search around for engine rebuilders. I mean there are places like LC Engineering who sell complete, souped-up engines. But yeah, you'll pay. It's a matter of asking the right questions, reading reviews and talking to other people who have used them. Depending on where you live, there may be someone on this site who knows of a good local-ish rebuilder.

slacker

iTrader: (1)

I recommend a swap .
I personally wont ever build another 22r/re for myself personally .. old technology . great engine , but OLD tech . reminds me of the mentality of a flat head ford motor , cool if you want originality , and that's about it .
I have done lots of 3.4L , and I love the engine .. newer tech . I have in my Trekker , (~ 300 hp) and I get almost as good of fuel economy with my 35's as I do in my DD on stock wheel with the old 22re .
lots of guys do the 2/3RZ as well .. but i think , If your doing the wiring any way .. why not have the extra HP ..

83

No idea how involved a 3.4 swap would be, but I agree they're great engines. The R series engines are legendary. For their time. With modern vehicles, 150,000-200,000 miles is kind of just expected. No big deal. The 3.4s are going well over 200,000. Mine has 206,000 and feels like it did when it was brand new (I know because my friend bought it brand new when we were in school). No major work. Just timing belts/water pump (due again unfortunately!), two starters, valve cover gaskets. Spark plugs and wires. That is IT, at 206,000 miles. I have no idea how one would feel in a first gen, but man I bet I'd love it. More complicated to work on, but also requires way less frequent routine maintenance.

Anyway I know back when I was having a 22R rebuilt, I would have ignored anyone telling me to do an engine swap, so I understand if you ignore that advice and go with a rebuild. But if you or some of your friends have engine swap abilities...yeah. Upgrade.

I hate to think how many perfectly fine 3.4s went to the crusher during the frame recall years...but I'm sure there are plenty around used.

cars-guy

The secret to making power in a 22r is in the head. plain and simple. what i recommend is getting a rebuilt short block, and a decent head casting. Get the head casting ported and install some o.s. valves, good springs, and a decent cam then mate the two together.

But none of this makes a difference if you don't get a decent carb and a header

if your anywhere on the west coast, (or even east coast just costs a bit more to ship) I would check out davez offroad performance. I have one of his 22r and the thing is awesome and his support is absolutely amazing. the dude drove from sacramento to la cus i was having some issues after i installed it. And they are super cheap. plus i bet he could do just a short block leaving you with your old head to get built. Also check out engnbldr for your head parts. Going this route i could see you easily having a really powerful and reliable 22r for 3500 to 4000 with shipping and probably a header.