More power for going up hill with a 2.7

They are available as a 5 lugger or a PreRunner.

5 lug: http://www.toyota.com/img/vehicles/2011/tacoma/gallery/full/exterior_image12.jpg

 

There shouldn't be any fear to rev up a 2.7L Japanese four-banger. Toyota implemented VVT-i for a reason. Use it.

 

You could also Regear to 4.10 this will make the engine work less on those situations. I'm Looking to do that but haven't found one yet in Puerto Rico.

 

In my '96 2.7L, a K&N (standard box) air filter gives a noticeable boost in quickness at lower RPMs, but I haven't found it to help more than a few percent (subjective) when you're at max. torque climbing a 6% or 7% highway grade. It's just a smallish engine doing the best it can when it reaches its breathing limit.

I wish they hadn't made the newer Tacomas bigger and heavier. The newer VVT-i 2.7L would have been ideal for the pre-2005 body style.

I think what these trucks really need is a clean diesel for hill-climbing torque.

Now, they are talking about upcoming hybrid Tacomas. Not sure how well that will turn out, power-wise, but maybe it will be an unexpected boost.

 

It. Is. Awesome.

And shifting at 2500rpm / driving 65 on the highway with all my mods, I still get 21mpg.

 

when i climb big hills i usually floor it before the hill and get it up to 80-85 and there is no need to downshift