I just recently became a proud owner of a 2007 4runner with a standard SR5 package with a v6. I am pretty impressed with the performance but looking for a little more and get some better mileage. I am thinking about a cold air intake kit and a cat back exhaust but honestly don't know where to start. I am not looking to drop thousands of dollars as that would defeat the purpose. Also, What are some good replacement head lights? I am looking for a very crisp bulb that is bright. Lastly, any ideas on how to restore the plastic on the running boards, mirrors, and strip on rear bumper?
Need some suggestions for recent purchase
- Thread starter sbm913
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Dusty Driftwood
New member
Congrats on the new 4Runner. My personal opinion is that you'll spend more on a CAI & cat back than it will save you, even idoyle can get them cheap. There is a product called back in black for restoring plastic parts that have faded. Or, a lot of people have used plasti-dip for a similar effect. As far as the running boards are concerned, I have a near mint condition set for sale VERY cheap, link to FS thread is in my signature.
Martinjmpr
New member
:iagree:
The 4th gen V6 already gets fantastic MPG for a 4300lb body-on-frame SUV with an automatic transmission and 4wd. If you are driving on relatively flat ground and don't do jackrabbit starts, 20mpg is possible, which is amazing.
By contrast, my 3rd gen with a much less powerful engine, weighing 500lb less, could barely break 18 in town, although I could get 20-21 on the highway if I hypermiled it.
The 4th gen V6 already gets fantastic MPG for a 4300lb body-on-frame SUV with an automatic transmission and 4wd. If you are driving on relatively flat ground and don't do jackrabbit starts, 20mpg is possible, which is amazing.
By contrast, my 3rd gen with a much less powerful engine, weighing 500lb less, could barely break 18 in town, although I could get 20-21 on the highway if I hypermiled it.
I understand that the price for the modifications will out weight the savings. I guess what i was trying to say is what would be the best options for a reasonable price giving me both better performance and mileage. I want a louder exhaust but from what i understand a cold air intake could accomplish this as well?
Also, I am wondering it was possible to take out the storage compartment in the center under the climate control. Its honestly just to small and not very useful and would like to just make it open. Another thing I am trying to fix is the gauges, the orange is either faded or a light is out.
Synister
Member
The T4R already has a cold air intake, it pulls air from outside the engine bay. If you want to put a AFE pro dry filter or something go for it but I wouldnt mess with the intake itself. Magnaflow mufflers are pretty popular for a better sound but wont really do anything for power. The console under the climate control cant really be opened up, there is something right behind that little compartment. I keep a tire guage,some earplugs, and a spare chapstick in there. There is a hidden compartment above the glovebox if you need more space.
20034RunnerV84x2
New member
If you really want to open the space, just open it and pull up. But be warned, it may look like this.
Martinjmpr
New member
I find that very easy to believe. I took a trip back in September where I was mostly traveling on fairly flat roads, with a lot of interstate and 2 lane blacktop without many hills. Average mileage for my entire tank was over 21.5. The 4.0 is a pretty awesome engine, I have to say.
Keep in mind I am in Colorado and the tank above was when I went to Laramie, WY, to hunt, so we're talking about elevations from 5,200' to 7,200' above sea level.
For the plastic on the running boards and rear bumper, I just coated mine with truck bed liner. I did it after I slipped off it while it was raining, and my door slammed against some girls car while she was still in it. Hasn't rained since so I can't really comment on whether it worked.
I was running on Interstate 5 down central California to the coast. Flat land.
