I'm toying with the idea of starting a project engine, trying to squeeze some decent hp out of toyota's trusty powerplant. (over 150, but less than 200) I'm looking for suggestions for a donor because I'm not going to pull the engine from my truck to build it. I'd like to build the motor leisurely, in my spare time, not in a mad dash to get my truck rolling again.

Is their a preferred engine donor for project builds that I can hunt for in a junk yard? Supra, MR2, Celica, or Pickup? What year & why?

I know that there is a 22re-turbo out there, would that be worth finding, or would that just be a lot of extra expense for the build?

I know I could pony up the $$ and get a built engine from LC or DOA, but I'd like to get away a little cheaper, and I'd like to do it myself (minus the machining of course) for fun. Yes, fun. Like doing the New York Times Sunday crossword.

edit: I'd also be up for any swap suggestions, providing that the swap was a realatively easy fit and not too much heavier than a 22re. My preference is still with the 22re though.

 

Apparently the 'tric' build to do in the 2xrxx series is to put a 20R head on an EARLY 22R block. Do a search for '20r/22r hybrid conversion' (or variations there of) and you'll find loads of info.

 

You can put a 20r head on a late style 22r block, some machining is required. Check out LC's site they have an artical on it. 150 hp out of a 22re i gonna require some work. You could start with the basic bolt on stuff first; header, exhaust, cam, intake, etc.

 

Maybe I'm just kidding myself, but I didn't think that 150 would be that far out of reach for the 22re.
Plans are currently as follows (these are very preliminary at this point):

All the standard bolt on goodies:
NWOR header, 2-1/4" exhaust w/ high flow cat and good muffler
Free flow intake w/ cone filter and 82 Supra MAF Sensor
Upgraded ignition
electric cooling fan

A head with all the cool machine work and a good low-mid cam. (I'm anticipating that the head is where most of the money and attention would go)
--I'm really liking this 20r head on a 22r block idea the more I look into it, but I need to find out what vehicles and vintages I'm looking for to get the goods from though.--

rebuilt and balanced bottom end.

does this not sound like a 150 hp setup?
Like I said, maybe I'm just teasing myself.

 

the problem with building a 20R/22R hybrid is that it doesn't readily accept the 22RE intake manifold. the 20R's intake ports are round while the 22R's intake ports are square. it's been done(port matching and building up new bosses to drill for the intake manifold bolts) but it'd be pricey and probably really not worth the effort. you could always just get TWM sidedraft throttle bodies and run an aftermarket EFI system though...

if you're building an injected engine, here's what i'd do...

ported and polished head with oversized valves(heck, just buy one of engnbldr's NEW heads for $650 or whatever they run, with that work done. LC is another option but much more expensive)
upgraded camshaft(more towards a race grind than the torque cams most guys get for their motors)
good header and exhaust, i'd buy from LC just because of NWOR's horrid service(though i hear they do make a good header)
adjustable timing gear, lets you fully degree the cam.

 

if you want power then find a RTE (the turbo 22re). I dynoed with only 500 miles on a rebuild so the engine was still very tight but with all the work ive done (see sig) i hit 96hp/123tq. I chaulk alot of that up to the fresh engine combined with heavy drivetrain losses but as you can see...

anyway ive done all motor and ive done turbos and the only way to get a 4cyl powerful, and not spend a TON of money, is under boost. ebay occasionally has stock turbo setups come through but id search locally for a pos truck with the 22rte, you can swap everything while looking from one to the other, plus you then have replacement parts for yourself or to sell.

my .02.

 

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