Why Is My Tacoma So Slow and Gutless?

Long before my truck ever threw a code, I found that pushing down more than halfway actually made it accelerate slower. Later, I had problems with hot starts and stalling at lights.

Long story short, a dirty MAF finally caused a P0171. I cleaned it and that solved all three problems. I would clean yours if you haven't already. Just make sure you use dedicated MAF sensor cleaner.

BTW, my V6 meets or exceeds my expectations for acceleration and towing power considering the rated HP and vehicle weight. This was NOT the case with the dirty MAF sensor though. It was definitely a pig during that time.

 

Well it's a closed box style simalar to an oem style. It's just the tube is bigger and straighter. So I never thought it would be a problem. But now I'm wondering if it got slower after the install. AND of course I didn't save their parts. In the trash they went. Every car I've had has had an intake. All worked fine so in her thought to keep it.

 

So what I did was put some foam around the box by the grill and fender so that only air coming for outside the tuck comes in through the fender. I cut a chunk out of the fender well so the tube could grab air easier.

 

put in a tank full of premium & shove some of this shit into your tank after

 

That's fascinating actually....

 

Try cleaning the MAF and see if that helps any. Maybe your trans is slipping?

 

X2. When I first purchased my truck it had 104K on it and was a real slow bastard. Cleaning the MAF made a real difference, and since you've already changed out the timing belt (and I'm guessing the associated tensioners and pulleys?) we can rule that out. The only other thing I can think of is perhaps, if you're not the original owner, to go into the oil fill cap with a "scope" and see if the engine is sludged up. I say this because mine was: apparently the old fogey that owned it before me (the original owner) bought the truck and apparently just DROVE it--no maintenance whatsoever. The pictures I saw with the valve covers removed were horrifying. After I got the rather expensive de-sludging treatment it ran a hell of a lot better--and the valve cover gaskets got replaced so that was an added bonus.

Bottom line: cheap route is clean the MAF with that special MAF cleaner. You've done the mid-level stuff (timing belt). Next-level shit might be that you've got sludge. :/

Or not! But like an STD test, it'd be good to know!

 

I wonder if that foam is not sensor-safe and is messing (or messed with) your MAF.

 

Well that's better than the cone style filters. Clean the MAF and see if that helps as others have suggested.

 

The air filter or intake should not mess with the air/fuel mixture more than very briefly since the engine's sensors compensate for higher or lower flow.

HOWEVER, washable oiled elements tend to leave residue on the MAF sensor which causes them to accumulate dirt, which alters the readings, causing the mixture to be off.

That is what I suspect has happened here.

 

Yes I did the whole kit; timing belt, pulleys, water pump, thermostat, gaskets etc. oil change every 3k with high milage oil and restore. Just did plugs and rad flush. Then added the intake them muffler and now headers.

Have not cleaned maf yet.

Don't know what scope is. Can you please elaborate?

No, I just stuck the foam in there the other day to help insulate excess engine heat.

I do not oil the filter. And for that reason. Anytime I get a in or reusable filter I clean it first and not oil it.

Also I have not get changed trans fluid or diff oil yet.

 

So..... I stopped paying attention to this tread cause no one replied to me for a really long time.

The tires Im running on my Taco are 267/75/16 (31.6") and I ran the same size tires on my 4runner, an inch bigger than stock (265/70/16 (30.6")).

Im currently searching for a trd supercharger cause having to keep my foot to the floor in 5th gear to drive on I-70 is just ridiculous and annoying. Im sorry but 190hp just isnt enough.

 

CHECK YOUR CAT CONVERTER!!!!! Seen many of people with this problem in other vehicles. Your Taco should have plenty of power and should not have to floor it to keep up with traffic.

 

Madjik Man, what's your gear ratio?

 

You have a 6" lift with 265/75r16s?

 

Stock 4.10s

 

Yes I do

 

I don't think you currently have 190 HP.

I'd be interested in your 0-60 time. Although it would be crude measurement, it would still tell us roughly how far off your truck is compared to our trucks. If it is close, then there is probably nothing wrong with your truck and your expectations are too high. Possibly an easier measurement would be 50-60 time or 50-70 time in one gear, to eliminate the shifting variable.

Another thing to try would be top speed. If you have to nearly floor it to keep up with traffic, your top speed is probably much lower than ours and this would be indicative of a major problem.

I generally drive pretty slow and although I think our Tacoma's have speed-limiters, I know I've done 85 MPH with plenty of throttle left. I can do 65 MPH towing my boat easily on a flat road.

 

You could also find a member with a Gen 1 V-6, follow behind from a red light or freeway onramp and have him punch it and see if you can keep up.

If I remember, I'll try to clock my 50-60 time or 40-60 time tomorrow. Whatever is a good range for a particular gear.

 

MATCO scope: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy24Oew64mo