Does anybody put Japanese engines(22R or similar) in a restomod?

Posted by Top_Independence2676@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 13 comments

Most of the 'plain' cars from my youth (60's) just had low HP 4's and 6's. Could a 22R fulfill the HP/Torgue requirement. I had a rusted 1963 Chevy 3/4 Stepside with a 230 and a three speed manual and it moved just fine(sucked gas like it was contest).

Any thoughts? 22R in a Model T or 62 Chevy II?

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OutsideAd3064@reddit

Mike Finnegan put a 2JZ in a Charger. Search up "Death Metal Charger" on youtube

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mortalcrawad66@reddit

I never understand 22R and K-Series swaps(besides the K-23). You're making the automotive equivalent of the argument around decaf coffee.

You're using a boring technological stall point to trigger people you strawmanned up, because you think an issue exist. Yes, people are triggered and angry, but because of how you're going about things. Not the issue you think is an issue.

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Canelosaurio@reddit

Yea, some kid K- swapped an old Ferrari

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broke_fit_dad@reddit

I’ve seen 2JZ , VR6, and VW Diesel swaps. I’m sure a 22RE and B series have been done along with Mitsubishi Turbos into K Cars

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YeahIGotNuthin@reddit

Pushrod v8 engines are so small that they fit in just about anything you’re thinking of.

A 22R might be an interesting choice for something narrow, a little British car maybe. But its narrowness doesn’t buy you anything in something as wide as a USDM car.

They’re not that light either, 350lbs or more fully dressed. For another 100lbs you can put an LS in there. (I have lifted an LS7 block, in office clothes, without getting anything dirty except my hands. The holes don’t weigh much, and the 427 small block version is “mostly holes” and whatever isn’t “holes” is aluminum.)

They were great Japanese vehicle engines because Japanese vehicles back then were narrow.

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Top_Independence2676@reddit (OP)

BTW, I'm 70 years old. I had my share of noisy, fast, wallet deleting muscle cars as did my circle of friends. Drove their cars also, loved my 66 Malibu (wife still laments me selling it), The 70 Boss Mustang was OK, but OMG the MOPARs back then, if they started, were terrifying. Uncle was selling his 69 Roadrunner, would have been for the trade-in price. Drove it around the block. Power was terrifying as I knew I'd be driving it drunk. Times before MADD.

You have to remember, after the 73 gas crisis cheap, used, muscle cars were everywhere. And could be had for a song

I was a fully invested member of the 'muscle car' era for 15 years. Been there, done that. Moved on.

I'm sure when our son(a motorhead like I WAS) gets my 1995 Del Sol he will tear out the 98hp 1.5. I'm happy with the HP. Now the 1973 Thing, I built that engine in 1988 and it's still going, but at 55 mph, it's scary.

I ramble on....just seeing these new-ist small Japanese engines and wondered if they were adaptable.

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funkthew0rld@reddit

Mighty car mods put a 2TR-FE in their old hilux.

Also a big hairdryer hanging off the exhaust manifold, and standalone engine management with a fuel system that can support that sweet, sweet corn juice.

I think it ended up making pretty good power. Enough that the open differential had to be replaced with something that wouldn’t just peel one wheel.

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SailingSpark@reddit

If i was going to go to the trouble of a swap tgst would piss off purists, it would have to be a more interesting engine than the 22R.

The Honda k swap is good, but I think the Toyota 2gr-fe would be a better choice. 300hp and a ton of torque. There is a reason it is the swap of choice into MR2s

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