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Modifying Your Engine For Boost


Turbocharging or supercharging any engine increases the strain on all of the engine components. At each level of additional boost, new issues for engine configuration develop and need to be addressed such as engine management, connecting rods, pistons, and head studs. Keep in mind; it is the combination of matched components to the specific level of boost, which will deliver a reliable high horsepower engine. What works for a low boost application may not take the strain of high levels of boost. The following are some guidelines to consider when setting up an engine for turbocharging or supercharging.


Compression Ratio: To achieve a reliable turbo charged engine package, you will need to lower your mechanical compression ratio accordingly. Lowering the compression is performed on stock engines by changing the pistons during a rebuild. We offer both a Street Performer cast piston in a 7.5:1 and our Pro Piston Kit that is forged. When ordering a Pro Piston Kit, you have the availability to order a stocking style piston or have one made to your specifications. Cylinder head and block modifications can change the compression ratio but in very little increments. Always cc your components during assembly to verify the mechanical compression ratio. Please call our technicians if you have any questions on your specific needs.


Bottom End (Short Block): The stock bottom end of a 22R/RE engine has adequate strength for low boost and low rpm applications if it is in good condition. For higher levels of boost and performance, our forged bottom end components (H-Beam Connecting Rods and Forged Pistons) are recommended. A Pro Bottom End (Short Block Kit part # 1011045 for the 85-95 or 1011042 for the 81-84) will provide adequate strength to 300 hp. For higher horsepower levels, please call our technicians for specific recommendations.


Fuel & Ignition Management: LC Engineering offers the SDS fuel management system that will control the fuel curve and Ignition timing. Generally, you will need larger injectors, and additional sensors for higher boost applications. We also offer a Mass Airflow Conversion kit that eliminates the stock air box and meter, and replaces it with a hot-wire MAF sensor. We offer several kits with varying fuel injector sizes. Please call our technicians for a specific recommendation.


Camshaft: LC Engineering offers a specially designed camshaft for the 22R/RE applications to achieve full benefit of your turbo engine. Our Street Turbo Cam (Part # 1022027) is an excellent choice on all boosted applications (turbo or supercharger). Keep in mind that with any camshaft replacement or “swap”, you should always consider replacing the rocker arms as well to prevent a premature camshaft failure. A camshaft is not a needed item, rather a desired item to give you the extra benefit when used with boost. Please call and talk with our technical staff about your specific requirements and for our recommendation.


Valves, Valve Springs and Cylinder Head: For the highest level of performance out of your build, valve size, valve springs, and cylinder head porting need to match the desired level of boost and camshaft profile used. Our Pro cylinder head (Part #1021024) will be adequate for most low boost 4WD and 2WD street applications when accompanied with our Street Turbo Camshaft. For drag strip and high rpm use, even at low boost levels, we recommend using our Stage 2 Head (Part # 1021033) with Pro Dual Valve Springs and Chromoly Retainers. A Stage 2 head will work on carbureted applications with little other work but on the fuel-injected model 22RE, an aftermarket engine management system such as our Pro Fuel Kit would be required. Our camshaft kits would be a great idea to replace all of the older worn out parts in the cylinder head. Once again, this is not a needed item but rather a desired item to get the most out of your build.


Intercoolers: An intercooler's primary function is to cool the charge air after it has been heated due to boosting and the heat that is produced by the turbo before sending the air into the engine. As the air is cooled, it becomes denser, and denser air makes for better combustion (more power). Additionally, the denser, cooler air helps reduce the chances of engine knock (detonation) which in the long term is the leading cause of engine failure. Intercoolers vary in size as well as configurations and price. Due to the many different boosted applications available, we do not sell intercoolers with our boost kits. Once again, this is not a needed item but rather a desired item to get the most out of your build. Please call our tech line for specific information on the intercoolers. These recommendations are a guideline for the type of modifications needed to build a strong and reliable engine for the desired level of boost and performance. Please talk with a technician about your specific requirements before ordering.


