Reliability----Good, never broke on me yet. I spin it to 7 thousand RPM on the stock short block with no problems... Power, eh. Its no V8. But moves the truck pretty good. 22R hybrids first run w/ headwork. - YouTube
What's the whole big appeal of this head swapp. I've seen it done before correctly and the end result wasn't all that impressive. Yes i know a some what better flowing head that makes for some what higher compression when run as a frankenstein setup. But after all that money spent and headache later it's still a primitive 8 valve single cam setup. Swapping in a newer MPFI motor like a 3RZ or something is way more worth the time and cash i think. Unbeatable reliability too as long as your electrical is on point.
the point of this thread was about that motor. if he wanted to know about the reliability of other motors i think he would have asked that. The 20r motor was just as badass as the 22r, so mixing the two together should yeild basically the same product. As for bang for the buck performance swaps go this is a good one if ya already have a 20R manifold, if you have to get that as well as side draft carbs its an investment, but not a bad one.
so pretty much, its alot of work for not much difference. i've been looking at different ideas for more power but still have the reliability. another thought i've been looking at is making my 20r a carb'd turbo motor. only about 7psi, a bigger carb and probably some minor head work (mild port) and a new cam. or pick up a 22r for that, build it up so can just drop it in, when done. also what about the rear-end, how strong are they and what can swap out for, what fits, etc... prefer a lsd/locker setup, may even build a custom Ford 9" for it. In the end, I want a good performing truck with good mpg thats pretty much indestructible (I don't want any sort of computer or stuff like that). Simple, easy to work on.
i would do the hybrid motor with dual side drafts, cam and some lower end work over a turbo/carb setup...
The 20R & 22R motor responds really well to modifications. Rather than do a hybrid, just focus in on what you have and modify it. Rick