Why is the taco engine so weak?

So far, the only real positive attribute of the engine I've found is the smoothness. Otherwise, it seems like you really have to press on the pedal hard to make it get out of its own way.

We also have a 2011 Xterra and I have stopped driving it because it makes me cry to get back in my truck. It is so much more responsive, so much faster, I keep wanting to look under my truck hood to see if someone swapped in the 2.7L.

 

285s?

 

My 4.0 is a pig, but it's no dog when you're asking for power. There's a slight lag after you punch it, but after that it's pure power. You can't really compare it to a SUV. My wife's Pilot has a 3.5 liter V6 that flat out flies. But it's a far lighter ride and the motor is pushing out a lot less torque.

 

A lot of it is the programming of the electronic throttle.

 

Yeah, I'm not gonna stick it to most in the quarter mile, but it has power when I need it. And with a manual, it's fun to drive, esp off road...

 

I have heard that from a few people with the 4x4, I wonder if it's tuned very slightly differently, meaning the power is there it's just not as quick.

 

Toyota wants you to buy the supercharger.

Taco's not gonna fly with lift and 33's on it. It's not a sports car.

It does have plenty of power though.

 

I dunno, my X-Runner feels pretty "sporty".

Actually feels pretty quick compared to my 96 and an outright rocketship compared to my 87 4x4 (115ish hp in a truck that probably weighs almost as much as a dub cab tacoma).

 

My unbiased opinion, keep in mind Im talking about the stock 4.0 v6, is that the tacoma is in fact not fast (sorry guys, its true). But you have to think at the end of the day its a v6. I do think you can make it a quick truck because it is so lightweight. But the engine really shines when youre towing. This engine is so powerful for its size when youre towing a load (now if only the brakes, etc could keep up).

You would be surprised what an exhaust, intake, and custom tune will do on most trucks, but there doesnt seem to be many people who custom tune tacomas specifically??

 

There are some 1.6L V6 engines that are a lot more powerful than the Tacoma's 4.0L that's for sure

 

Yeah but the xterra is a piece is trash. My dad will take your xterra in for scrap for you.

I've driven lots xterras and pathfinders, none are more powerful than a tacoma 4.0.

My 06 taco engine just hit 230. Still has as much jam as my 2014.

 

Is there a way to fix the awful throttle response? I think that is what makes it seem slow.

 

Mine is so strong they have to replace the pavement everywhere I take off from a standstill. Sorry yours sucks.

 

I've noticed a delayed throttle response as well... not that its a real complaint for me mind you. But I have noticed.

 

I'm seriously

 

You think the 4.0 is weak, try the 2.7 with 35s. My 5 year old on his baby bicycle has a faster 0-60

 

4.0 w/285s. No problems.

 

Toyota wants you to buy a supercharger too!

 

5-lug 2.7L stick, plenty fast.