I was just watching a tv show and the host said that the 3.4 was underpowered. Has anyone had this problem or is it pretty powerful? If so what kinda things did you do to make it more powerful?

I have never heard someone say that it was underpowered. I mean it's no big block but it's also no 22re either. I do not own a 5vz but I plan to in the future and kinda thought this might be a good topic to get some opinions on.

So anybody think it's underpowered?

 

Definitely not. Like you said, it depends on what it's compared to, but as far as V6's go it's one of the best engines ever made, especially for Toyota. Which tv host said that? And if it doesnt have enough power stock, just supercharge it.

 

lots of poeple dont really know what there talking about !! TV is like .. not always true


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On Powerblocktv they are building a ex-taco, I think it's on Horsepower and they turbo it instead of supercharger it's a cool build but I couldn't see them calling it under powered and being correct

 

HA! and they said they should have left the 22re in the yota they built over the ramjet v8

 

They did???

 

I love mine. Especially after coming from a 3.0

Toyota really put the 0 in 3.0

 

So nobody have anything bad to say

 

i believe it puts out the same horse power as the earlier 350.

 

I drive a 97 4Runner auto SR5. Its a decent power plant, but the problem with the 3rd gens is they weigh a TON. Well, 3900lbs so basically TWO tons. The Engine boasts 183hp, and 217 ft/lbs, but it just weighs so much it takes a little to get it up and going.

The automatic doesn't help anything. I drove a 1999 4Runner 5speed, and it put the power to the ground MUCH better.

 

Compared to the new 4.0 V6, the 3.4 IS a dog.

But that's comparing apples to oranges.

As stated, it's pushing around a LOT of weight.

 

So it's a power to weight ratio thing.

 

I think it definitely depends on what your coming from. Of course its not a big v8. When I drove my friends 4 door taco I had plenty of power for getting on the highway. Its definitely a major step up from the 3.0.

Maybe they were running large tires without regearing?

 

My 3.4 auto feels abit faster than my 3.0 5spd, especially when either truck is pulling a trailer. 3.4 5spd feels alot better.
the new 4.0's blow them out of the water.
The 3.4 in my 89 is far from stock and moves quite well

 

I think it's a little weak too. It's a very good motor and can be supercharged for more power.

I put some intake and exhaust gadgets on mine and think I'm up to 192hp lol. Yea, it is not fast, and that is fine.

 

It's all relative to the period. The 3.0 wasn't labelled as such a dog back in 1988 and the 22RE wasn't completely worthless back in 85 when it was released. The 3.4 in 96 was a solid V6 with ample power for the day. Hell I used mine to tow my RX7 and it did a fine job. But it surely doesn't compete in 2011 with V6s. Today's V6 is far more economical and powerful. So yes, by "today's" standards the 3.4 is anemic. With that said, it doesn't take away from what the 3.4 was during it's time.