03 4Runner V6 or V8?

4

4RunnerSport

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Hey guys Im new to this forum but Ive been around Yotatech.com and Tundrasolutions.com for awhile. It seems like this site is more focused on the 03 4Runner which will soon be my new toy. Im looking at a Sport Edition, probably 2WD since you really dont need the 4WD here and its more $$. Heres my question, should I go with the V6 or the V8? The all-new V6 seems to be a very nice engine producing more than enough power, while the V8 gives you the extra torque. I will be towing a 3500lb boat so how do you guys think the V6 will do, gas mileage is really not an issue since they are pretty close. I also read a post about the interference vs. non-interference engine, whats that all about, I know it has to do with the timing chain on the V6 and the belt on the V8, what are the advantages. I also keep hearing about this color-appearance package to be offered by Toyota for the SR5, does anyone know if it will be available for the Sport, if so Ill wait.

Thanks
 
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I bought a V6 because it seemed to suit our driving needs better. It now has 220 miles on it.

However, we don't tow a 3,500-lb. boat. If we had that requirement, I would have gone with the V8 -- I prefer to have more capacity than needed.

As far as the appearance package, it is called the SR5 Appearance Package -- it is not available, to my knowledge, for the Sport.

Interestingly enough, the $370 appearance package requires black running boards. That's often missed.
 
My Vote, V8

Thai asked me to write about the interference engine. The truth is, we are not sure if the V8 or V6 is a interference engine. If one of them is a interference engine, then you just need to make sure you replace the timing belt or chain when it is time to change. Member "LTC9024" says the V8 is a non-interference engine. Which is good, in the long run. I am pretty sure the V6 is a timing chain, lasts longer, but is more expensive to replace and the V8 is a timing belt, you have to replace sooner, but costs less to replace.

Since you are getting a 2WD, the all wheel drive on the V8 or part time 4WD on the V6 does not matter. The V6 is all new with a all aluminum engine with variable timing, for increase in horsepower. The V8 has a iron block engine and has been around for awhile.

I think 3,500 pounds is a lot to tow. If you tow quite a bit, I would go with a V8. As far as mileage, you could argue that the V8 runs on regular and the V6 runs on high test, the difference in the cost to operate may more or less even out. Of course the V8 is $800 higher.

Bottom line is you tow a lot, I recommend the V8. Just my .02 worth.
 
cladding

To everyone wondering about this appearance package, I just spoke to the sales manager at a local dealership and he indeed confirmed the rumors. He said he heard from Toyota that is WILL be offered for BOTH the SR5 and Sport Edition. He told me the dealer cost on it is around $270 and it would be very expensive to have it added later on. He says he doesnt think it will be offered as an add-on accessory through your local parts/service dept. and only offered as a collision replacement at a very high cost. So, bottom line is, if you want the color-keyed cladding, wait till its released.

By the way, here in Florida through Southeast Toyota he said expect to see it at dealerships mid-March
 
Test drive both of them. Many up north are going with the V6 because they want the option of taking it out of 4wd. But if you are getting 2wd and want to tow, V8's the way to go. It is an extremely smooth engine and gives terrific V8 sound when taching it up. Proven reliability, too. You also get an external tranny oil cooler with the V8, standard. Equally huge is, you get a 5 sp auto vs the 4 sp auto in the V6. Your choice is a no brainer IMO!
 
also consider gas too...

v8 - 87 octane
v6 - 91 octane

i think the mpg for the v6 is alittle bit better...

just food for thought...
 
I recall that the owners manual does not specify 91 octane for the V6. For both engines, it specifies 87 octane or above, 91 recommended.

Did I miss something? :confused:
 
hmmm maybe i misread something.... i thought the v6 was 91 octane....

i guess i'll have check on this one.... :)
 
directly from my manual

"Select Octane Rating 87 or higher. For improved vehicle performance, the use of premium unleaded gasoline with octane ratine of 91 or higher is recommended"
 
Hey all,

Don't forget about the 5-speed automatic transmission in the V8 vs. 4-speed auto in the V6. The 5-speed would be a significant advantage especially IF you tow! The 1st gear and reverse gear ratio on the 5-speed auto are more powerful, thus making it easier to tow and launch a vehicle.

Just a thought if you tow a lot.
 
To touch on the differance between an interferance, and non interferance engine..

the differance is this, In an interferance engine, the intake and exhaust valves drop deeper then top dead center (TDC) of the piston

Meaning that if the timing belt broke, the pistons would ram into any open valves, crushing them...therefore requiring a new top end for your engine..

with a non interferance, the valves can be wide open, and the pistons can run freely with no damage.
 
Either engine runs on 87 with higher octane for increased performance, many guys on edmunds with V6 models have had no problem running 87.

I have run 93 in my V8 and can not find the added performance:(

I have the V8 and if I could do it again I would get the GX470 so again Im still with the V8;) :D
 
john:

actually nobody has just tried it.... i believe it should work ! :D

but then again i'm happy w/ the v8 as it is... no need for me to upgrade to the sc ... hehe

don't forget gas prices is going up anyway! doh!

i'd get it if i didn't drive this as my daily/trail vehicle.... just can't justify more hp on the trail since i'll be 1-2 mph anyway!

i'd spend the $ on other parts or a fj40 that I'm looking for!

Lance
 
jharris2 said:
Edge -

Pardon my ignorance -- and I'm showing a lot of it in this post -- but since the V8 is the same as the Tundra V8, why wouldn't this work?? http://www.toyotaparts4u.com/4.7_V8_supercharger.htm :confused:

Admittedly, I have a V6 .... ;)
Click to expand...

It should work but their are minor changes to the V8 4Runner and TRD has to give Toyota the approval before dealers or owners can start bolting them on the trucks;) make sure everything is compatible and covered under warranty

Same thing with the TRD replacement filter, TRD has not approved it for use yet, soon though

I was told around spring/summer all the TRD parts would be good to go in the 4Runner.

At least the SC will be available for the V8 soon the V6 guys have to wait who knows how long.
 
edge:

If you want the sc on your v8, then i'd just say find someone that has one and just look under the hood to get a good measurement of whether it will fit or not. the only thing you'd have to worry about would be the hood clearance.

As for getting warranty on it, good luck as toyota probably won't be releasing the sc for the 4runner for awhile anyway.

filters: they're the same one as the land cruiser (heresay)... i don't think u have to worry about warranty on this item as it's just a filter.

amsoil part numbers: (although it's not listed... i believe all v8's are using the same parts)
oil filter: SDF57 (lc/seq/tundra)
Air filter: S1996/AF1061 (lc/seq/tundra)

lance
 
Hey Lance,

According to a good friend of mine who recently left TRD, the supercharger that's currently has available for the 4.7 won't work on our 4Runners because our ECU's have different programming to compensate for the 5-speed tranny. Also, the intake tract is much different than both the Tundra and Sequoia, so even if you bolted the charger on and somehow got around the ECU programming, you'd still have to bastardize the intake plumbing to make it work. We should just wait for TRD....

Also, found out today that TRD is working on a new dual exhaust for the '03 4Runner that should be available in 8-12 weeks. Can't wait!

Eric
 
Hey Eric!

Thanks for the great info!! not that i'd get a sc since i'm happy w/ the current setup but this should help the rest of us that might be interested in a sc in the future!

the dual exhaust does sound tempting but i'm scared to ask how much it's gonna be! prob be better off gettin a borla or something! hehe.... but then again i don't think i need another car that has that "brrrrrr" sound in the cabin! :eek:

Lance
 
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