Engine Swap vs Rebuild

Discussion in 'Engine/Drivetrain' started by MiniManic, Apr 25, 2022.

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Would you rebuild the 22r or swap in SBF

  1. Rebuild the 22r

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  2. Swap 302

    1 vote(s)
    100.0%
  1. MiniManic

    MiniManic Newbie

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    I am at a crossroads right now with my project 86 pickup. The engine has started to sip coolant at 190,000 and it could definitely use a rebuild.

    I have just been quoted from a local Machine shop that it would be $3000-$3500 to do a complete rebuild on the 22r. But now I am wondering if I would be better off paying to have a 302 and a T5 swapped in instead.

    What route would you guys go down. Right now I have more money then time available so at the end of the day I would be paying to have the work done.
     
  2. jetas

    jetas Grand Toyotaholic

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    Sounds like you may just have a BHG. Cant imagine even a shop charging you more than a grand to repair that.

    Where are you located?
     
  3. MiniManic

    MiniManic Newbie

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    I’m in Massachusetts


    After taking a better look this morning I think I have found my leak, appears to be coming from the clear hose under the rad on the passenger side. Potentially crisis diverted. At this mileage I’m planning on needing to rebuild in the future but if I can hold out until I can piece together a 302/T5
     
  4. fred heath

    fred heath Addict

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    20R and 22R are pretty much bulletproof. 250-300K is not unheard of. As long as it’s running good and you don’t beat on it you should be fine. This gives you time to shop around and decide what type of upgrade you want to do.
    With deep pockets you can do anything you want.
     
  5. MiniManic

    MiniManic Newbie

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    That was my original goal with the project. Restore the body to my liking then when the time comes swap in aV8

    It’s scheduled to go into the shop next week to fix some odds and ends that I just don’t have the time to do at the moment. Im going to continue to keep and eye on my coolant level and watch the temp gage like a hawk. Hopefully the shop reports back with good news about the head gasket.
     
  6. fred heath

    fred heath Addict

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    You will want to check the condition of the frame assembly before adding something like a V-8. Early Toyota frames are made of light weight metal and prone to rust through. New England winters with salted roads can really do some damage.
     
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  7. Erwin Merida

    Erwin Merida Toyotaholic

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    Windsor block!!! All day. Get the solid mounts from NWOR, no cab/body/frame mods needed. To be honest, I'd go 5.8 with a stroker kit and take it to 400+ cubesssss

    But Fred has a point, you need to start with a solid foundation. It would suck to spend the money and time for it to crumble in front of you..lol
     
    Last edited: Apr 26, 2022
  8. MiniManic

    MiniManic Newbie

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    The frame was the selling point for me. Had the truck up on a lift and it’s 100% solid. From what the PO has told me, this was his grand fathers truck from 88-2017, never saw a winter And was garage kept, he had it parked in his driveway for 3 years, but never was driven during the winter then from 20-22 was garage kept.

    aside from a few small surface rust spots and your typical dings and dents the truck is fairly clean and would definitely make for a good foundation.

    302 is my end goal with a T5
     
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  9. Justin Danger

    Justin Danger Toyotaholic

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    a lot of people have put toyota V8s in these trucks. Check out Yotarip's truck, that thing is badass.
     
  10. Erwin Merida

    Erwin Merida Toyotaholic

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    This is true, 1uz is a must if you're a purist. Quad cam, all aluminum 4.0 with up to 300 baldeagles!!

    In all seriousness, these 2 block are the only thing I'd put into a Toyota mini. 1uz for street truck, windsor block for race truck.
     
  11. jetas

    jetas Grand Toyotaholic

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    there i fixed it, 'merican engines produce bald eagles lol
     
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  12. MiniManic

    MiniManic Newbie

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    If I was a purist and wanted to keep it Toyota, I’d seriously consider a 1J or 2J, as I am a big fan of in-line 6
     
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  13. Erwin Merida

    Erwin Merida Toyotaholic

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  14. Erwin Merida

    Erwin Merida Toyotaholic

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    Hell yeah. I want want one for my boat, lol.
     
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  15. Erwin Merida

    Erwin Merida Toyotaholic

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    It's up to you in the end. Gota have fun with it regardless.
     
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  16. MiniManic

    MiniManic Newbie

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    Fun is a definite requirement. I think I’m going to start piecing together a 302 to throw in.
     
  17. Erwin Merida

    Erwin Merida Toyotaholic

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    I'd start with a mid 90s mountaineer block. An important piece will be which intake you go with.. aftermarket/OEM for hood clearance. Shop for mounts. There are a few out there for this swap, mainly in the 4x4 sector. You thinking EFI or Carbi?
     
  18. MiniManic

    MiniManic Newbie

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    NWOR has mounts that seem to have decent feedback on for a smooth install, I’m definitely leaning towards carb just for the ease of installation. Is there a specific reason to look for the mountaineer block? I was planning to look for a early 80s mustang block with a 5 speed but if there’s a better option that still slows carb install I’m all for it.
     
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  19. sirdeuce

    sirdeuce Veteran

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    As for the question of "rebuild or swap?". I'll answer with a question. What do you want out of it? That question will also send you in the direction you want to go. So, what DO you want out of this?
     
  20. Erwin Merida

    Erwin Merida Toyotaholic

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    You'll be able to find a newer Windsor block up to 2001. Getting a donor vehicle is also an option for this.. due to certain harnesses/drivetrain you might need. Getting lucky here would mean you also scored one with a posi rear. Or, junkyard build. Would be the cheapest route..
     

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