Differences between the 3.5L used in various vehicles?

Other than tuning are there any mechanical differences between the 3.5L used in various vehicles?

 

Just the engine?
No.

Transmission/diiferentials/transfer case/etc
A lot.

 

So the engine in the Taco is the same as the engine in the Camry and Sienna?

 

Yup. Camry, Siena, Highlander, and some Lexus models.

 

I’m surprised that a truck application isn’t more heavy duty than a car application.

 

Car companies have used the same engine in a variety of vehicles for many years. Its how the vehicle is geared amongst other things that matters. The 3.5 is a good engine.

 

For midsize, the engine is not really a big thing to look at aside from the torque value (if we are looking at the performance). A lot of SUVs and midsize truck uses a "car" engine. The difference is in the amount of torque it puts out to the wheels. Reason, why the Taco feels more alive and has the truck feel to it when people re-gear. There's also the issue of tune like you have mentioned as it is tuned for EPA.
Midsize truck category is not meant for "heavy duty" application. It's meant for medium duty. Increase reliability/longevity but sacrifice power. The way manufacturers push the "car" engine to tow is by transmission, transfer case, diffs, etc. They change the gearing accordingly based on the consumer market.

 

It’s the same in size 3.5L . Pistons, cams, rods etc change from vehicle to vehicle. Thus different hp ratings, torque ratings etc.

 

It is, 100%. It has better cooling and pistons that are designed for torque.

I've been told the only reason we don't have a 310hp 2GR in the Tacoma is due to underhood temps and emissions.

The 4.0 1GR was close in design to the old 3.5 2GRs as well.

 

To expand:
From what I have researched; the Cams, Crank, and Block are the same for Camry, Highlander, and Tacoma. The rods are beefier in the bigger vehicles due to the towing and the added stress. Now, how much is different is hard to say unless you know someone from Toyota or you actually took the engine apart, but I wouldn't be trying to look for a Camry engine to put in your Tacoma.

 

Obvious bait.

 

A Tacoma isn't a very heavy duty truck.... the most powerful engines are usually in cars....

Maybe you should look at it like.... Wow, that car has a really robust engine.

 

I took it. I should be nicer.

 

No doubt the engine is tuned for truck use. It may have its roots as a minivan engine, but it was optimized for the tacoma.

 

Bait for what?

 

All minivan jokes aside, I believe its roots are Lexus Vehicles.

 

Here’s everything you ever want or need to know about the 3.5L.

 

It is pretty common for manufactures to use one engine on many models. Like how the pentastar is used on the Chrysler 300, Pacifica, RAM 1500, Wrangler, Gladiator, ect.

 

And it was the worst damn engine ever made.....

 

How so? Unreliable?