0-60....Sure...Eventually...

[njharrell]

I've had my 91 Runner for 15 years, so I have pretty much come to accept that it's no speed demon, which is fine by me...but for those of you who have ever driven in the Atlanta area, everyone else doesn't seem to agree. So I was curious if ya'll have any suggestions on how to give these second gen's some more acceleration...so i don't get killed. Unfortunately a super-charger is out of the budget. Thanks.

 

[fourwd1]

Swap in the newer 3.4L engine.

 

[Getsum]

Swap in the newer 3.4L engine.

This simple reply sounds great until you start factoring in all the expense, maintenance and reliability of swapping over to the 3.4 (Engine, tranny, mounts, wire harnesses...total cost is in the $3,500 range not to mention the labor involved). I have always wondered why people chose this route.

I could sell my 94 4runner and take the cash...plus the $3,500...and simply buy a truck with the motor already in it. Take a look at E-Bay Motors

To the point, the 3.0L is a poorly designed, underpowered, low reliability engine and there is not much you can cost-effectively do to improve it's performance.

To learn more about the swap and what it entails concerning parts needed, labor, and cost...visit yotatech forums...follow the link below. They have an entire section devoted to the swap

3.4 Swaps - YotaTech Forums

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but all of the 2nd gen owners are faced with the same dilemma.

 

[turboSR5]

This simple reply sounds great until you start factoring in all the expense, maintenance and reliability of swapping over to the 3.4 (Engine, tranny, mounts, wire harnesses...total cost is in the $3,500 range not to mention the labor involved). I have always wondered why people chose this route.

What might be considered "too expensive" or a PITA by one person, might just be another persons cup of tea. It is all opinion, not every one shares the same one. If the 3.0 is sluggish and unreliable, an engine swap sounds like the only remedy if you want to keep your vehicle. If you don't want to keep it, sell it off and buy something else.

 

[Slowrunner]

okay, you are going to laugh but just try it for me...People with those old 3.0's mash down so hard on the gas pedal without realizing it when they are passing or climbing a hill, that it actually bends the pedal assembly a bit. So by hand bend the pedal toward the driver seat just a little, (don't break it of course) it doesn't take much but you'll notice a decent difference when you drive. Please stop laughing at me and try it... a tech at the toyota dealership did that to my old '94
-Brian

 

[Getsum]

What might be considered "too expensive" or a PITA by one person, might just be another persons cup of tea. It is all opinion, not every one shares the same one. If the 3.0 is sluggish and unreliable, an engine swap sounds like the only remedy if you want to keep your vehicle. If you don't want to keep it, sell it off and buy something else.

I agree that it is not for all. I have the experience and capability to do the swap but I simply wouldn't waste that much time on a project that in the end, is not going to be worth any more AND be less reliable due to all the modifications.

I currently have a big pile of parts to put on my 94, it should be a fun project but in the end I'll sell, get my money back...plus some, then go out and buy a more reliable rig to fix up. It will have less miles, a more modifiable/better performing motor, and be worth more monetarily when I'm finished.

Just my 2 cents worth...I think its important for people considering this to get both sides.

 

[Getsum]

okay, you are going to laugh but just try it for me...People with those old 3.0's mash down so hard on the gas pedal without realizing it when they are passing or climbing a hill, that it actually bends the pedal assembly a bit. So by hand bend the pedal toward the driver seat just a little, (don't break it of course) it doesn't take much but you'll notice a decent difference when you drive. Please stop laughing at me and try it... a tech at the toyota dealership did that to my old '94
-Brian

That, I can believe!

 

[n8buddy]

I've had my 91 Runner for 15 years, so I have pretty much come to accept that it's no speed demon, which is fine by me...but for those of you who have ever driven in the Atlanta area, everyone else doesn't seem to agree. So I was curious if ya'll have any suggestions on how to give these second gen's some more acceleration...so i don't get killed. Unfortunately a super-charger is out of the budget. Thanks.

aftermarket headers and intake are probably the best bang for your buck

 

[Getsum]

aftermarket headers and intake are probably the best bang for your buck

And how much do aftermarket headers cost for a 3.0? From what I've read they are outrageous. Intakes can be had for $45. Thanks

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Headers are a poor bang for your buck option and really aren't worht the cost and headache to install for the less than 10whp you'd see if even that.

 

[Savage]

hey I know! Just add some NOS! hehehehe:guitar3:

 

[njharrell]

Yeah, i considered the engine swap but it's out of my price range for now. Just curious if there was any obvious things i was missing. I am definitely going to look in to that gas pedal idea and intake. BTW - what does the ETC Power button really do???

 

[njharrell]

Also curious...about what does it cost to swap out the engine for the 3.4L? Nevermind...$3,500....

 

[n8buddy]

Headers are a poor bang for your buck option and really aren't worht the cost and headache to install for the less than 10whp you'd see if even that.

compared to other options for the 3.0 its one of the best options and it helps prevent blown head gaskets

 

[88T4RE]

headers for the 3.0L are really pricey like $1100-$1600 I've priced them out for a pair also I've also heard the engine has to be removed to install, I could be wrong this is just what I've read...