omgodzilla

Im getting ready to purchase a 2000 4runner 4cyl.
I believe its a 3rzfe.
Is this a reliable motor??
is it enough to power the large 4runner??

Any problems with this particular motor>????

omgodzilla

also,
Do the 4cyl's get up high in mileage 200k-300k
like the v6's??

toyota4x4907

IMO, the 3rzfe is more reliable than the 22re and less work needs to be done than with the 5vzfe (3.4L v6). The 3rzfe doesn't have timing chain problems like the 22re, hell, The timing chain should be good for 300K miles. Nor Have I heard of them blowing head gaskets on a regular (not saying the 5vzfe does, but the 22re blows them often). With the 5vzfe you have a timing belt every 90K miles.
The only problem I can think of with the 3rzfe is the cracking exhaust manifold. I think 2000 was the last year for problematic ex. manis. They produce 150hp and 180ft/lb

i dont know, but I just like 4 cyls better than 6 cyls.

904_runner

ive never driven in the newer 4cyls but test it out and see if you like it. I hear they are great motors though. I do however like the 3.4L v6!

omgodzilla

thanks!
Im getting a great deal on a 4cyl.
I just hope its not too underpowered for the heft Runner.
Can I cruise comfortable on the highway and pass easily?
Or will I have to mash on the gas pedal to pass others?

904_runner

cannot say for certain, i have read however that people do like that motor even with the 3rd gen runners.

If you think about it, the older 2nd gens with the 3.0L v6 was pushing out 150 hp at 4800 rpms, where this new 4cyl has around the same power ratings and is lighter.

I think it will be fine. LIke i said though, go test drive it and make your own judgement.
I came from driving a 3.0L so most other motors feel pretty quick. If you came from a high HP vehicle before hand then it will most likely feel really slow to you..

Just go drive it and see for yourself!

ozziesironmanoffroad

have u ever owned a 22re? mine went 320,000 miles before the HG blew, and i rebuilt the engine.
plus i only did ONE timing chain job. at 120,000 miles. so no, the 22re does NOT blow HGs on a regular, thats the 3.0, if u dont take care of em properly.
to the OP: the engine you are talking about is a very reliable engine, and very strong. i reccomend it.

toyota4x4907

I cant really comment. My roommate has a '96 Taco with the 3rzfe/5spd and it feels great. Plenty of power, IMO, but Im used to the 22re I think you will be fine. Is this 4runner an auto or manual?

KrashDH

I have the 2.7 in my Tacoma...very nice engine. When I had it bone stock, it could cruise at highway speeds perfectly fine. Going up mountain passes though, it could hold around 55-60.

As far as the passing goes, even mashing the pedal won't get you instant results...with this motor you need to plan your passes ahead and make sure you have time to do it....stock speaking.

I put headers, an intake, and a catback on my truck. Better flow, more upper end pull. I can handle mountain passes now about 70-75 and it's got more get-up for passing. It's still not a 3.4, but is a very solid motor I think you will like.

Enjoy!

904_runner

That is with any motor though. Just because your 22re didn't have a problem doesn't mean 22re's don't have problems with their headgaskets. I have read MANY MANY threads with the 22re popping one. Same with the 3.0L

My 3.0L went 258,000 without HG problems, but the valves is what caused the end to it.

Just cause i had good luck, i cannot say the 3.0L didn't have a HG problem.

toyota4x4907

Two actually, about to get a 3rd I was about to say basically what Mike just said, but I see he beat me to it. Yes, I know the 3vze is the HG problem child of the early '90s, but there are a lot of 22res that blow, its just the the 22re HG is so easy to change, no one really thinks much of it. And the thing with the TC, yes you did it once at 120K miles, but the 3rzfe should be good for at least 300K miles.
and Yes I too recommend the 2.7L

Windsor

When I first got mine, I checked the threads here and have not found much conversation about 22RE and head gaskets.

3.0L, OTOH, was bad enough to have a factory recall issued.

KrashDH

Definitely something to be aware of. The person I bought my Tacoma neglected to change out the manifold when it was cracked. I test drove it and noticed it immediately. Needless to say he wanted to get rid of the truck, and I called him out on it, and I got the truck for over grand less

The downside of this story is he had let it go too long, and he burnt a valve. So, my time was spent rebuilding the head, new valves, all new timing when I was in there, (as well as many other things), etc. Needless to say I have close to a new top end, and I learned a lot during the process!

Just something to check out though...it shouldn't be neglected or there will be much more work to come.

omgodzilla

the one im getting is auto..
Is the cracking exaughst a serious issue?
Im not mechanically inclined..

One_96TR4

The 2.7 is a really great motor. There are quite a few of them around just not as common as te v6. I have a v6 and a 4cyl and don't really find the 4cyl underpowered at all. The better fuel mileage is a great plus and I've seen them run 200-300k easily. I think you'll be happy.

One_96TR4

The one I have is an auto aswell and it's fine. As for the manifold its pretty common. there's a sticky on it at the top. Really not a huge deal though, if it goes replace it...some ppl are replacing them with the newer mini header style just for the sake of it (check sticky for mini header info).

KrashDH

With these years yea the stock manifold that came in the truck was poorly designed and produced. It seems not an "if" it will happen but more "when" it will. It's easy to check for...the visual, if you have a heat shield, that can be removed (pretty simple) and check the manifold over for cracks...you can also put fluid on it (one that won't burn off quickly) and start the vehicle and watch for any bubbles...this would signify a crack...

If visual inspection doesn't produce anything, the other way is to listen...park next to a concrete barrier or wall. With the truck running and the window down, listen for a consistent "ticking" sound. If it ticks, most likely cracked. You can hear the ticking while driving next to the wall/barrier as well.

omgodzilla

i see..
Well, I will have to ask the owner about the manifold then.
Im hoping the car will last me a good while.

KrashDH

Oh it will. It is a strong motor and if taken care of, will last a very long time. Like others have said the manifold is minor and can be replaced with those mini headers which are kinda cool, and no more worries about cracks!

omgodzilla

Its a
One owner
2000 4runner 4cyl
140k
Clean title
Owner says that she didnt do anything but oil changes its entire life...
Am I gonna need to make any repairs???
It has a bit of mileage now.. is there anything that needs to be replaced at this point in its life??