Picking a Taco instead of a Tundra...

Howzit from the 50th state....
Back in 2005, when I was deciding to get a new truck, my mind was set on getting a Tundra. Why you ask, because it was a full size truck with a V8 and especially the rear windows can roll down.
Then I really stared to think if it was the perfect truck for me. V8 sucks way to to much of fuel, so I asked myself, do I really need horsepower than saving money at the fuel pump for a V6 with the Taco.
The Tacoma fitted my lifestyle better fuel wise plus it still holds alot of my longboard surfboards.
I would like to hear if you guys had a the similar situation or why did you choose to have a Tacoma in the first place.

 

I went through the same thing, I wanted a tundra but for the cost of a used trd tundra I got my brand new Taco TRD. The gas mileage is just a nother plus. But now that I have the Taco I wouldn't trade it for the world. I love these trucks.

 

I sold my full size Dodge so I could get a Tacoma. Not only does the Taco get better gas mileage but it looks a lot better, has better resale, drives better, is made better... I could go on for awhile but I think we all know Toyota is way better than Dodge.

 

I wanted a diesel truck as I could get biodiesel CHEAP in Houston and I love diesels. What I really wanted was a HiLux D4D, but I couldn't wait until Toyota finally decided to bring it to the states. So, I got a Tacoma. It is exactly what I wanted (minus the 3.0L Turbo Diesel engine).

 

Yeah I was considering a Regular cab 2007 tundra with the 5.7...just cuz I have this infatuation with speed...but I already have a fast car, and the 4x4 is awesome. A 4x4 tundra with the 5.7 would actually be perfect but its a bit out of my price range. So I went with the tacoma. Then again the taco does get AWESOME fuel mileage. I have the 4 cylinder 4x4 and i've gotten just over 25mpg on road trips.

 

What motor is in your merc? Is that the 4.6 DOHC?

 

No, its not what your thinking. Its not a mustang chassis. Its actually a mazda design. Ever heard of a 323 GTX? A mid to late 80's rally car mazda had. Its that engine in a 323 chassis with a drop top and mercury badges on it. Its front wheel drive with a 1.6 liter straight four cylinder with an upgraded turbo, forged internals and oodles of other crap done to it. It puts down around 250hp at the wheels. So like 300hp when you are talking at the crank which is what factory ratings are. Weighs about 2200lbs now, i've taken a few things off. Stock weight is 2385.

 

Something like that? Very nice, I'm just now starting to learn more about turbos b/c I convinced my girlfriend (soon to be wife) into getting a WRX. Now that shes had it awhile she is asking me to make it go faster, but me I've always been a naturally aspirated guy. I have a 4.6DOHC motor sitting in my garage that I plan on stroking to a 5.2L and 11:1 compression among some other stuff, should put out around 500HP. Now I just need to find the right car to put it in, was thinking I might build a 32 Ford but not sure.

 

Holy Junk! What kind of torque would that thing be putting out?

 

Um not sure exactly but I'll guess some where around...a lot. Most likely I will need to go with a 9" rear end and slicks. That is if I ever get the time and money to do any of this. Right now it's easy b/c all I'm doing is taking the motor apart, it's when I have to start buying things, thats the hard part.

 

Yup thats it!

My 1966 F100 needs a motor haha. I have the original FE block its a 352. I Don't think i'm going to use it though. I was actually thinking of getting a DOHC 4.6 aluminum block out of a 93-98 Lincoln Mark VIII and putting forged internals in it and of course....putting a turbo on it haha. I'm turbo crazy.
500 Normally aspirated horses isn't really enough power for that truck. I think it weighs around 4500lbs. I need around 6-700hp to really make it move.

That is if I ever get around to spending the money on that thing. I really lately have been wanting to build a kit car. I'm actually thinking about building a "lotus" type roadster. You know what i'm talking about? Buy a bunch of 4130 tubing and go to town haha. For a motor...i'm thinking rotary.
Anyways we totally just jacked this thread didn't we? haha

 

Hum, yeah I guess we did sorry Jagwar.