Newb here, 4.7 V8 vs 5.7 V8

Welcome from CA

 

1st Gen Tundras are pretty close in size to the current Tacomas. That's why the power felt nice. I have the 4.7 in a 4Runner and I like it. Glad I have the 5.7 in my Tundra though

 

I just got a 2007 4.7 and I'm plenty happy with it. Hauls a lot more ass than my 97 4runner. If you don't need tons of power then get it and rock it. Just my input.

 

Does the 4.7 have the same cam tower leak as the 5.7? It seems like nearly ever old 5.7 Tundra I've looked at has a cam tower leak. A Toyota tech said ALL 5.7's will get the Cam tower leak eventually, a 4k fix!!
I have yet to see a 4.7 with a cam tower leak, how common is this leak in the 4.7? The million mile Tundra had a 4.7, more reliable?

 

No, it’s a totally different engine. You have to watch for cam seals behind timing cover, but just make sure they are changed with the timing belt job along with front main.

 

Does the 4.7 can also get a leak like the 5.7? Sorry, I'm new to Tundras. There is a RCSB with a 4.7 4x4 with a little over 100k that I have an opportunity to buy but I really had my heart set on a RCSB 5.7 4x4 but clean ones are pretty rare and I worry about having to deal with the eventual expensive cam tower leak. Honestly, I don't need the extra power of the 5.7 and if the 4.7 is more reliable than the 5.7 that might sway me into getting the truck. I know the 5.7 is pretty reliable too, I often see many with well over 200k+ miles. However, the 4.7 has the timing bet to replace every 90k for 1k from a shop and the starter is a pita to replace. Either way, both engines can be expensive to maintain. I won't be using the truck much, doubt if I even put on 5k miles a year.

Would you just wait for a clean RCSB 5.7 4x4 or get a clean RCSB 4.7 4x4 that is available now? I'm conflicted because the 4.7 has the color and configuration I want. However the 5.7 is more sought after and has better resale appeal and value. I'm almost ready to give up on getting a RCSB 5.7 4x4 and just get a more readily available clean double cab 5.7 4x4. I spent about $500 or more on pre-purchase inspections on trucks that needs thousands in repairs. O'm about ready to raise the white flag. lol The one great RCSB 4x4 5.7 I found a while back was sold out from underneath me and I'm still upset about that.

 

Won’t get cam tower leak on 4.7, but have timing belt maintenance and should get cam seals done at those intervals as those can seep.
They’re both reliable. There are some who have needed to do timing chain maintenance on the 5.7, cam tower job done. Most run the seeping towers with no worries, just address if under warranty or starts dripping on heat shield.
RCSB tells me you probably won’t need the 5.7 power, but might enjoy it. I have a 4.7 and am content. You’ll read about resale value, power, etc. At the end of the day you have to look at it and drive everyday so get what you want and be happy. Just check service history on my Toyota adding the vin to your vehicles and make sure it’s clean. 5k driving a year you won’t touch the belt or pump on the 4.7 for 9 years lol. If you plan on selling before then maybe go for resale option but really it’s a toss up then. The 2UZ has been a long tested engine and may be highly sought after down the road..
Had an 02 4.7 w 324k not a drop of oil or burning between changes. Have an 07 4.7 and have cam seals seeping at 210k because they weren’t replaced at any of the timing belt intervals (by Toyota dealerships)

 

An RCSB 4x is not a very common configuration. Since it's a Toyota with only 100k I wouldn't be overly concerned about potential problems.....as long as it's not beat. You could wait for a 5.7 version and you're likely to spend a lot of time searching and possibly wait a looong time before you find one.

 

Not all 5.7 engines have the cam tower leak. There seemed to be a run of them where the sealant between the cam tower and cylinder head was inadequate, not sure which years or how many. They seemed to have fixed it in their engine assembly plant, my 2018 Tundra and wife's 2017 Sequoia are spotlessly clean. Even if there is a leak it is only an annoyance, regular cleaning with brake cleaner will prevent dripping on the heat shield causing smoke and smell. I have attached two pdf documents that detail the design of the 5.7 V-8. I wish I had same for the 4.7 (having owned a 2006/4.7 for 12 years).

