Hi all. I just purchased a project truck. It is pretty plan 1976 p/u which has a 21ru engine in it. No brakes, could not drive it over 35 mph w/o massive missfire, oil looks like milk. So, first off, is it just a simple waste of time to do anything with the engine, or should I simply yank it and prepare the engine bay for a different motor? The transmission seems to be the original 5 speed, so what will bolt right in there? 20r, 22r?
miles? i think the motor is shot, theoretically the timing chain guides broken off and the chain wore through teh cover and coolant spilt into the oil.
If I recall correctly the 21R series engine was a 1.8L based on the same engine casting as the 20/22r. It was never imported to the US in any factory offering...the 21r's most commonly arrived from the JDM when they were manditorily pulled due to mileage (strict Japanese emissions laws). Parts will be even more difficult to find than for a 20r. Based on the description of it's running properties, my opinion is that you'd be better off swapping in a 22r. Since the 2xr series engines all share the same basic block casting any 20/22r will bolt right up to they current transmission.
pretty much, find yourself a running 22R in a good shape with the timing system done. you'll be off to a good start with that.
