Rookie Question: Hilux '04 - Petrol 3.4L, Manual - Feels underpowered
Submitted: Monday, Feb 15, 2021 at 11:52
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JonoB
Hi all,
I have a 2004 - 3.4L manual petrol Hilux that to me just "feels" under powered compared to what I assume a 3.4L v6 hilux should feel like.
It runs smooth and operates without any fault I can work out, but when driving up the
Toowoomba range (long incline, steep but nothing too crazy) I have to keep swapping between first and second and I feel like its just lacking in torque and/or power. And also while pulling a trailer with a boat on it (nothing too heavy though) it feels like it struggles.
My previous car (2004 XR6) had no problem with either task.
Looking to make this a DIY project but I'm lost
where to start with this. Do i need to go to a mechanic to try get some kind of baseline?
Any pointers / starting point would be great.
Thanks in advance.
Jono
Reply By: tonysmc - Monday, Feb 15, 2021 at 18:15
Monday, Feb 15, 2021 at 18:15
As a starting point before doing anything, I would get it checked on a dyno tuner. They'll
test it under load and should be able to tell you if it isn't meeting the correct specifications and would give you the best baseline.
If as mentioned in one of the posts your looking at valves or head work, I would go to All head
services in
Melbourne. I been through the process on a couple of cars and it was cheaper to use them and get a brand new head and valves than have someone recondition the old one.
I remember people use to drop Holden V8's and V6's into those older hilux's, might be another option with a kit from Marks adaptors?
AnswerID:
635086
Follow Up By: RMD - Monday, Feb 15, 2021 at 20:01
Monday, Feb 15, 2021 at 20:01
If you really wish to have it dyno'd AFTER all repairs to confirm output if you must, BUT FIRST find the fault/s and have it properly rectified. The dyno will prove nothing at the outset, only what is already known - no go.
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: tonysmc - Monday, Feb 15, 2021 at 23:56
Monday, Feb 15, 2021 at 23:56
It will prove if the car is running within normal power limits while also forming a baseline to measure any gain if work is done. The poster says; Quote " just "feels" under powered compared to what I assume a 3.4L v6 hilux should feel like".
Well you know what they say about assuming! The car is a 2004 hilux which aren't know for their neck breaking power
Also putting it on a dyno may help narrow down where the issue is, or at least
where to start looking. A dyno tune is a cheap place to start.
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Follow Up By: RMD - Tuesday, Feb 16, 2021 at 08:08
Tuesday, Feb 16, 2021 at 08:08
Being a mechanic + other related qualifications for many years I would never start a rectification at a dyno place. After a time/km period there are predictable situations which will be present. No dyno tuning is going to cure the obvious, just cost to prove it is there. Always begin with the easily discovered problems of engines long before more expensive action which do not fix the issues. The dyno doesn't show
where to start. A good mechanics intuition and ability is the key.
However, I do agree the fitting of a 6L V8 may increase
hill climbing ability to some degree.
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Follow Up By: Member - John - Tuesday, Feb 16, 2021 at 08:34
Tuesday, Feb 16, 2021 at 08:34
RMD, "may increase
hill climbing ability to some degree", tad of an understatement, LOL.
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