22RE to 22R swap?

[SynthOkami]

Hiya folks. I have some questions about the square valve cover EFI 22RE's (1985-1997 I think. My 22RE is an 85) I've looked into ITB's, and tuning EFI. I don't want to run a turbo, and I can't find an ECU that would work with the factory Celica harness. (please correct me if there is an option out there!!) So, I'd like to get into old school mechanical tuning like how my grandfather used to do. So I'm looking into if it's at all possible to carb swap an 85 late style EFI head and/or block. If not, I'm fine with swapping in a factory 22R. It's just going to be a pain in the butt finding a decent one.

All the plans I really have are mild tuning. Stage 2 cam, possibly some better rods so it'll rev a bit higher, DOCE's. Y'know the old school stuff you'd do on a street RA29 or Corolla. Just wondering what I'd have to look into, what I'd need, and what work that would entail. Any input would be much appreciated!

[Teranfirbt]

Fuel pressure regulator and a distributor from an early 22R or RE should be everything you need. The heads aren't really different, you should be able to bolt up the side draft manifold and go.
The stock rods are plenty strong. You won't be able to Rev a 22r much more anyway. The head doesn't flow enough without a ton of work and the crank is only semi counterbalanced.

[sirdan]

Plug and play ECU, I think it only works for 85 celicas though. https://protunerz.com/products/megasquirt-pnp-gen2-85-90-toyota-pickup-4runner-with-22re-or-22rte


it sounds like your going to do a lot of work and spend a lot for little gains. If you do go down the wormhole id focus on getting the head to flow better to get the most out of your mods.

[SynthOkami]

Thanks! That answers some of my questions. I dunno how much longer I'm going to this particular car, but I'm shooting to have another 3rd gen soon. This particular one has been more trouble than it's worth due to the previous owner. I just have gotten attached to it and that's why I haven't said to hell with it up until this point.