is the 22r just as reliable as the 22re? Is there any major problems with the 22r engine?

 

The 20R, 22R, 22RE are all great motors. the 22r and 22re are the same motor. 22r is carb. that is it. I hope that this helps you

 

the *only* major problem with the '83-95 22R and 22R-E engine is its cheesy plastic timing guides, which tend to break around 100,000 miles and cause the chain to eat into a water jacket in the timing cover. however they can be upgraded for steel backed guides which last as long as the engine.

other than that, change the oil and flush your antifreeze every couple years, and they'll run danged near forever

 

Both are great engines as long as you avoid overheating at any cost!! That's the only sure-fire way to kill a 22r/22re.