Looking for a unicorn Tacoma, does it exist?

H

hambler96

Member
Hello all, I am new to the Tacoma world having never owned a Tacoma before. I recently learned about the TRD superchargers offered for the first gen Tacoma's. Excited by the concept, I began researching what spec of Tacoma I wanted to purchase with the intentions of supercharging. From my research, the lightest v6 Tacoma I could get would be a manual, 2 wheel drive, regular cab Tacoma. Also from my research, it seemed you could only get this combination in '95, '96 and '97. Using a third party website, I searched the entire country but could not find a single truck of this spec. What I'm wondering is if you could actually get this spec? It seems maybe you either had to get a 4x4 or an xtra cab to get the v6 engine?
 
From my research, the 4x4 adds somewhere between 300-700 pounds, depending where you read. I am trying to get the lightest factory Tacoma I can (not stripping the interior or stuff like that). If I can't get the combination I want, I'll have to give in and get an xtra cab but even this seems to add a couple hundred pounds.
 
hambler96 said:
From my research, the 4x4 adds somewhere between 300-700 pounds, depending where you read. I am trying to get the lightest factory Tacoma I can (not stripping the interior or stuff like that). If I can't get the combination I want, I'll have to give in and get an xtra cab but even this seems to add a couple hundred pounds.
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What is your purpose?
 
I want a truck to haul stuff around, but I want it to be as light as possible to get better gas mileage, handle better and be quicker (esp once I get a supercharger fitted to it). I don't take my vehicles off road, and I have other awd cars to use in bad weather.
 
hambler96 said:
Hello all, I am new to the Tacoma world having never owned a Tacoma before. I recently learned about the TRD superchargers offered for the first gen Tacoma's. Excited by the concept, I began researching what spec of Tacoma I wanted to purchase with the intentions of supercharging. From my research, the lightest v6 Tacoma I could get would be a manual, 2 wheel drive, regular cab Tacoma. Also from my research, it seemed you could only get this combination in '95, '96 and '97. Using a third party website, I searched the entire country but could not find a single truck of this spec. What I'm wondering is if you could actually get this spec? It seems maybe you either had to get a 4x4 or an xtra cab to get the v6 engine?
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There was never a single cab V6 Tacoma. You can make it but at that point you might as well something that will actually make power.

Are you looking for something sporty? A S Runner is a “sporty” version of a Tacoma but it’s an xtra cab.
 
hambler96 said:
I want a truck to haul stuff around, but I want it to be as light as possible to get better gas mileage, handle better and be quicker (esp once I get a supercharger fitted to it). I don't take my vehicles off road, and I have other awd cars to use in bad weather.
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If you want a truck to haul stuff get a full size truck. A light truck isn’t ideal for hauling. Especially trailers and especially trailers that weigh more than the truck.
The 4cly Tacomas have a higher payload if you’re hauling in the bed.
 
whippersnapper02 said:
There was never a single cab V6 Tacoma. You can make it but at that point you might as well something that will actually make power.

Are you looking for something sporty? A S Runner is a “sporty” version of a Tacoma but it’s an xtra cab.
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I've found several single cab v6 Tacomas, just none that are 2wd. Are you suggesting that no 2wd v6 Tacomas were made? I agree it is not worth swapping a V6 into an original 4cylinder truck.

Essentially, yes I'm looking for a lightweight tacoma that will handle well and be relatively quick too. I'll look into the S Runner more if the truck I'm looking for doesn't exist.
 
OR17TRD said:
If you want a truck to haul stuff get a full size truck. A light truck isn’t ideal for hauling. Especially trailers and especially trailers that weigh more than the truck.
The 4cly Tacomas have a higher payload if you’re hauling in the bed.
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I appreciate your concern, but when I stay haul stuff I just mean like a dirtbike or boxes, not towing a car trailer. I'm fully aware of the differences between a light truck and full size truck, and I want the smallest, lightest truck I reasonably can. I have also been looking into old Hilux's, datsun 620's, etc but would rather something a little newer.
 
hambler96 said:
I appreciate your concern, but when I stay haul stuff I just mean like a dirtbike or boxes, not towing a car trailer. I'm fully aware of the differences between a light truck and full size truck, and I want the smallest, lightest truck I reasonably can. I have also been looking into old Hilux's, datsun 620's, etc but would rather something a little newer.
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1989 2wd 3.0L V6
 
hambler96 said:
I've found several single cab v6 Tacomas, just none that are 2wd. Are you suggesting that no 2wd v6 Tacomas were made? I agree it is not worth swapping a V6 into an original 4cylinder truck.

Essentially, yes I'm looking for a lightweight tacoma that will handle well and be relatively quick too. I'll look into the S Runner more if the truck I'm looking for doesn't exist.
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Surprised you found any V6 single cabs. From what I knew they were never made.

Handling and truck done belong in the same sentence. o_O You could always swap the 4wd transfercase for something AWD so you can put the power down.
 
hambler96 said:
I've found several single cab v6 Tacomas, just none that are 2wd. Are you suggesting that no 2wd v6 Tacomas were made? I agree it is not worth swapping a V6 into an original 4cylinder truck.

Essentially, yes I'm looking for a lightweight tacoma that will handle well and be relatively quick too. I'll look into the S Runner more if the truck I'm looking for doesn't exist.
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This is a very unique project you’ve got yourself on.
Good luck.
I’d go with something a little more powerful and stronger if you’re looking for speed and towing.
That’s not what a Tacoma is known for. They’re ultra reliable and tough but by no means a powerhouse or fast.
 
whippersnapper02 said:
There was never a single cab V6 Tacoma. You can make it but at that point you might as well something that will actually make power.

Are you looking for something sporty? A S Runner is a “sporty” version of a Tacoma but it’s an xtra cab.
Click to expand...

Sounds like he wants a little street truck with as much HP & as light duty as he can find, the S-runner is a good suggestion, guess he wants a single cab for weight saving measures...
 
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