The Tundra’s 5.7 VVT-i System Explained
By now, you have probably heard a mechanic or automotive enthusiast tell you that an engine is basically one large air pump. Basically, the more air an engine can suck in to combine with fuel, the more power it can create through combustion. It also follows that the more efficiently an engine can remove exhaust gases from the cylinders, the better it can manage that power. Air flow from one end to the other is key to a healthy, strong engine.
The powerful 5.7L V8 features dual VVT-i technology.
Air flow is affected by many different components in the motor, but the valves in the cylinder head are what directly control the amount of air entering a cylinder and the volume of exhaust gases leaving it. The intake valves open up just prior to combustion in order to allow air to flow in and mix with fuel, and the exhaust valves open after the ignition of this mixture in order to suck out the resulting gases. The timing of the valves is controlled by a rotating shaft called the camshaft. The camshaft has lobes which push up on the valves in order to open them and drop them back closed again. How long these valves remain open, and at what point in the combustion cycle, can have a big impact on the drivability and power generated by an engine. Read more…
Tundra Carriage Works Billet Grille Review
As part of our “Tundra USA” project Tundra build, we contacted Carriage Works about reviewing a set of their billet grilles. Quick to respond, Carriage Works sent us a complete set of grilles (top, main, and bumper) for the 2007-and-up Tundra. After we installed them, in a word, “suhweet.”
The installed product looks awesome – very sharp. Read more…
Tundra Tire Guide – Replacing Your Truck’s Tires
Many unanswered questions will plague us throughout life. Why did Mom like my brother best? Why is there air? Why did Toyota put a ‘P’ (passenger) tire on the Tundra? Unlike the first two, there has to be answer to the third even if it takes a lifetime to ferret it out.
The Dueler HT 684 II (left) is the OE tire on many new Tundras, and the Pirelli Scorpion STR A (right) is a low cost replacement option.
Despite the fact a Tundra will never be mistaken for a passenger car, there’s no rule that light trucks require LT tires. As long as their Ps are load rated for the Tundra, they are totally legit and they provide a smoother ride. But the thought is a little like putting ballet slippers on a linebacker. So, let’s fix it. Read more…
Attention Tundra Owners Suffering From Bed Bounce!
Do you own a 2007-2008 Toyota Tundra? Do you live in Michigan, Ohio, or Northern Indiana? Have you ever experienced bed bounce? We’re trying to help locate a person that meets all these criteria. Please contact us if you can answer ‘yes’ to all the above questions.
Fred’s Tundra Bed Bounce Horror Story
Fred purchased a new 2007 Tundra from Manhattan Beach Toyota in Manhattan Beach California in February of 2007 – here’s his bed bounce story:
“By May or June I had taken my 1st freeway drive to Palm Spring, California and I was very concerned about this bouncing problem I experienced, so I contacted Toyota. They gave me a case number, said they were aware of the situation, and that they were working on a fix.
By September 2007 I had enough of waiting for Toyota, so I went to Manhattan Beach Toyota and spoke with the owner regarding this concern. Again, I got the same answer that Toyota had given me. I then asked about the dealership buying back my truck. Since I paid $27,000 out the door a few months ago, I figured I could get most of my money back. They told me that Toyota’s have high resale value when I bought the truck, so imagine my surprise when their offer for a 6-month-old truck was only $16,000!
I declined.
I then filed complaints with the State of California DMV, Department of Transportation, Department of Consumer Affairs, a Lemon Law Lawyer, and, after all of this work on my part, the official Toyota arbitration process was started. Read more…