Dan

 

I just had the dealership take it to a 3rd party mechanic close by and the mechanic just did visual check and told me the tailgate is rusted, covered up rust spots, covered up damage, etc. I got lucky and didn't;t have to pay him anything. I've had several RCSB and DBLCB 4x4 trucks inspected and all were either rusted out or needed thousands in repairs. I'm not in a rush for a truck and don't need one it is just for a fun project overland build, so I'll wait until the right truck comes. If anyone on this forum has a RCSB 4x4 for sale let me know.

 

Thanks for the info. I just went by what a Toyota master tech told me, who works on them everyday. He said the torque on these trucks are so strong that it contributes to the problem. He said all of the 5.7 tricks will eventually develop a cam tower leak, some sooner or later. I'm the type my vehicle has to be 100% perfect running, like my 05 Lexus RX330 AWD that has been flawless and still drives like new at 102k miles.

 

Thanks for all the info! That 4.7 4x4 RCSB I was looking at had hidden image and rust, dealership tried to cover it up. The dealership has bad reviews on Google, I should have went by the reviews and avoided this dealer. He picked it up ant an auction so you know its a crapper. Carfax shows one owner but 2 accidents, oddly, Autocheck shows no accidents which the salesman proudly displayed.

 

I loved my 1st Gen w/4.7 and it did it's job adequately... towed my trailer for 6 years, never needed anything more than regular maintenance.

That being said, get the 5.7

4.7 - 245 HP/315 TQ
5.7 - 381 HP/401 TQ

More gears, bigger brakes, GOBS more power.

 

The Specs you posted aren’t accurate for the 2nd gen, albeit they’re not considerably higher they are better than the 1st gen 2UZ

 

Fact is there are more million mile 4.7 V8's than 5.7.: here is another one!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogPmNzO-uv8

 

Hmmm, I'll be darned... I was just going off of the ones I've owned.

I was not aware that they'd bumped up the power on later 4.7's... to a whopping 271!

What was the difference? Did the early ones not have variable valve timing I wonder?

2000 Tundra SR5 4WD 4.7L V8
Engine
Base engine size 4.7 L
Cylinders V8
Base engine type Gas
Horsepower 245 hp @ 4,800 rpm
Torque 315 lb-ft @ 3,400 rpm

2007 SR5 Tundra 4WD 4.7L V8
Base engine size 4.7 L
Cylinders V8
Base engine type Gas
Horsepower 271 hp @ 5,400 rpm
Torque 313 lb-ft @ 3,400 rpm
Valves 32
Cam type Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Valve timing Variable


2019 Tundra SR5 4WD 5.7L V8
Engine
Base engine size 5.7 L
Cylinders V8
Base engine type Gas
Horsepower 381 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Torque 401 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm
Valves 32
Cam type Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Valve timing Variable

That being said OP, my answer is the same... given the choice and all else being equal, get the 5.7

 

You can be snarky and condescending all you want. I simply told you your numbers were wrong and admitted they weren’t significantly better but still more HP. I’m sure a considerable number of tundra owners would get by with the 4.7, they just prefer a different displacement

 

Yea earlier 4.7's had no VVTi.

If one just wanted a truck to haul lighter loads in the bed or overland, I'd not rule out the 4.7

The 4.7 may very well be the best Toyota/Lexus engine ever made. And timing belt engines get way too much undue hatred. God forbid you need $500 of maintenance every decade to keep your engine running. Also provides the ideal opportunity to routinely replace a water pump rather than wait for it to fail.

That being said the 5.7 is a beauty of an engine too, and the obvious choice of towing will be part of the trucks use

 

Wow, simmer down buddy.

If there was any snarkyness it was directed at Toyota for the somewhat anemic output of my '00 V8 not you.

I acknowledged that the information I stated was incomplete. (Not exactly wrong, but incomplete)

I also said that "I loved my 1st Gen w/4.7 and it did it's job adequately... towed my trailer for 6 years, never needed anything more than regular maintenance."

So we were pretty much in agreement, since I'm one of those Tundra owners you mentioned that "got by with the 4.7" for years.

 

Shame on you for having a sense of humor and employing lighthearted banter.

 

It's amazing how often that seems to piss people off. Particularly on the Interwebz.

