I have several 22r's I noticed that after rebuilding the 81 with domed pistons and 2 row timing chain it seemed stroger than the 86 with flat top pistons and single row timing chain.

Anyone else care to comment on their experience!
Tim

 

Well, the deck is 2mm higher on the '81, and it wouldn't have as much compression as the '86. All 22R's prior to the '85 model year had domed pistons. I've also heard that the 2 row timing chain is a better system, that's why people who are building a 20R/22R Hybrid motor try and find the oldest 22R block. Kyle will tell you a lot more than I can!

 

personally i think that despite the advances in engine design and higher compression ratios seen in the '85 and up engines(quench chambers and better exhaust manifolds), the early engines seem to have a little more pep in my book, and got better mileage than a similarly built late model engine.

if you're building a regular early 22R, the '83 and '84 heads are the best pick as they have somewhat better intake port design than the '81 or 82 heads IIRC. of course theres the 20R head option as well but it tends to raise the powerband a bit and not get as good of mileage.

 

I think Kyle is correct. My 84 22re is peppier than any of the 85-95 22re's I've have driven and also gets better fuel mileage.

I think I'm the only person on the planet who thinks their stock 22re has MORE than enough power

 

For a Toyota truck the motor DOES have plenty of power, unless you are doing things that a 1/4 Ton truck probably shouldn't be doing anyway, like towing a 5th wheel or trying to do some crazy mud bogging. Even loaded up with a retarded amount of firewood and a blown clutch my old 2WD with an open diff did some amazing things with a tired old motor and bald tires. Too many people underestimate these vehicles. If you can't drive properly with a 2.2L what makes you think you could use a 350 c.i. engine any better? It's all how you drive and some people have the bigger is better mentality... that's why not everyone drives a Toyota...

 

Be aware! The early 22r(81-84) use a different oil pump than the later 22r-22re(85-95?). The earlier pump is longer and will tear up the front cover of the later model. Ask me how I know.

 

what about the water pump is it diff also

 

Hi all, can I ask a separate question. Will the 81 22r bolt up to an 86 5sp trans?