Topic: 3.0 v6 power upgrades

[codydeluca93]

i have a 1993 Toyota 4 runner with a 3.0 v6 that is a dog........ is there any cheep upgrades to throw on that will help?

[bigarms23]

you can do a free flow exhaust system but i would swap in a 3.4 for more power

[OOPS]

Nature of the beast, dog and gas hog, live with it or go 3.4!!!!!!!

[T.Rex]

Electric fan

[BigMike]

It's called a 3.flow, not 3.slow

Is this an auto or 5-speed? How many miles are on the motor?

One of the best things to do for a tired motor, however costly, is to get a fresh valve job done. That will brighten it up a lot and you'll see much improved MPG, easier to start, smoother idle, better bottom end power, minimized run-off during shut down, and have an easier time passing smog (if this applies to you).

It just depends how wore out the engine is. A quick compression test will yield the needed answers to this question.

Also, with a fresh top end you'll have a solid platform to start throwing aftermarket parts at and the motor will realize more gains from said parts too

After I blew the head gasket on my ~200k 3RZ-FE 4-cylinder (long story), I had a valve job done before slapping the head back on and WOW what a difference! It was a night and day difference, seriously, but this was because unbeknownst to me it really needed it. Starts easier, purrs like a kitten, is also more stable at near stall conditions during Rock Crawling too. It made a huge overall improvement for me.

Of course you've got two heads so the cost is higher (I highly recommend Genuine Toyota head gaskets!), but if you are serious about this, then I'd start with a fresh top end (it's short and less expensive than a full rebuild anyhow) and then work my way up!


BigMike




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[codydeluca93 [OP]]

cool thanks it is an auto and about 130K compering it to my 22RE crazy but have to make due. ill try the fan trick.

[BigMike]

Electric fan is a great idea. I _HIGHLY_ recommend using a Delta Current Control controller for this: http://www.dccontrol.com/constant_temperature_controllers.htm

The motor has only 130,000 miles and it's tired? Who owned the truck before you, Enterprise Rent-A-Car??

Seeing how it's an automatic, I'll leave it at this: It's always gonna feel sluggish until you change to a more powerful engine. You may not like this, but I'd recommend one of the following: 1) Sell and replace it with a 5-speed version, or 2) Do an engine conversion to a 3.4-liter 5VZ-FE. Short of these two options, if you are already dissatisfied with its performance combined with its handicap (auto), I don't think you'll ever feel satisfied.

If you or any other automatic owner is thinking about doing a manual transmission conversion, I advise against this. Do it the proper way by finding a factory equipped 5-speed truck.

BigMike