2016 Tacoma V6 Manual Trans

This is a great description of how to drive this truck properly with the 6MT. The 3.5 engine is a racing engine, it loves to get revved up and it needs to be driven that way.

 

Ran across this thread describing all 9 "modes" Tacomas can be driven in.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/a-trac-trac-auto-lsd-explained-easy-to-understand-i-hope.70551/

When turning on ignition in 2wheel, you default into mode 1. This means your engine output is regulated to keep you safe (among other things)

Try turning off TRAC and VSC by holding the swervy car button down for 3+ seconds and see if you like how the truck drives. I have noticed that the surge in accerlation when hitting 2-3k rpm goes away and the drive is much smoother with more power at lower rpms.

But beware, with TRAC and VSC off you are in complete control of the truck (mode 3 in the linked thread). Honestly, this is how I always drive now on dry roads.

 

this is certainly the throttle map mess in the ECU identified and posted by Orange Virus recently. toyota is apparently trying to save bones by having the same motor in a few platforms, and they're shortcutting platform-specific development through simply remapping the throttle. you can search for the info OV put up about it.

in my mind the solution is - hopefully - the OV tune said to be incoming. the shortcut in the meantime for me is a Pedal Commander that adjusts the throttle curve in the DBW and gives back much of the response although some hesitation is still there. just waiting for a proper tune.

 

Just waiting on that OVT Tune. I really hope it helps...

 

2nd-3rd for hard pulls needs a shift point at 4k like others have said. Whether it's a compute thing or just the block, it won't let you make power below that. Everyday my commuter starts off with a traffic light, and an on ramp with about only 800 ft to merge with 70mph traffic. After about a couple of weeks I found the sweet spot and it hasn't really been an issue.

Regarding that flat spot, it's definitely there. But reving past it negates it for me. I also agree that this motor when cold is completely different than warmed up. Everything from fuel economy to pickup is better when warm, and is more pronounced that just an average vehicle warming up.

Having owned both MT and AT 4.0 gen2 and recently moving to a 2017 3.5MT, it is different but I don't feel like it's a huge punch in the sac like a lot of people make it seem. Just my take on it though.

 

I don't have a dyno report, but since upgrading to TRD's Catback and CAI, I significantly noticed low end torque improvement.
I live in the hills. Before upgrades, I would get lag between 2&3rd. Since the upgrade that has been eliminated.

 

Could the miss have to do with changing Atkinson to Otto cycle or whatever? I don't know much h about the cycle crap

 

It is definitely a different feeling, the 4.0 has much more useable power down low, I am slowly adjusting my driving style to the new 3.5 and its feeling better. The New Manual shifts buttery smooth compared to the 2nd Gen, it pretty much just falls into gear without much effort in all gears except Reverse which is the same pain as it was in the 2nd Gen.