HardCharger81

Heres my situation, as I searched for an answer, and could find a hard and fast rule.

I have an ex Class 7 desert racer I bought. The last owner just used it as a toy and swaped in a 22ret. Well, in desert racing, turbos aren't allowed.
My question is, can you use the turbo block and turn it into a 22r?
Some of my research says this is not possible, others have said it they're the same block. The problem is, most people are trying to go the other way with their swap.
Or would I be money ahead by selling this motor and finding another 22r to start with?

Thanks

Jake

rdd014runner

Probably wouldnt be a good idea to try and use the block... 22ret has lower compression to compensate for the turbo(7.5:1) and the regular block has(9.5:1) Alot of the main differences are in the heads. different ports and different cams. Also the only transmission that works with that engine is the R151 which utilizes a 23 tooth spline. If you swaped to a 22r. You would also have to swap the tranny. Guess the good news is the 22ret and the R151 tranny are both fairly rare parts, so im sure you could get good money out of those if you sell them.

HardCharger81

Thank you, I've been looking for info on this for a while.

I wasn't aware that the trans was specific to the 22ret. Thats a good bit of info,

I understand that the pistons would have to be switched out as well, with that said, would there be any advantage to utilizing the block and crank? Is that particular trans better/stronger than a regular 5 speed that came behind a 22r?

rdd014runner

(I understand that the pistons would have to be switched out as well, with that said, would there be any advantage to utilizing the block and crank?)

No advantage. The block and crank are the same between a 22r and an 22ret.

(Is that particular trans better/stronger than a regular 5 speed that came behind a 22r?)

The transmission is substantially stronger. It is an R series transmission which was only put in models that had v6's. The standard tranny for trucks and 4runners with the v6 was the r150. The 22ret was the only 4cylinder engine to recieve an Rseries tranny(r151). This tranny was only used for this engine though.... I think they might of been used on supras as well not positive. The 22r's came with the G52 or G54 trannys. The 22re came with the W56 tranny. Although the R series trannys are stronger. The W series trannys have proven to be tuff and reliable for the 22re. If your converting it to just a standard non turbo EFI. The wiring harness and ECU from the 22ret are completley different and would have to be changed. The radiator is special for that engine as well, due to the water lines needed for the turbo. If your converting it to just a carbureted engine. You wouldnt have to worry about most of that stuff.

This site gives you a timeline and options availible for the trucks.... http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/faq/

HardCharger81

Thank you, you've been a huge help.

My plan was to go through the engine and put a standard head and carb on it, with a few performance mods.

I'm told the 20R head is a way to get alittle more compression out of these motors. Is that a good way to go?

rdd014runner

Putting a 20r head on a 22r engine doesnt give you anymore compression... It does give you like 6-7 more horsepower(stock).

The reason for this is because on the 20r heads the intake valve had a more direct passage to the cylinder. On the 22r head there is a "bulge" in the intake valve that restrains airflow a bit. It was put there because i guess it helps out on low end torque. So the 20r head will give you a bit more power in the higher rpms. Ive seen this swap done acouple of times and there is alot that can be done. You can have the 22r valves installed into the 20r heads for even more airflow. The 20r intake manifold would also need to be used.....The list goes on. There is some measurements and milling that possibly need to be done... but other than that it is a direct bolt on...

But just swapping in standard 22r/e pistons with a standard head and carb would be the most direct and easiest route. Just make sure you get the right pistons for the right year.

HardCharger81

So you can't put a regular 22R on the r151 trans? I've been offered a really good price on the engine, but if I can't use the trans, I'll sell it too and start over with a different drivetrain, maybe a V6.

Thanks Again

annoyingrob

I don't see any reason why an R151 won't work behind a non-turbo 22R. As long as you're still uzing the turbo clutch and flywheel.

The block and bolt pattern are identical between the two motors.

ozziesironmanoffroad

tell you what... bring it down here, take out the engine, ill take mine out, and we'll do a straight trade.

HardCharger81

It's been sold. I sold in within hours of posting it up for sale.

I still have the trans, I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it. As it stands I'm re-working parts of the cage so I fit better in the truck.

Adam F

If the previous owner swapped in a 22ret, it may or may not have the R151. The R151 was found STOCK behind turbo trucks. W or G series trans are what the rest of the 22r/e's got. THe R151 and G/W/L series trans have the same bolt pattern on the bellhousing, just the R151 has different stronger gears. G/W/L and R151 all fit any 22/r/e/t engine.

So, its very possible that you have a g or w series trans (the stock trans that came from the 22re) and the previous owner just swapped over the RTE engine and left the stock trans.


You can identify the R151 by looking for the black plug on the bottom of the unit.

HardCharger81

Thanks Adam, It has been ID'd a R151.

As far as a drivetrain is concerned, I'm kinda in a holding pattern while I work the cage out.

99 sas runner

a w-56 trans bolts right to a turbo motor with a non turbo fly wheel and non turbo clutch. then u can use a w56. sorry to bring a dead thread up