questions about moded 02 runner I just bought

[Dave2one5]

Ok, when it comes down to it, I don't know much about cars in general, but enough to get by... anyway, i just got an 02 runner, BEAUTIFUL car, it's got an s/c, TRD exhaust (single pipe, nice and loud!) and a cound system/head unit to rock any block. But, I can tell something is not tuned up right...

1. auto tranny shifts real hard between 3rd and 4th when i step on it. lots of lag between time i pin it and it goes... also jerks the truck violently sometimes

2. funny smell when the s/c kicks in hard

3. I know i need a new air filter, but the engine almost feels choked, is this because i still have the stock fuel pump?

essentially, i know my truck is capable of far better performance, but i don't think the first owner really knew much when he got all this aftermarket work done...so...any ideas?
I live in Raleigh NC, any runner experts around?

thanks, and hello btw yes, i'm a nOOb
:awais: ay ay ay! estoy usando el internet!!!!!!!!! :bigok:

 

[Dave2one5]

started runnin her on 93 octane again...she's runnin like new again :bigok:

 

[Texas4Runner]

started runnin her on 93 octane again...she's runnin like new again :bigok:

When you got boost get the highest octane you can afford. You can still putt around town on low octane to save money but expect no performance along with the symptom's you described.

If you really want to increase performance on top of running high octane and clean your fuel line's and injector's at all the same time you MUST try Toluene or Xylene. I would suggest doing alittle research so you will understand my suggestion, here is just a tad of info:

Toluene can be used as an octane booster in gasoline fuels used in internal combustion engines. Toluene at 84% by volume, fueled all the turbo Formula 1 teams in the 1980s. Small 1.5L turbo engines were known to operate at 5 bar (73 psi) boost in qualifying and 4 bars (59 psi) while racing. More than 1500bhp from 1.5L engines was possible.

The differance is phenomenal and can be felt and this is an experienced opinion.

 

[Tomsriv]

It sounds like your transmission is out of adjustment. It should shift slow and smooth in all gears unless it has a shift kit. And I don't think they make shift kits for 4runners.

 

[Her4Runner]

Re: Toluene/Xylene as octane boosters, I run Xylene in my turbocharged Syclone & Typhoon trucks whenever I want to crank up the boost. Due to the corrosive nature of both substances, you don't want to exceed a mix of > than 30% w/ your fuel. To counter-effect the dry nature of these substances & to add some detergent qualities, I use the following "home-brew octane booster" recipe (obtained from the turbo Buick guys):

--100 oz. Xylene/Toluene
-- 25 oz. mineral spirits (detergent)
-- 3 oz. Marvel Mystery Oil (lubricant)

This gets you 1 gal. (128 oz.) Given that Xylene has an octane (R+M/2) rating of ~117, when mixed w/ 92 octane pump gas, the following effective octane increases are theoretically possible:

10% mixture - 94.5 Octane
20% mixture - 97.0 Octane
30% mixture - 99.5 Octane

I have run up to a 30% mixture w/ no detrimental effects (O2 sensor etc.) I did notice my spark plugs had a pinkish hue at the higher ratios, which I attribute to the red Marvel Mystery Oil. Only downside is that w/ the rise in gas prices, Xylene & Toluene have risen to ~$10/gal. in the quantities I purchase (5 gal.) Makes for an expensive tank of gas

BTW, I purchase Xylene at my local Sherwin Williams paint store in 5 gal. cans. If you're serious about running high boost often, look into alcohol injection. Its a much better cost-effective & long term solution to suppressing knock.

HTH,