Thoughts on the Atkinson engine?

It’s a modern engine and acts just like one. Drives much different than the older 4.0, but once you learn how to operate it properly, you’ll have more power available with much better mileage.

 

That is all in the tuning...

Torque management...

 

My post stated why I avoided the 3.5. In other words, those were my "thoughts" on the whole Atkinson cycle, it didn't interest me at all and I don't see much benefit from it. The 3.5 is fine with the manual it sounds like because it likes to rev high. I wasn't interested in a high revving engine and prefer superior tq off the line which the 3.5 doesn't give.

 

@12 TRD OffRoad - OK, thanks!

 

Lexus has had a version of the 3.5 since like 06.

I test drove a 3rd gen IS350 and the engine feels great for that car, it’s powerful and buttery smooth. It’s aight in the Tacoma but it is better suited for car applications.

 

Except the 4.0 does not have superior torque at low rpm. I had three vehicles with that engine. Same same.

 

That more or less works, although it is not super responsive when heel-toeing downshifts. Needs a somewhat large and lazy blip to get the revs up between gears

 

That's why you need the auto!

 

Pass, I'll keep rowing my own gears

 

Never thought about it but you're absolutely right. When towing the 4.0 certainly never felt as if it was going to pull the tongue off the trailer. 4.0, 3.5... doesn't matter. If you're loaded or hooked to something you KNOW it's back there.

 

Did you drive it a little easier for the first 1000 kms? Just got mine today Black 2018 Tacoma SR5 Accent cab loving it.Dealer recommends 16000 km.oil changes do you follow that? I was wondering if I should do my first oil change at half that in case of fine metallic particles from partial break in? I don't know.

 

It depends on many factors. At work we had a 2014 Chevy with the 5.3 that would rev like a sonofabitch to pull a 6x12 trailer and you could feel it behind the truck. We recently switched to 2018 2.7 ecoboost trucks and it yawns at the trailer and you don't even feel it behind the truck. Lighter truck with less hp and tq but a far far superior towing vehicle compared to the Chevy. I still think the 4.0 would have benefitted from dual port injection, and a 6 speed.

 

"Depends on many factors," then does a V8 vs Twin Turbo comparison...

What's this got to do with my comment that a 4.0 and 3.5 feel similar when towing? I've actually towed with both by the way.

 

Yep, me too.

 

The F150 is a lighter truck than the Chevy was and yet it handles the trailer MUCH better. Meaning it doesn't get pushed around or bounced around as much as the Chevy. Like when you go over a bump you could feel the trailer back there. I towed quite a bit with my 4.0 but the thing that limits the Tacoma is the tail wagging the dog more than the power.

 

paid 32k for mine, but then again it is a 16 and I wouldn't think the 18's have gone up that much...WOW, but if they are happy, great..