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4.7 vs 4.0

Discussion in '4th Gen 4Runners (2003-2009)' started by BassAckwards, Aug 30, 2016.

  1. Aug 30, 2016 at 8:15 AM
    #1
    BassAckwards

    BassAckwards [OP] New Member

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    new to the forum, been on tacomaworld for a while, now looking into a 4runner in the near future. Does anyone have any insight on the major differences between the 4.7 v8 and the 4.0 v6? I know the 4.7 has a timing belt where as the 4.0 has a timing chain, but ive been having trouble finding more info on these. Any help would be appreciated, im leaning towards getting the v8 since i have a lead foot, but would like to know if theres anything i should know about these motors.

    Thanks in advance,

    Robert
     
  2. Aug 30, 2016 at 9:00 AM
    #2
    Relentless

    Relentless Offroad armor Fabricating beast! Vendor

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    Eric
    Sparks NV
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    05 Limited 4.7 V8, long travel, dual locked
    Lifted on 35s and Relentless Armored, too much to list!
    4.7 and 4.0 are both very reliable. Just gotta keep the timing belt changed on the 4.7 and they go 250K plus just fine with regular oil changes and maintenance.
    IMO the 4.7 and the 5 speed auto work better together than the 4.0, seem to shift and respond better together. The v8 obviously has more power and torque, which in 05 with the addition of VVT-i increased to a greater margin over the 4.0, and made the 4.7 a bit more efficient as well.
    Main thing with the 4.7 is that they respond well to exhaust upgrades (higher flow headers for instance) but you cannot get a supercharger or turbo on them and keep reliability. The 4.0 works great with a TRD or Magnusson super charger and I believe pushes power/tq output to higher than that of the v8 at that point even with the basic super charger tune/standard pulley. Add an underdrive pulley and a few more electronic/exhaust mods and the 4.0 can get to around 400hp at the tires with URD's MK3 kit. Costs a pretty penny though.

    I prefer the v8 for the out of the box HP and torque, and sound with an aftermarket exhaust, plus the better shifting behavior of the trans with the v8. They both get similar MPGs too, in some cases the V8 will even get better mileage once lifted with larger tires when compared to a similarly built rig with the v6
     
  3. Aug 30, 2016 at 9:08 AM
    #3
    BassAckwards

    BassAckwards [OP] New Member

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    great info, any idea on the hp for the 4.7? i know the v6 has 236 hp, but ive read some different numbers on the 4.7 and cant seem to get it straight
     
  4. Aug 30, 2016 at 9:17 AM
    #4
    Relentless

    Relentless Offroad armor Fabricating beast! Vendor

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    Sparks NV
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    05 Limited 4.7 V8, long travel, dual locked
    Lifted on 35s and Relentless Armored, too much to list!
    v6 is actually 245 iirc and 278 tq, the v8 depends on the year.... 03-04 was only 235hp but 320 tq, in 05 with VVT-i that bumped to 270hp and 330tq hence 05+ v8 being more desireable.
     
  5. Aug 30, 2016 at 9:28 AM
    #5
    BassAckwards

    BassAckwards [OP] New Member

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    Ive heard the 1-GR FE's all make the same hp, they just changed the way they measure it around 2005-2007 hence the difference between the 245 & 236. Great info on the 05+, this is most likely what ill be looking to purchase
    Thanks again,

    Robert
     
  6. Sep 5, 2016 at 6:14 AM
    #6
    060708

    060708 New Member

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    Purchased an 08 with the 2UZ for towing trailer with quads. The 06 with the GR engine was amazing in that it pulled the 3000 lbs of weight through gumbo with highway tires while the trailer tires were not turning just skidding due to being plugged solid. The extra torque and correct off road tires create less strain on the drive train.
     
    BassAckwards[OP] likes this.
  7. Sep 5, 2016 at 6:55 AM
    #7
    BassAckwards

    BassAckwards [OP] New Member

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    One of the main reasons i was leaning towards the 4.7 was due to my need to tow occaisionally in the near future. Good info on the two. Im probably going to end up getting the v8, there are plenty of them on the road and ive heard good things about them.
     
  8. Sep 5, 2016 at 4:38 PM
    #8
    060708

    060708 New Member

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    Good on You. The 2UZ is a 300,000 mile engine. Advise to run premium. Premium is also the choice for the V6 GR
     
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  9. Sep 11, 2016 at 6:09 AM
    #9
    Greenbean

    Greenbean BS Goodwrench

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    This is a good thread for me as it seems we may be trading in an AC Tacoma for a 4runner soon and I have really been looking at the 4th gen rigs.

    I would love a 2009 TE but as rare as they are maybe the 4.7 would serve me better. I love the combo with the 5-spd tranny.

    Guess I am looking at a 2005 to 2009...

    Anything I should be looking for besides a good service history and maybe the lowest mileage I can find, lol....
     
  10. Sep 27, 2016 at 5:59 AM
    #10
    bahndrvr

    bahndrvr New Member

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    Melbourne, Fl
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    03 SR5 V8 4Runner
    2003 4Runner SR5 v8 - Temp Front: Top hat spacer 2.5" on Tacoma struts/springs Rear: TJM/King heavy extended Tacoma shocks 315 BFG AT KO2's (35's) Thrush Welded muffler and rear watermelon delete with turned exit K&N drop in, and extra filter delete Strengthened/Welded passenger side front diff mount Front diff drop - due to the top hat spacer and massive droop.... Scion headunit CB Other stuff done, 6th 4Runner:)
    One thing to remember and why I went with the 03-04 v8 - interference vs non-interference. The 05+ is an interference engine with the VVTI the non-vvti is lower on power but not noticeable on Torque, I have had an 04v6 bought new and loved it - specifically the part time 4wd, but this time around I searched for an 03-04 low mileage and found a single owner version with 110k and records for th timing belt at 98k:)

    I prefer the non-vvti for the lack of interference and piston to valve damage if something happens. I will be doing snorkel, headers, and full exhaust in short order and I can confirm on stock height and stock tires I'm getting 19.1 mpg average with as high as 22 on the highway, I get better city with the v8 which is crazy, but the highway mileage was better on my v6.

    Another thing to consider is the 4.0 did have some head gasket issues early on - but that was few and far between. I feel you can't go wrong with either, my ex-wife had a 06 v8 for years after we divorced and we are on good terms so I worked on it for her occasionally and drove it a lot, it's marginally faster than the 03-04 v8.

    The tranny in the v8 does work wonderful together, you have to remember it's pulled directly out of the Lexus and bolted in and they worked out all the kinks with the drivetrain before it ever made it into the 4th gen:)
     

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