The Toyota 21R-C is a 2,189 cc, inline‑four petrol engine produced between 1978 and 1983. It features a cast iron block, aluminium head, single overhead camshaft (SOHC), and a two-barrel carburettor. This engine delivered approximately 72 kW (97 PS) and 162 Nm of torque, prioritising durability and low-end torque for everyday drivability.
Fitted primarily to the R30-series Celica and RA40-series Carina, the 21R-C was engineered for reliable, economical transportation. It offered a smooth and unassuming driving character, focusing on refinement over sportiness. Emissions compliance for its era was managed through basic exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and evaporative emission controls.
One documented concern is premature wear of the timing chain tensioner, which can lead to chain slack and potential failure. This issue, noted in Toyota Service Bulletin ENG-003-79, is often linked to extended oil change intervals allowing sludge buildup. Toyota addressed this in later R-series engines with revised tensioner designs.
Toyota
Production years 1978–1983 meet Japanese and European emissions standards applicable at the time of manufacture (Toyota Emissions Certification TEC-78-21R).
The Toyota 21R-C is a 2,189 cc inline‑four petrol engine engineered for mid‑size coupes and sedans (1978-1983). It combines a robust cast iron block with a simple SOHC valvetrain to deliver dependable, low-RPM torque. Designed to meet contemporary emissions standards, it prioritised longevity and ease of maintenance over peak performance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,189 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 88.5 mm × 88.5 mm | |
| Power output | 72 kW (97 PS) @ 5,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 162 Nm @ 3,600 rpm | |
| Fuel system | 2-barrel downdraft carburettor | |
| Emissions standard | Contemporary Japanese/European (1978) | |
| Compression ratio | 8.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven | |
| Oil type | API SF/CC, SAE 10W-40 | |
| Dry weight | Not specified in primary sources |
The 21R-C provides smooth, adequate power for its era but requires diligent maintenance of the carburettor and ignition system for optimal running. Using the specified API SF/CC oil and adhering to 5,000-8,000 km change intervals is critical to prevent timing chain tensioner wear and sludge formation. The simple SOHC design is robust, but the timing chain should be inspected regularly, especially on high-mileage examples. Fuel system components, particularly the carburettor, may need periodic cleaning or rebuilding.
Oil Specs: Requires API SF/CC specification oil (Toyota Repair Manual RM21R-78). Modern equivalents meeting API SL or higher are generally acceptable.
Emissions: Certification applies to models manufactured 1978-1983 (Toyota Emissions Certification TEC-78-21R). Standards varied significantly by global market.
Power Ratings: Measured under JIS D 1001 standards. Output figures are net ratings for production vehicles (Toyota Group PT-1980).
Toyota Repair Manual (RM21R-78)
Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC-21R-78)
Toyota Service Bulletin Database (ENG-003-79)
Toyota Group Product Technical Data (PT-1980)
The Toyota 21R-C was used across Toyota's RA40/R30 platforms with longitudinal mounting. This engine received minor platform-specific adaptations, such as different exhaust manifolds or engine mounts, but no major facelift revisions occurred during its production run. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the flat machined surface at the front-left of the engine block, near the exhaust manifold (Toyota Repair Manual RM21R-78). The 21R-C can be visually identified by its single overhead camshaft cover and the two-barrel carburettor. Critical differentiation from the similar 20R: The 21R-C has a larger 2.2L displacement (vs. 2.0L) and slightly different external casting marks. The 22R, its successor, features a different cylinder head design and revised water pump location.
The 21R-C's primary reliability risk is timing chain tensioner wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or poorly maintained examples. Toyota service data indicates a notable number of chain-related repairs were performed after 150,000 km, while owner reports frequently cite carburettor issues as a common nuisance. Infrequent oil changes and use of incorrect oil viscosity make tensioner failure more likely.
Analysis derived from Toyota technical bulletins (1978-1985) and aggregated owner workshop reports (1980-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about TOYOTA 21R-C.
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