1st gen with V6 worth buying?

I found a really clean low mileage example. 04 and in manual. At first I thought it was the V-8 and was super excited. After talking more with the owner I realized it's a V-6. I've owned a Tacoma with this motor and it was one of the smoothest most reliable vehicles I've ever owned. It did not have much power though. I really want a V8, I've never owned one before. Should I hold out or jump on this show room condition V-6?

 

I like the 3.4 v6, get it and swap in an gm ls6. Toyota’s 4.7 wont be as impressive as you might think.

 

Yeah the 5VZ (3.4) is not a powerful engine, especially trying to accelerate from the mid speeds (33-50) yet is has great reliability and longevity. It otherwise performs well from a standstill and above 60.

The 4.7 while not near as strong as the 5.7, is still far and away stronger than the 3.4. But I would get a 2005 or later which have VVTi, good for an extra 40 ponies and 40lbs of torque.

Oh but I would drive it just for grins. Luck.

 

@Tundra2

 

Having owned, and driven both. The 2002 V6 auto being more dialed in than the (New to me) 2000 V8 auto...

V6 is a great motor with ok/decent power if light duty truck things are in your future. Bed hauling, furniture moving, small towing, and commuting. Mine makes a good deer killer too. Mine just rolled 348k miles with the original engine components minus routine things like the water pump, and timing belt, oils, plugs etc. I did change the injectors, but that was an optional change. Not a reactive repair so I exclude that from my list of things. Coil packs, and plug wires too. Again, optional change. Not a reactive repair.

We did replace the transmission at 80k-ish Miles.

I haven't dialed in the V8 yet like I have the V6, but it definitely has more "put you into the seat" than the V6. I can tell it's got more grunt. Naturally...



Should you buy this truck? Depends on your needs. Planning on towing a lot of cars around? Probably not. Super-duper mega Mondo travel camper? Absolutely not.

Using it as a commuter most of the time with the occasional tow here or there. Hauling furniture in the bed of the truck sometimes? Sure, go for it.

If the frame is clean, and rust free, I'd have no issue snatching it up.

 

Thanks for all your input. Basically if I want to tow hold out for the 4.7. I do ultimately want to buy a small travel trailer. Still very tempting as commuter though. I appreciate the swift and substantial replies.

 

We need pics.

 

It's gorgeous lol

 

That thing would look good parked in front of the bingo hall.

 

Lmao. It's either a single cab 1st gen, 2nd gen or spend more than I'd like and buy the new 22 once they are obtainable.

 

It’s a manual tundra. I don’t understand where the “should” is coming from.

 

Wait, is that 4wd? If so those are pretty rare.

Looks Absolutely pristine!

 

I'd grab it in a heart beat!

 

Of course the V8 is better. But these trucks are getting hard to find in good shape. And are you are going to spend a lot more in purchase cost and repairs on another.

Only you can say how well you can afford it or if it is worth it.

 

How easy is it to swap a in a 4.7 if ultimately you want the extra power?

You can pick up a used motor for a few hundred bucks all day long. With everything else going for that truck, I probably wouldn’t think twice about it.

 

I don't think the V8 ever came with a manual. Nothing wrong with the V6 at all (unless you want to tow a whole lot, I guess). Great engine! I'd buy this if it fit my needs.

edit: umm does this thing have the roll-down rear window? Looks like one solid piece of glass.

 

I don't think that trans would work well with the V8 but I could be wrong. That aside, mostly a wiring project and maybe a fuel pump. I think the majority would bolt up, but to turn such a clean specimen into a swap project is kind of a shame to me.

 

I'd go supercharger before engine swap personally.

 

I had a 2001 RCLB with the V6 and an Auto Tranny and I towed my Scamp and then bigger Casita all over the country with that one and it was just fine.

Now I have a 2001 RCLB with the V8 and Auto tranny and it is just a lot more fine for sure!

I loved the V6 but I would find a V8 if you want to tow.
Just a more comfortable experience all around really.

This was Yesterday with around 4K behind me in big winds.

 

If you decide to pass on this truck, I'm interested!

 

Wow... I'd buy that in a heartbeat if I could.
But I already have a 4.7 V8. Never driven the 3.4 V6 Tundra, but I can say I came to the 4.7 V8 Tundra from a 3.5L V6 Tacoma (2017 model) and the difference in low-end torque is incomparable. V8 all the way. At first I couldn't believe how much more powerful this 13-year-older truck is off the line vs. my 2017 Taco.

If the 1st gen Tundra V6 is anything like the 3rd gen Tacoma V6, skip it and get the 4.7 V8 without looking back.

 

But a tuned (even supercharged) 4.7 cant handle 400hp and a gm 4.8 can. Yea it’s better than a v6. Everything is. But it has more weaknesses than the ls. And doesnt have the problems of the 3v ford.

 

To me: Yes the 3V triton is a nightmare according to CarWizard and also according to what I see available on the market. Strengths of Toyota vs LS engine is completely about longevity and reliability.

 

Dig deep and ask yourself this:
Do you want to pay more for a supercharger and premium gas for the privilege of chosing your own gears?
Or
Do you want a v8?
Because otherwise I don't think you'll be happy with the power to weight ratio of an NA 5vz in a Tundra, though the manual shifter may alleviate some of the pain.

 

Blasphemer! Lol
I know a guy working on a swap just like that actually, about half way between you and me. He started with a 6 spd 2wd 4.0L Tundra, solid axle swapped it on 40s, and threw in a Chevy 6.0L. I don't think he's finished it yet
https://www.tundras.com/threads/the-cream-pie-a-2005-4wd-ls-5-speed-sas-conversion.50841/

 

The TRD supercharger can get that sucker to more than the 4.7 output of your willing to spend the coin and do the fuel mods too.

 

I just can’t like Chevy engines power bands. Toyotas modern vvti motors have such a nice flat power curve, even though peak numbers are lower, they’re far more useable.

 

Did he ever finish that?

 

Btw, in stock form, they get about the same mpg. But the v8 has about 100 more torque. HP varies between about 50-80 more depending on vvti or non