Did I make a bad decision? V8 instead of V6

[Mr. Banks]

RE: DC Runner

DC I agree with you. Well said. The problem is most people are in a mad rush, and speed. Who actually drives under the speed _limit_ going to work? If you do, you don't live in SoCal or NOVA/DC. Adding to that problem is if you happen to be behind the wheel of a V8. I said earlier I came to terms with the gas consumption. I do try my best to wake up earlier, and not have to do a minimum of +9 MPH to current speed just to keep with traffic, and make it to work on time.

Decreasing my speed on the highway has helped, A LOT. When I made my Pro & Con list for V8 and V6 it was "Not a V8....Con"

V8 FTW <--IMHO

 

[kimberco]

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...

I was thinking around the lines of a cold air intake, or k&n air filter, etc? recommendations on those, or do they just increase my horsepower and decrease my mileage?

 

[GMZ]

I am on my second 4R. First was an 06 SE 4x4 V6, second and current is an 07 SE 4x4 V8. Same color even. Like the V8 better.

 

[drforton]

You definitely didn't make a bad decision. Before I bought my truck, I drove several other v6's and v8's, and after feeling the power/torque difference between the two, I couldn't even think about buying a v6 just to save about 2mpg. Either go big or go home is the way I look at it. If a better, bigger, more powerful motor is offered, I'm gonna buy it.

I'm sure you'll love you're v8 as much as anyone else that owns one does. I have two friends with the v6 and they both regret not getting the v8 after riding in mine. Either way, a Runner is a Runner! IMO, they're all solid! :cheers:

 

[DC runner]

I was thinking around the lines of a cold air intake, or k&n air filter, etc? recommendations on those, or do they just increase my horsepower and decrease my mileage?

Ugg. Snake oils.

Try them but they won't do much of anything.

 

[MikeInNH]

DC runner is 100% correct.

The increase performance is insignificant. Not worth the money. K&N filters work by allowing more air into engine. Problem with that is in order for them to do it...the filters must NOT filter as well as a good OEM style filter. For every gallon of gas your car consumes it also consumes 10,000 gallons of air. With a K&N filter that air could be a lot dirtier.

 

[034RUNNER]

What makes you think that? If I were you, my regret would be getting a base model SR5.

The only reason I didn't get a v8 was because I don't want to be replacing belts and whatnot, although I don't think it's really a big deal now that I know more about the trucks. My v6 came up and was a good deal so I don't lose sleep over this.

If you like the truck and everything, don't worry. It's not even a noticeable difference. I test drove a v8 before going to see/buy my v6 and didn't notice anything. I can't speak for gas mileage, or anything.

 

[ClockWork]

It's not even a noticeable difference. I test drove a v8 before going to see/buy my v6 and didn't notice anything. I can't speak for gas mileage, or anything.

Sorry, but that's just ignorant.

 

[GMZ]

The difference is quite noticeable between the two, but thats pretty subjective.

 

[ice2000]

Hey all,
I just purchased my first 4runner and I'm picking it up on Friday. It's a SportsEdition SR5 with the V8 and I'm wondering if I made the right choice versus the V6. I know the obvious power difference between the two, but are there are cons towards the V8 and being 4WD all the time?
Thanks, and I look forward to gleaning from all of you as the 4runner becomes modded!

I had the same feeling when I purchased a 2007 T4R Sports Edition with a V8 after trading in my 2000 T4R V6. Gas mileage was my main concern. After driving my sister's 2007 T4R V6 I realized how smooth and powerful the V8 was. She gets better gas mileage, but the smoothness and power is the biggest difference. I'm happy with the V8.:driving:

 

[gamecockcountry]

Whats the typical mpg of the v8s?

 

[Levinz11]

To answer the OP. NO. 2 MPG's?? Come on! Who cares? You bought an SUV for Christ sake. Go get it dirty!!!

:worthless

 

[GMZ]

Whats the typical mpg of the v8s?

Im seeing combined between 18-19 actual mpg, if I take a road trip and keep the cruise control reasonable then maybe between 19-20.5.

 

[ThrottleJock]

To answer the OP. NO. 2 MPG's?? Come on! Who cares? You bought an SUV for Christ sake. Go get it dirty!!!

:worthless

I'm with you - I don't know that I've ever noticed the cost of fuel between one vehicle and another. I get from 16.5 around town and 19.5mpg on my commute (mostly 60mph highway) in my V8 'runner, slightly less when I've got a motorcycle on the hitch carrier. Which seems about the same as the fuel usage/cost on the minuscule S2000 I had before it, and the diesel F350 I had before that.

The sound of the V8 is worth the price of (fuel cost) admission alone, in my opinion. Enjoy it, you made a good choice.

 

[drforton]

The sound of the V8 is worth the price of (fuel cost) admission alone, in my opinion. Enjoy it, you made a good choice.

Preach it brother!!! :reddance:
All us v8 owners know the truth!!!. all the v6 haters can taste the dust!!! :banana:

 

[Zuke]

If you think the V8 is a bad choice then forgo the V6 and buy a Honda Pilot.

 

[zerowkul98]

Sorry, but that's just ignorant.

How so? It's one person's opinion. Plain and simple. And they are entitled to it just like youre entitled to yours. Not allowing someone to voice theirs, that would be where the true "ignorance" is.

BTW, a great, big THANK YOU to the Moderators for THIS:

 

[chaz]

until he gets back in under another name.

 

[Casper421]

until he gets back in under another name.

....for the fourth time!

 

[zerowkul98]

Cant the Mod's ban/block that IP address?