Here is a list of the main components that you need in your 22R/RE engine in order to be able to handle boost:


Low Boost 0-10 PSI Boost 22R 81-84

  • Cylinder Head Studs, see Part# 1024069
  • Pro Oil Pump, see Part# 1016069
  • Street Turbo Cam (New Rocker Arms), see Part# 1022027 ( Cam ), see Part# 1023019 ( Rockers )
  • Street Performer Valve Springs, see Part# 1023201
  • Low Compression Pro Pistons, see Part# 1014325
  • Pro Rod Bolts, see Part# 1013201
  • New Head Gasket, see Part# 1024019


Low Boost 0-10 PSI Boost 22R Stroker 81-84

  • Cylinder Head Studs, see Part# 1024069
  • Pro Oil Pump, see Part# 1016069
  • Street Turbo Cam (New Rocker Arms), see Part# 1022027 ( Cam ), see Part# 1023019 ( Rockers )
  • Street Performer Valve Springs, see Part# 1023201
  • Low Compression Pro Pistons, see Part# 1014379
  • Pro Rod Bolts, see Part# 1013201
  • New Head Gasket, see Part# 1024019


Low Boost 0-10 PSI Boost 22R 85-95

  • Cylinder Head Studs, see Part# 1024069
  • Pro Oil Pump, see Part# 1016072 Single Row Timing Chain, see Part# 1016069 Dual Row Timing Chain
  • Street Turbo Cam (New Rocker Arms), see Part# 1022027 ( Cam ), see Part# 1023019 ( Rockers )
  • Street Performer Valve Springs, see Part# 1023201
  • Low Compression Street Pistons, see Part# 1014310 (STD), see Part# 1014301 ( +20 ), see Part# 1014304 ( + 30 ), see Part# 1014307 ( + 40 )
  • Pro Rod Bolts, see Part# 1013201
  • New Head Gasket, see Part# 1024019


Low Boost 0-10 PSI Boost 22R Stroker 85-95

  • Cylinder Head Studs, see Part# 1024069
  • Pro Oil Pump, see Part# 1016072 Single Row Timing Chain, see Part# 1016069 Dual Row Timing Chain
  • Street Turbo Cam (New Rocker Arms), see Part# 1022027 ( Cam ), see Part# 1023019 ( Rockers )
  • Street Performer Valve Springs, see Part# 1023201
  • Low Compression Street Pistons, see Part# 1014319
  • Pro Rod Bolts, see Part# 1013201
  • New Head Gasket, see Part# 1024019


Low Boost 0-10 PSI Boost 22RE 85-95

  • Cylinder Head Studs, see Part# 1024069
  • Pro Oil Pump, see Part# 1016072 Single Row Timing Chain, see Part# 1016069 Dual Row Timing Chain
  • Street Turbo Cam (New Rocker Arms), see Part# 1022027 ( Cam ), see Part# 1023019 ( Rockers )
  • Street Performer Valve Springs, see Part# 1023201
  • Low Compression Street Pistons, see Part# 1014310 (STD), see Part# 1014301 ( +20 ), see Part# 1014304 ( + 30 ), see Part# 1014307 ( + 40 )
  • Pro Rod Bolts, see Part# 1013201
  • Pro Fuel Injection/MAF conversion (22RE Models), see Part# 1063071 ( Mass Air #2 ), see Part# 1063072 ( Mass Air #3 ), see Part# 1063028 ( Pro Fuel #3 )
  • New Head Gasket, see Part# 1024019


Low Boost 0-10 PSI Boost 22RE Stroker 85-95

  • Cylinder Head Studs, see Part# 1024069
  • Pro Oil Pump, see Part# 1016072 Single Row Timing Chain, see Part# 1016069 Dual Row Timing Chain
  • Street Turbo Cam (New Rocker Arms), see Part# 1022027 ( Cam ), see Part# 1023019 ( Rockers )
  • Street Performer Valve Springs, see Part# 1023201
  • Low Compression Street Pistons, see Part# 1014319
  • Pro Rod Bolts, see Part# 1013201
  • Pro Fuel Injection/MAF conversion (22RE Models), see Part# 1063071 ( Mass Air #2 ), see Part# 1063072 ( Mass Air #3 ), see Part# 1063028 ( Pro Fuel #3 )
  • New Head Gasket, see Part# 1024019


