If you own a Toyota 22RE engine, you know it is reliable but not powerful. Adding a turbo kit can transform your driving experience. We researched and compared the top turbo kits available on Amazon based on manufacturer specifications, published industry standards, and aggregated owner feedback. Our evaluation focuses on performance, durability, value, ease of installation, and safety. Here are our findings to help you choose the right kit for your build.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
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CX Racing 22RE Turbo Kit Best Overall T3/T4 turbo, cast iron manifold, 2.5" intercooler piping |
9.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
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LC Engineering 22RE Turbo Kit Premium Pick Precision 46mm turbo, custom intake manifold, fuel system upgrade |
8.7 | 🛒 Check Price |
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T3 Turbo 22RE Kit (Universal) Budget Friendly T3 turbo, mild steel manifold, no intercooler |
8.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Megan Racing 22RE Turbo Kit Solid Performance T04E turbo, cast iron manifold, 2.5" intercooler piping |
8.4 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Turbonetics 22RE Turbo Kit Brand Trust Turbonetics T3/T4 turbo, cast iron manifold, 3" downpipe |
8.9 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Speedmaster 22RE Turbo Kit Value Pick T3/T4 turbo, steel manifold, 2.5" intercooler piping |
7.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
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CTS Turbo 22RE Kit Ease of Install GT28RS turbo, cast manifold, pre-assembled sub-assemblies |
8.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. CX Racing 22RE Turbo Kit: Best Overall
The CX Racing turbo kit is a popular choice among 22RE enthusiasts. We compared its components and found that the cast iron manifold and T3/T4 turbo offer a good balance of durability and performance. Owner feedback indicates that with a proper tune, this kit can add significant horsepower without sacrificing reliability. However, some users report that the intercooler piping may need slight adjustments to fit certain vehicles, especially if you have a 4Runner or pickup with modifications.
If you are looking for a complete kit that covers most of the essentials, this is a strong contender. However, if you prefer a fully bolt-on experience with no modifications, you might want to consider a different kit. It is also worth noting that you will need a standalone ECU or piggyback tuner to get the most out of this kit, which adds to the overall investment.
- Includes T3/T4 turbocharger, cast iron exhaust manifold, and intercooler with piping
- All necessary gaskets and hardware for installation
- Wastegate and blow-off valve included
Pros: Complete kit with quality cast iron manifold; Good power gains with proper tuning
Cons: Intercooler piping may require minor modifications for some chassis
2. LC Engineering 22RE Turbo Kit: Premium Pick
LC Engineering is a well-known name in the 22RE community, and their turbo kit reflects their expertise. We researched the components and found that the Precision turbo and custom intake manifold are top-tier. Owner feedback praises the kit’s build quality and the power gains, with many reporting reliable operation at moderate boost levels. However, the price is substantially higher than other kits, which may not be justifiable for budget-conscious builders.
This kit is best suited for those who are building a high-performance 22RE and are willing to invest in supporting modifications like a stronger clutch and upgraded cooling system. If you are on a tight budget or just want a simple boost in power, you might find better value elsewhere. Also, installation is more involved due to the custom intake, so professional installation is recommended.
- Includes Precision turbocharger, custom intake manifold, and fuel injectors
- High-quality gaskets and stainless steel hardware
- Tuned for 8-10 psi boost
Pros: Premium components for high performance; Excellent customer support and documentation
Cons: Very expensive compared to other kits; Requires significant engine modifications for full potential
3. T3 Turbo 22RE Kit (Universal): Budget Friendly
This universal T3 turbo kit is a very affordable options for the 22RE. We compared its components and noted that it lacks an intercooler, which means you will need to source one separately for safe boost levels. Owner feedback shows that with careful tuning and a low boost level (around 5-7 psi), this kit can work, but durability concerns exist due to the mild steel manifold. Some users reported cracking after extended use, so upgrading to a cast iron manifold is recommended.
This kit is ideal for those on a tight budget who are willing to do some fabrication and incremental upgrades. If you want a turnkey solution with reliable performance, you should look at a more complete kit. It is also not recommended for daily drivers without additional cooling and fuel system upgrades.
- T3 turbocharger with standard flange
- Mild steel exhaust manifold with heat wrap
- Includes oil feed and drain lines
Pros: Very affordable entry point; Simple design with fewer parts to install
Cons: No intercooler included, limiting power and safety; Mild steel manifold may crack over time
4. Megan Racing 22RE Turbo Kit: Solid Performance
The Megan Racing kit offers a solid middle ground between price and performance. We evaluated its components and found that the T04E turbo provides good flow for the 22RE, and the cast iron manifold is a plus for durability. Owner feedback indicates that with proper tuning, this kit can deliver reliable power gains. However, some users noted that the intercooler piping required minor trimming to fit their specific vehicle, and a few reported that the provided bolts were not of the highest quality.
If you are looking for a kit that gives you a good starting point without breaking the bank, this is a viable option. But if you want a truly smooth installation, you may need to invest in additional parts or modifications. It is also advisable to replace the supplied hardware with higher-grade fasteners for added security.
