just found an old 85 4x4 5spd w/ a 22r(carbureted of course). as of now, its growing trees out of whats left of the bed lol, but the engine dont appear to be in bad shape, although it will require some repair from sitting so long. After restoring, I plan to use it as a DD and a beach vehicle. I intend to keep it stock height w/ 31x10.50's. What are some engine mods or add ons I could get to help increase fuel economy and HP. I've been checking out lcengineering.com

After the regular(plugs, wires, cap, rotor, maybe O2 sensor), Im thinkin a 32/36 weber carb, headers, and exhaust. Ive heard about getting a heavier flywheel and the clutch kits from lcengineering, but how would that effect my mpg? any and all ideas and testimonials are greatly appreciated.
thanks

 

most people say that headers and exhaust wont give you HP just better throttle response.
i would say check out engnbldr.com
most people say good things about his Rv cam
i would rebuild the head, if i had the time and knowhow
but after your little tuneup.
cam exhaust headers should give it a little more pep

 

I just bought a lot of stuff from Ted over at engnbldr.com and while the motor has not run yet (still setting on the stand) all of the products that I got from him were superb. I got his crawler cam (261* @ .410") and think it will be the best for my goals. I could give a crap less about top end power on this and want as much low end torque and throttle response as possible. The only time it will really spend any time in higher revs will be for a solid break-in and after that, it will spend most of its life below 3500 rpm.

 

+1 engnbldr. Call Ted or Tod and talk it over with them. They have built lots of 22rs. Their replacement lightly ported head with OS SS valves is very nice.

 

thanks guys. You think any of this will help my mpg? I definatley dont want anything that will hurt it, cuz being a daily driver and just a weekend off roader, Im looking for street preformance more than anything--wouldnt mind some low end torque though

 

Tod (the son) told me over the phone to not be expecting anything over 19 mpg realistically, but of course this can and WILL vary with driving conditions, coupled with the 5 speed tranny from a supra i purchased recently

Before tearing into my truck, I was experiencing 24-26ish mpg ALL highway, on 195's, with my automatic and a very rich burning carb

anyway, it's hard to get the best of both worlds on the 22r/e when you want both power and an increase in mpg. It's not impossible. Targetnut reports 24 mpg and respectfully 170 bhp on his setup here

you gotta find the right combination for your application. i'm a firm believer in this being the key.

btw, my ported RV head from engnbldr comes in tommorrow, so when it's installed and running, i'll let you know my results.

 

thanks a lot mr priceless....I know hp and mpg is kind of an oxymoron. I guess mostly Im looking for the best fuel economy, while atleast maintaining stock HP. I just turned 17, and fueling my 89 W250 is tough when it costs 70 to fill it and only averages 8-10 mpg city.

 

Not necessarily.

UTILIZED horsepower and mpg is an oxymoron...

 

I second red chili- Anything that inproves overall EFFICIENCY tends to increase both fuel economy and hp because everything works better. An example would be a cold air intake-can increase fuel econ and hp. Headers as well do both. When you start into bigger cams for MORE horsepower, you will start eating more fuel. Depends what you are pushing too. BIgger tires=more rotating mass eats more fuel also. My ideal would be a 5spd trans, 4.88 gears, 33's for off road and drive in 4th gear-then switch to 28's(factory size) and use 5th--rpm is the same, but fuel econ WAY better. I get 20mpg currently running the 33's with a 4spd.

 

thanks, that helps a lot!
so how bout 31x10.50's?
how do you think they would do on gas?
or would I be better off goin with 30x9.50's?
and would you suggest regearing to maintain efficiency with either of those size tires?
I will be driving mostly highway, with some summer mudding and very frequent beach usage during the summer.
thanks brooklee1000