WashingtonApple

I bought a 90 4runner about 2 months ago at an auction, had 239k on it and a slipping clutch. I normally dont buy rigs with that many miles but this one has a flawless body with virtually zero rust underneath, so I couldnt turn it down for $1600.
Its now up to 242k, the clutch hasnt died or gotten much worse, and I have a master clutch kit and a new flywheel to put in, it was just delivered in the mail.
I did a compression test since it does have somewhat high milage and it seems pretty gutless even for a 22re, and I got about 195psi on 1,2, and 3, but 4 came in at only 150, which from what I'v read is pretty low or somewhere in the suggested rebuild range.
So I'v been looking at my options on an engine rebuild or replacement, and the addition of a header when I do the clutch replacement. I found a local company that sells rebuilt 22re's with several options like oversized valves, performance cams, and keith black 9.7:1 pistons. All thats sounds pretty impressive but its about $1800 for all the options. I would love to get some responsiveness out of my 4 cylinder, but I dont want to go overboard and affect daily drivability, excessively shorten my engine life, or blast my 24mpg down to the teens.
So I'm just looking for some suggestions, I'm pretty new to toyota's, I own a mazda b2600 and even though its not half the truck the 4runner is I did get a surprising increase in performance with a header and a weber carb addition to it. I dont want to use a weber on my 4runner though, I like the FI it has.

I also want to replace the stock steel 15" rims and tires, am thinking of using some newer stock 16" or 17" aluminum take offs from a newer tundra or 4runner as I often see them for sale for reasonable prices, but was wondering about clearance issues if I do that.

Any help would be very appreciated.

Elton

Welcome to YotaTech... for rebuild parts i would go with www.engnbldr.com

bballchrism

hey it sounds like you and i got the same truck
the one i bought already has 16 in aluminum wheels
i think i saw them for 125$
but i like them there way lighter than steel wheels the only downside is there a little harder to put on
also my 22re has 190000 on it a it runs pretty stron heres a pic of my wheels

and welcome to yotatech

WashingtonApple

I wont take any pics of my wheels, they are definitly the ugliest part of the truck, paints chipped and peeled and well, they are steel! But good to know you had no probs with 16" rims bballchrism, most of the ones I'v seen for sale are 16", so thats probably what I'll get too.
I checked out that site Elton, seems like very good prices. I am sort of trying to avoid doing the rebuild myself since the only time in the near future I'll have any time to do this is thanksgiving weekend, I get 4 days off then and can do it in my brothers garage, he lives a few hours south of me though. So am hoping to figure something out I can do in that time.