High Boost 10+ PSI Boost 22R 81-84

  • Cylinder Head Studs, see Part# 1024069
  • Pro Oil Pump, see Part# 1016069
  • Street Turbo Cam (New Rocker Arms), see Part# 1022027 ( Cam ), see Part# 1023019 ( Rockers )
  • Pro Cam Kit w/ Dual Valve Springs Chromoly Retainers, see Part# 1020007
  • New Head Gasket, see Part# 1024019
  • Forged Piston & Rod Kit (Compression level varies by level of boost), see Part# 1010017 ( W/1014325 )


High Boost 10+ PSI Boost 22R Stroker 81-84

  • Cylinder Head Studs, see Part# 1024069
  • Pro Oil Pump, see Part# 1016069
  • Street Turbo Cam (New Rocker Arms), see Part# 1022027 ( Cam ), see Part# 1023019 ( Rockers )
  • Pro Cam Kit w/ Dual Valve Springs Chromoly Retainers, see Part# 1020007
  • New Head Gasket, see Part# 1024019
  • Forged Piston Custom, see Part# 1014379
  • Pro H-Beam Rod Set, see Part# 1013198


High Boost 10+ PSI Boost 22R 85-95

  • Cylinder Head Studs, see Part# 1024069
  • Pro Oil Pump, see Part# 1016072 Single Row Timing Chain, see Part# 1016069 Dual Row Timing Chain
  • Street Turbo Cam (New Rocker Arms), see Part# 1022027 ( Cam ), see Part# 1023019 ( Rockers )
  • Pro Cam Kit w/ Dual Valve Springs Chromoly Retainers, see Part# 1020007
  • New Head Gasket, see Part# 1024019
  • Forged Piston & Rod Kit (Compression level varies by level of boost), see Part# 1010015 ( W/1014322 )


High Boost 10+ PSI Boost 22R Stroker 85-95

  • Cylinder Head Studs, see Part# 1024069
  • Pro Oil Pump, see Part# 1016072 Single Row Timing Chain, see Part# 1016069 Dual Row Timing Chain
  • Street Turbo Cam (New Rocker Arms), see Part# 1022027 ( Cam ), see Part# 1023019 ( Rockers )
  • Pro Cam Kit w/ Dual Valve Springs Chromoly Retainers, see Part# 1020007
  • New Head Gasket, see Part# 1024019
  • Forged Piston, see Part# 1014322
  • Pro H-Beam Rod Set, see Part# 1013198


High Boost 10+ PSI Boost 22RE 85-95

  • Cylinder Head Studs, see Part# 1024069
  • Pro Oil Pump, see Part# 1016072 Single Row Timing Chain, see Part# 1016069 Dual Row Timing Chain
  • Street Turbo Cam (New Rocker Arms), see Part# 1022027 ( Cam ), see Part# 1023019 ( Rockers )
  • Pro Cam Kit w/ Dual Valve Springs Chromoly Retainers, see Part# 1020007
  • Forged Piston & Rod Kit (Compression level varies by level of boost), see Part# 1010015 ( W/1014322 )
  • Pro Fuel Injection/MAF conversion (22RE Models), see Part# 1063072 ( Mass Air #3 ), see Part# 1063028 ( Pro Fuel #3 ), see Part# 1063029 ( Pro Fuel #3 )
  • New Head Gasket, see Part# 1024019


High Boost 10+ PSI Boost 22RE Stroker 85-95

  • Cylinder Head Studs, see Part# 1024069
  • Pro Oil Pump, see Part# 1016072 Single Row Timing Chain, see Part# 1016069 Dual Row Timing Chain
  • Street Turbo Cam (New Rocker Arms), see Part# 1022027 ( Cam ), see Part# 1023019 ( Rockers )
  • Pro Cam Kit w/ Dual Valve Springs Chromoly Retainers, see Part# 1020007
  • Forged Piston, see Part# 1014319
  • Pro H-Beam Rod Set, see Part# 1013198
  • Pro Fuel Injection/MAF conversion (22RE Models), see Part# 1063072 ( Mass Air #3 ), see Part# 1063028 ( Pro Fuel #3 ), see Part# 1063029 ( Pro Fuel #3 )
  • New Head Gasket, see Part# 1024019