Mike Sweers Interview - He wanted a Diesel Tundra (and to keep the 5.7 as an option)

I've talked to a few people who have the EcoDiesel, and each one without prompting said they're jealous of me with the big power gas engine. Wasn't necessarily the Toyota V8, they'd just prefer any big power gas whether it be the Ram 5.7 or Ford 3.5. I think a lot of it is EcoDiesel specific, but the way the baby diesels drive is so completely different than gas engines that it's only a good option if you're towing 5-7k lbs on the highway a lot.

 

I would be thinking Toyota will be skipping the Li-Ion battery in the Tundra. Toyota is pushing hard for solid state batteries, and along side the Prius putting them in the Tundra would be a big headline grabber especially if they get them working like they're expecting.

 

While the Prius is their flagship hybrid, I don’t think the Tundra would get precedence over the other hybrids that’s been in production before the Tundra. I see the RAV4 which sells more next in line after the Prius.

 

Not sure which version of the ecodiesel. The second gen (L630 iirc) was a POS. The third gen isn't having the plethora of problems that the 2nd gen had, its also drives better IMO. That ZF 8 speed in the Ram is also great and mates to the ecodiesel well (unlike Ford and Chevy whose 10 speeds suck). I've driven them numerous times (my buddy had one) and I don't share the sentiment of those you talked to, but they could have been driving second gens.

I also am not that worried about the "feel" of power in a truck. Probably another reason I think the move to the 3.5 TT is good (although as said above I'd have preferred a diesel), and most 2nd gen owners here won't shut up about how its ruining their lives. To me a truck is a tool. Yes I want it to have the power needed to tow and haul, but how hard I feel the truck pulls is pretty damn low on my list of priorities. That being said that third gen V35A pulls hard. I do agree. I am fan of the engine, just wish they had found a way to hit 24mpg on the highway on a 4wd model.

I have a couple fast/fun vehicles for when I need them. And I have a built 100 series that has the most reliable engine Toyota has ever made (eat your heart out 3UR fans), and its lack of speed doesn't bother me at all.

 

I've heard the GM 10 speed is butter smooth.

 

This thread reminds me of the Bronco 6G complaints that the Bronco didn’t come with the Coyote 5.0. I was all about what would it take to swap it?? Then reality struck and I figured just get the 2.7L TTV6. Then I changed my mind again and wanted the 7 speed manual that only comes with the 2.3L EcoBoost. Oh well, it’s been over 700 days since my reservation and I still don’t have MY Bronco (I did get the wife one, but she never lets me drive it).
My biggest complaint with Toyota is the Dealers, at least in my area, REFUSE to allow customers to order what we want. Toyota seems to think it’s fine for their customers to settle for what they get. Seriously, I can’t even get the color I want or trim level?? I think that does tie in to higher resale values because that when the buyer can pick from options available on the market.

oh yeah, a V8 beats any TTV6 for longevity, and I’m the guy with a burnt piston in my 5.7 LOL

 

So there's a class action lawsuit against Ford over the 10R80, which is co-engineered with GM (its the same transmission as the 10L45/90) and is the one I'm referring to. There's also a class action lawsuit against the GM 8 speed (8LXX's).

If Ford / GM have proven anything, it's that over the past few years they can't produce a modern, reliable transmission.

I've read the Allison 10L1000 is better, but last heard has a few hiccups. An assumption on my end, but I bet that's the one you've heard about.

 

Tundra hybrid can already cruise at 40 mph or more in electric only. Resistance squares with velocity so it’s a parabolic curve.

 

I'll take that bet any day. Plenty of shit v8's out there, plenty of reliable turbo engines.

Depends on the engineering.

 

The GM fan boys love the 10R80 and those who've driven both claim it's better than the Ford version. YMMV.

 

After reading through this thread I thought I'd give my own input on what was mentioned and will start with the Tundra. If a 1500 series truck fit my needs and seeing how the TTV6 performed on TFL I would probably get it however that being said even though it is a Toyota and it has a higher chance compared to other brands of good longevity it is still not known like the 5.7 is so that is something only time can tell. Now if my issues in my leg and back didn't get worse and I didn't have access to a Ram 2500 from a family friend and didn't have the needs of a 2500 then I would have kept my 5.7 Tundra and would not get a new one at the same time. The 5.7L did everything I asked it too towing wise and didn't let me down. That is my stance on the 5.7L VS TTV6 debate.

A few of you guys in here mentioned HD powertrains and I recently drove a 6.6L Chevy HD and I really liked that truck and as mentioned in another thread it looks like what I will be going with. The 7.3 Godzilla in the Ford definitely has some more oomph but the 6.6L Chevy is impressive too. The Ram 2500 I am using now isn't bad and the 8 speed is great but just like the 6.6 Chevy better. The dial transmission in the Ram just annoys me and yes I know that's a nitpick but it just annoys me.

GM's version is the 10L80. The only comparison I can really give to this is the Camaro VS Mustang. Despite the 10 speeds being the same gear wise etc its more the programming of the Trans that is one of the reasons why I personally favored the V8 powered Camaro over the Mustang. The way GM programmed I honestly believe its the best auto I have had in a car and the only reason you would go into manual mode is too just play with the paddle shifters cause the Camaro is always in the right gear from personal experience on street or autocross etc. So I assume that is why GM truck guys like theirs as well.

