What engine does a 1981 Toyota Pickup have?
The 1981 Toyota Pickup, also known as the Toyota Hilux in many markets, is a classic and reliable vehicle that has earned a reputation for durability and performance. If you're curious about the engine options available for this iconic truck, you're in the right place. Let's dive into the details of what powered this rugged workhorse.
Engine Options for the 1981 Toyota Pickup
The 1981 Toyota Pickup came with a variety of engine options, depending on the market and specific model configuration. These engines were designed to provide a balance of power, efficiency, and reliability, making the truck suitable for both work and leisure. Here are the primary engine options available:
- 20R Engine: This was a 2.2-liter inline-4 engine that was widely used in Toyota pickups of this era. Known for its simplicity and reliability, the 20R engine produced approximately 96 horsepower and 120 lb-ft of torque. It featured a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) design and a carburetor fuel system, making it easy to maintain and repair.
- 22R Engine: Introduced in 1981, the 22R engine was a 2.4-liter inline-4 engine that became one of Toyota's most famous and enduring engines. It offered slightly more power than the 20R, with around 97 horsepower and 129 lb-ft of torque. Like the 20R, it was a SOHC engine with a carburetor, and it gained a reputation for being nearly indestructible.
- Diesel Engine (Optional): In some markets, Toyota offered a diesel engine option for the 1981 Pickup. This was typically the 2.2-liter L-series diesel engine, which provided excellent fuel efficiency and durability, though it was less common in the United States.
Why These Engines Were So Popular
The engines in the 1981 Toyota Pickup were celebrated for their reliability and ease of maintenance. Here are a few reasons why they became so popular:
- Durability: Both the 20R and 22R engines were built to last, with robust components that could withstand years of use and abuse.
- Ease of Maintenance: These engines were relatively simple in design, making them easy to repair and maintain, even for DIY enthusiasts.
- Fuel Efficiency: Despite their age, these engines offered respectable fuel efficiency, which was a significant advantage for truck owners.
- Versatility: The engines were versatile enough to handle a variety of tasks, from daily commuting to heavy-duty work.
Conclusion
The 1981 Toyota Pickup remains a beloved classic among truck enthusiasts, thanks in large part to its reliable and capable engine options. Whether equipped with the 20R, 22R, or a diesel engine, this truck was built to handle whatever challenges came its way. If you're lucky enough to own one of these vehicles today, proper maintenance and care will ensure it continues to perform for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the rarest Toyota truck?
If you're looking for the rarest of the rare Toyota trucks, then the Trekker is your holy grail. In the early 1980s, a small batch of Pickups (about 1,500 or so), were modified by Winnebago, under contract to Toyota, to carpet and cover the cargo bed with a fiberglass top and add a second set of seats at the back.
Why is the 22R engine so good?
The Heart of a Champion: The 22R/RE
Known for its simple design and robust construction, it could run on minimal maintenance and offered impressive fuel economy for its time. Regular maintenance and a lack of complicated technology were key ingredients to the legendary longevity of the 22 motor platform.
What motor is in a 1981 Toyota pickup?
Early models used the 90-horsepower 2.2-liter 20R four, but after 1980 the pickup was upgraded to the 97-horsepower 2.4-liter 22R, which is what's under the hood of our BaT pick. The big-feeling cab and new styling no doubt helped it fend off an early challenger, the 4x4 Chevy LUV (neé Isuzu Faster).
What is a Toyota 22R?
The Toyota 22R/RE engine has earned a legendary reputation for its unmatched reliability and durability. Introduced in 1981 as the fuel-injected successor to the 2.2L 20R engine, the 22R/RE carved its niche in the automotive world, powering various Toyota vehicles for over a decade.
What is the difference between Toyota 20R and 22R?
The 20R engine's successor, the 22R, brought a larger 92-millimeter bore, lifting displacement to 144 cubic inches, or 2366 cc, and boosting output to a maximum 135 horsepower. This edition hosted both electronic fuel injection and turbocharging during its 1981–97 lifetime.
What was the 80s Toyota truck called?
Research and development work on the Trekker led to the development of the 4Runner/Hilux Surf, which was introduced in 1984.
What year Toyota had the 22R engine?
1981
The 2-valve SOHC 2.4 L (2,366 cc) 22R was produced from 1981 through 1997.
What was the first year for Toyota pickups?
In 1964, Toyota launched its first stand-alone small pickup truck in North America, the Stout. The half-ton 4x2 Stout was powered by an 86 horsepower, 1.9L four-cylinder engine. That first year, sales were inauspicious, to say the least. Just four Stouts were sold in 1964.
How much was a 1981 Toyota pickup?
Price
| Style | Invoice | MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| 2dr Standard Cab LB | $0 | $6,288 |
| 2dr SR5 Standard Cab LB | $0 | $7,228 |
| 2dr Deluxe 4WD Standard Cab LB | $0 | $8,288 |
| 2dr SR5 4WD Standard Cab LB | $0 | $8,953 |
What engine is in a 1982 Toyota pickup?
2.4L 4 -cyl
1982 Toyota PICKUP (2.4L 4 -cyl Engine Code [R] 22R K) Motor Oil, Filters and Lubricants - AMSOIL.