 

This makes me think of this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sngRrkQayDA

 

HA!! I'm rolling... that totally reminded me of a text I very nearly sent my best friend.

Years ago, I had just put a new Pioneer head unit with Android Auto in my 1st gen, and was marveling at the ability to hear and reply to texts while driving.

I was going surfing with the boys one morning and my friend texted me for the ETA to meet at the surf spot.

He said he was running late, I was replying with speech to text, and said "No sweat, I'm just getting on the freeway, I'll see you there."

Just then, someone totally cut me off and (as I often do while driving alone) I berated the idiot in the other car who can't even hear me.

I was just about to say "send" as the voice function lets you verbally hit the button.

Fortunately it also lets you review the message first, 'cuz I very nearly sent my best friend a text saying "No sweat, I'm just getting on the freeway, I'll see you there... You STUPID FUCKING ASSHOLE!!"

 

Just watched this a couple days ago. Suggest you do same. He tells you which engine he prefers…

https://youtu.be/JJ5OrSu79Ck?si=avJDqMNJxivWPLeJ

 

4.7 for the win! I knew it. He is a Toyota master tech with an extreme amount of knowledge and experience with everything Toyota and works on them daily. I believe him more than anybody on this forum. Just saying.

 

I have a 2007 DC 4x4 TRD off road with 4.7L. Towed a 6000 pound travel trailer from NC to FL and back. Plenty of power coming back up the mountain. It is so smooth I have to check to make sure I turned it off before I get out. You will not be disappointed.

 

As I've stated in other posts I owned a 2006/4.7 Tundra for 12 years since new. Changed the timing belt twice, was not interested in doing it again. My 2018 5.7 is at about 85,000 miles, if it was a 4.7 I would be looking at a timing belt change pretty soon.

The 5.7 is golden to me, no belt, hydraulic valve actuation system, etc. At 74 years old, I have done enough auto repairs since the late 60s that I'm through with them if I can help it. Normal fluid/filter changes are fine, all ICE vehicles require this.

Dan

 

I get that totally. I just think that in the timing belt vs. timing chain debate folks usually just say timing belt means maintenance, and timing chain means no maintenance, and it's a bit more complicated than that.

A timing belt isn't submerged in oil (or at least shouldn't be). A timing chain is. This timing chain area (timing chain cover specifically) then becomes a liability for an oil leak down the road.

The notoriously bullet proof 4.0L V6 (1GR-FE) from the 4th/5th Gen 4runners, 2nd Gen Tacomas, FJ Cruisers, and very few early 2nd Gen Tundras, is known to often develop this problem. This typically is best remedied with an engine out disassembly, reseal, and reassembly. This is about 20-22 hours in labor, or in other words $4k in engine maintenance costs. You can pay a mechanic ($1k) to do a timing belt 4 times (1x per decade), and break even with your buddy with a 1GR after 40 years of ownership. Nobody mentions this. Ever. And 3ur-fe's (5.7l V8s) are succectible to this problem too

See here: https://www.tundras.com/threads/timing-chain-cover-leak-looking-for-advice.140645/#post-3542004

To be clear I'm not hating on timing chain motors, just clarifying that the debate ought to be more nuanced. I own an '03 Tacoma (5vz with a timing belt), and a '18 Tundra with the 5.7 (timing chain). I'd rather do a timing belt job than fix a timing cover leaks, any day of the week, but they're both rock solid motors and need very little maintenance overall

 

Yep, agree completely! I forgot to mention I owned a 1985 Supra for 250,000+ miles and it was a belt engine also. But this was an in-line, not a "V" so much simpler. Still was a bit annoyed by the belt replacement interval but I was much younger then and could lean over the front grill for this work a lot easier than my age today. BTW, the Supra was a FANTASTIC car, truly loved that vehicle!

It's all good!

Dan

 

I have a 2007 4.7L that has 265k miles I have done the timing belt/ water pump 2x the first at 100k miles the belt and components were all in good shape still could have lasted a lot longer, the 2nd time at 230k miles same story. I don’t drive the truck very much any more only 50-100 miles a week. I agree I would rather deal with a timing belt. The only part I have had to replace was the alternator @220k miles which were mostly high way, starter is still going going strong