Looking for a unicorn Tacoma, does it exist?

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.
 
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.
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.
 
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?

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.
 
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.
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.
 
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.
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.
 
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.

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.
 
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.
1989 2wd 3.0L V6
 
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.

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.
 
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.

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.
 
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.

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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