I have an '88 4runner with a 22R-E. I want to put in a 22R-TE Turbo. I would appreciate any input on potential issues with this swap and where to locate a quality, professionally built 22R-TE ??

There a few choices for picking up a quality engine. Check out LC Engineering or DOA Engines for starters. Turbo is nice but you should also look into a 3RZ swap.

The issues that come out of this aren't just with motor internals. The 22RE and the 22RTE are very similiar motors and any shop that can rebuild one can rebuild the other.

The issues arise from the fact that the computer control and a few of the associated components (AFM, injectors, etc) are different between the two motors.

There's a guy over on pirate that's looking to swap the other way, he might be able to help you out.


The best way to do this swap is to have someone build you a low compression 22RE. Lowest cost is to use 22RTE pistons and keep everything the same. Add manifold, turbo, and plumbing and you're good to go.

You really need to swap over all of the 22RTE electronics or buy a stand alone EFI system.

For the money you're talking about a 3rz or other swap is possible also.

All that Darin said is true. I'd just add that you need to be careful with used CT-20 turbos (the stock turbo on the 22RTE), as their exhaust housings like to crack near the wastegate, and once they crack they become expensive ($600 - $900+) to fix.

Also, if I were going to do a swap, I don't think I'd use a 3RZ; a nice enough motor for a 4 cylinder, but not enough bang for the buck (and I speak from experience, as I have one on my '98 4Runner). 7MGE, 7MGTE and 5VZE are all better choices in the Toyota family, and of course there are other options outside of the Toyota family.

If you want to do a turbo swap the right way, you need some sort of adequate budget. Starting with a low compression 22RE and adding a cheap log-style turbo manifold, a Super-series T3 turbo, a full 3" exhaust, some larger injectors, and a MegaSquirt ECU would position you nicely for 180+ reliable rear wheel horsepower. Remember, adding boost is the easy part, the hard part is building a motor and associated components that will stand up to that kind of power. I speak from experience when I say it's harder than it seems.

-Jeff

Thank you for all the input thus far ! I'm not new to 4x4s but pretty new to Toys. What I actually should have said (since I have little Toy knowledge at all) is that I am looking to add HP to my '88 4runner 22RE while maintaining some sense of reliability. I have a relatively large budget to work with but don't want anything too exotic as I need daily driver reliability. I love my 4runner as/is except for it being a pooch on the hills (other than a slow/low climb) and no real passing power. I'm wanting to fix it up to leave at a second home in a mountainous region and based upon my present flat land driving in Texas hill country I realized I'll need some more power in order for it to be a practical daily driver in the mountains. I am open to all suggestions in this regard. I saw an '88 like mine with the turbo & not knowing Toys, thought it my only viable solution. It sounds like there are probably alot of options out there and people here that know what they are. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Well, being it's a Runner and not a truck, that mill is luggin' a bit more weight. The most effective bang for the buck with your plans for it is to regear. 4.88s would be good if you're not going to spin bigger tires under there.

Also check this thread

You can always do an overbore job too. www.engnbldr.com <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

My plugged nickels. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/oink.gif" alt="" />

You'll really need to define what your power goals are.
I've never actually driven the 3rz, I like it due to more hp, better fuel economy, and a 4-valve head. My interest would be a mid-compression turbo motor.. But there I go completely blowing the budget.

I've built a few naturally aspirated 22R motors, using Ted (engnbldr) and LC stuff. The run better than stock, but honestly - they all suffer when on a hill or at highway speeds. It only gets worse with a lift and larger tires.

I ran a supercharger, but the Camden design isn't very good and it's not worth the fuel economy hit.

I don't know where you are in TX - you mention the hill country. If you're up towards Austin you're welcome to come take a ride in my truck. Hills are no longer an issue. Highway passing isn't an issue. Don't get me wrong, the truck is NOT fast, but it's more like a regular car or SUV. It'll hold 65+ up a grade at under 3000 rpm.. It's just enough (for me) to make driving the truck reasonably fun.

If you want a ride, just give me a weeks warning - I tend to work on it and working on it usually means that I break something... I'm in the middle of an intercooler project now and eventually I'll try and reroute intake tubes.

The 22R series is reasonably reliable below 200hp.
For a 200hp 22R series, expect to have some initial setup issues.. It hasn't been a drop in and go deal for me - and I don't think it was for Jef[f. Only in the last few months have I been able to make 500+ mile trips without my wife wondering if we're actually going to get where we're going. I've had no major problems, just lots of little things.

The advantage to HiPo 22R or 3RZ is that they both can work with the existing driveline and really don't cause too much stress.


I think the best swap for reliability, power (torque), and maybe even cost is the 4.3L swap - Vortec... It fits, it's been done a million times, no tuning involved, it's reasonably efficient, and it wont break the driveline if driven reasonably...


Note, I'm assuming that you can or are willing to do the work yourself... To have a swap done and done right - it's probably more cost effective to get a new truck.. :-)

Seriously boss, if you're near Austin take Darin's advice and go for a drive in his 4Runner! WOW. My wife and I still talk about how much fun it was. Baaaad <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/mrt.gif" alt="" />

2rz/3rz are great turbo motors, if you want to swap one in and boost it... stock theyre good for 8psi.. with a change of head gasket people are getting up to 14psi safely.. stock injectors are good till 8psi as well... just need a tuner and wideband 02 sensor...