Towing w/a 2.7L Turbo, Weakest Link?

[fun_runner]

This might take a minute, please bear with me.
I have a '96 4Runner with the 2.7L, 5spd. Its turbocharged, running 7psi. The rear end has been recently rebuilt and has the 4.56 gears. New clutch 5000miles ago. Drilled and slotted rotors with EBC Greenstuff 6000 pads. The question is, What is the weak link in this set-up when towing a 3300lb camper? I know the towing capacity on the 4cyl is 3500lbs and the V6 is 5000lbs. Whats the difference other than the engines? With my 4cyl making as much power as the V6, I would think I would have no problem pulling my camper. I've read in a few different places not to tow in 5th gear because of that being a weak spot in the transmission. Let me know what you guys think. Thanks.

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

This might take a minute, please bear with me.
I have a '96 4Runner with the 2.7L, 5spd. Its turbocharged, running 7psi. The rear end has been recently rebuilt and has the 4.56 gears. New clutch 5000miles ago. Drilled and slotted rotors with EBC Greenstuff 6000 pads. The question is, What is the weak link in this set-up when towing a 3300lb camper? I know the towing capacity on the 4cyl is 3500lbs and the V6 is 5000lbs. Whats the difference other than the engines? With my 4cyl making as much power as the V6, I would think I would have no problem pulling my camper. I've read in a few different places not to tow in 5th gear because of that being a weak spot in the transmission. Let me know what you guys think. Thanks.

sorry I'm not helping your question, but tell me more about your turbo setup!

 

[Dous]

Yea do tell!

 

[JohnsD90]

Lol, the turbo eill about $1k+ plus you also need a new intake manifold and other parts, and the 16in rim brakes.

 

[fun_runner]

The turbo set-up is just LCEngineering's street turbo kit to start with then some ebay intercooler piping and intercooler, synapse bov, aem wideband and tru boost controller, blah, blah, . . . Thats another day and another thread. I'll do a build thread when I'm done. Its about 95% completed now.

Lol, the turbo eill about $1k+ plus you also need a new intake manifold and other parts, and the 16in rim brakes.

I missed the funny part. What are you talking about new intake and other parts?
And why do I need the 16" rim brakes? The EBCs stop great. And the trailer brakes help take some the load off the truck anyway.

So, back to the original question . . .

 

[JohnsD90]

The. 4 bangers stock brakes and brake size are meant to stop the small weight trailer, you need some bigger brakes for safe stopping.

 

[Limited2K]

I would say make sure the cooling system is in good shape. Good pressure, no leaks, good/new coolant, thermostat. Although it's within towing capacity of you're rig, it's still going to be a burden on hills and passing on the highway so you definitely want to make sure it stays at a good operating temp.

 

[TFJ-4runner]

If I had to pick a point of weakness I guess it would be just getting up to speed. Although I don't see it being a problem you may get a little lag with the turbo.

 

[maxspeed96ct]

I would say the clutch would be your weakest link, but that depends on how much stop and go you do while towing.

But since your clutch is pretty new you should be fine.


Now share some pics of the turbo :zoom:

 

[NickF]

Lol, the turbo eill about $1k+ plus you also need a new intake manifold and other parts, and the 16in rim brakes.

John, my friend, why would he need a new manifold on a 4 banger? Rusty might need a turbo manifold unless you want to bi-turbo, but his truck does not :bluejump:

But yeah, with a little bit of boost you should be well within the realm of V6 territory in terms of engine power, so I wouldn't be concerned about power at all. You probably shoulda done a tundra brake mod if you are towing, but you should be fine just give yourself extra room. New clutch is good news, the extra stress is going to push it. Keep it in 4th and go easy and I say you could tow as much as a v6. 5th gear is not meant for towing in any application really, you WANT engine braking as much as possible even on the highway. How fast can you go in 4th?
My 2cents

PS PICS OF TURBO

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

PICS

Though I really wanna know how you got the fuel management part of the setup going. Standalone ECU's are a PITA, and they're mucho expensivo.

 

[fun_runner]

Well, I think I got the answer I was looking for as far as the towing goes. Guess I better get to work on a thread about the turbo set-up.

PICS

Though I really wanna know how you got the fuel management part of the setup going. Standalone ECU's are a PITA, and they're mucho expensivo.

Yea, they are too expensive, especially considering I'm running pretty low boost. I dont really need a stand alone. I just went with the AEM FIC/6 piggy back controller. Again tho, thats another thread. I'll try and get some pics up here soon too.