How to Get More Horsepower Out of Your V6 Tacoma Without Breaking It
You won’t turn your Tacoma into a race truck. It’s a reliable, torquey 3.5L V6—not a turbocharged sports car. But you can squeeze more horsepower and throttle response out of it without grenading your engine or voiding every warranty. You just have to mod smart.
This guide walks you through safe, effective performance mods that work for the 3.5L V6 (2GR-FKS), used in 2016+ Tacomas. No snake oil, no hype—just real gains that keep your truck daily-drivable.
Step 1: Start With the Basics
1. Cold Air Intake (CAI)
- Adds 5–8 hp
- Improves airflow and throttle response
- Better intake sound under throttle
Top Brands: TRD CAI, K&N, aFe Power
Pro Tip: Stick to enclosed or shielded systems. Open filters soak in hot engine bay air.
2. Cat-Back Exhaust System
- Adds 4–7 hp
- Decreases back pressure
- Sounds more aggressive
Good Options: Borla, Magnaflow, TRD, MBRP
Avoid: Overly loud straight-pipe systems—they drone and add no power.
Step 2: Tuning for Real Gains
3. ECU Tune / Programmer
- Adds 10–20 hp depending on setup
- Optimizes air/fuel ratio and ignition timing
- Can remove throttle lag
Recommended: OV Tune, KDMax, Hypertech
Warning: Flash tunes can void your warranty. Use with caution if your truck is still under coverage.
Step 3: Breathing Mods That Work Together
If you do intake + exhaust + tune, expect a total gain of 20–35 hp.
- Intake = better air in
- Exhaust = better air out
- Tune = tells ECU how to use both
All three together wake the V6 up nicely. It’ll pull harder, shift smoother, and rev more freely.
Step 4: Throttle Response Mods
4. Throttle Controller
- No horsepower gain, but major difference in feel
- Removes delay in pedal response
- Adjustable modes: Eco, Sport, Race
Best Units: Pedal Commander, Sprint Booster
This doesn’t make more power. But it feels like it. You get quicker takeoff and less lag.
Step 5: Don’t Forget Gearing
5. Regear for Torque
- No horsepower gain, but restores lost power from larger tires
- Faster acceleration
- Easier towing
Best Ratios:
- 4.88 for 33” tires
- 5.29 for 35” tires
This isn’t sexy, but it’s one of the smartest power moves you can make if your truck feels sluggish.
Bonus Mods That Don’t Help as Much
- Throttle body spacers: Snake oil
- Fuel additives: Minimal at best
- Electric superchargers: Total scam
Want to Go All-In? Forced Induction
If you want real big power:
- Magnuson Supercharger = +100+ hp, proven and reliable
- Costs around $6,000–7,000 installed
Pros:
- Massive power bump
- Daily drivable if tuned right
Cons:
- Expensive
- Warranty risk
- Heat management needed
Not for everyone—but a great option if you want true power and plan to keep the truck long-term.
Final Verdict
Want better response, smoother power, and a little more kick? Intake, exhaust, and a tune give the best bang for your buck. Throw in a throttle controller and you’ll feel faster even if your dyno says +30 hp.
Want big numbers? Supercharger or bust.
But don’t chase numbers. Chase driveability. Do the mods that make your Tacoma more fun, not just louder. That’s how you get more power without breaking it.
