DolphinNewbie Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 I am considering purchasing a toyota motorhome. Which is better a 4 cylinder or a 6 cylinder? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
86rader Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 define "better". the six has a bit more power. it's main advantage is it uses a different automatic than the 4 and is less prone to overheating. but, these overheating issues are easily dealt with just as long as you know about them. the 4 is a "better" engine by my definition because it is very reliable and easy to maintain. the six, not so much. keeping it's valve clearances in spec is a bit of work, even for an experienced mechanic. it can be done on the 4 in well under an hour. bottom line here is if you are going to be dragging lots of junk with you, the 6 might come in handy. if you are traveling lighter and are in no big hurry, the 4 will work fine. actually, if you are in a hurry, neither will do. if you don't mind shifting for yourself, the 4 cylinder with manual is your best bet, imo. but among the newer fuel injected models, they are tough to find. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maineah Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 86raider is spot on and one more thing is how much you have to spend. It was not until 89 that they put a V6 in them and that was the year they had both so a 90 would be the first year that surely would have a V6 so expect to spend a fair amount more then you might for an older one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bufbooth Posted March 7, 2011 Share Posted March 7, 2011 Also, if you get a 6 cylinder Toyota, you will be getting the newest ones available, I think they stopped officially setting the Toyotas in 1992 but by the time the last of them ended up getting sold was 1994. Also, all of the 6 cylinder toyotas had the upgraded 1-ton rear axle so you will not have to worry about having the old axle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeS Posted April 4, 2011 Share Posted April 4, 2011 > " . . .the six, not so much. keeping it's valve clearances in spec is a bit of work, even for an experienced mechanic. it can be done on the 4 in well under an hour." I'm not understanding something here . . . you are saying the V-6 has mechanical lifters? Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bunneys Posted April 4, 2011 Share Posted April 4, 2011 I'm not understanding something here . . . you are saying the V-6 has mechanical lifters? Mike These engines don't have lifters. the cam pushes a shim right on top of the valve/valve spring assembly and opens the valves. I like the 22RE (4cyl) much better than the 3VZ (V6) but we are talking about a very heavy camper stuck on the back. I would go with the V6. If it were just a extra-cab p/u truck, I'd take the 22RE any day... Andrew. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WME Posted April 4, 2011 Share Posted April 4, 2011 If you were to travel 500mi in one day, the 22RE would be about 15 min behind the 3VZ. So what is your time worth? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted April 4, 2011 Share Posted April 4, 2011 Cruising at 50mph vs 55mph (or 55mph vs 60mph) will 'waste/save' ~1 hour. Getting 16mpg vs 14mpg will save/waste ~ 2.5 gallons. @$4./gallon, that's ~$20/hour. Lots of assumptions made, of course. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WME Posted April 4, 2011 Share Posted April 4, 2011 The 22re will go 60mph just as fast as the 3VZ The time differance is just an average from a few hills. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted April 4, 2011 Share Posted April 4, 2011 I get the impression that 22RE owners tend to drive slower than V6 owners. Might be wrong. No scientific evidence. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waiter Posted April 5, 2011 Share Posted April 5, 2011 One nice thing about driveing a 22RE, you will NEVER get a speeding ticket. :-) John Mc 88 Dolphin 4 Auto Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maineah Posted April 7, 2011 Share Posted April 7, 2011 One nice thing about driveing a 22RE, you will NEVER get a speeding ticket. :-) John Mc 88 Dolphin 4 Auto Ha! you are right if I got one I would frame it and hang it on the wall it would be worth it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted April 7, 2011 Share Posted April 7, 2011 I'm sure if you looked around you could find a School Zone at the bottom of a hill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waiter Posted April 7, 2011 Share Posted April 7, 2011 With a Tail wind! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
86rader Posted April 10, 2011 Share Posted April 10, 2011 > " . . .the six, not so much. keeping it's valve clearances in spec is a bit of work, even for an experienced mechanic. it can be done on the 4 in well under an hour." I'm not understanding something here . . . you are saying the V-6 has mechanical lifters? Mike neither use lifters but are "mechanical" meaning there is no self adjusting hydraulic actuation. the six uses the shim over bucket setup very similar to most motorcycle valvetrains. This setup works very well, but is a PITA to adjust. the 4 uses a screw with locking nut and a rocker arm to actuate the valve. extremely easy to adjust with a 12 mm box wrench and a feeler gauge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shandamac Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 Have I mentioned lately how much I love this forum? The Toy Gurus here continually provide a wealth of knowledge, experience and inspiration. It's a joy to read the posts and comments. It's also a joy to own a toyota motorhome. No matter which toy you choose, it requires regular doses of loving care and attention. You become obsessed. Like a Traveler's Wagon or Roma Vardo, your toy will become your expression of freedom and desire to experience everything. It might even suprise you that with it, you may find "the meaning of life". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RVdaytrader Posted April 13, 2011 Share Posted April 13, 2011 I am considering purchasing a toyota motorhome. Which is better a 4 cylinder or a 6 cylinder? I test drove two 4 cyl toys before I drove the 6 cyl that I bought ... I honestly believe the only ones who like the 4 better are those who never test drove the 6 !! Test drive one of each before buying if u can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted April 13, 2011 Share Posted April 13, 2011 I guess I went with a V6 because I figured I'd be less likely to become one of the old f*rts I curse as they drive along at 45mph with 20 vehicles backed up behind them! YOMV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
84TOYRV Posted April 14, 2011 Share Posted April 14, 2011 Just love my 22r w/5spd in my 84 Dolphin. Bullet-proof engine with excellent mpgs. If it wasn't for this Toy, I wouldn't be RVing. Also, lotsa fun to work on, bringing her up to date. Working on the upholstery this year, among other things. One of these days I'm gonna post a pic of "Cricket". Tudy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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