V6 Low End Power Opinions

I want opinions on how to get the most out of the 4.0L on the lower end of the RPM scale. It seems there are plenty of mods for increasing power up top but very few to help the engine at cruising speed. So, for someone who does not race, what are your opinions and why? Preferably looking for more grunt off the line when loaded and maybe a little more umph in the 1,500 - 2,500 RPM range.

Regearing is out, I do not want the truck geared any lower, it's low enough as-is and would be useless on the highway if I regeared. So far the only viable option I've come up with (w/ Mr. 4x4's insight) is short tube headers, a URD TCAI and a MAF Calibrator. Opinions and butt dyno results welcome

 

I've been keeping an eye on the manifold spacer thread also, there's actually a great debate over those and I'm looking forward to real world results.

I'm staying away from a blower for cost purposes but am pretty seriously considering the URD intake, MAF calibrator and shorty headers. I've heard different claims about when the MAF calibrator kicks in (when the truck runs in different loops). I know the intake and MAF won't help much on the low end but will help in the mid-range (say when I need to step out in traffic when towing a trailer).

I said it to Chris and I'll say it again, I think I need a heavier foot so I can take advantage of some of these modifications!

 

Lighter wheels/tires make it easier to take off from a start.. get rid of your spare/extra weight in cab

 

Yeah, can't do gears. This thing is already geared low enough. The slightly larger tires actually helped regain some of my MPG's at higher speeds (part of the reason I might be a tad sluggish at slower, cruising speeds ).

They are a good option though, just not for my useage.

So far we've got:
regear
short tube headers
supercharge
Intakes/MAF calibrator although they will only help in mid - high rpm range.
manifold spacer (doubtful but left on the list pending dyno results)

 

Did that, running P-rated tires. Can't unweight the cab, I carry a lot of weight with me because of the shell and tools. I know if I want to be as efficient as possible, I need to strip weight, narrow/light tires with highway tread, lose the lift, smaller rims, etc. The purpose isn't to make the truck as efficient as possible, it's to improve on the truck's power in the low range so it's not as sluggish as it is when driving around with that kind of load. To me, having the extra weight of the shell and tools is considered unloaded. I've made decisions with the truck such as the lift, bigger tires and extra weight that I knew would have some effect on the way it drove. I'm happy with those decisions and am now trying to improve on the power in a specific RPM range. If it's not possible, so be it, I'll deal with it. The truck still runs and drives great with plenty of power, just looking to eek out a little more if I can.

 

NOS! THE BIG ONE! KNOW WHAT? BETTER MAKE IT TWO! HARRY, I NEED IT BY TONIGHT!

No further help from me sorry.

 

Good idea, although I think that would qualify as 'top end power' and therefore irrelevant to this discussion

The miracle worker that doubles, no triples your horsepower, makes your 0-100 time under 5 seconds and can chirp the tires when already traveling 120 MPH in any engine! Haven't you seen the fast and the furious? It's like the best thing to ever happen to an internal combustion engine

 

Well yeah, that usually happens after that 0 - 100 run when Nos is installed overnight into an engine that's not set up to handle it.

 

Just over 30% or past approx 3400 RPMs.

 

Stock intake is the best for low end torque. I had the AFE and went back to stock because I lost sooo much low end snot. If you want more maybe premium fuel should add a couple of lbs

 

Is there any benefit to running the URD MAF Calibrator with the stock intake and a drop in filter like the TRD or Pro Dry?

 

I might have to give that a shot. As you said, it seems like Toyota did a good job on the RPM range you spend the most time in. I'll give Gadget a call and see if I can pick his brain about different set ups and post up my findings (and maybe results if I go through with it).

 

Indeed on the variables. I was just quoting off of what I had witnessed yesterday on the way home.

 

Nope. I am all N/A trim right now. Stock headers. Stock Y-pipe. No catback.. Lol. Don't have one any more. Seriously tired of the droning, but truly it isn't as loud as I thought it would be.

Edit: Also stock ECU.

 

Took a little video on the way home the other day. Definitely changes under more than just to select variables like I had originally thought. Chris4x4, you motivated me to do this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErPJEn2TmSY&list=UUY6smW2Tj-MhTiOTY5r8L8w&index=1&feature=plpp_video

It is good for discussion though.