Next Generation Tacoma Engine?

[zippo44]

I have to say that the new 4.6 liter 1UR-FE V8 has amazing potential for an engine in the next generation toyota tacoma.

Its only current application is in the Lexus GS 460, and it produces 342 HP, and 340 ft lbf of torque.

Granted, it would have to be reworked for more lower range torque, but the amazing thing is in the GS it delivers fuel economy of 17/24, and the GS 460 has a curb weight 1000 POUNDS HEAVIER than the tacoma double cab 4wd.

There is a lot of potential here, a strong V8 that delivers over 20 MPG.

The only problem I can see, is that they are bringing this engine to the Tundra in 2010 as a replacement for the 4.7, and I wonder if they would bring it to both the Tacoma and the Tundra.

That 4.7 was introduced in 1998, and this new 4.8 has a lot of potential and clearly outmatches the 4.0L V6 and 4.7L V8 in every regard.

It would also outperform Toyota's current flagship V6 engines; the GR engines two current incarnations; our 4.0 Liter and the 3.5 Liter. In the highlander, which has a similar curb weight the 3.5 only squeezes out 17/23 for MPG and has far less HP and torque.


As far as a lower engine model goes, the 2TRFE in the 4 cylinder 4 bangers is aging pretty rapidly, it produces 159 HP and 180 lb torque.

The new 1AR 2.7 liter in the highlander and venza would have some potential. Again, it would have to be retuned, but produces 187HP and 186 lb torque, while returning 20/27 MPG in the FWD highlander, which weighs about 100 pounds less than the 4WD tacoma 4cyl. Perfomance wise, these numbers are probably better than the 1996-2002 4runner's V6... especially given the downgrade in HP/Torque estimates in 2005.

Got any other ideas? I know a turbo diesel idea is pretty popular, but I think that these engines have a lot of potential. The 4 Cylinder would be much more powerful while returning similar or better gas mileage, and the V8 would simply blow the doors off the V6 4.0 while improving MPG as well. Thoughts?

[zippo44]

I might add, that I compiled these numbers from a variety of reliable sources and spec sheets. I did look into the current engine offerings in the Hilux, and didn't find anything too remarkable. If someone would like to do some number crunching on the imperial/US gallon and HP/Torque conversions (at what RPM), that would be interesting to see, given the interest on this forum. If you do, good luck :-)

[WilsonTheDog]

I doubt we'll see a V8 in the Tacoma. There's no need for it. Do we know if the full potential of the 4.0L has been reached yet?

A diesel, like the D-4D, would be a more practical idea considering it's already in the Hilux.

[tacobox]

Also you can't compare fuel economy number from a car to a truck. Gearing tire sizes, areodynamics heavier trans/differentials all play a part in fuel economy. I know this is old but why would a 5.0 v-8 get 30 imp mpg in a mustang and get 15 in a 2wd pickup? Same engine, same hp, Ford 4.6 is another good example 30 imp mpg in a towncar and maybe 20 in a 2wd pickup.

[johnecon2001]

*cough* it's already been done.
V-8 lexus/tacoma swap pics

[Smithers]

Toyota V8 engines have always been efficient since they day they came out. The 1UZ out of the first Lexus cars were overbuilt for supreme reliability and very modest in terms of power ratings. I know people who get 25mpg out of them no problem. Just drive normal is the key. People put them in 4runners in other countries and get 20-22 mpg. The engines can be found for dirt cheap too.

Here are my engines. I got a nearly complete second engine for $500 delivered by a forum guy who gave up on his project. A lot of guys pick them up for between 500 and 1000 (for a near perfect looking used 1uz) from salvage places. Of course putting it in a Tacoma is another subject. Paying for the engine is the easy part.

Mines almost done.

[blake_trd]

it will be equipped with the either a 161-horsepower four-cylinder or a 268-horsepower six.