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Getting the most from the I4

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by NewMexiMan, Jun 27, 2020.

  1. Jun 27, 2020 at 9:09 PM
    #1
    NewMexiMan

    NewMexiMan [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Hi, I recently acquired a 2016 MT I4 4x4. I'm not interested in the I4 vs. V6 debate, I just want to get the best from the truck I have now. From the first few days of driving I feel that the I4 prefers higher RPMs. I'm not used to driving a truck with a four cylinder engine--I grew up driving a early 2000s 4Runner. It's clear I'll have to maintain higher RPMs if I want to haul any kind of moderately heavy cargo on even a minor slope. I want to know, how does the I4 hold up to being consistently taxed, both in the short term and in the long run? It feels like I'm going to put a lot of demand on the engine moving gear around hilly northern California. But it also feels like the engine wants to be worked and is made to operate consistently within the right RPM range, I'm guessing between 3500 and 4000. What's your experience? What happens when I'm running 4500 RPM up a mountain pass for 45 minutes? Thanks for your thoughts.
     
    AKGSD, Amanelot and t0nyvalenzuela like this.
  2. Jun 27, 2020 at 9:15 PM
    #2
    slow TURD I4

    slow TURD I4 Well-Known Member

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    The 2.7 is overbuilt so it can definitely handle some work. From what everyone says the 2.7 loves high rpm. My truck feels good at 3k going up an incline so I’d assume 3-4K is where the power really show on These motors. Some guys pull 4K rpm for a while And claim they have very high mileage with no issues.
     
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  3. Jun 27, 2020 at 11:00 PM
    #3
    jmauvais

    jmauvais Received 2 votes in a poll one time.

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    ...stuff
    The 2.7 is tried and true. You’ll be good for a long time with it
     
  4. Jun 28, 2020 at 5:42 AM
    #4
    JNG

    JNG Shitposter extraordinaire

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    2.7 is a well built and durable engine. All is good. Don't worry about it. Maintain your truck as suggested by Toyota in the owners manuals and enjoy your truck for a long time. Welcome to TW.
     
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  5. Jun 28, 2020 at 6:02 AM
    #5
    zoo truck

    zoo truck Well-Known Member

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    While the 2.7 4 is considered a great motor...imo what was toyota's thinking using this motor in a taco this heavy now. It should have been a turbo. The v6 3.5 is bad enough.
     
  6. Jun 28, 2020 at 6:06 AM
    #6
    Running Board Man

    Running Board Man Well-Known Member

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    If you were used to an early 2000s 4 runner youre used to this my 4 runner likes high rpm
     
  7. Jun 28, 2020 at 6:59 AM
    #7
    P-Dawg

    P-Dawg Factory 2 Seater

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    The 2.7 is probably the last motor you have to worry about revving up and running hard, they are overbuilt and under tuned. Besides, the V-6 also has to be revved up to make power as well so no need to worry.
     
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  8. Jun 28, 2020 at 8:50 AM
    #8
    Tacomike18

    Tacomike18 Well-Known Member

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    Like you said, the inline four cylinder engine has a sweet spot in terms of the transmission. I’m at 22k miles with mine and it does not have the best acceleration but once I reach 2-3 gear and 40 mph, it drives great.
     
  9. Jun 28, 2020 at 8:54 AM
    #9
    US Marine

    US Marine Semper Fi

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    I've seen 3RZ 4 cyl's easily make 1500hp
     
    Running Board Man likes this.
  10. Jun 28, 2020 at 9:20 AM
    #10
    jmauvais

    jmauvais Received 2 votes in a poll one time.

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    ...stuff
    :confused::confused::confused:
     
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  11. Jun 28, 2020 at 9:29 AM
    #11
    IEsurfer

    IEsurfer Well-Known Member

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    I had 2k lbs on my bed before...just because you can do it doesn't mean it should be done. The 4 banger is a great motor but once you lift and put bigger tires you really are asking a lot from it especially since the 2nd and 3rd gens are a lot heavier than the 1st.
     
