Help: 4runner 4.0 or 4.0 supercharged or 4runner 4.7vvti or Lexus GX470

[inscarguy]

Hi everyone, I'm stuck on something. I currently have 2 4runners, a '06 4.7 and an '08 4.0. I love the '08 but for me the 4.0 is underpowered. My wife drives the 4.7( happy spouse happy house). So I'm ready to do something but I'm not sure what direction. The '08 is nearly flawless but has 182k miles.

Do I supercharge the 4.0(at minimum $6k), get rid of it for another 4.7 or upgrade to a gx. I like the GX as it has more head room and the seats are so much more comfortable.

What are your thoughts? Please don't say take the V8 away from the wife, that's not an option.

 

[Syr4RinNC]

If cost isn’t an issue I’d go with the gx

 

[inscarguy]

Noone else?

 

[Inv4drZm]

I don't see how the 4.0 is underpowered unless your towing.

If you get rid of it you might as well get something newer, faster, and better mpg, something better than an old GX.

 

[Tironeous]

Why does the 4.0 feel slow and how do you use it? It it’s weighed down with armor and is your trail rig maybe you just need a regear.

If it’s stockish and you just envy the V8 then get something with the V8. Personally I like the early GX460 (5th Gen 4Runner) for something a little nicer and newer.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Keros]

If the only thing you don't like about your 4.0 V6 is the power, get the supercharger.

If you want something new and fresh then look at car shopping.

The risk of getting any used car is buying a piece of junk... if you end up in a GX470 that's been abused and looks nice but is mechanical trash, you're out worse than having an ol' V6 workhorse.

To each their own, mind you. If your '08 is done up real nice just the way you like it, why bother switching it up.

Another V8 4Runner will be the same situation... but with added fun secrets like "when will the exhaust manifold get a hole in it", and other 4th gen V8 fun.

It really comes down to how much money you want to throw into the wind.

 

[triethylborane]

AMG G-Wagon.

The 4runner of any flavor we have in the US isnt underpowered, you are likely asking it to do something it was not designed for.

 

[who done it]

I've built mine the way I like so I supercharged mine. But before I built it I would have gone GX. After all I've "invested" I'd rather just keep my truck especially with the current prices of other trucks.

Sent from my SM-G981V using Tapatalk

 

[Offroading is lame]

2022 Gx460 with a supercharger


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[AlpinUltra]

The 4L is not under-powered.

That is coming from a guy on 33s that sometimes drives at 9,000 feet. My previous car was a 450hp 15' Mustang GT. I have an idea of what actual power is.

If there is any weak link in the system it is the transmission being hellbent on getting to 5th gear as quickly as possible (especially at altitude). But I also get that economy was a priority.

 

[inscarguy]

Thanks for all the replies. It sounds like there are a few for each idea.

For me the 4.0 is underpowered. I have had the V8 since '09 and I got the 4.0 a few years ago. I got rid of a '09 Benz AMG due to a leg injury and I could not climb out of it anymore. The 4.0 was an once in a lifetime deal so I got it but I'm just not happy with the power of it..

 

[Offroading is lame]

The 4L is not under-powered.

That is coming from a guy on 33s that sometimes drives at 9,000 feet. My previous car was a 450hp 15' Mustang GT. I have an idea of what actual power is.

If there is any weak link in the system it is the transmission being hellbent on getting to 5th gear as quickly as possible (especially at altitude). But I also get that economy was a priority.

Do you feel a noticeable difference at sea level?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[MikeinNH67]

What about something like the pedal commander? I've never tried one but some people say it wakes the motor up.

 

[AlpinUltra]

Do you feel a noticeable difference at sea level?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

My operating range is 1,100'-9,000', haven't had it down to sea level (yet!). Between 1.1k and 9k? very significant difference in power output. Online calcs say 55-65hp difference and I believe it.

I feel like I should also state I am running 91 octane fuel.

-

At sea level I feel there is enough power to do really anything traffic demands with out putting much stress on the engine. I have yet to need full throttle. Just the other day I had a short merge, 0-65. I was comfortably up to 65 before the end of the merge lane and I think I gave it 60-70% throttle. This has been my experience over and over again whenever I need to get up to speed somewhere. It's not sports car quick but in a couple seconds im where I need to be and it never feels like it is working that hard. This is why I say the 4L is not underpowered.

I notice the transmission rarely if ever downshifts, except when I am on the freeway trying to idle up hills at 65 in 5th doing 1500rpms or whatever it is. If I speed up to 75 it will just stay in 5th.

-

At altitude there is a huge loss of torque, especially at low RPMs and the transmission tuning becomes completely inappropriate. The eagerness to rush up to 5th gear and keep engine RPMs as low as possible in anticipation of torque that isn't there sets the stage for the inevitable downshift when a hill is encountered. I normally keep it in 4th (instead of shifting between 5th and 4th for flat and hills) and I have noticed my transmission temps stay significantly lower and my fuel economy is usually unchanged or improved. If I let cruise control run the show I end up in 3rd climbing hills which I really don't like.

I want a manual tranny for these situations.

 

[inscarguy]

What about something like the pedal commander? I've never tried one but some people say it wakes the motor up.

I do have the pedal commander. I also installed an AEM Inlet tube with dry flow air filter and a TRD exhaust. I'm now looking at headers and a URD Y pipe.

 

[MikeinNH67]

I do have the pedal commander. I also installed an AEM Inlet tube with dry flow air filter and a TRD exhaust. I'm now looking at headers and a URD Y pipe.

Ah, cool. Carry on with the supercharger then and make sure you show us.

 

[Iceman710]

I’m supercharged, I think 6K is tip of the iceberg, you’ll want to also get supporting mods And then it really starts to add up. Your headers, Y pipe, PC, and Intake will do wonders for it but with power mods you will always want more powerrrrr! GX’s are really nice vehicles. Either way you can’t go wrong.