For those in the Toyota truck and off-roading community, the 22R engine is a name that often sparks conversation. As someone deeply familiar with Toyota engines, though admittedly less so with Datsuns, I wanted to share my perspective on the 22R and its variants, the 22RE. Having daily driven both, currently relying on a 22R in my own ’81 pickup, I’ve experienced firsthand what this engine is all about.
What immediately stands out about the 22r Toyota Motor is its sheer durability. I push my old pickup hard – running 4.88 gears with 35-inch tires, tackling a significant uphill climb daily – and the engine simply endures. Despite being over 30 years old and with an odometer that has likely rolled over countless times beyond its indicated 191,000 miles, it keeps running and even passes emissions tests. This speaks volumes about the robust nature of the 22R engine design.
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the 22R is an engine of a bygone era. It’s a primitive design in today’s terms. While you can invest considerable sums into modifications and performance upgrades, the 22R will still struggle to produce power figures that would be considered truly satisfying by modern standards. I have a fondness for my 22R, appreciating its reliability and toughness, but I’m realistic about its limitations. When its time eventually comes, I won’t be rebuilding it. My sights are set on a modern upgrade – the 3RZ-FE.
The Toyota drivetrain as a whole is an excellent foundation, particularly for lightweight off-road rigs. The aftermarket support and available modifications are unparalleled. But, if you’re contemplating investing heavily in a Toyota four-cylinder engine, I strongly advise against pouring resources into a 22R.
If you’re starting from scratch and considering a Toyota four-cylinder swap, seriously consider the 3RZ-FE or even the 2RZ-FE. Both of these engines offer significantly more horsepower and torque compared to the 22R. If you’re undertaking the effort of wiring in a new motor, make it worthwhile with a more modern and powerful option. You could spend thousands on custom work on a 22R, and still be outperformed by a stock 3RZ-FE, which is likely to be a more cost-effective path in the long run.
The real advantage of sticking with a Toyota platform lies in the access to the robust Toyota aftermarket – transfer cases, lockers, chromoly axles, and more. If that’s your goal, then starting with a 3RZ-FE is the smarter move. The only truly compelling reason to stick with a 22R is if it’s already in your truck and still running.
Consider this my two cents on the 22R Toyota motor. While it’s a durable workhorse, modern alternatives offer a much better performance-to-investment ratio. Having owned a 22RE and now driving a 22R daily, and having also experienced more modern engines (as hinted by the E36 in the background of my older photos), my perspective has evolved. There are definitely better engine options available today.
