V6 switch to v-8....worth it opinions?

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redkaz04

Member
Gents,

I'm looking at trading my 04 v6 4x4 SR5 with 168k miles for a 06 v8 4wd with 96k miles. Timing belt has not been done. To upgrade to the v8 is going cost me
5k plus a timing belt. Is the added lower mileage and added towing ability worth it to you guys?

My v6 with 33s and a roof rack is a dog above 65mph...it's even worse with a 3k lb trailer. Would a v8 4Runner solve my problems? Or should j look at like a newer used tundra....which would cost ALOT more. help:/
 
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Your picking up 70k miles. A V8, 4wd, newer body style. 5 speed tranny. For 6k. I'd say absolutely. I own a v6.


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my v8 with over 150k miles is glorious. Im cruising down the freeway at 70-75 at about 2200 rpm. My third gen was a slug in comparison.
 
Only ypu can decide if it's worth it but I will say my V8 is great and running strong at 205k miles. I haul a 3k trailer quite a bit and it's like it's not even there outside of the mpg hit.
 
FYI, the V8 gets its torque iin the lower rpm's so at highway speeds it will likely be better than the 6 with those tires, but don't expect a night/day difference.
 
If you tow and you run big rubber the VA will certainly help. Plus the early 4th Gen V6 engine can have seal problem (sorry my mind is a blank on the correct term right now).

Edit:head gasket.
 
Gatafly said:
FYI, the V8 gets its torque iin the lower rpm's so at highway speeds it will likely be better than the 6 with those tires, but don't expect a night/day difference.
Click to expand...

Yea, I guess I'm wondering how much 'better' the v8 will be with 32s or 33s, a 2-3" lift and a 3-4K load. Will it be a dog? Does anyone tow with this kinda setup with the v-8?
Pictures? Thoughts?
 
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2006 SR5 4x4 v-8 with 95k miles.... Not had the timing belt done. Great condition with minimal rust. $14.400 before I pay tax when I register--fair?
 
redkaz04 said:
Yea, I guess I'm wondering how much 'better' the v8 will be with 32s or 33s, a 2-3" lift and a 3-4K load. Will it be a dog? Not as bad as a v6..,but not good enough to warrant not going with a bigger truck . I love the 4Runner.....
Click to expand...

Well I can say that my current build is not exactly speedy; I think my 0-60mph time is closer to 10 seconds than the factory 7.7~8-ish that was advertised. But she gets up and goes with the heavy 35's and armor pretty well, the V8 doesn't seem to mind. It's still fairly peppy despite being weighed down by the mods and still running stock gears. I can punch it if I need to on the freeway to pass people and it towed about 2000~2500lbs on the way up to Bend, OR from the Bay Area without issue.

The difference in low-end torque, gearing, and the additional gear in the transmission is more noticeable as you start loading the vehicle up with mods. I'd say stock for stock V6 vs. V8 is a tough choice as both are plenty powerful and have their minor benefits and detractors. But when you start seriously modding up your vehicle, you'll find the V8 can take a lot more weight and abuse without feeling like you need to sink the pedal to actually move down the road. But I'm sure if you regeared the V6 you might see some of the pep come back, it's all about low-end torque when you start modding this bad boys as you're gonna want the power on tap to move that extra weight (I'm sure my 4Runner is around 5k loaded at the moment with everything, I should get it weighed for shits and giggles...)
 
I had a 4.0 Tacoma with 265/75/16 KO2s on it. I now have a 4.7 4Runner with 275/70/17 KO2s on it.

The way I see it, and from my limited time on these boards...you're NEVER going to see someone with a V8 that regrets their choice. You will definitely see people with the V6 that do, or actively want to step up to the V8. If you were trading for a truck with more miles, I'd maybe say no, but if that $6k ain't gonna hurt you, I'd definitely do it.
 
I love my 4th gen with the 4.0 and it's been very good to me but I would probably trade if I found a very clean low mileage V8. However, I wouldn't do it if it was going to cost me $6k, maybe I would go for it at $3k. Totally your call on this one.
 
BlackWorksInc said:
Well I can say that my current build is not exactly speedy; I think my 0-60mph time is closer to 10 seconds than the factory 7.7~8-ish that was advertised. But she gets up and goes with the heavy 35's and armor pretty well, the V8 doesn't seem to mind. It's still fairly peppy despite being weighed down by the mods and still running stock gears. I can punch it if I need to on the freeway to pass people and it towed about 2000~2500lbs on the way up to Bend, OR from the Bay Area without issue.

The difference in low-end torque, gearing, and the additional gear in the transmission is more noticeable as you start loading the vehicle up with mods. I'd say stock for stock V6 vs. V8 is a tough choice as both are plenty powerful and have their minor benefits and detractors. But when you start seriously modding up your vehicle, you'll find the V8 can take a lot more weight and abuse without feeling like you need to sink the pedal to actually move down the road. But I'm sure if you regeared the V6 you might see some of the pep come back, it's all about low-end torque when you start modding this bad boys as you're gonna want the power on tap to move that extra weight (I'm sure my 4Runner is around 5k loaded at the moment with everything, I should get it weighed for shits and giggles...)
Click to expand...

Thank you very much for taking the time to respond.
 
cseaman said:
I had a 4.0 Tacoma with 265/75/16 KO2s on it. I now have a 4.7 4Runner with 275/70/17 KO2s on it.

The way I see it, and from my limited time on these boards...you're NEVER going to see someone with a V8 that regrets their choice. You will definitely see people with the V6 that do, or actively want to step up to the V8. If you were trading for a truck with more miles, I'd maybe say no, but if that $6k ain't gonna hurt you, I'd definitely do it.
Click to expand...

The 6k isn't going to hurt. Valid observation.
 
redkaz04 said:
Yea, I guess I'm wondering how much 'better' the v8 will be with 32s or 33s, a 2-3" lift and a 3-4K load. Will it be a dog? Does anyone tow with this kinda setup with the v-8?
Pictures? Thoughts?
Click to expand...

I have a 2007 V8 4Runner that runs e-rated 10 ply 285/70-17 (32.9") tires, with ~2.5" lift and tow a ~3300 lb fiberglass travel trailer. Loaded up, 2 kids, dog, bikes, gear for week or more.
I've been very pleased with the power, if there are struggles, like heading up a mountain pass, it just takes some more throttle application and a downshift. There was a particularly pass this past summer where I passed up several broken down/overheating vehicles (maybe part of Trans-Canada in BC?), and I couldn't even notice my 4Runner breaking a sweat. Don't get me wrong, it was a climb we felt, but there was no drama. We stayed cool with the AC running, the coolant temperatures never moved. I do need to get something to monitor transmission temperatures, however.

Now I'm sure a 5.7L Tundra could handle this operation much easier, but the 4Runner does great. I'll be adding some armor and other odds and ends that may affect the performance. If it becomes too sluggish, I will evaluate having gears done.

I am sure the V6 could handle my situation as well, but there would probably be more liberal throttle usage with accompanying transmission gear hunts.
 
I just sold my '06 2WD SR5 V6 for an '06 Sport 4WD V8. Went from 93k miles to 137k miles, paying $1.5k on top. It really was worth every penny. I can tell the difference in power, especially in the lower gears. I'm sure you'll be happy with your purchase! :dancin:
 
功　You'll never look back...

Coming from the (3rd gen) 3.4 liter V6 to VVTi V8 on the same chassis the difference is night and day. I burn BMWs and Chevys alike from takeoff. The 2UZ is indestructible and having ridden shotgun in the 4.0 trust me you will never miss it.
DSC_8279_zps7kd2rdqt.jpg~original
 
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