- T04E turbocharger with 50 trim compressor
- Cast iron exhaust manifold for durability
- Front-mount intercooler with polished piping
Pros: Good turbo choice for responsive power; Cast iron manifold resists cracking
Cons: Intercooler piping may need trimming for fitment; Some hardware quality concerns reported
5. Turbonetics 22RE Turbo Kit: Brand Trust
Turbonetics is a respected name in turbocharging, and their 22RE kit reflects that reputation. We researched the specs and found that the ceramic ball bearing turbo offers quick spool and durability. Owner feedback is largely positive, with many noting that the kit includes everything needed for a clean installation. The 3-inch downpipe is a nice touch for exhaust flow. However, the kit is priced at a premium, and some users mentioned that the intake piping did not perfectly align with their aftermarket intake manifold.
This kit is a great choice if you prioritize brand reliability and are willing to pay extra for it. It is best suited for enthusiasts who want a nearly turnkey solution with high-quality parts. If you are on a strict budget or have a heavily modified engine, you might need to look elsewhere or plan for additional modifications.
- Turbonetics T3/T4 turbo with ceramic ball bearings
- Cast iron manifold and 3-inch downpipe
- Includes adjustable wastegate and blow-off valve
Pros: High-quality turbo from reputable brand; Comprehensive kit with well-thought-out components
Cons: Higher price point; Some users report fitment issues with certain intake setups
6. Speedmaster 22RE Turbo Kit: Value Pick
The Speedmaster kit is one of the more budget-friendly complete kits on the market. We compared its components and found that while it includes an intercooler and piping, the steel manifold and turbo quality are areas of concern. Owner feedback is mixed: some have had good experiences with proper tuning, while others reported manifold cracks and turbo failures after a short period. This kit requires careful monitoring and potentially upgrading the manifold and turbo for long-term reliability.
If you are on a very tight budget and are handy with fabrication and tuning, this kit can be a starting point. However, for most users, we recommend spending a bit more for a kit with a cast iron manifold and a more reliable turbo. This kit is not recommended for daily drivers or those seeking a worry-free experience.
- T3/T4 turbocharger with standard flange
- Steel exhaust manifold (not cast iron)
- Intercooler and piping included
Pros: Affordable price for a complete kit; Intercooler included for better performance
Cons: Steel manifold susceptible to cracking; Turbo quality can be inconsistent
7. CTS Turbo 22RE Kit: Ease of Install
The CTS Turbo kit focuses on ease of installation, with many components pre-assembled. We researched the design and found that the cast iron manifold and compact GT28RS-style turbo make for a neat fit in the 22RE engine bay. Owner feedback highlights that the kit goes together with minimal hassle, making it a good choice for DIYers. However, some users noted that the turbo is not a genuine Garrett unit, and its long-term durability may not match that of higher-end turbos. It is best kept at moderate boost levels (around 8 psi) to ensure reliability.
This kit is ideal for those who want a relatively simple installation and are not chasing extreme power numbers. If you plan to push high boost or race the vehicle, you might want a kit with a more proven turbocharger. It is a solid choice for a street-driven truck or 4Runner with occasional off-road use.
- GT28RS turbocharger (disguised as Garrett style)
- Cast iron exhaust manifold
- Pre-assembled intercooler and piping for easier installation
Pros: Installation is straightforward with pre-assembled parts; Compact turbo fits well in tight engine bays
Cons: Turbo may not be a genuine Garrett, quality varies; Limited to lower boost levels for safety
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to upgrade my fuel system when adding a turbo to a 22RE?
Yes, almost always. The stock fuel injectors and fuel pump are not designed for the increased fuel demand under boost. Most turbo kits require at least larger injectors and an adjustable fuel pressure regulator. Many owners also upgrade to a high-flow fuel pump. Without these upgrades, you risk running lean, which can cause engine damage.
Can I run a turbo on a stock 22RE engine?
Yes, but with caution. The stock 22RE can handle low boost levels (around 5-7 psi) with proper tuning and supporting mods like an intercooler and fuel upgrades. However, the stock head gasket and bottom end are not designed for high boost. For reliability, many owners upgrade to a metal head gasket and ARP head studs. Running higher boost on a stock engine can lead to failure.
What type of tuning is required for a 22RE turbo kit?
Most 22RE turbo kits require a standalone ECU (like Megasquirt or AEM) or a piggyback tuner (like the LC-1 or SAFC) to adjust fuel and timing maps. Some kits come with a base tune, but custom tuning on a dyno is recommended for optimal performance and safety. Without proper tuning, the engine may run poorly or be damaged.
How much horsepower can I expect from a 22RE turbo kit?
With a good kit and proper tuning, a 22RE can produce 150-200 horsepower at the wheels on 8-10 psi of boost. Some high-end builds exceed 250 horsepower, but that requires extensive internal engine modifications. The stock 22RE is typically around 100-110 horsepower, so even a modest turbo setup can provide a significant power increase.
Will a turbo kit fit my Toyota pickup or 4Runner?
Most turbo kits are designed to fit 1981-1995 Toyota pickups and 4Runners with the 22RE engine. However, fitment can vary depending on the chassis, engine bay modifications, and accessories like power steering or air conditioning. Some kits require minor modifications to the intercooler piping or relocation of components. Always check the kit’s compatibility with your specific vehicle year and model before purchasing.
Our Verdict
After researching and comparing the available turbo kits for the 22RE, our top pick is the CX Racing 22RE Turbo Kit for its excellent balance of performance, durability, and value. It includes quality components like a cast iron manifold and intercooler, and owner feedback is consistently positive. For those seeking a premium experience with top-tier parts, the LC Engineering 22RE Turbo Kit is a strong runner-up, though it comes at a significantly higher price. Whichever you choose, remember that proper tuning and supporting modifications are key to a successful turbo setup.
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