The bump in horsepower for the 4.7 came from variable cam timing. I test drove a 06 Tundra and it didn't feel any more powerful than my Dad's 02 Sequoia. I threw the question about the new engine out to the people at Tundra Solutions because I was looking for a tow rig and knew the 4.7 in the 02 Sequoia wouldn't work. It would have made sense to me that they used the VVT to help increase the torque of the 4.7 .... but NOOOOOO. I got several replies over there that the new VVT engine simply increased high end power, as in 4000 RPM and above. The VVT engine had basically the same lack of torque below 4000 as the old 4.7. So the only real advantage the newer truck had over the 02 was the 5 speed auto. I quickly nixed the Tundra from my shopping list.

 

variable valve timing kicks in only at a certain RPM range, usually at a higher RPM. I know all of Hondas kicks in around 4-5k rpm.

so low-end torque might be the same on both engine.

Are there any sort of reprogramming to tune those V8 more aggressive like the domestics?