v6 engine upgrades for towing?

I will be towing a trailer close to the weight of my max listed towing capacity of 3500lbs (fully loaded weight of trailer will be slightly under 3500). Towing with the 3.4L v6 5 spd (5vz fe engine). I have a trailer brake. As I'm in the Tahoe region, there are plenty of hills- I don't want to give up my Tacoma just yet but it is slow going uphill and in windy conditions. Does anyone know if any engine mods I could make that would help or am I asking for trouble with engine mods. I don't tow too often and am not ready to give up my Tacoma for something bigger

 

What gear / rpm do you use for climbing?

 

gears

 

The engine should be able to handle it. Although....your clutch ain't gonna be happy in the long run. I'd be more concerned about the cooling system keeping the engine cool on the uphills. And of course...the braking.

 

drop a LS1 in!

 

I thought 1st gen v6's were rated for 5000 pounds or do you not have the tow package?

Super charger = easier pull.

 

i tow alot more than what you stated with mine. make sure you dont use overdrive and watch the temps and carfull not to overheat the tranny. i wouldnt worry about engine mods imo

 

I haven't towed at all with any tacoma. I just have memories of towing with a Grand Cherokee to Tellico and the darn temp gauge kept getting up in the red everytime we'd be up in the Tennessee mountains. That was a 4.7L V8.

Come to think of it.... I had a 3.4L manual tranny extended cab and I'm pretty sure the towing capacity was 5,000lbs. It should handle 3500lbs rather easily don't ya think?

 

i was talkin about the OP towing not yours srry. just wanted to agree with what you quoted. about the cooling system etc.

 

Supercharge it! Power Problem Solved!

 

I don't have the tow package and the owners manual says 3500lbs. Keeping the engine cool enough on warm days climbing the big hills will likely be the biggest obstacle. Need to take a few more towing trips to see how it fares. with the 5 spd v6 engine, what engine differences come with the tow package (ie besides wiring, etc)?

 

It seem the difference would be a tranny cooler(I don't think that applies to manuals I'm not familiar with them) and some sort of fan clutch.

 

Yesssir!

 

You wont have any problem towing that weight. I think the only thing that is gonna be pissed is your rear leafs. I have an 01 extra cab 3.4 SR5 and i've towed 4700 with just a K&N and magnaflow exhaust.