You guys mentioned the EPA and they actually are very pissed off at the supreme court right now you can see it in their faces in recent interviews about it if you compare it to interview of them in the past. They also are apparently not liking Semi Truck drivers as well a buddy of mine who has been a driver for over 10 years now comments how his bosses leave in messages in a joking way that the "EPA loves them so much." Due to the shortage of truck drivers and their nay saying to EV big rigs they seem to be getting their way for now as his company (Not Swift lol we joke about that a bunch) will be using Diesel only for the next couple decades and probably more. The HD trucks from the big three will keep some ICE engines like diesels and the V8s for a while too since they don't like change from what I am hearing and reading as well. 1500s on the other hand not sure seems like TT sixes will be more of a thing than not.

 

The last of the air cooled 911’s, nicely done sir.

 

Fords 10 speed has not been unreliable. I believe the lawsuit is over driveability and tuning issues. Ford's prior 6R80 was a VERY stout transmission and held up behind a ton of very high HP mustangs and 5.0 F150's.

Bad transmissions have not been a common issue in the F150 since back to at least 2009 when the 6R was introduced. I have no idea about before that.

The GM 8 speed is hated even among the most loyal GM fanbois.

 

The Lexus turbos cost more than a Garret G series or Borg Warner EFR. Those two turbos are the most technologically advanced turbos being produced by those companies with ceramic ball bearings and fancy turbine materials.

The turbos cost that much because its a Lexus(and a Toyota). Even the Tundra turbos a heinously expensive for what they are.

 

Yes it's more tuning, but overall a problematic transmission everyone hates.

The 6R80 is actually a ZF transmission. The GM version of it is great as well. Also pretty much everyone made a good 6 speed by then, haha.

Yeah that GM 8 speed sucks.

 

Disclaimer, didn't read the whole thread or the article, but your last line kinda makes me sad. It shows that the biggest priority for Toyota (and the auto industry as a whole it would seem) is MPGs at the cost of everything else. I see this as the beginning of the end for enthusiasts. Tiny engines with forced air running their guts out for fuel economy leave little room for the usual enthusiast mods and toys. Departure/Approach angles will be sacrificed for a sliver of an MPG, gearing will be weak, everything will be light weight at the expense of durability, and weight priority will be given to mandated emissions equipment. Innovation in the market for anything other than meeting stricter laws is on life support, and I think the plug will be pulled within a decade. I wonder if this is what if felt like watching the muscle era die as a result of policies at a higher level?

Makes me sad.

 

Everyone is a stretch. Plenty of people on the F150 forum are completely happy with them. The few 10 speed F150's I have rented were all great. There are many PCM strategies even within the same model years and that seems to be the issue. One of the guys on the forum has had a 2018, 2021, and 2022 F150 and said the character of each truck is noticably different even though they are essentially the same powertrain.

Also I am pretty sure that GM's 8 speed is a ZF based transmission and yet it sucks.

 

Yeah agreed. Another example being the end of the big block Cadillacs in the 70's to whatever they churned out through the 80s that were basically higher priced Pontiac's and total junk.

 

That's fine - I am not hitching my wagon to that transmission. YMMV.

It may have been developed from the 6L80, but its not a variant of the ultra successful and reliable 8HP that I know of.

 

Yup. All part of the gas "shortage" and the 55 MPH max limit that was imposed. Funny how history repeats.... Can't say more without going into ban territory.

 

Except our current vehicles are faster, safer and more reliable than ever.

 

All the American trucks give you actual temps. Toyota can easily do this. They don't in any vehicle I know of. They didnt in my RC-F either, even in the "track" modes.

No issue agreeing to disagree, but moving to a simpler and tried/trued solenoid valve for the valve timing, mechanical pumps, etc and redesigning/reengineering those parts of the engine from what all the other dynamic force engines have doesn't seem like a cost cutting move, especially given those other engines are in much cheaper vehicles than the Tundra... so the engineering undoubtedly cost them time and money.

That being said your opinion doesnt surprise me. Seems like most people here are cynical about the truck - which I discussed in a post above.

 

LOL, OK. The engine can be the best engineered on the planet, but that won't stop the Purchasing Dept. from sourcing lower cost parts from less reliable suppliers in order to increase profit margins. Below is a cool link discussing engine generations from many manufacturers.

https://www.motorreviewer.com/make.php?make_id=25

 

Currently, sure. I see the speed dwindling in everything that isn't electric before too long. Safety will always go up as it is heavily prioritized. Reliability is debatable. Some are, some aren't. Same as it was back then.

 

2 subjective terms, one objective which honestly is irrelevant since this isn't a race track or race car forum (and that whole pesky speed limit thing).

Reliability meaning what exactly? I'd take an old carbureted big block that just about anyone that knows anything about fuel, air, and spark can fix, rather than a finely tuned 5.7L with an ECU that you need a laptop and a degree to fix should something act up for an extra 150hp and more "reliability". just my opinion though. Obviously I'm very happy with my finely tuned 5.7L with an ECU.

 

Yeah and? Your argument is a red herring. Just because an engine is newer does not inherently make it less reliable.

 

They were faster and more reliable right before that gas "shortage" and the recession as well. I think that's the period we are currently in. We just tipped into a recession and it's severity will depend on multiple factors, and that severity will have an impact on vehicles.

 

You're correct, I said "drinks fuel at the same rate" which is incorrect. But 1.3MPG better isn't much for tank range. Idk what the diff would be unladen. I think the change was made due to more stringent emission standards as well as CAFE.

 

It certainly doesn't make it more reliable as you have previously claimed either....

 

That wasn't my claim at all, you must have misread my post.