4.6i in Tacoma

The Tacoma engine already has a relatively flat torque curve, so you already have similar torque across the entire powerband. The transmission isn't shifting to find more engine torque, it's shifting to find more engine horsepower.

The modern transmission in the Tacoma takes this one step farther and also shifts to optimize fuel economy. The vehicle may very well be able to climb a hill in the tallest gear, but that doesn't mean it's optimal to do so. Instead, the transmission shifts to allow the engine to spin at a higher RPM and produce less engine torque for a given wheel torque, which in turn allows it to use more tricks to reduce fuel economy.

Remember: The transmission isn't necessarily shifting because the engine doesn't have enough torque or power. Even if the engine had more peak torque, it may still make sense to downshift to maximize fuel economy.

No, that's actually less than optimal. Like I said above, the Tacoma's torque curve is relatively flat. Engine torque at 1500RPMs isn't that much different than engine torque near redline. Higher RPMs combined with downshifting allows the engine to maximize efficiency, while maintaining better efficiency cruise due to the smaller motor.

For whatever reason, some people can't stand the idea of the truck shifting gears, though. The 2.8L Chevy Diesel is a great option for those people, because the torque curve peaks early and then plummets as the RPMs increase. This is great if your goal is to minimize shifting, because plenty of torque is available at low RPMs. But it's not great for actual power output, because that relatively flat power (not torque) curve means downshifting doesn't really help all that much. It's fine if your first priority is minimizing shifting and you don't actually need the extra power or acceleration of the V6 gas options.

 

I feel a lack of power on the highway going through the rocky mountains. Last year when I took 4 people and all their bags and gear from west coast Vancouver, and drove up to kelowna, BC for a weekend of snowboarding at Big White Ski resort. I was very disappointed with the lack of haul ass even on flat terrain when attempting to pass semi trucks in the left lane. It was understandable going up hill, but on flat terrain it just felt very laggy and like I had to give it way more gas than it needed.

I estimate there was 1400lbs total of weight in the truck (4 people plus all our gear) this is also the reason I wish I could install a supercharger on the 3.5

Because at times when I need the power.... It would be really nice to have it... Right meow

 

I had 5 people crammed into mine a few days ago. Never did it feel underpowered. I received a lot of compliments how refined it felt for a truck. Although a super charger option would be nice for those who feel it needs more. My response was aimed at those thinking that sticking a V8 into these trucks will solve world hunger. No one forced them to buy a Tacoma or to keep it. So if you're that unhappy with it then why not get something else?

 

Because money. Don't get me wrong - I should definitely clarify - I LOVE my Tacoma, and I would never drive something else unless it was a tundra (I also loved test driving that beast) I simply am on the side of wanting a supercharger for the extra power. However, where I live between different elevations and highway grades, there ARE times I've experienced a definite lack of get up and go. Again that doesn't mean I don't love my Tacoma.

 

They should have stuck to the Otto cycle.

 

Has anyone tried to do a swap on their own? I know engine swaps are popular with sports cars, not sure how prevalent they are with the Truck scene.

 

Trucks too new for a swap I would think. Not really necessary unless some of us have money to burn

 

Toyota UR ( 4.6 or 5.7v8 )engines are HUGE, large V and will not fit in a Tacoma without major modifications. DOHC is a space eater.



The Big reason everyone choses the LSX engines for swaps is the narrow V angle and small foot print in the engine bay thanks to inblock cams.



Most V8 Truck engines have large angles in the V and cannot be swapped into smaller applications.

 

The firewall is the only thing that may need massaging. The 4.6 is about 28in wide, only 4 inches wider total, than the LS.

 

Wouldn't some of the engine cooling and other support systems in the engine bay also get larger if a V8 was added? The cooling system in my Tundra certainly takes up more than that in a Tacoma.

 

Lots of people wanting a V8 on this thread. I'm not surprised at all. The 3.5L is a minivan motor in a truck. More horsepower than torque in a truck is just blasphemy.

 

Yes, probably a dual core replacement with a high CFM electric fan should do the trick. Even the tundra has a single core radiator and would probably benefit from a dual core too

 

So it does or doesn't fit? If it doesn't fit, seems like a moot point. Toyota would need to increase the size of the Taco and I think it's large enough as is.

 

It will fit. 28inches wide at the top edge of the valve covers, and around 34in of space where the valve covers will sit in the engine compartment. Between the shock towers are about 30in and the section of the engine that will reside there is only 23in wide. The only potential pitfall would be maybe a smaller size brake booster needed for fitment on the firewall side of things.

 

It's a moot point either way.

 

All this truck needs is a regear to 4.88 to actually use the powerband and get into overdrive I think that is the biggest issue and they are making a supercharger for this motor so in conclusion a super with 4.88 gears even on 33's this would make it a rocket somewhere around 5.5 seconds I would think

 

If you ever happen to do such a mod, please post a build thread. I'd be interested to see more about this

 

Well I have a magnaflow muffler and afe Intake honestly didn't help much but maybe slight gains up in higher rpm but even stock the truck was undergeared especially now with my 33's but wanna regear asap to 4.88 i hear good things and magnuson is building a supercharger that would be so awesome but hella money!

 

Thats a UZ not a UR. The old Lexus motors were smaller and much easier to swap. They only came in 4.7 liters for the Tundra and 4Runners.

The 1UZ which is in the new Tunrdas/Sequoias is 4.6 is the same size physically as the 5.7. They are gigantic in person and make little sense to swap into anything.

 

I'll wait until a few superchargers AR on the market. Competition is good. Once I'm up around 150,000km I'll definitely consider throwing one in, but they will definitely come down in price once a few competitors bring them on the market. Then you pick and choose what's the best of the best.

I got my 3rd gen being the first model of a new generation - something I'm totally against since I want to make sure the bugs are worked out of new things - but after losing my 2010 Tacoma to stupidity on the financial side of life just 2 years after buying... I just had to have another one. So far no major regrets

But a super charger is definitely in the cards.

Also... OP, I'm sorry for hijacking the thread with supercharger talk. I can see now why a V8 won't necessarily fit in the Tacoma unless it's a smaller V-angle. That being said, I really do think I would supercharge (and re-gear) before I did a V8 swap. I imagine it would probably cost less