All things equal, should I get the V6 or V8

[ClockWork]

How so?

I come from v8's but got a deal on my 6 cylinder. It's not fast at all and my MPG's aren't amazing (15 with lift and 33in tires). The only reason I didn't completely shut down the deal was because it's a chain, not a belt. Interference or not, I come from mainly American trucks so I found peace of mind with this.

The v8 really seems no better in terms of power. I drove one before I picked up mine and just recently for a job. Not impressed. I guess if you're towing it'd be a different story.

For people regretting not getting a v8, don't bother beating yourself up about it. If you want power, do not get a 4runner. I drive a Tundra often and getting into the 4runner again is horrible.

I'm really not going to go into the details. I have before. They're on the internet if you wish to read about them and the design/testing it underwent along with the 1998 100 series Land Cruiser when it was introduced. Toyota spared no expense when design components for the LC, the same cannot be said for an engine found in a base model Tacoma, let alone an American V8.

There is quite a noticeable difference in power between the two after spending hours in and behind the wheel of my buddies. If you don't notice it then you're just being ignorant.

 

[goohead]

Got to disagree with you there, I have a few cars all with belts and never had an issue with one breaking. If you run them pass the change intervals or go with some cheap aftermarket tensioners, idlers than you do run the risk of it failing due to lifespan of the belt or failed quality control of the product.

I'm a big fan of the cast iron block vs the the spiner sleeve alu. Much more durable and serviceable, I build my own engines so if need be I can always bore hone if there is any wall damage. Also a iron block /alu head holds cylinder pressure better, seal better, stay rounder longer and not go out of round as fast. Plus your mains are stronger which is nice since a "v" block has less mains than say an i6 with a longer crank and 2 more main caps.

I heard the 2uzfe has some week rods but should hold na power no problem. I don't know how it is on the v6 model but on my 2uz if you ever ha to get to the upper or lower oil pan you got to pull it, guess I got spoiled on my Audi where I can drop the whole subframe, engine and trans together in less than few hours solo.

But there is def power diff between the 6 and the 8 especially for passing etc. i test drove like 4 diff ones before buying and i scared ever one of the salesman flooring them. I noticed it more when I removed the 2nd air filter. The day I took it home @62k I did a compression test and all 8 got 175-180

Wasnt looking for anything fast (got a turbo t76 is300, and k04 s4 going tial 605) but I like To pass slow people and the 6 just doesn't have the grunt to do it. Thinking about doing some na mods, headers or gut precat, Cai, exhaust but prob not for a bit

I'm sure the v6 is just as nice I just like the 8 and every car I ever owned had An iron block, that together with the lower rpm of the 8 vs the 6 will let the engine wear slower in the long run which is good for me cause I just keep all my cars.

 

[ClockWork]

The bottom end on the 2UZ is smaller than that of the 1UZ; however, the 4Runners didnt have issues with the TRD superchargers because the rods are forged.

The rods in the US variant of the 2UZ found in the Tundra and Sequoia are cast and threw rods like it was their job w/ the extra boost from the SC.

As you said, a cast Iron block is far more robust that an Aluminum one with high-temp plastic to reduce weight.

Lots of useful/technical info on LexTreme.

 

[goohead]

Ya but I don't trust any of the info unless I can verify it myself, I went through similar info when doing my 2jzge vvti, I think all vvti engines got downgraded rods to help with power output on na applications and fuel economy.
No plans to boost the 4runner since I would be worried about the a750, I blew up a few transmissions, after my last "built" zf **** the bed in under 5k mikes I only trust domestic autos in holding power, the a750 is nice trans for stock, just don't trust it boosted

 

[ClockWork]

Ya but I don't trust any of the info unless I can verify it myself, I went through similar info when doing my 2jzge vvti, I think all vvti engines got downgraded rods to help with power output on na applications and fuel economy.
No plans to boost the 4runner since I would be worried about the a750, I blew up a few transmissions, after my last "built" zf **** the bed in under 5k mikes I only trust domestic autos in holding power, the a750 is nice trans for stock, just don't trust it boosted

And I feel exactly opposite. FWIW PN#s on the rods are the same across all Japanese 2UZ's. I have the Cruiser PDFs.

 

[goohead]

Idk doesn't even matter to me either rods would be fine for na, it would only bend if you detonate at which point you will be rebuild both. I just know they downgraded rods on my 2jzge when they went vvti, nothing more. I never been a fan of cast rods on boost anyways I always overbuild. If you want to get some h or x beams I can hook you up I got a reseller account w eagle, pauter and manley lmk

 

[ClockWork]

Not at this time, thanks.

