New 2023 manual owner

Picked up my truck yesterday, question to the manual owners.

Does your tacoma feel like it is struggling some until it gets over a certain rpm? Maybe 3 or 3500rpm? It almost feels like it's starved for fuel or something until it opens up. Is this the two engine modes I read about?

 

Common trait for this v6

 

Gotta wind’er up!

 

Thanks. I'll also add the clutch is a bit vague compared to my 1991 toyota that I drove for 300k. I was trying to learn how it likes to be shifted as well, it can be finicky from 1st to 2nd, it's almost like it doesn't like to be shifted too quickly unless the rpms are high. I'm also rusty, it's been 20 years. My son bet me I was going to stall it on the test drive, hes nieve and lost 20 bucks. Very happy I got the manual, it was a 180 mile ride home that was almost exhilarating if that makes sense. Made me feel like I was 17 through 31 again. I'll take that.

 

These engines are part time direct injected so they make their power high in the rev range (around 3500) compared to other engines. Definitely takes you by surprise if you aren't used to it.

 

These are all common observations. You’ll adjust and get used to it. There are also some modifications you can do like the clutch accumulator delete and an ECU tune.

 

From 1st to 2nd, the gearing is basically a factor of 2 so if you rev 1st to 4000, you need to wait for revs to fall to 2000 before letting the clutch out in 2nd. That can take a second or two. Takes getting used to in order to do it smoothly and naturally.

Yes, this V6 has no power below 3500.

The vague clutch can mostly be remedied by removing the clutch accumulator function.

 

Highly recommend the clutch accumulator delete disk. It makes the clutch feel like it should. The accumulator is stupid and worthless unless you can't drive a stick.

The factory tune is awful, VF tuner actually makes the truck run significantly better.

It is not like driving a miata, but it is fun now.

 

It’s slow and I mean really slow in first gear .. 3rd is where the power is .. u will get used to it .at least u can tell it what gear to be in auto it can’t make up its mind …lol

 

Manual Tacos are fun to drive (slowly). They are not sports cars!
You have power, but it is up in the revs 3000+ otherwise a gentle foot and patience is the best way to get up there...

Some struggle with the accumulator, some don't. I've not felt the need (no vagueness) so I've not touched it.

You do not indicate what trim you have. If you have a 4x4, you might look at the 2WD lo mod. It allows you to use the 4x4 transfer case for RWD only. It is a great addition to the tool set for the manual.

 

I'd even hesitate to say this motor makes power anywhere. It definitely lacks low-end power but doesn't necessarily wake up when it's revved up. It's anemic all around. When the weather cools down I'd like to install the accumulator delete disc as I find the engagement inconsistent at times.

I'm still very happy I opted for the 6MT.

 

Trd off road 4x4, double cab.

Another thing, stick shift shakes around more than I ever remember. I saw the same thing in videos, guess it's normal due to direct connection?

 

Drive it like a Civic.

 

Yep all normal

 

You’re going to have to mod it. Anderson mani spacer and kd max 10.0 tune sport throttle. It’s got plenty of power after that

 

Congratulations on the new truck! Manual FTW!

 

I'd drive it like it is for awhile. Manuals in these trucks make them just plain fun to drive. Get used to it and then make some changes if you choose to.

 

I have a beater 05 Corolla and my 2019 off road auto and to me it’s totally fine stock . Its not a sports car, and I don’t expect it to be . If I wanted a sports car it wouldn’t be a Tacoma . It amazes me what people expect out of a heavy truck with a smallish motor. In 1985 a Corvette had just about 200 horsepower, and that was considered fast . I think we are all loosing our minds lol. The power the truck makes stock, automatic or manual is fine .The options I have in my truck now would have been a fantasy back in the early 80’s for most people . My first car a 1974 duster had no power anything ,the rear defroster was a fan with a blower in the back , roll down windows ,no tilt ,cruise or any of that stuff. If you went over 60 miles an hour the car would shake your insides. When it rained you needed to give your self plenty of time to stop, or guess what ….. you wouldn’t . When it rained a lot the car wouldn’t start because the ignition would get wet . So I really don’t understand all the complaints about the Tacoma .When I’m driving it I actually think to myself what all the fuss is about . I just don’t see it, maybe Im the one lives in a closet who knows .