1st gen questions - 20R

[30footSHO]

Hello, joined because I like T4Rs, and because there just so happens to be an '87 for sale near me. It's a dirty little silver one, with passenger car tires and the usual rust, but it's only a $500 car.

My only gripe is that the engine was replaced--with a 20R instead of another 22RE or 22R. What's the consensus? Swap back to another 22R/RE? Keep the 20R and drive like I don't care? Or should I stay far away from this possible nightmare? The chassis has 189k on it, and I was lead to believe that the engine is not far behind that number.

Any known issues between the 20R and 22R/RE would be greatly appreciated. I already know of the timing chain guide issue, but others I am not very knowledgeable about.

Thanks for your reply!

 

[TheBlueWave]

Hey, I just moved from Brookings back to St. Paul. There's good places to wheel around there.
You are in for a power struggle. The 20R has no power. I don't know much about it other than that. The 22RE is a very good engine. I had one in an '89 pickup that I liked very much. Very durable and reliable. They are also pretty common, I bet you could find one in good shape. Yotatech.com classifieds would be a good place to start.
As far as 22RE issues, I don't know of any major ones. Mine leaked oil but that never stopped it from running.

 

[30footSHO]

I was aware there was about a 20 hp difference between the two. Depending on the age of this engine and the quality of the work put in to the swap, should it be an easy re-swap back to the 22RE?

 

[30footSHO]

Condition of T4R

So I took this T4R for a spin yesterday, and found out some more about its history. The 22RE was apparently blown, though I could not get a definite answer as to why. I assume because of the high miles (189k), the chain guides failed, but it could be something else. The po stated that the engine was "missing" something, what I could not find out. Good news is, the old 22RE long block is still there with all the EFI system as well. I think I'll offer about $200-300 for all of it. The frame is rusty but solid, probably because SD doesn't salt the roads.

What do you think? Is there anything I should inspect on the old engine in particular?