we need 2nd gen 3.slow advice

[greeen-4-runner]

Hi Guys,
I need to pick the brains of our fellow 2nd gen 3.slow owners. we have lisa's 90 'runner on the road now, and i'd like to know more about what traits gave it the "3.slow" nickname. The toyotas i have had in the past were either 22r pick-ups, or ae86 rwd corollas. I'm worried that our "3.slow" may have something wrong with it that is causing it to be excessively "slow"
I'd like to hear from you guys as to what is normal. do they have low top speed? slow take off? weak power overall? won't get out of their own way? doggy cold? doggy hot?all of the above? None of the above?

Since it is her driver now i want to make sure it is running the best it can so i won't have to worry about it dangerously slow or something.

thanks, chad

 

[Footofgod]

Big thing is lack of power around 3000-3500 RPM. Climbing big hills on a highway can be a challenge if you don't down shift. I don't ever see issues in gears 1-3. Mine takes off pretty good to start.

 

[thatoneguy]

If mileage isn't really a concern, you could advance the timing a little. My 22re has an insanely large power difference from stock timing to a few degrees advanced.

 

[BucknutBob]

It's not that the 3.0 is a "bad" engine, it's just that with it in a nearly-4000 lb. rig, it makes for a terrible power-to-weight ratio. According to K&N's dyno, you're only getting about 105 hp and 125 ft-lbs to the rear wheels--that's not much for that weight. Plus, as Footofgod mentioned, the powerband for the engine starts around 3000 rpm--at highway speed, if you hit a steep hill below 3k, you're probably going to be dropping speed quickly. Put this engine in a smaller sedan, and it would be a great combo, with plenty of power. Also, the aftermarket doesn't really support this engine well, so there are few things you can do to increase the power very much.

 

[priestsallore]

Yes, like the gentleman before me have said, thats the only bad thing about it, is the speed gain.before i give a suggestion, is it a 4wd, manual, or auto? put on a new exhaust thats aftermarket, preferably a Borla or so, i have a flowmaster 40 off a mustang gt. It jumps your hp/mpg by a hair, but keep it clean. Best get a cat back.

 

[greeen-4-runner]

Thanks, for the replies guys. i'm thinking we have a problem now for sure. maybe in the cold start side. The reason why i say that is because untill it warms up it has no take off power at all. NONE! And if it's actualy cold outside it's worse, no amount of throttle will get it to move untill it's warmed up. Once it's warm it's fine, in fact step on ours when it's warm and it'll take off like a hot rod.

So has anyone else had this experience? or do you guys think that my line of thought is correct?