 

[black_120]

If replacing the starter on a 2uz is anything like replacing a 1uz starter, I'd highly recommend getting the v6.

 

[ClockWork]

If replacing the starter on a 2uz is anything like replacing a 1uz starter, I'd highly recommend getting the v6.

It's in the V.

 

[t4rjp]

v6 for sure.

lower operating costs for fuel and maintenance. Also less front end weight. My 2 cents.

 

[JB.]

Is the full time 4WD system on the V8 better than the V6?

No, for all practical purposes, the only difference is the added ability to run in 2WD on the V6. The transfer cases are virtually identical.

 

[Coldnapalm]

i have the v6 only because of a great deal get the v8 and be happy

 

[patricksheehy]

V8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8 v8.

 

[8086bruce]

How many miles are on them? If it's close to 100k then keep in mind that the V8 will need a timing belt done, to the tune of a grand.

If that's the case you may want to use that in your negotiations and make sure you leave your self some room to get that done.

The V6 has a timing chain so your good to go there. Good luck on the purchase!!!

 

[Atlanta_man]

If you don't care for extra power and fuel guzzling, go for the V6. If you want Power, All-Time 4WD and the confidence replacing 2 extra cylinders, snatch a V8.

Simple as that! LoL

Sometimes I want something that at least has the capacity to guzzle !


Guzzle is Good !

 

[SilverGs]

I was in the market for a 3rd gen 4Runner but the narrow cabin made me reconsider.

I've been checking the local classifieds and autotrader for a 2003 model and so far (not having sat in one or driven one yet), I've been finding myself leaning towards the Limited models simply because of the Leather interior, the JBL sound system etc.

I doubt very much if I will tow anything, however all the V6 models I've seen don't come with leather or the other nice options. Also I don't like the fenders in the black plastic - I prefer the metal of the Limited models.

Does this mean I should only be looking at the V8 models? I realize some of you may be yawning at my silly reasons for buying a 4Runner as I didn't say anything about using it for one of its strong points - off-roading.

Anyway, I want a reliable, spacious SUV for long trips. I have a family of four - two boys 15 and 12). I don't really care about the gas consumption as the truck will not be a DD and the difference between the V6 and V8 is not that much different on the highway. I have a heavily modded Lexus GS400 as my DD and I know how to feather the throttle and get decent mileage.

Thoughts, comments on what the best model I should be looking at?

Edit - this one looks good - I'll go and check it out this weekend.
http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/Toyota/4Runner/NORTH YORK/Ontario/5_12606920_20091015091935030/

 

[jspagna1]

If your going to be towing,get a V8 if not then V6.

 

[MikeInNH]

If your going to be towing,get a V8 if not then V6.

There's no reason what-so-ever to get a V8 if you're towing.

Towing WHAT?? You mean to say you NEED a V8 if you're towing a 1500lb utility trailer??? The V6 have MORE then enough torque to handle ANY Class III towing.....Towing MORE then Class III...then a V8 it is.

 

[20034RunnerV84x2]

I was in the market for a 3rd gen 4Runner but the narrow cabin made me reconsider.

I've been checking the local classifieds and autotrader for a 2003 model and so far (not having sat in one or driven one yet), I've been finding myself leaning towards the Limited models simply because of the Leather interior, the JBL sound system etc.

I doubt very much if I will tow anything, however all the V6 models I've seen don't come with leather or the other nice options. Also I don't like the fenders in the black plastic - I prefer the metal of the Limited models.

Does this mean I should only be looking at the V8 models? I realize some of you may be yawning at my silly reasons for buying a 4Runner as I didn't say anything about using it for one of its strong points - off-roading.

Anyway, I want a reliable, spacious SUV for long trips. I have a family of four - two boys 15 and 12). I don't really care about the gas consumption as the truck will not be a DD and the difference between the V6 and V8 is not that much different on the highway. I have a heavily modded Lexus GS400 as my DD and I know how to feather the throttle and get decent mileage.

Thoughts, comments on what the best model I should be looking at?

Edit - this one looks good - I'll go and check it out this weekend.
http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/Toyota/4Runner/NORTH YORK/Ontario/5_12606920_20091015091935030/

All of the fender flares are plastic on the 4th gens, it's the 03 Limited that is painted and then 04+ are all painted no matter what trim.

 

[JB.]

There's no reason what-so-ever to get a V8 if you're towing.

What-so-ever?

The V8 would be easier on the transmission, even forgetting the cooler. The V6 handles most jobs fine, but there's not zero reason to consider the V8. That's unnecessary exaggeration.