dgz32

I picked up this '97 4runner Limited several months ago. Feel like I got a fair deal on it. Will need tires pretty soon - I'm looking at KL78's or the Terra Grapplers in 265/75/16. Haven't decided yet if I'm going to get the tires first or go w/a mild lift and then tires. For now, the truck w/be doing DD duty as well as some light off-roading, so I don't plan to get too crazy. Yet.







Originally had the gold package w/emblems and pinstriping, so I removed the pinstripes and painted the emblems. I was attempting to match the metallic trim on the truck, but ended up going a bit darker. Still like the way they turned out though. I destroyed the 'Limited' badges on the side and a couple on the rear...so I'm quasi-debadged on the gate for now. Will probably pick up the remaining emblems and paint when I get around to it.




I also did the ISR modification w/a 3" OD aluminum pipe w/a 45 degree bend. I wanted to run the hoses back to their original locations as much as possible. I used rubber grommets and pieces of various PVC piping for the hose connections. I'll be picking up a couple of hump/bump couplings to clean up the connection to the MAF and TB, as the degree of bend doesn't *quite" mate up as much as I'd like. That, and maybe paint or powdercoat the pipe. Overall, I'm pretty pleased with the result.










|dg

Atomic

Your 4Runner looks great. I love that color Where did you get that pipe for the ISR mod?

dgz32

Thanks, lol. Bought the pipe from seller 'ogracing' on ebay.
http://myworld.ebay.com/ebaymotors/orgracing/

Hey, I like those LEDs. I did the same thing on my '95 runner, made a huge difference. I've already replaced my HVAC cluster lighting w/white on the '97. I need to get of my rear and do the cluster next.

DailyDrive

How does that pipe change anything? Like logically, it doesn't make one bit of a difference besides making more noise.

dgz32

Removing the two plastic baffles and j-tube off the OE intake tube helps smooth the air into the engine. Makes it a little louder, but only slightly noticeable under heavy throttle. My BMW 540 had similar silencer baffles that I removed for a noticeable difference in throttle and engine response.

On both my (now sold) '95 and this '97, I've noticed an immediate increase in throttle response. Even my wife noticed it when she took it out shortly after install. For my '95 I also noticed a very slight increase in MPG - but then anything would help the 2nd gen 3.0 liter engine. I'm hoping to get similar results, but...we'll see. Right now, I'm very happy with the quicker throttle.

riverrat

Yes, nice clean install.

I'm considering an ISR mod for my 2.7L 3RZ engine, about which there is much less info than for the 3.4. Since I'm pretty clueless about what all the various hoses actually do, I would need to keep the stock locations for them. You did a very nice job of that.

Couple of Q's- where did you get the grommets? Are those just standard hardware store or Home Depot items? More importantly, how do the inserts that hoses actually fit around stay in the grommets? It looks like they might slip out, unless it is a very snug fit and non-slippery interface with the grommets.

TIA!

dgz32

The grommets are basic 'HELP!' brand versions I found at the local auto parts store. It was a pack of about a half-dozen diff sizes. Two packs were what I needed to get the specific sizes I was looking for.

The holes drilled in the pipe are a hair smaller than the grove in the grommet, allowing for a tighter fit. The plastic tube inserts are just matched to the correct grommet ID. If you look at the pic of the inside of the new intake tube, you'll see that the plastic tube fittings have a flair at the base that keeps them from pulling out.

The tubes fitted through the grommets are a snug fit. I used a bit of silicon spray to ease initial fitment. Oh, and the tubes themselves are various random pieces of PVC tubes for various vehicles. I experimented a bit to get what worked best.

riverrat

Thank you dgz32, very helpful, copied and saved to my growing file on the 3RZ engine.

dgz32

Figured I'd post back in here as I've revised the ISR tube I'd started with earlier. I've since installed permanent brass fittings (using JB-Weld) for all the lines, as opposed to the plastic odds-and-ends that I'd originally used. Additionally I've painted it and used more appropriate hump hose connectors for a more finished look.






Also finally got around to painting the Limited emblems. Weak sauce, I know...

DailyDrive

Dude those fittings sticking out inside the tube totally cut the air! The air is going to have gouges on the sides. That's like -5hp.