Differences Between a 22RE & a 22REC Engine
by Rob Wagner
The Toyota 22RE and 22REC four-cylinder engines produced from 1982 through 1995 were almost identical. The difference between the two engines is that the 22REC complied with California emissions equipment standards that consist mainly of additional vacuum hoses and valves to regulate emissions. Horsepower and torque remained the same between the two engines.
Background
Toyota’s 22R series 2.4-liter engine debuted in 1981, with the fuel-injected 22RE arriving in 1982. The 22RE was the fuel-injected version of the 22R.The engines remained in production through 1995. A turbo version received a 22RET or 22RTE designation, but only saw production from 1985 to 1988. The 22REC denoted the engine met all California emissions requirements. The 22RE and 22REC engines generated 105 to 112 horsepower and 187 foot-pounds to 192 foot-pounds of torque, depending on the model year. The compression ratio throughout the production run was 9.3-to-1. The bore was 3.62 inches and the stroke measured 3.50 inches. Toyota installed the 22RE and 22REC in the 1985 through 1995 Hilux trucks and North American compact pickups, the 1983 to 1985 Celica coupe and the mid-size 4Runner sport utility vehicle from 1985 to 1995.
22RE and 22REC Details
Toyota improved upon its 2.2-liter 20R engine and the later 22R engine, which saw production from 1975 to 1995, with electronic fuel-injection versions. These were Toyota’s go-to workhorses. The 1985 and later 22RE and 22REC engines featured a taller block and shorter heads. The engine used hemispherical combustion chambers designed similarly to the muscled Chrysler Hemi engines. The cross-flow, wedge-shaped heads and dished pistons provided a straighter air/fuel mixture flow across the chamber for greater combustion, thus increasing output. It also provided cleaner emissions.
22RE Features
In contrast to the 22REC, the 22RE featured a relatively simple vacuum and valve system. At the rear of the engine were the exhaust gas recirculation system, or EGR, and the EGR modulator. A vacuum hose connected the EGR to the bi-metal vacuum switching valve at the front of the engine. The 22RE also featured dashpot, an emissions control device to help burn fuel when the throttle is closed and is connected to the vacuum transmitting valve.
22REC Features
If the 22REC’s emissions equipment were stripped away, it would be identical to the 22RE. However, sitting side by side with all of its emissions parts, the 22REC was easily distinguished from the 22RE. The 22REC came with the same equipment as the 22RE, plus myriad other vacuum components. To pass muster with the state of California environmental regulations, Toyota added an auxiliary acceleration pump, choke breaker, hot air intake and mixture control systems, and a vacuum control valve system. The automaker also equipped the 22REC with an outer vent control valve, resonator, twin vacuum switches and a pair of thermo-switches.
References
Writer Bio
Rob Wagner is a journalist with over 35 years experience reporting and editing for newspapers and magazines. His experience ranges from legal affairs reporting to covering the Middle East. He served stints as a newspaper and magazine editor in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Wagner attended California State University, Los Angeles, and has a degree in journalism.
