rollcage

Hey guy's, I just inherited a new project that I need help with. The project is a 1987 Toyota pickup 4x4 22RE Turbo engine rebuild. It has 119,000 miles on it. I have never worked on a turbo before but I have worked with a 22R. The turbo worries me because I am not sure of how long it will last as far as miles are concerned. Does anyone know how robust these turbo's are? And for the life of me, I can not find any where what the compression is supposed to be in these cylinders. I found the compression ratio, but not the actual PSI spec. Can anyone give me or refer me to this info? Any common problems I should check for while the engine is out? Thank you for all of your time.

Bill

I think the cylinders on a 22RTE should be around the 130 mark, but don't quote me: go buy a manual. It will tell you.

As far as the turbo is concerned; the stock CT20 sucks. It doesn't preform overly well, it's expensive to rebuild or replace and I'm willing to bet you're is broken, probably a cracked exhaust housing. Everyones is...

If you're engine is totally stock, get the head pressure tested/x-rayed. They are thinner than a regular 22RE head, so more prone to cracking.

dj86515

I have an '87 long bed pending sale of a 22RTE, disassembled (but completely machined for re-assembly) for under $2k. The motor didn't last 100k. Would it be better to go w/o turbo and go to regular 22r?

dcg9381

The turbos last a reasonably long time for a late 80s turbo.
They tend to crack their exhaust housings eventually and end up very expensive to repair.

If you can get to them before they fail, they're much cheaper to freshen up than one that has failed. We're talking $300 vs $900 or more for one that has failed.

They're not great turbos - they're small, relatively expensive to replace.
If you've got one and it's in unknown condition, send it in to your nearest turbo shop for inspection. IF the turbine and compressor are in good shape, they can replace the seals, replace the bearings, and rebalance usually for around $300. It'll be good for another 100k miles if well maintained.

The FSM indicates play limits for the compressor if you're curious.

If you reuse it, put a piece of flexible exhaust tube on your downpipe, this reduces stress on the housing and will help prevent cracking. She'll go another 100k miles or more with synthetic oil.


22RTE over 22R? I'd certainly want the 22RTE unless the motor and turbo are trashed, then you're looking at some bucks. Note you can't drop in a 22RE in place of the 22RTE without getting the supporting EFI, including the ECU, injectors, and the AFM.

dcg9381

If you're near TX, I know of an 87 4runner turbo - in running shape for $1400.
I'm told it won't hold idle. Seems to be complete and rust free though.

dj86515

Hi Gents,
I bought the '86 22RTE truck with "all" the parts (and rebuild parts), but no block. The dude told me it was all there ready for assembly....guess, I hastingly hauled it off without verifying it. Anyway, the transaction occurred and wanted to get away as far from that shady dude as possible. The dilemma now is I have a reg 22RE block from a 95 truck, and the mechanic and I were wondering if that'll suffice (the dude I bought it from says yes). Different stamps (G81 vs. G71 ?) on the cranks of both. The turbo and setup is all there, but am leaning towards a reg 22RE. I'd like suggestions from those who have the knowledge. Thanks in advance. DJ

dcg9381

The substative differences between the blocks themselves are an oil feed and drain on the drivers side of the 22RTE block. With a 22RE block, you could drill the block in the correct location (contact Tim @ DOA, he has the details) OR you can use the oil port that is behind the passenger side engine mount for the feed.

On the drain side, lots of options. Easiest would be to drill the pan.
Crank, rods, blah blah - all that should be the same on a late model block.
The 22RE head is a better choice, it's more solid and less prone to cranking.
The word on the street is the 22RTE exhaust valves are a different material, but the same side as the 22REs.

Missing a block is a big deal.. You could ask that shady due to resolve the condition.. or maybe he still has the block. I saw a 22RTE block, standard bore on ebay not too long ago.