I've owned an 86 22r 4x4 with a rebuilt carb, a 94 fuel injected, and now own a first gen pick-up with a 22re swap out of an 88' 4-runner.
The 22re seemed to have a little more pep than stock carberated to me.. and I believe the specs give it a few more ponys..On my 94 truck, I had a bored out throttle body and header from Downey and 2.5 inch exhaust.. It had great low end power and got out of its own way on the street, but i agree with most here, that the 22 series motors leave something to be desired in the horsepower dep.. I didn't do the cam on the 94 22re, because I was worried about offsetting the base timing, passing smog, ect..
That said, I have always been happy with my 22r trucks and will always own one.. Its one of the best designed motors, toyota made.. everyone knows they are bulletproof. 3rz swap would be killer too, but the 22r motor put these trucks on the map. Thats why i didnt put a V-8 in my landcruiser.. I converted the 2f to fuel injection.. and with a header, that thing is like a little street rod! People like to see the original motors in these trucks.. its what makes them so cool!
Also having the right gearing for your tire size makes a big difference in performance with 4 bangers..
-Just my experience and meager two cents
-Dan
