supercharger question ???

My 02 tacoma is probably going to be given a "boost" here in about 2 weeks and I have a couple questions first. Do I really need to run high octane fuel, it's a tad bit on the expensive side, what problems may I run into by running normal fuel, if any. Secondly I have 35,000 miles on my truck is that too many miles to add a supercharger and also what kind of wear and tear do the TRD superchargers normally give to a 3.4 L V6. Thanks and please respond as soon as any of you can.

Have you seen Gadget's website? If not, here's where to start:
http://www.gadgetonline.com/4run.htm

My 02 tacoma is probably going to be given a "boost" here in about 2 weeks and I have a couple questions first. Do I really need to run high octane fuel, it's a tad bit on the expensive side, what problems may I run into by running normal fuel, if any. Secondly I have 35,000 miles on my truck is that too many miles to add a supercharger and also what kind of wear and tear do the TRD superchargers normally give to a 3.4 L V6. Thanks and please respond as soon as any of you can.
Yes, you have to run high octane. I have read some people have used regular but with fuel and timing mods with water injection. It has to be tuned just right..... Secondly:: as long as your engine is healthy it should be fine. (good compression) I put mine on at 130,000. As for wear and tear, it depends on how you maintain or abuse your engine. You also need fuel/timing mods. Especially if you plan on running at high boost. Lots of $$$$$$$$$ and time. As mentioned before, read gadgetonline.com for starters.

Jeff 95 s/c 2.7 urd fuel mods/ 4wd.

Ya but is it worth the $$$$$$$$$$$ and time?

No. The stock engine has enough power for most any use you can think of. SCs are for people who have a special requirement for more power (racing, towing heavy trailers in the mountains, etc). That is what make them worth the money and time. Without the special need, you are just putting a Buick engine on a lawnmower.

So What's wrong with that Big power small package, Id kinda like to see a buick motor on a lawn mower. So what did You pay in $$$$$$$ and time and what kinda horse power boost did ya get for it?????????????????

I would never do that mod unless my power requirements changed. I don't need more than the stock power. Too many other concurrent changes have to be made to make it work without running lean. Running lean and overpowering your transmission are just two of the bigger problems. Also, I don't have a need for it. The 3.4 L V6 is a tough engine stock.

How much power? See Gadget's forum (link above) for dyno output and realistic problems. He has a company that markets the solution to the fuel-related problems, but not the transmission strengthening.

I don't have a special need. My truck runs great.

How much money? I don't see it getting done for under $3k even with a used compressor, unless you are willing to take a chance on the tranmsmission. I don't know how well the standard transmissions hold up under that power. I hope someone does as good a study as Gadget did with a standard transmission.

Also, with a Tacoma, the light rear end will do some strange stuff with that much torque also.

JMHO

Right now you can pick one for your 2002 v-6 for 1899.00 new from Chris King at trdparts4u.com Online special. About a 1000.00 for urd s/c upgrade kit. 88.00 for BRD code scanner for laptop. About 400.00 LM-1 wide band air fuel ratio scanner. Installing a EGT and boost gauge for starters. Depending on your ability, three long weekends for install of everything and more time to understand the capabilities of the scanner, how to program the split second piggy back computer and any other problems you might in counter. Also a transcooler for your application. Updating exhaust is optional. My 2.7 s/c was 2600.00 a year ago. I haven't dynoed yet. I started at 150hp stock and I'm over the 200hp easily and more at 6psi boost. I just installed the urd fuel and working out the bugs right now. You'll get more gains with v-6 install. It was worth it to me. Hope this helps you.

Still wouldn't mind seeing a buick motor on a lawn mower. Hey OBATDDSD I would like to do a Supercharger for my 2.7L and I would like to do it a step at a time I do have some experience in automotive replacing clutches radiators waterpumps etc so is this something that I can do with that level of experience and how much is the initial investment, did you have a problem with pinging, do the upgrades noticably help with hp?

The TRD units are pretty much bolt-in mods.

Still wouldn't mind seeing a buick motor on a lawn mower. Hey OBATDDSD I would like to do a Supercharger for my 2.7L and I would like to do it a step at a time I do have some experience in automotive replacing clutches radiators waterpumps etc so is this something that I can do with that level of experience and how much is the initial investment, did you have a problem with pinging, do the upgrades noticably help with hp?
With that experience, Yes you can install and tune your truck. Yes, you can do it in step. You can purchase the s/c with a unichip computer or split second. Purchase the one with the split second computer. It is end user programable. The unichip is not. It's only done by unichip programmer. urdusa.com is only on selling with split second at $2799.00 and it comes with a basic fuel and timing start up map. It comes with a 4 or 5 psi boost pulley. Install larger flow fuel later. Two steps colder iridium spark plugs for 11.99 ea. You also need a code scanner/diagnostic scanner for 88.00 and wide band air/fuel scanner (LM1 for 399.00). Total about 3334.00. I had a slight problem with pinging and the upgrades do help.

That's good info thanx.

My 02 tacoma is probably going to be given a "boost" here in about 2 weeks and I have a couple questions first. Do I really need to run high octane fuel, it's a tad bit on the expensive side, what problems may I run into by running normal fuel, if any. Secondly I have 35,000 miles on my truck is that too many miles to add a supercharger and also what kind of wear and tear do the TRD superchargers normally give to a 3.4 L V6. Thanks and please respond as soon as any of you can.

