3rd Gen PWR ?'s

[Cutupsum]

Ok I am looking into getting a 3rd gen 4rnr and this will be my first Toy. From what i have read these are rated at 183hp. How is this low power rating onthe Highway. My daily driver now is a 93' Acura legend coupe 243hp but I also have a couple of 350+hp mustangs. I am wondering if this huge drop in power is going to be a dislike of mine. I know the truck is obviously heavier but I like being able to move up the road when I need to without having to worry about being able to pass someone or may sudden lane changes cause some idiot in a yugo pulls in front of me.

 

[peter78]

Blame it on the horsepower wars here in the US. We can't have enough power..... can we. First off, it is not a real heavy SUV, the 99 SR5 4WD weighs 3,885 pounds. Also the torque is at 217 ft-lbs.

You may also notice the 3rd generation is narrow compared to your legend. I remember when I drove it I stepped on the gas a 65 and I got immediate response and it went up to 80.

Overall, I think it feels like a regualr car, maybe something like a new Accord that has a base 4cyl engine, which has about 160 HP. You will notice if you put the crusie control on it tends to downshift early and tends to rev high to keep up the speed. If you tow it is best to leave it in third gear quite a bit.

Bottom line I don't feel second class in the vehicle, neither do I feel like I have a lot of extra power. It feels normal...... or if you like adequate. I would give it a nice long test drive, to judge for yourself.

 

[Cutupsum]

thanks Peter78, I love the ability to go in my Acura plus it will spend 2nd easily but on the HWY its awesome and My 93 5.0 is a totally differnt story but with gas at 2.27 for 93 and racing fuel at 4.88 a gallon it stays parked a lot. do the 3rd gens use 93 or mid-grade. I have never had a car that doesnt use hi-grade so I'm wondering if I use it will it cause any problems?

 

[linvillegorge]

You can use just regular 87 octane. Truth be told, almost all vehicles (save some sports cars and a few other more specialty vehicles) are actually designed to run on 87 octane. Gas companies market premium gas as being better because the public is gullable and they can make more money. It is true that the higher the octane, the better the gas, but most vehicles are not efficient enough to benefit from the additional octane. In fact, alot of vehicles will actually get worse gas mileage with the premium gas. Just the truth.

 

[Cutupsum]

Yea linville, I know that about most cars didn't know what was recommended for th e4runners tho. I wish my 93 or 67 would run off of 87, that would be great. I guess big heads and cam has its disadvantage also but who builds strong motors for gas efficiency? I know they make the SC for the 3rd gens but what do they sell for and is it only 20-30 hp gains from it.

 

[lee]

Yea linville, I know that about most cars didn't know what was recommended for th e4runners tho. I wish my 93 or 67 would run off of 87, that would be great. I guess big heads and cam has its disadvantage also but who builds strong motors for gas efficiency? I know they make the SC for the 3rd gens but what do they sell for and is it only 20-30 hp gains from it.

the s/c's price varies based on where you get it and who installs it. if you try to get it installed and purchased at the dealer, itll be around $3500 - 4k.

the s/c will also require 93 octane gasoline, by the way.

it boosts hp to 260 or so.

 

[Cutupsum]

Thanks again Lee, $3500.00 I may leave it like it is if it only gets it up to 260. For a daily driver 183-190 should be OK. I am sure there are some small mods I could do to help boost a little perfomance besides torque will help me as far as passing but for a daily I guess it will be fine; now if I can only find one suitable to purchase.

 

[peter78]

Yes it uses regular fuel. It runs very smooth and has no problem on 87 octane. I had a 88 Acura Integra that ran on regular, but I could tell the difference and I used mid-premium. I am very sensitive to how an engine runs and the 4Runner runs fine on regular.

I agree with you that getting a super-charger may be a bit much. If you really like more power you might consider a 2001 to 2004 Nissan Pahtfinder. The V6 gets 235 horsepower or something like that and of course it runs on premium. I test drove one and I liked the 4Runner better, but they do have more power without a super-charger and they don't hold the value as well as the 4Runner so they should be cheaper. The Pathfinder does not have a frame and they drive more like a car.

If you like power it might be a consideration, of course I know I am going to get slammed for even mentioning a Pathfinder.:bash:

 

[Cutupsum]

Peter, I appreciate the info but I see Paths all over for sale but when I see someone with a LTD 4rnr they tend to hold on to them so that tells me which is better. I drove a 99 LTD on Michelins a few weeks ago and was very pleased with ride quality plus the fact that it holds value longer is a big factor for me.

 

[lee]

the 3.4 is a great engine. you wont be happy with the power when you step out of your more powerful, lighter vehicles, but it pulls just fine.

its adequate and is always there for ya.

 

[peter78]

Actually, I am never tempted to use the ECT button, which changes the shift points. I am fine with the power that I have.

 

[Cutupsum]

Thanks for all the info guys. Hoping I can find a decent one now

 

[Ebbsnflows]

My 00' 4Runner is my first SUV and the loss of throttle response and power takes some getting used to. My last 5 vehicles have consisted of:

-390 rwhp TT 300 ZX
-430 rwhp S/C 96 Cobra
-425 rwhp 99 Camaro Z28
-520 rwhp 00' Camaro SS
-445 rwhp 00' SVT Lightning
-02' GSXR 600
-04' GSXR 1000

For someone that is only used to the standard 190-230 hp daily driver type cars, the 4Runner feels fine. However anyone that is accustom to high hp, performance style cars, the 4runner will feel sluggish and awkward. But having said, that I'm very satisfied w/ the 4runner. It's a great vehicle and for an SUV gets decent mileage.

 

[lee]

moreover, you arent buying a 4runner to compete with a 400 hp sports car... so if you didnt know what you were getting into, youre basically really stupid!

but yea, it performs well in daily driving, but best of all itll never leave you hanging.

 

[Ebbsnflows]

moreover, you arent buying a 4runner to compete with a 400 hp sports car...

He asked if the dramatic loss of power would be a dislike...I answered as best I could from my personal experience. I don't think anyone is "stupid" enough to compete SUV's vs sports cars in a purely performance oriented contest.

 

[lee]

He asked if the dramatic loss of power would be a dislike...I answered as best I could from my personal experience. I don't think anyone is "stupid" enough to compete SUV's vs sports cars in a purely performance oriented contest.

yea, i wasnt targeting that at you at all... i just meant, its pretty obvious that will be a dislike if youre accustomed to driving something meant for speed.

 

[Cutupsum]

Hey, let's not start a war on here. I took it as a joke as far as the stupid part and I appeciate thethe input on how the power loss felt from his point of view also. Regardless I', thankful for the responses and help I am receiving on here. Now if I can sell my Acura quickly I will go ahead and get it cause I would hate to have another car just sitting.