Performance upgrade

Since this is my first Taco (I had a 4.3 v6 4runner) and after towing a loaded cargo to camper conversion, I have realized that its a bit of a dog on the highway while towing. It only topped out at less than 1900lbs, but there were times I don't think the trans ever shifted out of 5th. How do I manage this? I don't have the torque of a 6.6l gas engine anymore, so.. Any ideas?

 

You're

tow less weight, or spend an absolute butt load to get a bit more power. Regear is an option too, but that's also gonna run you a ton.

 

Would a programmer help or be a waste of cash?

 

use the ECT button and 'S' Mode while you tow.
don't be afraid to get the RPMs up around 3500-4K to keep some speed.

 

5 and 6th are both overdrive gears, and I believe it’s recommended in the manual to tow in S4. Just because it won’t go in 6th doesn’t mean it’s not working correctly. This engine needs a higher RPM to create power, so it’s automatically shifting to optimize that,, go figure.


Often overlooked is the amount of drag a camper/trailer is creating.

 

A tuner will help, but its normal to run a gear down while towing or hauling. Just gotta get used to it.

 

The autos are supposed to stick to S4 gear and turn on ECT power. It is normal for it to be downshifting to 3rd for grades and for rpm to be high in 4th to maintain speed. It’s better for it to do that than to lug around in 5th or 6th with a trailer hooked up.

 

Ok. ECT and S mode? Pretend you're talking to someone who doesn't know how to use his truck yet. As a matter of fact, don't pretend

 

ECT - button on dash.
S mode, shift your shifter to the manual gear section. That is S mode. Default when you go to S mode is S4, meaning 4th is now top gear. That is how you’re supposed to tow.

I hate to be a “read the manual” guy, but it really is all in there and would be helpful to peruse over when you have some time. It tells manual trans owners to stick to 5th max and tells auto owners to run S4 and turn on the ECT button.

 

It’s on the center panel next to the BSM on modern 3rd gen’s.

 

Yes. A tune will definitely help. This engine is the opposite of the 4.0 2nd gen. Those make power down low but get winded up top. The 3.5 makes plenty of power above 2k rpm but couldn’t pull your zipper down below 1500.

 

I drove a tuned 3rd gen recently, it definitely felt better to drive. It would be high on my list if I still had one. The customer had purchased the truck as is, so no idea which tune it was.

Early tunes werent even noticeable to me.

 

The early tunes were definitely meh. With all the new software updates opening up new maps, the modern tunes are where it’s at. You sold your taco???

 

I know S mode just as manual mode. Used that more often than not in the hills around Vt Nh and Me. Didn't know about the ECT and I did read...most of... the manual. Always do. Also didn't know both 5th and 6th were OD gears. Thought only 6th. But even in manual mode, it was still a dog. My 02 4Runner towed better.

 

S mode is not an actual manual mode like in vehicles with a paddle shifter or a sport mode. It is basically just a gear limiter. The gear you set it in will be the upper limit of the automatic shifting. For example, set it to S4 and the truck will shift no higher than 4th gear. It will still go through it's shifts automatically as normal, but will stop at 4th instead of 6th.

 

Again, the 3.5 makes more of its HP/torque in the upper RPM’s, comparing it to another engine isn’t going to get you anywhere, especially an engine from a completely different time in emissions regulations.

The 3.5 actually produces more, just have to get it in the right range, which is a what the transmission is attempting to do.

 

Yup, need to let engine rev up. Lots of torque in the upper band of RPM.

I knew this would turn into a tuner thread...

 

I like to think the S in S mode stands for Sequential. I know many people refer to it as Sport mode since that's normally what S stands for in other cars.

 

i always thought it stood for "select" but i see that ford has a select shift so i doubt its call the same trademarked name.