Toyota 4Runner
Submitted: Sunday, Dec 15, 2002 at 01:00
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Neal
I have a 1989 4Runner with 2.3litre petrol engine, which in automatic transmission form wouldn't pull the skin of a rice pudding!
The truck's only travelled 140Ks, the mechannicals are good. Whilst the off-road performance is good, I want to do something to improve its performance on-road.
Being now semi-retired, the Wife and I have had time to do a few forest trecks, but find the highway sections of our trips a real pain. The slighest incline, and the truck's back to 3rd and often to 2nd!!!
I've heard that a Holden V6 transplant works well, but as the 2.3 litre Toyota engine has done so little work, I'm more inclined to spend some $ to improve it's on-road performance.
Any suggestions would be most welcome.
Regards,
- Neal -
Reply By: OziExplorer - Sunday, Dec 15, 2002 at 01:00
Sunday, Dec 15, 2002 at 01:00
Neal have you checked it is not just the catalytic convertor that is blocked. The 2.3 litre was not that bad, and certainly not as bad as you describe it. I would check the exhaust system, catalytic convertor and main muffler first and foremost for blockage.
Has this vehicle still got the original size tyres fitted to it?
AnswerID:
9695
Follow Up By: Neal - Sunday, Dec 15, 2002 at 01:00
Sunday, Dec 15, 2002 at 01:00
Thanks for the advice; I'll check the exhaust system. However, the truck's a one owner, never been off the road before our purchase, and it's been serviced by Toyota since new, so surely they'd have picked that up.
The tyres are 10R15 Bridgestones, on Cheviot Alloy Wheels.
Regards,
- Neal -
FollowupID:
5035
Follow Up By: Oziexplorer - Sunday, Dec 15, 2002 at 01:00
Sunday, Dec 15, 2002 at 01:00
Neal, check your handbook what size tyres are supposed to be standard. I would say some of your problem may be incorrect size wheels not allowing the engine to rev correctly. The Japs normally match the engine performance, gear rations and tyre sizes for optimal performance. Change one, and it wrecks the equation.
FollowupID:
5041
Follow Up By: Neal - Monday, Dec 16, 2002 at 01:00
Monday, Dec 16, 2002 at 01:00
OziExplorer ---
The 4Runner Manual lists numerous tyre options, from 7.00 x 15 to 215 R 15.
- Neal -
FollowupID:
5054
Reply By: bruce.h - Sunday, Dec 15, 2002 at 01:00
Sunday, Dec 15, 2002 at 01:00
Gday Neal
you could try fitting extractors & 2 1/2 inch exhaust systwm always found hilux,s respond well to that
regards BRUCE
AnswerID:
9698
Follow Up By: Neal - Sunday, Dec 15, 2002 at 01:00
Sunday, Dec 15, 2002 at 01:00
Thanks Bruce.
As I am going to check the cat converter and muffler for blockages (other advice), I get a quote for a larger system too.
Regards,
- Neal -
FollowupID:
5036
Reply By: Graham - Sunday, Dec 15, 2002 at 01:00
Sunday, Dec 15, 2002 at 01:00
Consider fitting or either a super or turbo charger.....much easier/cheaper than holden v6 engine transplant.
AnswerID:
9700
Follow Up By: Neal - Sunday, Dec 15, 2002 at 01:00
Sunday, Dec 15, 2002 at 01:00
Thanks Graham,
As you'll see from other responses, maybe the exhaust system is a limiting factor - perhaps blocked or too small in standard form. I'll check that out first, and see how we go from there.
Any idea about the indicative costs for the super / turbo charger?
Regards,
- Neal -
FollowupID:
5037
Reply By: Truckster - Sunday, Dec 15, 2002 at 01:00
Sunday, Dec 15, 2002 at 01:00
The V6 Conversion isnt as simple as it seems - always...
I know of one thats up to $15000+ and its still not right...
Trade it in on something new.. Spoil yourself!
AnswerID:
9705
Follow Up By: Oziexplorer - Sunday, Dec 15, 2002 at 01:00
Sunday, Dec 15, 2002 at 01:00
I agree with Truckster on this one. Buy a different unit if you want more power. Swaping power units and cogs is never successufl Presently you can buy a Triton 2.8l diesel cab/chassis for $21,990.
FollowupID:
5046
Follow Up By: Neal - Monday, Dec 16, 2002 at 01:00
Monday, Dec 16, 2002 at 01:00
Truckster ---
Thanks for the response. You'll note that
OziExplorer too agrees that an engine swap isn't the answer.
- Neal -
FollowupID:
5055
Reply By: Peter - Monday, Dec 16, 2002 at 01:00
Monday, Dec 16, 2002 at 01:00
Go back to 30.5 9R15
tyres or 205R16. You wont believe the difference in performance.Better off road performance also. Gives you at least an extra half to one gear.
AnswerID:
9749
Follow Up By: Neal - Monday, Dec 16, 2002 at 01:00
Monday, Dec 16, 2002 at 01:00
Thanks Peter,
I don't quite follow - do you mean that 30.5 9R15s will give more turns per full turn at the axle, and therefore "lower" gearing & more "power" ?
- Neal -
FollowupID:
5061
Reply By: Peter - Monday, Dec 16, 2002 at 01:00
Monday, Dec 16, 2002 at 01:00
Neal,
30.5x9R15 is nearly equivalrnt height wise to 205R16 WHICH IS STANDARD FACTORY SIZE. Your assumption is correct and it really works. I can vouch for that from personal experience with a 2.8 diesel Hilux. Also fitted extractors and 2.5 inch exhaust, noticeable difference but abit noisy.
AnswerID:
9756