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Opinions on a 4 cylinder

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Old 01-30-2004, 09:43 AM
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A little help...

Do 4 cylinders have any problems turning over oversized tires? Any other pro's and con's on a 4 cylinder 95-97 tacoma would help big time. If it's a decent engine and can still carry me around i'll most likely get it, but I just wanted to run it by you guys before I made a purchase, thanks.


Travis

Last edited by TRDtacoma107; 01-30-2004 at 10:16 AM.
Old 01-30-2004, 10:16 AM
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Personally, I am a leadfoot and like to go up to the mountains with lots of gear, so a 4cyl is a big no no for me. With gearing, you could make it adequate, but it will never be "quick."

You just cant overcome the lack of torque vs the 5VZ V6, so my advice to you, because you want to turn big tires, is to save and get the V6.

I almost got the 4banger, and every time I fly by one going up a hill to Flagstaff, I smile and stay on the V8 Ford's rear in front of me.
Old 01-30-2004, 10:20 AM
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I probably won't be doing any serious off roading with it, I'll definantly be getting it in mud, but I'm still a little skeptical on how badly I'll need a V6. Plus the gas mileage would help me a ton with a smaller engine. But still that realllly makes me want to wait for a 6 cylinder It'll be in a 95-97 Tacoma by the way... I know the 4 cylinders push out 150 hp and the V6's put out 190 hp.

Last edited by TRDtacoma107; 01-30-2004 at 10:22 AM.
Old 01-30-2004, 10:22 AM
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Personally, I wouldn't even consider the 4 cylinder.
Old 01-30-2004, 10:24 AM
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hahahaha can you say goodbye 4 cylinder? I'm thinkin' It'll pay off to be patient.
Old 01-30-2004, 10:26 AM
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I've had a 22re, 2.7, 3.0 and 3.4. I would rate them on power in that order. The 2.7 isn't bad at all, but I live in the mountains and it bogged down pretty bad. If you have any doubts get the 3.4. The difference in mileage is not much different between the 2.7 to 3.4.
Old 01-30-2004, 10:34 AM
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I saw the thread before you edited it, you said you wanted to run 33's.

A 4cylinder is going to be hard pressed to push those meats without gear reduction in the diffs. Also, with those bigger tires, you probably won't be saving all that much more gas as opposed to the v6. If you want to pass people on any road, whether its highway or not, get the v6.
Old 01-30-2004, 10:40 AM
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I've got the 2.4L running the 33's, and KNOW i need to regear. Im eventually gonna run 36's on this engine, and eventually do a swap (gotta a 5.0L H.O. sitting down in alabama in my Bronco). For the driving i do, mostly around town it works for me, and i can't go fast enough to get a ticket, so that helps!
Old 01-30-2004, 11:20 AM
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I have a 2.7 and some things I like and dont like about it. For one, the power is on the low side and plus I have a lead foot so I use as much of the 150 as I can. I would prefer to have a V6 but thats life. One good thing with the 4runner is that its slow enough to not give me tickets and thats great since my insurance is allready through the roof sonce Im a teenager.
Old 01-30-2004, 11:38 AM
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You want opinions, you get em.
I bought my 2.7 in Nov. Ive posted several times the reasoning behind my decision, but bottom like it is suits me well. I dont haul a lot, nor do I haul a trailer other than a light utility, I dont have a lead foot, and I keep pace fine with the V6 (I have a 5 speed, and that helps.) Ive noticed my driving habits change over the years... ie slowing down a little, slow starts from stops, etc... but then Im old..... almost 50!



I get 21/23mpg. And the maint cost is less. I think the 6 is great. I think the 4 is great. YOU decide what you want after you weigh the pros and cons, and be happy with you decision.
Old 01-30-2004, 12:14 PM
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Great comments from everyone thank you... I can definantly relate to people who are having problems with tickets. The last thing I need right now is something fast. I'm just more worried about the 2.7 pushin' 33's along. I'm getting the tires, I just want to make sure I can roll them over with a decent amount of power. I've never drove many 4 cylinders in my life either, and I'm a bit skeptical that it will hold it's own off road. Think so?
Old 01-30-2004, 12:21 PM
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2.7 = 177TQ
3.4 = 220TQ

(thought I might throw that in there if you didnt know already)
Old 01-30-2004, 12:24 PM
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Originally posted by KING
Personally, I wouldn't even consider the 4 cylinder.
Me either!

Get the 3.4L and add a S/C!
Old 01-30-2004, 01:10 PM
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I had a 2.4l nissan pickup 4x4 and had oversized tires on it....in town it wasn't that bad. Offroad it was fine. Now the interstate thats a totally different story no power whatsoever. I agree about the driving habbits. Heck I'm only 18 years old but my driving has changed a ton since I turned 16. Im much more careful and not in a hurry all the time.
Old 01-30-2004, 01:10 PM
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if you do get the 2.7, don't consider the automatic....i've got the 5 speed with 32's, and i have no complaints at all...i'm eventually going to 33's.....the 2.7 will push the 33's just fine....like others said, it's a matter of preference and your driving style....
Old 01-30-2004, 01:34 PM
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errr such a hard decision. There is a black 97 4x4 Extended Cab in Louisville with the perfect price that I'm so close to calling about, except it has a 4 cylinder. I gotta make myself be more patient
Old 01-30-2004, 02:29 PM
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If thats a manual then it sounds like, judging by what other 4 cylinder owners have said, it will be just fine for what you want to do.

To be honest, I have the 3.0 in my 4R and I am quite pleased with it...however, I am only running 31's and pretty much no gear in it. I'm predicting later down the road I may be doing a swap or trading this rig in for a 3rd Gen with the 3.4 and then S/Cing it!

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Old 01-30-2004, 03:01 PM
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I have a 2.7 and I find the motor to be great .I did drive several 3.0 and 3.4 before my purchase .I bought the 2.7 .I had my 4runner with 4 adults and it ran without a problem .Ya it`s a bit slow but 95% of the time it`s fine.
Old 01-30-2004, 07:36 PM
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The 2.7L engine is a very stout motor and can be made to go fast. For everyday driving, it's peppy enough especially with an exhaust and an Amsoil air filter.

And I don't my 2.7L is slow at all
Old 01-30-2004, 08:07 PM
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Yours has a turbo that helps with its peppiness.....


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