TC22RE

So the day has finally come where the engine I poured blood sweat and tears into building has finally started knocking. (I think). A little background first. 94 Turbocharged 22re. 8:1 forged pistons. Ported head. Pro Turbo EFI cam. T3 super 60 turbo. SDS EM4 4F fuel and spark management computer. Truck itself is a 4x4 single cab, stock suspension for the most part.

I took a trip from New Mexico out to Cali to visit a pilot training facility, about a 2000 mile round trip, and halfway through it started to make a funky knocking/slapping noise and unfortunately I had to finish the trip with it making the noise. It doesn't make any noise at idle, and only starts right before boost. It hasn't gotten any worse but not any better. My best guess is a wristpin or rod bearing has gone out or is going out in it. Although it doesnt quite sound like either.

I'm pretty bummed out because I love this truck, but I'm having a hard time deciding if I want to rebuild the engine and keep the truck, or sell the truck and buy a new (newer) one and go from there. What do you all think?

toyota4x4907

Are you sure its the engine and not like a bearing or something in the turbo?

TC22RE

Definately in the engine, the turbo is in fantastic shape actually. I thought at first it might be piston slap, but it doesnt seem to go away once it warms up. But it doesnt get any worse. I know for a fact it is not detonation or any timing issue. Just an odd mechanical clapping noise that was not there 2000 miles ago.

olharleyman

Rebuild it
The payment for a new truck is not worth the $1000 or so up front for a rebuild and the look of the classic vs. the new trucks you can't beat it.

TC22RE

You have a point. Problem I'm having is the rebuild will cost more than 1000. I am going to need to get ahold of a new head and cam, as I am also having an issue with them. If it gets rebuilt it will be rebuilt with a stroker kit as well, which is going to be pretty expensive. I do love the older look over the newer tho. Cant beat it.

olharleyman

Well even if it cost you $2000 upfront it still beats a $500 payment for the next 5 years and for the record go check out engbldrs site he has a performance head for around $500 with cam I will be gettting one hear soon

a4runnerfreak

I agree with olharleyman. Upfront always beats down the road, payment wise....ya know?

TC22RE

Ill go check that out. Looking around 2500 - 3000 in parts to build it the way I want to. I agree, definately cheaper than buying something new outright. If I did get another truck it would be a toyota, something used but with less miles, I was interested in getting ahold of one with a 3.4L and supercharging it. I kind of want an extended cab as well. I just dont really like that newer body style as much. I kind of want to keep this AND get another truck. That would be great, then turn this one into a pure offroad machine, while keeping the other... well, offroad, just not as hard offroad

TC22RE

Upfront surely beats down the road. I dont particularly want another payment, I'm going to have hell enough paying for this school.