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  12. Jun 28, 2020 at 10:54 AM
    #12
    NewMexiMan

    NewMexiMan [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks, everyone. Really appreciate your thoughts. I've seen some threads on here about how to get more power from the I4, but what about reducing the weight of the truck? What changed between the 2015 and 2016 models that made them so much heavier? Is there anything that can be easily lost from the truck to make it less tubby?
     
    Running Board Man likes this.
  13. Jun 28, 2020 at 11:03 AM
    #13
    Fleischwagen

    Fleischwagen 2.7 > 3.5

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    Just about the only thing that is going to make any sort of noticeable difference for the 2.7 is going to be the header from LCE. It shifted the powerband down slightly making it way more livable for me at least. Cruises on highways with minor grades much easier, especially if you're moving pretty quickly in 5th, if you're near the speed limit, 4th feels like more than enough.
     
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  14. Jun 28, 2020 at 11:11 AM
    #14
    shakerhood

    shakerhood Well-Known Member

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    High strength steel, safety equipment so I doubt you are going to be able to lose enough weight to make any noticeable difference.
     
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  15. Jun 28, 2020 at 11:11 AM
    #15
    Amanelot

    Amanelot Member

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    Stop worrying and just drive it. Itll be fine for a long long time
     
    CusterFan likes this.
  16. Jun 28, 2020 at 11:24 AM
    #16
    specter208

    specter208 Well-Known Member

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    Let that engine rev up and let the trans do its thing. Do your oil changes on time with good oil and you are fine.
     
  17. Jun 28, 2020 at 11:31 AM
    #17
    ROAD DOG

    ROAD DOG Well-Known Member

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    driving any vehicle in the best torque range wont hurt it

    ' peak torque ' occurs when the Best Efficient filling o the cylinder
    followed by the Best ignition
    the most robust efficient ' Bang ' occurs at ' Torque Peak ' in an engine
    if it aint runnin right at Torque Peak ............. Park it !!!!

    most vehicles /engines have a broad torque plane
    whereby the engine pulls / performs at its best

    that would be between 2200rpm & 3200 for the i4
    any higher & torque trails off

    many think & buy in HP is king
    actually HP is Not an indicator how efficient an engine is

    good luck
     
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  18. Jun 28, 2020 at 1:51 PM
    #18
    Running Board Man

    Running Board Man Well-Known Member

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    Not really the frame, body, suspention, axle and such are the same so the weight difference is in the interior and sheet metal

    3rd gens have open c channels in the middle so maybe its a tad lighter
     
  19. Jun 28, 2020 at 2:23 PM
    #19
    ROAD DOG

    ROAD DOG Well-Known Member

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    weighed my stock 19 certified scale

    2300 front/ 1700 rear

    driver included

    Unfortunately much of the negatives about i4 performance or lack thereof

    essentially is a direct result of Toyota toeing the line on EPA mandates
    power is easy

    the RAV has a similar engine 50 more HP
    its not that an increase cant be had
    there are hurtles & Restrictions

    USA doesnt have the Diesel............... i truly want
    more Torque
    Better fuel mileage
    borderline emissions...................
    damn good truck

    many will continue to lament
    yet little will change.................. California just mandated battery power

    o well..............
     
  20. Jun 28, 2020 at 2:58 PM
    #20
    STi and Taco

    STi and Taco Not a Super Hero

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    Max HP is ~5100rpms, Max Torque is ~3700rpms. Just let it rip and quit worrying about it. It's as bullet proof of a motor as you are going to get. The motor's design basically hasn't changed since it was introduced in 1994. Still solid. Most people who think the 4cyl sucks don't know how to drive a 4cyl auto despite the lack of need for a rocket science degree to figure it out.

    Rev it to the max and never look back.
     
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