I wish these had more power! Any options?

I've had my 2016 DCSB TRD Sport 6-sp for just over a year now. I come from driving sportier cars (mostly lightly modified I4-turbo cars) so I knew going to a truck would be a big change. However, after all this time, I still can't get over how gutless this truck seems to be unless you rev the heck out of it and keep the RPM's up.

For modifications, I know there are a few cat-back exhaust systems and different types of intakes available, but it seems like that's about the limit for getting more horsepower and torque. Am I missing anything else? To make matters worse, I'm 5,000ft above sea level so I've got a nice ~15% decrease in power from altitude.

Is there any news I haven't seen about being able to change the tuning to stop the Atkinson cycle from being on and keep "normal" mode on all the time (vs above 3500rpm w/appropriate amount of pedal input)? Are there any big weight savings I could find by removing stuff without compromising too much? For info, the only added weight I have is the OEM tri-fold bed cover. Everything else is stock; no lift, no bigger tires, etc.

I know this forum - and the Tacoma world in general (when compared to other platforms) - isn't big on going faster and is instead is more about getting better at off-roading, but I'm considering getting rid of the Tacoma so I can find something else that fits the bill power-wise. A used 5.7 Tundra is on my short list, as that'd give me the power increase I want, but it's also about 1,000lbs heavier than the Tacoma =(. Going back to a car isn't much of an option; I'm 6'3", need room for a wife, future kids, and a 120lbs+ dog, and live in areas with rough winters.

Any input is appreciated!

 

Tundra

 

^x2.

 

I'd go with a F-150 before a tundra. I had a tundra and the in town mileage was terrible. 13mpg. however, on the road it was acceptable.

 

Also if you're 6'3 and want kids, Tundra.

My Tacoma worked for a single car seat, then it went from barely enough to not enough.

You'll run out of room quickly, I'm 6'7.

 

With slight modification, you should be able to get a hold of an IS350 supercharger kit.

 

F-150 eco-boost

 

Well hello near-twin.

I dunno man I find it has plenty of power for me, but I don't expect it to be like the Maxima I used to have.

 

Raptor lol

 

Nothing says reliable family car like a modified FI setup on a third gen.

 

You should have stuck to sports cars. Power breaks parts. These are designed for reliability and longevity, two things you'll start to lose if you start to try and make it appreciably faster. What's the big rush? We made the 22RE work for us back in the 80s and you have over double the power that those had.

 

I should also mention that the thing that brought me to the Tacoma, other than always kind of liking them, was the fact it's one of the only trucks left with a manual transmission. However, while shifting your own gears in a truck is always better IMO, it's not as important as power anymore.

As much as I'd love a Raptor or 3.5 EcoBoost, I'd want to keep my payments lower than those options -- saving for a house, hence why I'm looking at the used market.

 

I get ansy. I'm 31, and this Tacoma is vehicle #20 for me. I have a bit of a problem

 

get a turbo diesel.... fast, get good mpg, lasts forever ect ect... only cost you a smooth 60K for a new one

 

Hang in there dude.

You can have a truck and not hate driving it, contrary to opinion. Unfortunately for some hearts, the Tacoma isn't always the answer.

 

The secret to more power is to switch gas caps...











































take the one off of your Tacoma and put it on a Tundra!

 

Bingo.

 

Yeah, a Tacoma may have just been a bad choice if you want acceleration and off the block performance. I think it helps me avoid speeding tickets because it's so slow. A good mountain bike will take it off the line. Synnik, give it a year to adjust your expectations, and then if it still isn't working for you trade it.
Ps. When you realize how slow a Tacoma is, imagine the guys with bigger wheels/tires, most of whom haven't regeared. I don't know how they live with a Tacoma that has the gearing taken away from it.

 

Oh, I think about this a lot. It's literally insane to me to actively modify a vehicle to be slower. Tons of armor, a big camper shell, lift, larger tires/wheels, winches, giant steel bumpers, etc. I know that these people do it for off-road worthiness and (probably) looks, but man - those things must be sloths!

No hate to those people that DO modify their trucks like that; it's your truck & money, after all!

 

Had an ecoboost F-150 four years ago. 14mpg in city.