I have driven in an 80 with a 6.0l, SC 4.5l, 4.6l and a stock 4.5l. I would put power in that order. I feel the 4.6l is more responsive and very very close in power to a SC 4.5l. With that said if I had an OBDII system I would have done an SC 4.6L. With a SC comes problems and higher ware and premium fuel. so I am very happy now that I was not able to do the SC. I am not a lead foot kind of driver. I just wanted reliability, highway passing speed and power for the mountain passes and I feel so far that I got exactly that. I am very happy with this engine and the work PowderPig did.
My biggest complaint about the 80 besides cup holders was I felt like it had 25yr old power. Newer vehicle have gained so much over the years and we have gotten used to it. After I bought this 80 and started throwing cash at it I really wondered if I made a big mistake and should have just bought a brand new 4Runner, I even test drove them a few times. Remember I could buy a fully loaded one for $40k and I was over that in this 80 at the time and had not done the engine yet. I loved the drive but hated the front window view. This week while commuting to work I really feel I have that kind of driving back and it does not feel like an 25yr old drive it feels like a brand new vehicle. I really have the 80 I dreamed of owning 25 years ago and never thought I would be able to afford when I was in High School.
I will give a more detailed update at 1k miles and get to do some trail rides. Now I need to get some more armour, roof rack, lights, comms and storage system done this winter.