Putney’s Custom Automotive Machine 40 Rash Lane, Chico, CA 95973
22R frequently asked questions
If you have any questions about 22R / 22RE engines that are not covered here, please feel free to call us at 530.892.1451 or e-mail info@putneyscustommachine.com
Q. What is the difference between a 22R / 22RE / 22REC / 22RTE / 22RTE-C?
A. Pretty easy to break down:
22 = the 22nd redesign if the block, 2.4L 2367cc cast iron block (kind of a loose designation since the 1981-1984
block is different from the 1985-1995 block)
R = cylinder head design (single overhead cam, chain driven cam)
E = electronic fuel injection
C = California compliant emissions equipment installed
T = turbocharged
Q. What is the deal with the NEW 22R engines / blocks I see for sale on the net?
A. Sounds like a good deal, huh? Well, we’ve actually had a chance to inspect a couple (people have brought them in
to us after various failures). The cast iron used in the block seems to have a very low Nickel content causing the
material to be extremely soft. The block casting was very porous and rough. The same goes for the camshaft,
VERY soft material. We sent one out to our camshaft grinder and he confirmed it. The engine is just assembly line
built with off the shelf inferior parts without regard for proper tolerances or clearances. In our opinion, we cannot
see them lasting....
Q. What are horsepower / torque ratings for the various 22R engines you build?
A. A very good question, with an unfair and hazy answer from us. We’d love to give you claims that our rebuild gives
you X amount of horsepower over the stock numbers and you’ll be keeping up with Porsches in a drag race. We’ve
had our engines tested on engine dynos and wheel dynos.....BUT.... in the real world, there are TOO MANY
variables that affect HP and torque numbers. Everything from the quality / octane of the fuel you use, where your
timing is set, the condition of your carburetor or injectors, your exhaust system, your air filter, ambient air
temp...blah...blah...
When you call and talk to us, one of the first questions we ask it what you will be using the truck for. The reason for
the questions we ask are so we can build a specific engine for your needs. Rock crawler? We’ll build it for better low
RPM torque (and a few other secrets we can talk about). Stock? We can improve on the port shape near the intake
valve for better efficiency and a stock spec cam for power across the whole rev range. Racing? We’ll build in looser
clearances on the pistons and rings for better reliability at higher RPMs, 1.5mm overbore, 2.6L stroker crank, a cam
that brings power at the high RPMs, dual valve springs....etc.
The horsepower numbers are not our goal. USABLE power and reliability for your application are far more
important.
Q. What makes you different from other rebuilders / remanufacturers?
A. Quality workmanship, the most accurate machines, the best parts and attention to detail.
It’s a simple answer, but difficult to explain in detail without putting you to sleep.
Toyota 22R / 22RE engines are our specialty. You can call it a passion with a touch of OCD
when it comes to machining and building 22Rs. Our name is on it. You have spent valuable time and money.
Neither of us want a failure.
We are not an assembly line rebuilder. The engines we build are specific for each customer. Our engines are not
built by 7 different people that have one eye on the clock and the other on their part of assembly. We don’t pull
parts off of the shelf and install them. Every part we install is thoroughly inspected and clearanced for proper fit TO
THAT SPECIFIC ENGINE. When we bore an hone an engine block, it is not done blindly, it’s honed
SPECIFICALLY to the measurements of the SPECIFIC set of pistons chosen for that engine. EVERY piston ring is
gapped specific for that block. Every timing cover is installed and decked / surfaced when the block is. We
resurface the NEW cylinder head casting to OUR specs. We remove the exhaust valve seats since we have found
them to be too soft of material. There are A LOT more steps involved. Check them HERE.
MORE FAQs TO COME, STAY TUNED....or if you have a specific question, call us at 530.892.1451
or e-mail info@putneyscustommachine.com
530.892.1451 / info@putneyscustommachine.com
