2012 4.0 1GR-FE Tundra

Hey guys hope everyone is well. Wanted to get back in here to see what new ideas might be out there for my Tundra! Just to touch up I have a 2012 V6 double cab. Transmission valvebody is upgraded for faster shifts by IPT Trans in Jersey. 33"x12.5" aggressive all terrains with 20"x12" wheels. 4" lift. Sound system is decent too. My main issue with the truck right now is cr*ppy acceleration even with a pedal commander. It just feels lost and confused trying to accelerate. On the highway the RPMs are pretty high at 60 mph. The gas mileage is not great but it is okay under 55 MPH. Once I go over 55 it starts to suffer dramatically. You'd think that 33's wouldn't be as bad as 35's but it feels just the same. Some people have told me to regear but I am not sure if that will help any. Also the black paint is suffering, time does not do it any favors. Anyways this is my first vehicle and I have a strong attachment to it. Before I invest in a paint job what beneficial changes could be made? Regear? Any new engine mods I may not have heard of? Just to be clear I understand its a V6 and it will never be a V8 but I have driven a lifted tacoma with 35's about the same power and it felt much more filling to drive around.

 

Nice vehicles!

As you have discovered, the V6 in Tundra clothes is pretty gutless once you add bigger tires and a lift. Well, it's pretty gutless in stock trim compared to the other V8 options if you ask me, but there's more to it than just dyno numbers. The curb weight of that Tacoma is typically 1200 pounds lighter - or more - than the tundra, so the motor has less to move around.

So you really have three options: regear, repower, or repurchase.

Regearing is probably the best way to keep you truck and add back some scoot. I would assume that the v6 has the same rear differential in it as the smaller v8 (9.5" vs the 10.5" of the 5.7L V8) but I honestly don't know. Stock v6 gearing is 3.90:1, IRRC; tow package with the smaller V8 changes that to 4.10:1. If that is indeed correct, you have the option to upgrade the gears to a stock 4:10 take-off or aftermarket 4.88's. I think 5.29's are available as well, but I would say that's too much gear for 33's. Others may say differently. I'd say 4.88's would be the way to go. If your's is 4wd, you have to do both front and rear.

Repowering is probably more hassle than it's worth as swapping motors in these requires lots of additional modifications such as wiring, computers, etc. The V6 comes with a 5 speed auto whereas by 2012 I think that all fo the v8 options had the 6 speed auto. The 5 speed auto was offered with the older 4.7 V8 but I think the newer 4.6 V8 came exclusively with the 6 speed. Could be wrong. Power adders for the V6 are also far between for the tundra. You may be able to adapt supercharger parts from a tacoma to work? That's something you would need to look in to. NOS is kind of an option, too, but I'd pass unless you REALLY don't care about the truck..

Repurchase... well, sell the v6 truck and buy a 5.7. Most people don't want to do that, but it is an option...

 

The V-6 and gearing combo is too weak for the Tundra. That's one of the reasons why you don't see many of them. I had a 2010 with the V-6. After a year I got rid of it and went to a V-8 and never looked back.