Toyota 4Runner Mods – Cool Ideas to Boost Up Performance

The Toyota 4Runner is a hit among US buyers for a number of reasons. It is a reliable, durable, and capable vehicle that can handle a variety of terrain and conditions. It is also comfortable and has a wide array of features that make it a great choice for families and adventurers alike.

Car mods and upgrades highlights

• Commonsystems:engines, interior, exterior, suspension
• Average prices:$1,500 - $7,000
• Average waiting time:7 - 21 days
• Commonreasons:higher speed, power, and visual improvements
• DIY mods:just minor visual changes
• Level of satisfaction:high

Despite the numerous trims available for the present 4Runner, the upgrades on the standard or non-TRD line are mostly on aesthetics, comfort, and onboard tech. Meanwhile, the TRDs only differ in their suspension, wheels, tires, differentials, and other off-road accessories.

No matter what trim you have chosen, you are stuck with the same engine though. That is Toyota's aging gasoline-fed 4.0-liter V6, which is good for 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque partnered with a five-speed automatic transmission. So, if you are looking for the most out of the 4Runner, better get the TRD trim to avail of its performance-based add-ons.

However, with a curb weight of 4,750 lbs. contributing to its 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 7.7 seconds, some may find the 4Runner's output somewhat lacking. Others may also find some room for improvement on the handling, grip, aerodynamics, and braking system of the SUV.

Quick Reminders Before Proceeding

Before anything else, please be reminded that the said methods will most likely void your warranty and affect your fuel-efficiency values. Moreover, the improper integration, possible defects, and wrong operation of the upgrades may cause long-term damage to your vehicle. If you can, have them installed by an experienced, professional mechanic. On your part, make sure that you are at least equipped with the basic understanding of what each mod does and how it affects your 4Runner.

Ways to Enhance the Overall Performance of the Toyota 4Runner

With those things out of the way, here is a brief discussion on how you can go about with each choice as well as the pros and cons of having them to enable you to arrive at a more informed decision:

1. Install either a turbocharger or supercharger

When it comes to boosting the performance of your Toyota 4Runner, one of the best ways to do it is by upgrading the engine through the addition of forced induction in the form of turbochargers or superchargers.

Turbochargers are powered by the exhaust gases from the engine and use that energy to spin a turbine. That turbine is connected to a compressor, which forces more air into the engine. More air means more oxygen, and more oxygen means more power. That's why turbocharged engines are often able to produce more power than their naturally-aspirated counterparts.

There are a few different types of turbochargers, but the most common type used on cars and SUVs is the twin-turbocharger. This setup uses two smaller turbochargers instead of a single large unit and helps to evenly distribute the workload to keep the engine running cooler.

On the other hand, superchargers are designed to force more air into the engine, which means more oxygen for combustion. This can lead to a significant increase in power, as well as better fuel economy.

There are two types of superchargers: roots and centrifugal. Roots superchargers are the more common type, and they work by using a set of meshing lobes to draw air into the engine. Centrifugal superchargers are uncommon, but they are more efficient. They function by using an impeller to draw air into the engine.

With a turbocharger or supercharger, you can easily take your 4Runner's performance to the next level. Top-notch turbo or supercharger upgrades can add up to 90-120 hp to the output of your SUV.

2. Tune the ECU

Electronic control unit (ECU) tuning is a less intrusive way to squeeze out more power from the 4Runner. The most common method of using this is through the use of a plug-and-play, handheld programmer that can be easily attached to the ODB-II port of your vehicle. From there, you can easily calibrate some of the values of the mechanical components of your auto like its RPM bands, transmission gears, fuel use, and other settings.

Unlike other types of tuning procedures, the use of handheld programmers lets you revert back to your 4Runner's factory settings anytime you want. This way, you can still avail of the privileges listed under your vehicle's warranty whenever you need to invoke them with your service provider or Toyota dealership.

Another way to do this is through piggyback systems. As its name implies, it works by piggybacking on the computer of your 4Runner and then manipulating its values to make more refined adjustments.

There's the stand-alone unit, too. Unlike the other two, this one completely replaces the factory ECU of your ride to gain complete control of the engine and further widen its power band. This is where you can derive the most power for your auto when it comes to tuning, especially if you pair it with a new turbo or supercharger.

3. Get a better exhaust system

Installing a performance exhaust system will allow your engine to have better air circulation and outflow, which will result in more power and torque. This mod complements the turbo/supercharger and/or ECU upgrades on your vehicle.

As the engine is forced to work harder than usual, thanks to the mentioned mods, having a performance exhaust system will help it exhale the gases and other impurities it produces out of the SUV's system more effectively.

4. Add a body kit

Adding a body kit to your 4Runner will not only make it look more aggressive and sportier, but it will also improve its aerodynamic properties. This will reduce your vehicle's drag coefficient to bring a boost to its overall performance. It can be done by adding a front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser, and rear spoiler.

When choosing new components for your SUV's exterior, prioritize the ones that will let you significantly reduce its total weight. The most popular body kits for the 4Runner, include carbon fiber replacements for the hood, bumpers, mirror caps, and running boards.

Using forged light-alloy wheels can greatly help your 4Runner shed more weight as well. These will allow you to lessen the unsprung weight of your vehicle, which will in turn enhance its handling and acceleration.

While you're at it, wrap the wheels with performance tires for a good measure. Performance tires provide the vehicle with better grip and traction to improve its handling.

After that, match them up with bigger, lightweight brakes to ensure that you have enough braking power to match the boost that you have made to your SUV. Ceramic brakes are the way to go because they have the best braking performance and they normally last longer than their metallic or semi-metallic counterparts. They have better noise control and they cause less wear-and-tear to the rotors, too.

Furthermore, it wouldn't hurt to add a custom suspension in the mix to ensure the best performance out of your mods. Simply installing coilovers or airbags will surely improve the handling and ride quality of your vehicle, which will also translate to a more enjoyable driving experience for you and more comfort for everyone else in the cabin of your SUV.

5. Others

These are pretty basic stuff but these should be included in your checklist to guarantee the best performance out of your Toyota 4Runner and for you to enjoy all the engine and body mods that you have installed so far. As they say, "Prevention is always better than cure." Therefore, see to it that your SUV is always in its tiptop shape.

Getting a tune-up will ensure that your engine is running at its peak efficiency, which will result in more power and better fuel economy. Make sure everything is in good working order. It's important to always check if all of the components of your 4Runner are in good working order. This includes things like the brakes, suspension, and engine. If any of these parts are not working properly, it can severely impact your vehicle's performance and hinder the function of all your mods.

Which is the Most Ideal 4Runner Performance Mod for You?

Using all the information presented to you here, only choose the 4Runner performance mod that best suits your lifestyle. So, if you are looking for more adrenaline rush, go straight to adding a turbo or supercharger unit on your auto combined with an ECU tune and exhaust upgrade. However, if you simply want a subtler approach, just go for a lightweight body kit and some suspension upgrades. Enjoy your ride!