The problem with rebuilding the bottom end is, the 22r was a blueprinted motor from the factory, Super tight tolerances. Their rebuild specs in their books, if anyone has ever used them, are VERY lenient. For everything from trans to engine. These engines were setup extremely critical when they were first made, regardless what the fsm would have you believe. Ive personally seen how rods are checked, and resized. Its not a very easy task to do extremely critical. 95 Percent of machine shops dont care about getting specs super right, JUST WITHIN SPEC. This is the case on many of the specs on the motor, Including turning the crank, Thrust washer clearance, yada yada. This all being extremely tight from TOYOTA, is the reason these engines lasted so long.
2k miles, 20k miles, 100k miles, does not mean anything, When you start seeing rebuilds push 200,250,300k , then you can call it a reliable build. This rarely, if ever happens., and there has been plenty of time for it to happen. The only ones with 300k+ are original bottom ends. Ive dealt with more 22rs than the avg guy. They ARE NOT the chevy 350 of the engine world like most joe blow machinists will tell you
So if you rebuild it, where should you be spec wise?
middle
loose
tight
