Did I make a bad decision? V8 instead of V6

[progress4m]

.... I still would like to slide it around corners in the snow

I have to almost agree with you here… but with VSC off mode you can do that even with 4WD… it actually even more fun than in 2wd because you have a little bit more of directional control… tested that numerous times. :biggrin2: you should try it.

...When you snap a CV out wheeling, you better have a spare with you :violin:

On the other hand you can arrive to the 4x4 trail or even worse being in the middle of one to discover that transfer actuator is toast and will not let you switch from 2wd to 4wd.. :happens:

 

[Gatafly]

:naughty:

No, it's a sweet V8 they put in these things. Smooth as butter, wonderfully torquey and sounds awesome.

Have to agree. When I was looking for mine I wanted to find the perfect 4runner and I didn't really care which engine it had. I actually was leaning to the V6 for the 2 mpg difference, but ended up with the V8. Sure glad I did. I love it and it is so smooth. Pulled a 5000# trailer a couple hundred miles and it pulled like a dream.

 

[Dusty Driftwood]

There really are tons of V8/V6 threads out there and I always say the same thing. Buy what suits your lifestyle and what you "need." I don't need to tow anything heavy and don't live at an altitude that would make the V8 worthwhile (for me). So, the V6 is perfect for me. But, I came from a 4cyl so they V6 feels like more than enough power for me. I also appreciate the extra few mpgs that I get with the V6. And, if I ever "need" anything bigger, I have a V8 work truck that I can use on that rare occasion.

As far as a bad decision? There is no such thing when you buy a Toyota

 

[H1_VLTG]

As far as a bad decision? There is no such thing when you buy a Toyota

Well said! Enjoy your 4runner!

 

[Atlanta_man]

The V8 only needs 40 more hp to make it perfect

 

[Mr. Banks]

RE: opinions or facts

Here's some differences to consider:
- For the most part, you can supercharge the v6 much easier than the v8's from 2003, 2004. Even then, with the 03,04 it will be difficult to find everything for it. So, back to my point, if supercharging interests you, V6.
- In addition to that, modding and aftermarket parts aren't as abundant as they are on the V6. I feel forsaken by TRD. I'm never going to put those three letters anywhere near my 4runner. Cold Air Intakes on the V8 aren't CARB legal for SMOG. Not a huge problem for most, and you since you are in Colorado. I have to get base stickers often which requires smog testing.
- Headers, well as you can see from the forum, it is 2 years into the 5th Gen and we are trying to scape the barrel for 4th Gen V8 owners that want this Group Buy to happen.
- The Gas. While I am over it, you can't ignore the fact that there is a difference in consumption between the two engines no matter what mods you make. I came to terms with this long ago. If I ever get another 4th Gen it will be a V8 4x4 Shadow Mica Limited or Sport.
- All time 4WD or Part time
- 5,000 lbs towing from the V6 and 7,200 lbs from the V8.

This isn't to slam the V6 or praise the V8. I'm showing you the differences between the two that I have found and considered. I was on a v6 hunt for a little bit there, I won't lie. I have a new appreciation for my V8 though. I'll buy it again, if only in Shadow Mica next time. This thread doesn't have to be about the v6 vs the v8. It could be asking the OP to really think about the vehicle they are about to buy. I think I'd rather back out of a sale than live with regret. So after all the feedback, DID YOU make a bad decision or a good one? You aren't going to be disappointed either way. I am glad I got the V8.

*Yes I know I talk about my love of the Shadow Mica color but it wasn't available back then

 

[zerowkul98]

Do we need ANOTHER thread to clutter the mix?

Look, if i had a nickel for every friggin time there was a HID kit, Lift kit or "hey look at my new tires!" thread, then this place would be pretty damn empty.

I'll be honest, the SEARCH function in this forum sucks a big ol' bag of a$$. Ive tried to find old threads i KNOW ive seen in the past, i put in key words and i'll get some crap about a vanity mirror bulb thats out.

I say if some newbies come in the forum looking...nay, ASKING for YOUR input, dont be such a tool :::AHEM:::: ClockWork :::AHEM!::: and just either move on to the link of your choice or be a pal and possibly link them to a better thread.

 

[Flyer]

I live in Colorado and the V8 comes in handy when loading up and heading up high. It's also a pleasure to drive...smooth and pretty quick. It certainly would be perfection if it had another 40 HP.:trophy:

 

[bensanders]

I say if some newbies come in the forum looking...nay, ASKING for YOUR input, dont be such a tool :::AHEM:::: ClockWork :::AHEM!::: and just either move on to the link of your choice or be a pal and possibly link them to a better thread.

Haha, awesome.

yougotinb4hisworthlessoneliner

 

[MikeInNH]

V8 comes in handy when loading up and heading up high. It's also a pleasure to drive...smooth and pretty quick.

So does my V6.

To each their own.

 

[DC runner]

Look, if i had a nickel for every friggin time there was a HID kit, Lift kit or "hey look at my new tires!" thread, then this place would be pretty damn empty.

I'll be honest, the SEARCH function in this forum sucks a big ol' bag of a$$. Ive tried to find old threads i KNOW ive seen in the past, i put in key words and i'll get some crap about a vanity mirror bulb thats out.

