with gas prices where they are these days i need my 94 runner with the 3vze to get the best gas mileage it can. i am on a budget so i cant do any significant mods, but i have a few questions for general tune up.

1. ngk v-power plugs...better to use than the single platinum plugs?
2. i also removed the plastic shield that goes in front of the pipe from the air filter box. i figured i would get better air flow and possibly better mileage. but now im getting like a whistling sound from my maf. im not sure if it just needs to be replaced or if i screwed something up

this is a 94 4runner 3.0v6. 236,500mi on the odo

 

I have that sound too, I am pretty sure it's completely normal.
I have NGK Irridium plugs, and I like them, but I have heard just go with the regular Denso or NGK. People say those new plugs are for the newer cars and trucks, and that putting them on our later model trucks will not help as much.

In the end it is up to you. In all honesty the 3.0's were not gas saving machines. What you can do are a few things. You can get smaller tires, but no one wants to do that and it looks cruddy..
You could swap that older 3.0 for the lighter and better gas mpg of the 3.4 and it would probably pay itself off in later years...

Or, just keep the 4runner and get a beater car for the mileage. Take the 4runner on trips or if the beater breaks you have that backup.