What engines will bolt up in my '71? My 8RC needs a rebuild but with parts hard to find it might make more sense to replace the engine with something newer. I was hoping I could maybe jump up to a 20R without any serious mods.

 

I think your 8R (8RC) is very similar to my 18RC motor, it was slightly smaller in displacement due to a smaller bore (86mm vs 88.5mm) which means Toyota simply bored out the block when they made the 18RC-so I think you will be dealing with the same issues I am in replacing my 18RC with a 20R or 22R motor. Which is custom engine mounts, transmission crossmember, new ignition parts, and exhaust. Check out this thread where we've been discussing this swap.

http://www.toyotaminis.com/forum/en...h-day-now-decision-time-seeking-advice-13567/

The 8R's weren't bad motors but they weren't designed for unleaded and finding parts today is next to impossible. In new or basically new (reconditioned) form the 22R can be acquired locally (if you can find one) for about $1000, if you need it shipped it's around $1600. I found a place that doesn't require a core (which obviously you and I don't have) that gives a warranty for the second price shipped. A used 22R can be found for around $450-$950, a used 20R for $350-$700. Of course you take your chances when you buy used-you can get compression #'s which tells a lot but no way to know if all else is really good. To rebuild my 18RC the local shop estimated $1500-2500, so unless I do it myself (missing tools main issue) then buying a 20 or 22R seems like the way to go. Best of luck and keep us posted.