I also agree with this. The 3.4L is not a turd, per se, BUT if you've ever driven the 4.7 V8 or 4.0 V6, it IS a bit of a turd.

If the 4th Gen is not in the budget or if you just plain don't like the 4th Gens, the only other worthy upgrade would be to get a 3.4L w/ a supercharger. My old TRD supercharged 98 was much faster compared to my current NA 3.4. But I prefer my NA 3.4L due to less maintenance and being able to use regular grade fuel.

 

The 3.4L is a solid motor, but in terms of HP and torque it's definately outdone by the new 4.0L engine. I'm also not a big fan of timing belts (which the 4.0L doesn't have one). The other drawback is that the aluminum heads and iron block on the 3.4L and 3.0L make them both prone to blowing their head gasket if you end up in an overheat situation for some reason.

 

Oh, no blowing head gaskets

 

I have had 22R's, a 3.0, and three 3.4's. My favorites have been the 3.4 in my '95 Tacoma 5spd, and the 3.4 auto w 4.10's in my '02 4Runner Sport. The 3.0 in my '94 is fine for daily driving, and playing on mild trails witht he 33's and 4.88 gears, but the 4Runner with 285's is still more fun to punch and play with.

 

I wouldn't mind a 5spd at all but 4runners are rare around here as it is, little lone a 5spd...I might consider a Taco instead as I've actually seen a few of those. The tacos are a bit pricier though...

 

I had a V6 3.0, rated at about 150 HP, which I believe is about what the 2.7 is rated.

I just swapped in a 3.4 and it is a world of difference. Tons more torque and overall power.

Mind you, the 3.0 had over 200,000 miles on it and most likely was tired... but I'd be surprised if you didn't notice a major difference from your current motor to a 3.4.

If you go with a 3.4 equipped Tacoma, I'd imagine it will really fly with the lower vehicle weight. Plus you should be able to find 5spd's more easily.

 

Elvota, yeah I just read through your swap the other day! Awesome work!!

I have some work into the current rig so I'm debating on just opening her up a bit with a bigger exhaust and maybe re-gearing. We'll see, I'll find a 3.4 to drive and compare...

 

Keep the 2.7 i dont wanna see any less of them in a 4runner out there.

Regearing is nice I got an LCE header when my manifold cracked, and i took it to an exhaust shop and they welded on a flange to connect it all up, driving the 4 miles to the mufler shop was loud and fun.

You could do what i am planning on doing, supercharge