Recommended prop for power

[wakejunky]

Good point blindside. They didn't put the best engine in our boats for what some of us use them for. I think I might have a fix for that. I'm getting ready to test a intake manifold to drop our peak torque from 4000rpm to 3300-3500 range. We'll see how it works out.

[blindside]

Good point blindside. They didn't put the best engine in our boats for what some of us use them for. I think I might have a fix for that. I'm getting ready to test a intake manifold to drop our peak torque from 4000rpm to 3300-3500 range. We'll see how it works out.

Ever get to test it? I'd love to hear it came out great.

[wakejunky]

Blindside- No, i haven't had the chance to test it out yet. Between the scan tool and wiring harness fix for the gauges projects, not to mention an epic engine rebuild on the side i just haven't had the time. I think my wife will kill me if i start another project right now. Haha she's actually really Great about it all, I give her alot of credit for her patience. Last thing i was doing with the manifold was checking clearance issues. It does fit, but I have to remove the rain shield in order to get what i think is sufficient clearance from the engine to the sun deck cover.

What's really been running through my head is all the info from the engine rebuild. I was thinking it was just a typical rebuild and it is ,but to have it torn apart and see what options we have for power improvement in the future has been alot of fun. For example my parts manager gave me a used Lexus ls430 engine that had a couple bad pistons from a bad timing belt job. Ive been able to compare every single part in the two engines and the only differences are the bore size and location of the block drains. so with some slight modifications we can have 4.3's instead of 4.0's. The 4.3 spec's out at 325 ft lbs of torque at 3400 rpm. More torque at the rpm we need, not to mention we can put the intake manifold on it too and be in to 3000-3100 rpm range. Then there is always the 4.7 liter option. There are huge differences there, but it could work if someone really wanted it to. It's definitely debateable which option is better. I like the 4.3 because we can use our original heads, cams, etc., basically everything but the short block.

so we may be able to get some mild to wild upgrades depending on our budgets or circumstances. Ill let you know what happens with the manifold when i get time to mess with it.

[skibeau]

Which intake manifold were you checking?

[wakejunky]

Skibeau- ok a little background first. The 4.0, 4.3, and 4.7 engines all use a split intake manifold, top and bottom. Also they are interchangeable, kind of. The ports are all the same sizes and so is the mount for the throttle body. So they all physically bolt on to our engine. The 4.0 and 4.3 are identical, its the same exact manifold. So you don't want to switch those and the tundra manifold doesn't have ACIS (variable intake runners). The intake manifold I was working on was a split between The two. You basically need a tundra 4.7 lowermanifold and bolt our existing upper manifold to it. The ACIS valve system is located in the top half of our manifolds. That way you can add 1.5 inches to the length of our manifold. For every 1 inch you lengthen it you lower the peak torque 400 rpm. So its roughly a 500 to 600 rpm drop. Giving us torque where we really need it. Unless you barefoot or your a badass skier then you just leave it alone. So while they bolt together perfectly and even share the exact same gasket, the ACIS uses a plastic vacuum tank that screws to the bottom of the lower manifold. The tundra doesn't have those screw holes. So you need to either relocate the tank or drill and tap screw holes in the tundra lower manifold. Yes, its a little work but you are going to get some very usable torque where you need it. Ford uses their 4.6 in say the mustang with real short runners and the same engine with longer runners in their f150 trucks. So they basically change out the intake depending on the desired application. I think we can all agree our engines could use more low end torque.

FYI in 05 the tundra started using ACIS, but its a one piece manifold and the throttle body does not bolt directly on. You.would have to design an adapter and that would throw off the fit of the spark arrestor intake tube, the injectors and fuel rails are different to. It just too much work to make the 05+ work. That's why I came up with the strange "hybrid" crazy design. Buy a used manifold, drill and tap two holes ( or relocate the vac tank) and switch over the fuel injectors and rails and bolt it on. Your done. Enjoy.

[skibeau]

Wakejunky, possibilities like that will have more than wake boarders salivating at the prospects!

Have you considered going into business for yourself?  I don't see many companies specializing in custom Toyota engine upgrades; especially practical ones!!

[wakejunky]

Skibeau- I've thought about. I have several cool little projects for our EPICS, like the manifold, shield wire harness for the gauges, plug and play manual switch conversions for when your digital switches crap out and theres no more parts left, ballast systems, complete gauge system replacement, 160 and 170 degree factory thermostats, I've even looked into what it would take to bolt on the tundra 4.7 supercharger. ( they don't make them anymore but there are quite a few still sitting on dealers shelves).
To be quite honest though after the "EPIC FAIL" of the scan tool that left me with a $2100.00 LOSS. Im DONE. I had three awesome customers  unfortunately there were about 20 plus flakes. It's just not worth it. In general people on the forum just want advice and don't put their money where their mouth is. The scan tool had "special circumstances" that given who and where I work couldn't be discussed and even had to be edited. Funny how i get countless PM's about repair and upgrade advice that most tend to trust and follow and given my reputation on this site that people can't trust that I'm trying to get something out to epic owners that would have been invaluable. Not to mention at a rediculusly low price given the technology. I really wasn't looking to make money on it. Just break even. So most likely all those projects will not see the light of day. Sorry but I'm just over it.

[skibeau]

Wakejunky,

Ouch, that hurts; I hate you ended with such a foul flavor over this. 1 in 7 is a flakey ratio.  Wish there was something I could do besides hope you get homesick and can return soon. But your feelings are quite understandable.

Anyway, wish you well on your endeavors.  I'm sure many others recognize and appreciate your mechanical giftedness, too. I thank you for your invaluable insight, experience and willingness to share it with us.  Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.