3.5 V6 Atkinson future thoughts...

You saw the TFL mashup. Good for you. I would love to see my 2002 outpass a gen 2 or gen 3 with a load in the back. From a dead stop the gen 1 won because it weighs 600 lbs less. The gen 2 beat the gen 3 because it is a larger displacement and gets off the line better. Gen 3 feels way faster at higher speeds.

 

Pissin contest in 3....2....1

 

It's a 2GR with some modifications, the block has been in use since 2005 or earlier. Absolutely not a "new engine"

 

A battery can go bad anytime, old or new. Using a battery tester and changing it when it gets to a level you are uncomfortable with is best for me. Just changing it every 5 years, even when it is good is like changing your tires with plenty of tread.

 

Do whatever works for u. I got 300k of reliable service from my 2nd gen. I know my 5hit

 

You got 300k miles from a battery?

 

This place is hostile tonight.

 

Some of em like it rough

 

That has always been my understanding. It's the standard corporate 3.5 as is the 4.0 but with a shorter stroke giving it a smaller displacement. It is higher revving and more economical in the Highlander and minivans. It's a great motor with many years of reliable service. It is quieter and had more potential where owners wanted, mainly economy. It may be less of a truck motor in some minds because of this,but it certainly isn't a different motor to much degree as far as reliability is concerned. And really, compared to American motors, I would not worry about reliability. We have had a couple of these motors in vehicles owned by our family and they purr along faithfully for 200k in our experience before traded.

 

The "New" Atkinson cycle has been in production vehicles for decades. It is simply the fuel efficiency side of the VVT-I. The direct/port fuel injection is nothing new either. the dual injection is far superior to the direct injection used in dozens of other cars. The technology in the 3.5 is tried and true. Most of the new engines coming out now have way more crazy technology. If you think the 3.5 is too crazy with its technology, Google fiat's twin air engine.

 

Do other the other 3.5 V6 engines with direct injection and port injection have the exhaust manifold cast into the cylinder heads? I have read that the engineers are concerned that this exhaust configuration may be contributing to the vibration issues with the V6 Tacomas.

 

Damn! I'm on my 5th ? battery in my 14 yr old taco; the Houston heat kills them. (That number might be down by 1 or 2 if I wasn't on my 3rd alternator.)

 

I know honda has been using the same configuration with the exhaust manifold configured into the head in their V6 for a while now. Think I remember seeing a GM V6 as well. They are not dual injected though.

 

There aren't many advantages for living in very cold areas. Longer lasting batteries and fewer snakes are a couple. My point has always been, you use a tread depth indicator to help you decide when to buy new tires, you use a battery tester ( your own ) to help you decide when to buy a new battery.

 

Don't do the 2.7 if you want to haul dirtbikes and stuff all the time. I'm pretty sure that limits you to 3500 lbs. the V6 + tow gives you ~6500lbs capacity. That way you dont have to worry about coming close to the max. Just my opinion.

I got the V6 + tow because I want to haul my R6, dirtbikes, and 4 wheelers. I didnt want to have to worry about reaching the max, or even getting close to it.

 

http://www.interstatebatteries.com/m/category/car-and-truck-batteries/

You ever try a Interstate battery? The "MEGA-TRON ll" holds up in the heat.

 

I don't see why the new engine will hinder you in any way from doing your own preventative maintenance. Changing the oil is the same on this engine as most others. You remove the front skid plate, and the filter is there. Not sure how you think the new engine will interfere or make it more difficult to change the oil compared to any other new truck on the market?

 

I agree. I cannot imagine having a 4cyl in a truck this size. I actually went from a 2012 4cyl Subaru outback, which was a lighter vehicle than the Tacoma and had a larger 4cyl engine at 175hp/175 lb-ft. tongue torque. That was a grunty little engine for a 4cyl, but still felt slightly under-powered for a wagon. I just think the 4cyl in the Tacoma is counter productive. All show, no go, and the time you'll most likely spend flooring the gas pedal to get it to go, totally cancels out any perceived fuel efficiency you think you'll gain by going with a 4cyl engine. I learned that lesson with owning Subarus for 10 years. If you're driving in the mountains, hauling gear and/or people for road trips, etc., the 6cyl will get you as good, sometimes better mileage than the 4cyl., and you;ll be putting less stress on the engine in the long run. My buddy with the 6cyl version of my Outback, same year would get the same omg as I would get with my 4cyl.

 

I'm not worried about preventative maintenance but more on the ability to repair/replace parts when they fail down the road. It sounds like this is just like any engine and is do-able.