actual difference between 3.0 / 3.4 ?

[RuSty420]

I am in college, and naturally on a tight budget. The absolute MOST I want to spend is ~$6000. And that would only be for a 3rd Gen.

I have heard from many people that I should look for a '96 or up because of the more powerful 3.4 Liter engine. It's a hard task to find a 3rd Gen 4runner in decent/good condition in my price range. I want the honest opinions of THOSE WHO HAVE DROVE BOTH.

How much more powerful is the 3.4L than the 3.0L? Is it a really big deal? or just "kind of nice"?


Thanks,
-RuSty420

 

[Boogerbandit04]

Besides not having to worry much about headgasket failure of the 3.0, you also get better gas mileage, more power, and WAY more aftermarket support (I.E. the possible supercharger). If I had the money, I would swap a 3.4 into my 92

 

[evilsanta2]

I haven't driven the 3.4L before. However I can say that the 3.0L is fine. Just make sure you look and find out how well it was maintained. As I've said before, I have a 3.0 and still purrs like it should after 300xxx KM. No head gasket problems, no other major problems. I'm also a university student and understand what it's like being low on funds.
Hope you find something that you like.
:bigok:

 

[04 sc V8]

IMO the 3.0l is a good engine that doesn't make great power and the 3.4l is a great engine that makes awesome power for it's size. There is a big difference between the two. If you take you're time looking you can find a 3rd gen in your budget. Good luck!

 

[ovrrdrive]

Hold out for the 3.4l...

They are out there in your price range (barely) but you'll have too look far and wide and be willing to drive to pick it up. Auto Trader (traderonline.com) is your friend with hard to find trucks.

As mentioned, more power, better gas mileage, better reliability and a better engine are what awaits you.

There wouldn't be so many people doing the swap if it wasn't worth it. I wouldn't own a 3.0.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

I've driven plenty of both and if you can swing it the 3.4 is the way to go. Off road you don't notice the power diff as much but on road it is a pretty big diff and any kind of incline the 3.0 struggles to maintain a steady speed w/o revving the poo out of it.