2012 Tacoma and 4Runner VVT-i Engine Differences

The 2012 4Runner says it come with a 4 liter, DOHC 24 valve engine with Dual Independent Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence (VVT-i). The 4Runner 2012 engine makes 270hp and 278 lb-ft or torque at about 400 higher RPM as compared to a 2012 Tacoma. The 2012 Tacoma 4 liter, DOHC 24 valve engine, however, is discribed as a VVT-i and makes 236 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque.

What is "Dual Independent Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence" and is the 2012 4Runner engine the same engine that is in the 2012 Tacoma?

The 30 hp and 40 lb-ft torque increase increase is not a trivial improvement. I'm thinking the improvement is the result of some induction and exhaust tweeking and a difference cam and tune but I'd like to know for sure. The Toyota sales people certainly don't know and you can only believe half of what they say. Does anyone know what the difference is?

 

1GR-FE


1GR-FE 4.0 L V6 from a 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser


The 1GR-FE is the 4.0 L (3956 cc) version, designed for longitudinal mounting in RWD and 4WD pickup applications. It has a 94 mm bore and a stroke of 95 mm. Output is 236 hp (176 kW) at 5200 rpm with 266 lb·ft (361 N·m) of torque at 4000 rpm on 87 octane, and 239 hp (178 kW) at 5200 rpm with 278 lb·ft (377 N·m) at 3700 rpm on 91 octane. This engine features Toyota's VVT-i, variable valve timing system on the intake cam and a compression ratio of 10.0:1. An updated version of this engine features Dual VVT-i, increasing output to 254 hp (189 kW) and 270 lb·ft (366 N·m) on 87 octane and 285 hp (213 kW) and 289 lb·ft (392 N·m) on 91 octane. Inside, the 1GR uses a "taper-squish" combustion chamber design with matching pistons to improve anti-knocking and engine performance, while also improving intake and fuel efficiency. Toyota adopted a siamese-type intake port, which reduces the surface area of the port walls and prevents fuel from adhering to such walls. This engine has special cast-iron cylinder liners cast into the block, which are a spiny type to improve adhesion between the liner and cylinder block. With these special thin liners it is impossible to bore the block. In the event of cylinder wall damage (scoring, deep protrusions, etc.), the entire cylinder block must be replaced. For increased block rigidity, the 1GR also receives a high temperature plastic insulator/protector, which fills the empty space between the outer portion of the cylinders and block material common to open deck engines. For increased cooling efficiency, the 1GR employs water passages between the bores of the engine. There are two such passages for each bank for a total of four. This reduces cylinder hot-spotting and keeps combustion chamber temperatures more uniform.
A bolt-on TRD supercharger kit is available on the Tacoma and FJ Cruiser.
Applications (with VVT-i) in model years:

• 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner / Hilux Surf (GRN210/215)
• 2007 Toyota Land Cruiser (GRJ200)
• 2003-2009 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (GRJ120/121/125)
• 2005–present Toyota Tacoma (GRN225/245/250/265/270)
• 2005 Toyota Hilux (GGN10/20)
• 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra (GSK30)
• 2007-2009 Toyota Tundra (GSK50/51)
• 2005 Toyota Fortuner (GGN50/60)
• 2007-2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser (GSJ10/15)

Applications (with Dual VVT-i) in model years:

• 2010–present Toyota 4Runner (GRN280)
• 2010–present Toyota FJ Cruiser
• 2009–present Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (GRJ150/155)
• 2010–present Toyota Tundra (GSK50/51)

[edit]

 

I was under the impression dual vvti had vvti on intake and exhaust cams.

 

yup and the vvt-i we have is intake cam only.

 

Has anyone ever done or seen a 1GR-FE Dual VVTi engine swap into a 2nd gen? What would need to be done to get it to work?

 

Maybe I can "bump" this old thread. I'm getting more confused about engines (buying one). My 2011 truck is not where I can look at it.

Is it a Dual VVT-i? This thread seems to indicate it is, as are a 2012 and 2015:

Applications (with VVT-i) in model years:

• 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner / Hilux Surf (GRN210/215)
• 2007 Toyota Land Cruiser (GRJ200)
• 2003-2009 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (GRJ120/121/125)
• 2005–present Toyota Tacoma (GRN225/245/250/265/270)
• 2005 Toyota Hilux (GGN10/20)
• 2005-2006 Toyota Tundra (GSK30)
• 2007-2009 Toyota Tundra (GSK50/51)
• 2005 Toyota Fortuner (GGN50/60)
• 2007-2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser (GSJ10/15)

Thanks for any clarification and to folks who answered other thread i put up.

 

They are single VVTI.

 

H'mmm - Witch? 2011, 2012, 2015.

Thanks!

 

All of them. All are single.

 

Let me know if anyone answered that question