24Runna

Hey all, newbie here to Yotatech, but 2nd 4Runner. I have just recently bought a '95 4Runner with the 3VZE motor in it. I got it from a fixer, and he paid 2k, he wanted 5k, but I got him down to 4.2k. He replaced all fluids and fixed some other things I don't know of, my main concern is the head gasket, as these are infamous for them. Can I go to my dealer to check if it was ever done?

When I was putting my stuff into it, I noticed a new fuel filter, and a PVC valve, both new, both Pur-something. Hey a spare for the road. My other concern is the MPG. I know, I know its an SUV and the 3.0 gets bad MPG, but today I went a mere 30 miles total, 8 at 65 MPH and just watched the gauge go down, down, down. At 65 is when you could really see it go down. So far what I plan on doin is: Airbox mod
Clean MAF
Seafoam, but need help in the location of the right PVC valve
New sparks, need help for which ones are the best (NGK or Denso)
Oil change to Mobil 1 EP, which grade do you think is best?

Next 6 months to a year:
Change front diff, rear diff and trans. case to Mobil 1
New tires, came with new Wrangler RT/S, 3 C and 1 D
New muffler

The latter part is not really for MPG, but for better overall.

One last question. How is this engine supposed to sound? Loud ticking whenever on gas, and an odd noise maybe from alt. Sound clip to come.

Mucho TIA.

stormin94

Don't expect to get that good of MPG from the 3.0. I have a 1994 4Runner with the 5 speed tranny, and I get on average, about 17-18MPG mixed driving. At best, I get 20MPG, and at worst, I get about 12-14MPG.

89macrunner

you can put seafoam through he brake booster vaccum line. It all goes to the same place.

I got about 15 city and 20 highway with my 3.0 5 speed. I had 31x10.5x15 tires and a heavy audio system.

fredtheturd

I get right at 15 mpg with mine (specs below) but with the street 31" tires. 35's cut the mpg in half.

You might also want to verify that timing is within tolerances & think about doing a good ol tune-up before you start with performance mods. You want to start with everything in good working order in the bone stock config so you know the mods are either hurting or helping.

One thing I love about my 3.0 truck is not all the add-on's & mods you can do but the learning process I've been through working on the vehicle. You kind of get a close relationship with your truck.

Have fun!

24Runna

Thanks for the tips guys. I never expected more than 18 or so in the highway, but it's the point that going 8 miles you could see the gauge move from one side of the F to the other. I also have a 4th gen, not mine but I drive it as well, and that only gets 18 or so city/highway.

Also, is 31x10.50x15 the same as 225/75/15?
oh and when I post the vid of the engine, I'm pretty sure the alt is going, it's like scraping or something.

Alex 400

Not really. the 225/75 = about 28.28" and about 8.5" wide. A 31/10.50 will be between 30.5" tall and 31" and about 10.50 wide. I had 225/75 on my truck when i got it abouta year ago, but since then i replaced them with 31/10.50 Toyo A/T's

24Runna

Thanks, I was just wondering cuz I have the 31x10.50x15's and on the door jamb it says 225/75/15. It rides so damn hard with 3 C and 1 D tire, can't wait to get new ones.

shifty

I have a question. when it comes to MPG whats the percentage differance between the 225/75/15 and he 31x10.5? im assuming my 4runner OEM tires are the 225/75/15's because thats what the sticker saids in the door and now i have 31's on