New 2015 Tacoma Access cab base owner, a few questions

Hi all,
I've been searching this forum for the last few months as I considered buying a Tacoma to upgrade the Hyundai Santa Fe tow vehicle I use for my racecar and hauling parts. I finally pounced on a 2015 Tacoma that has 63k miles with the 2.7 4 cyl and 4 spd auto trans. I wasn't looking for a V6-V8 power house, my racecar and trailer weigh under 2,000 lbs but since its an SUV space is limited for hauling dirty/greasy parts.

The previous owner poured some $ into the work/fleet truck, he dropped $2300 on a new snugtop shell and $2,000 on 17" fuel maverick wheels with 245/65/17 wheels.

Apologies in advance, I'm a hyundai owner and an aircooled VW guy, I have searched and searched the forums for the answers to the questions below but havent got clear answers yet probably because I haven't done my homework but any help is appreciated.

1) Wheels and tranny ratios - Originally came with 215/70/15 and now has 245/65/17 tires so the speedo is 10% off. My larger concern is with the 4 cyl and 4 spd auto is reducing tow performance with the taller tears since the gearing is affected by the taller tires. I clocked about 2,000 rpm at 65 mph (actual not indicated). I will browse craigslist for a set of like new takeoff stock wheels/tires but since my truck is a base model it has the 5 x 114.3 lug pattern not the more common (4x4 and V6) wheels. Anyone have thoughts on how much the OG wheels/tires would improve the gearing for towing?

2) From what I read, my base model didn't have a remote key fob or backup camera so I suspect I just cant buy these items and add them without having a software update? Same for buying the factory backup camera installing, does it need a software update to work?

3) Lastly, any simple easy bang for the buck performance upgrades for the 2.7 Dual VVT-i 2TR-FE engine or just leave it alone? Seems like general consensus is if you want more power get the V6 in lieu of spending $ on header, cold air intake, turbo, etc....

Thanks in advance for any information.

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld!

 

Welcome to TW. Since you have a 5 lug truck, your options for getting a set of original 15” wheels are pretty limited. You will improve your towing capability with the stock wheels, but those come with 215/15 tires (I think.) I’ve seen some guys use the stock wheel and run 235/15 tires. Not sure what the height difference is between the two of them, but it should be pretty east to find out. Tirerack.com shows tire height of their tires so you can compare the various sizes. I’d bet that someone with a 5 lug truck might be willing to work a swap. You should come out ahead on that deal.

The consensus is that there’s not a lot to do to the 2.7 to increase power. I’ve towed both a 4x8 and a 5x8 from central Texas to Denver, so you can tow a couple of thousand pounds, just don’t get in a hurry doing it.

I have read on this forum accounts of guys who have bought and installed backup cameras, so I think that’s doable. Spend some time in search mode and you should run across them.

 

Welcome to TW

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome to TW!!

 

Possible upgrades:
Rear camera- look under the frame in front of the bumper by the right rear tail light, if you see a 4-pin connector but nothing connected to it you're pre-wired and can buy a camera kit from Rostra that's plug and play with the base entune unit.
Intermittent wipers- afaik any of ours 2nd gens can accept the stalk that has it and it's also plug and play.

Both of these mods are so easy you'll finish either before you finish a beer.

Go back to stock wheels and enjoy getting 25+ mpg on the highway. The performance is in mileage and reliability. If you still want more engine leverage then regear but mileage will drop.

Edit-better still, go to 15" alloy wheels and stock 215/70R15's.

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome to TW!