When it comes to Toyota performance, LC Engineering has it handled. The company has been around for many years, building, dyno-testing, tuning, and manufacturing some of the best Toyota performance parts on the market. LCE specializes in the 20R, 22R, and 22RE engines, so we decided it was about time to put the crew's expertise to work on our 'Yota project. After upgrading to LCE's beefy dual-row timing-chain setup, we took the next step and decided to pick up the EFI Power Package, which can add 25-30 hp to our stock 22RE motor.
The package includes the EFI Pro Camshaft, LCE's Street Header Kit, LCE's Big Bore Throttle Body, and a K&N Filter Charger. The EFI Power Package is a combination of products designed and tested to provide the most bolt-on power for a stock 22RE engine. Since we still have more mods in the works for Project Dragged Daily, which will really affect the exhaust system, including a body drop, we decided to wait on the header install until we can redo the rest of the exhaust system. With the rest of our goodies in hand, we headed over to see our buddy Guy "Cracky" Longley at Glendora Import Specialists. Guy also has a beefed-up little Toyota with a 22RE and knows all the tricks of the trade to get these motors purring.
Within a matter of a couple hours, Guy had our stock cam swapped out for LCE's pro version, ditched our old throttle body for the big-bore body, and installed the K&N filter in place of our old (not to mention ugly and bulky) airbox. After installing everything and running the engine for 30 minutes to break in the cam, it was time to put the upgrades to the test on the dyno. A stock 22RE engine puts out around 116 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque. Check out the dyno spec box to see how our motor did. Keep in mind that we haven't installed the header or upgraded the exhaust system yet. Our numbers only show the gains from the Pro Camshaft, the big-bore throttle body, and the K&N filter. Without the header, we gained more than 20 hp. For more information, contact the companies listed in the source box.
1. Here's LC Engineering's...
1. Here's LC Engineering's Pro Camshaft and big-bore throttle body and K&N's filter, which we'll be installing.
2. To gain access to the cam,...
2. To gain access to the cam, Guy removed the intake (since we'll have to take it off for the throttle body anyway) and valve cover.
3. Next, he unbolted the camshaft...
3. Next, he unbolted the camshaft gear.
4. The entire rocker-arm assembly...
4. The entire rocker-arm assembly was carefully removed.
5. The cam caps were then...
5. The cam caps were then unbolted.
6. If you look closely at...
6. If you look closely at the caps, they're labeled with a number that indicates their placement, along with an arrow that shows which way the cap should face when being reinstalled.
7. The LCE camshaft was greased...
7. The LCE camshaft was greased up with assembly lube for protection during the initial break-in.
8. After installing the new...
8. After installing the new camshaft, the cam caps were installed according to their markings.
9. Next, the rocker assembly...
9. Next, the rocker assembly was reinstalled and torqued to factory specifications.
10. With the LCE cam in place,...
10. With the LCE cam in place, all the valves were adjusted and set per the install instructions provided with the kit.
11. Moving right along, Guy...
11. Moving right along, Guy removed all the vacuum lines going to the throttle body.
12. Then, the stock throttle...
12. Then, the stock throttle body was unbolted (once we had everything we needed off of it) and sold on the street corner to help pay for lunch.
13. Here's a quick comparison...
13. Here's a quick comparison showing the larger-bore throttle body, which will provide better throttle response.
14-16. The stock throttle...
14-16. The stock throttle body was stripped of the throttle position sensor, throttle cable assembly, and everything we needed to reinstall on the new throttle body.
17. After all the parts were...
17. After all the parts were reinstalled on the LCE throttle body, it was bolted back on with a new gasket.
18. All the vacuum lines were...
18. All the vacuum lines were then reattached, and the throttle cable was connected.
19. Next on the list was ditching...
19. Next on the list was ditching the ugly stock airbox. Guy removed the four bolts securing the box in place.
20. The kit came with directions...
20. The kit came with directions and all the parts necessary to install the K&N filter. The backing plate was bolted in place of the stock box.
21. The K&N filter bolted...
21. The K&N filter bolted directly to the provided backing plate.
22. With the new filter installed,...
22. With the new filter installed, the rest of the intake was clamped back up to the throttle body.
23. The sensors were then...
23. The sensors were then plugged in, and the end of the filter was bolted in using the provided brackets. The K&N filter made a huge difference in the overall appearance of our engine bay.
24. The idle was easily adjusted...
24. The idle was easily adjusted by reading the rpm and setting it at 750.
25. With everything put back...
25. With everything put back together and ready to rock 'n' roll, Guy carefully broke in the cam according to the provided instructions.
26. Our project 'Yota is now...
26. Our project 'Yota is now ready to hit the streets and burn a few Hondas. Stay tuned for more upgrades as we continue the buildup of what will be one badass daily dragger.
Dyno Results
Before installing LC Engineering's EFI Power Package:
114 hp @ 4,750 rpm
139 lb-ft of torque @ 2,900 rpm
After LC Engineering's EFI Power Package (without header):
135 hp @ 4,900 rpm
152 lb-ft of torque @ 2,900 rpm
Sources
Glendora Import Specialists
Dept. MT
445 E. Arrow Hwy
Glendora, CA 91740
(626) 914-4911
LC Engineering Inc.
Dept. MT
2031 Holly Ave.
Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403
(877) 505-2501
www.lcengineering.com