Performance/Concerns

[T4turtle]

I'm first time Toyota owner, so I'm just finding out that my 1993 Toyota 4 Runner v6 3.0 is really called v6 3.slo.

The truck is an automatic. Rebuilt engine that has about 30k and 186k on body and transmission.

I have two concerns:

1) Is it normal for this year of truck driving normal conditions that the center console where the automatic shift gear is located becomes pretty hot while driving?

I changed the transmission fluid in the truck. It was time for it anyways, but I did not see a difference in heat generated from the center console of the truck. I used DEXRON III.

2) I noticed that after push the side button the automatic shift gear from "OverDrive/OFF" to "OverDrive/On" (there is no OverDrive/On I'm just using this as an example when pressing the button on the automatic shift gear). While driving up hill the truck becomes very sluggish and looses power. Is this normal for the V6.3slo?

I'm in the process of purchasing NKG parts to do a major tune-up on the truck. I hope this helps in power and response time.


Any input is much appreciated.

Thanks

 

[cometobanks]

I hope the new parts wake that thing up, then I will have heard someone say something good about the 3.0. I've never owned a 3.0 but from what I have heard you have the same one everyone else does.

As for heat, check for missing heat shields around muffler and cat convt. areas if they are near by your hot spot.

 

[Jake4R]

I'm a new T4R owner, too - picked up a '94. Even tho I have a 5 spd it's slow, no doubt. I just drive it accordingly - and with a new, nice set of tires on it it sets out on the highway comfortably at 70 mph. Doubt that it's worth investing a whole lot to improve performance.

 

[Aludew5]

yeah, these are slow vehicles and you're wasting time and money trying to change that and won't see any gains that will make them "fast" with simple tune up stuff. that being said, regular maintence is still a great idea.

 

[Rix]

The number one maintenance item on the 3vz-e to increase performance (back to stock) is injectors.
Remove them, send the to someone like dr. injector or witchhunter.

Then
proper tune parts (oem toyota or ngk, denso etc)
making sure the o2 sensor is indeed working
and all the basics like air filter, tire pressures etc.

A good set of headers make a huge difference on the 3.0, as the stuck manifold setup is pretty crappy.
A decent exhaust set works fairly well too.