I say if some newbies come in the forum looking...nay, ASKING for YOUR input, dont be such a tool :::AHEM:::: ClockWork :::AHEM!::: and just either move on to the link of your choice or be a pal and possibly link them to a better thread.

Touche. I tend to be irritated by the obvious ego brushing threads, but that doesn't mean censor. I accept defeat...

 

[Silent Auction]

I am in the same boat

I am looking right now for a 4th gen Runner. I have yet to drive the V6 and i used to own a 2003 limited 4x4 V8 and loved the power. I commute 70+ miles a day and the few extra MPG would def be nice, however i will be towing ATVs across the mountains 10+ times a year. from what i have read i know the V6 can handle that but i think it would stress out the V6 alot more than the V8 which would not even know it was towing anything. The rig will also have my family of 4 (hopefully 5 soon) and a couple of dogs as well as camping gear. I am going to go look at a V6 either today or tomorrow and give it a drive. Like everyone said, i dont think you can go wrong with either engine unless you plan to tow 5000+ on the reg.

 

[stanleybb50]

Look, if i had a nickel for every friggin time there was a HID kit, Lift kit or "hey look at my new tires!" thread, then this place would be pretty damn empty.

I'll be honest, the SEARCH function in this forum sucks a big ol' bag of a$$. Ive tried to find old threads i KNOW ive seen in the past, i put in key words and i'll get some crap about a vanity mirror bulb thats out.

I say if some newbies come in the forum looking...nay, ASKING for YOUR input, dont be such a tool :::AHEM:::: ClockWork :::AHEM!::: and just either move on to the link of your choice or be a pal and possibly link them to a better thread.

Agreed on all aspects. One thing I find is that using the ''google'' search feature within T4R.org seems to return ''better'' results than the standard search feature at least. Still tough to find what you're looking for though! I find myself frequently looking for one thing and end up on some huge tangent towards something else entirely... lol


- Sent via Tapatalk for Android

 

[ClockWork]

V8 is actually a better engine in every single way except mileage, and that is negligible at best.

 

[zerowkul98]

I am looking right now for a 4th gen Runner. I have yet to drive the V6 and i used to own a 2003 limited 4x4 V8 and loved the power. I commute 70+ miles a day and the few extra MPG would def be nice, however i will be towing ATVs across the mountains 10+ times a year. from what i have read i know the V6 can handle that but i think it would stress out the V6 alot more than the V8 which would not even know it was towing anything. The rig will also have my family of 4 (hopefully 5 soon) and a couple of dogs as well as camping gear. I am going to go look at a V6 either today or tomorrow and give it a drive. Like everyone said, i dont think you can go wrong with either engine unless you plan to tow 5000+ on the reg.

Id def. still go with the V8. To squeeze a couple more MPG is great, but to have the extra power and reliability of the V8 is more than worth the peace of mind to me. The V6's are great, and all the talk of the blown head gaskets has made me glad i went with the V8's twice, but the V8 has proven to be near bullet-proof. The exhaust manifold and the timing belt are the 2 big P.I.T.A. but i'll take it!

 

[kkz]

V8 is actually a better engine in every single way except mileage, and that is negligible at best.

Men smile in the presence of big engines and horsepower

 

[kimberco]

Sorry for opening this can of worms. I did a search on this and didn't see anything listed comparing the two engines. Maybe I didn't do the search correctly. Thanks for the grace on a newbie to the forum! With all that to say, what are some things that I can initially mod to the motor to increase the mileage on my V8?

 

[Az4runnin]

You will NOT regret the V8. Just took a trip from Phoenix to Disneyland with 0 issues. Did the W.P. Timing Belt a day prior to leaving. Smoothest V8 I have driven. What a great rig for a road trip. Performed as expected. '03 Limited 4x4.

 

[DC runner]

Before we get into the weeds, understand this: There is NO modification you can do that will EVER compare to HOW you drive. Tires, fuel, paint, this and that thingy, blah blah blah.

I know Americans hate math, but for every 2 fold increase in speed you require something like 8 times the power to move you through the air. Air is a thing. It has mass, and the faster you move through it the move friction it has on you. Meaning, the faster you go, the "harder" the air around you is. Don't believe me? Feel the difference in "pushing" your hand out the window at 20 mph and at 80 mph. I bet you will notice a significant difference.


So. This equates to the difference in energy needed to push you at 55 vs. 60 as being roughly 2 the total energy needed. Simply put... if you have a serious issue with gas, slow yo ass down.


After that, in essentially a descending order of effectiveness are things like proper tire inflation. Air filter. Plugs and wires. Making sure your car is, in general, in proper maintenance.

As for "mods"... other than shaving your cars body to be more aerodynamic, there isn't really a single one. Any out there are probably lying. If there was a simply thing to do, Toyota would do it. Most things are to gain power, which doesn't help in the MPG area... actual hurts it.

The OLD ADAGE is still the best. Slow down and go easy...

 

[Atlanta_man]

and do not use any air filter that requires oil...

not a bad idea to buy a can of MAF sensor cleaner and clean yours, its easy

the sensor, not the air filter