Maybe it is too late to answer your question, but I have to disagree with the comments in this thread. I have supercharged both a 2001 3.4 and a 2001 2.7. The supercharger runs excellent! You should use the TRD kit, and forget all those other chips and injector mods. The older (2000 back) tacomas and trucks DID need those. Your '02 computer knows exactly what to do without modifications.
The installation is easy, (but I am a mechanic) and everything needed is in the kit, if you buy the correct one from TRD.
You do need to run premium fuel. I had about a 2 mpg increase in fuel mileage though, without ping, or any other divability problems. My 2.7 runs in the mountains and passes anything I like, uphill. The 3.4 is a screamer! (You should see the look on the faces of those Z-28 boys when they re left in the dust!)
Additional wear to engine is not an issue. Toyota bottom ends can take it! Stress tests have shown no additional wear. I run synthetic oil, but you don't HAVE to.
Don't be afraid if you get the right kit. All that fuel mapping and timing, and performance chip nonsense is for those who don't let TRD do the work for you.

Heck no it's not to late for a sudgestion, but let me get this right your saying that all I have to do is put the supercharger in my truck? I don't need all the electronic adjusting equipment in like the sencor's new o2 unit and pigy back equipment because my 03 2.7L computer will do this automaticly is this correct, and one more thing will putting this supercharger in adversaly effect my emision's for smog inspections?

If you start running lean, you will get a "Check Engine" light and that will trigger an emissions fault in many states.

Heck no it's not to late for a sudgestion, but let me get this right your saying that all I have to do is put the supercharger in my truck? I don't need all the electronic adjusting equipment in like the sencor's new o2 unit and pigy back equipment because my 03 2.7L computer will do this automaticly is this correct, and one more thing will putting this supercharger in adversaly effect my emision's for smog inspections?

Hmm, my reply did not get posted for some reason. Oh well, here I go again.
YES I am saying that if you install the proper TRD supercharger kit for your specific vehicle you will not need to do any other modification. All the programming is built into your current PCM for a 2001, 02, 03 etc.
Just follow instructions in the kit. It replaces stock intake manifold, and gives you all the hardware you need, including the belt.

You may choose to to a "deck plate" modification to your air intake box, but that costs nearly nothing. It just opens up the intake, but allows you to use the stock air filter and tuned intake tubes that are already in place. It does help to do this modification, and I recommend it, but you wouldn't have to. Some buy fancy intake systems, but they defeat the factory tuning of the intake and you run into problems mounting the MAF etc.

Your first 20 miles or so will be a relearn period for your present PCM, but I never had any problem from mile one. No ping. Nothing adverse. Of course wisdom will tell you to drive it moderately for that period, but after that use it all you want. You will have no problems if you install it correctly.

The supercharger will not affect your smog test, or your actual emissions in any way. My 2.7 passes emissions tests with flying colors. The TRD supercharger kit is 50 state legal.

The kit for my 2.7 cost me about $2300 and I installed it myself. I can answer questions you may have, and I have photos of the installation if you would like to see them.

The engineers at TRD are smart folks, and they design these kits with drivability in mind. (I have some insight, as my brother does testing for them.)

There are ways that you can take the performance further if you wish, such as a fifth injector kit that also acts as an "intercooler". I have not done this to mine as I am satisfied with the performance as it is. The 2.7 with the supercharger and deck plate modification will outperform the 3.4 V-6.

[email protected]

Oh, by the way,

As a mechanic I can tell you that many of the "piggyback" mods, "superchips", and other such advertised devices for enhancing power usually cause other problems, drivability. mileage, pings, etc. You would be surprised at how many people pay me to return their cars to stock condition after being disappointed with the aftermarket devices they have spent good money on.

TRD is engineered BY TOYOTA specifically FOR YOUR TOYOTA MODEL, and they have done their homework! In my experience TRD products are excellent and perform as advertised.

Kelly

2300 Where did You get your 2.7L supercharger from when I looked up the price tag on URD it was more like 2800. and when I get settled out here in Guam I would like to do the supercharger mod to my 2.7L not sure I want to do the deck plate mod though Im afraid of sucking up water, I would definatly like to see the pictures of Your mod I would like to get an idea of what Im getting into I have done some moderate engine work, cluch, brakes water pump replacement's but this will probably be more intense, how long do you think it would take to do this job and what kind of horse power gain do you think I would recieve? Thanx for the info.

2300 Where did You get your 2.7L supercharger from when I looked up the price tag on URD it was more like 2800. and when I get settled out here in Guam I would like to do the supercharger mod to my 2.7L not sure I want to do the deck plate mod though Im afraid of sucking up water, I would definatly like to see the pictures of Your mod I would like to get an idea of what Im getting into I have done some moderate engine work, cluch, brakes water pump replacement's but this will probably be more intense, how long do you think it would take to do this job and what kind of horse power gain do you think I would recieve? Thanx for the info.


I bought my TRD supercharger kit at http://toyotaguys.com/ but I don't see it listed there now for some reason. (was about two years ago.)
You might also try http://toyotapartsworld.com/ I have bought many Toyota parts there with better luck than at the local dealer. E-mail Greg at [email protected] and tell him your application and he will send you a price quote. Perhaps the prices have gone up since I bought mine. The local dealer wanted $600 more at the time I bought mine.

The "deck plate" mod uses a marine "deck plate" so that when you are off roading you can close the opening you make in the air box to avoid sucking up water. I drive mostly on pavement so that hasn't been an issue for me. (It would seem to me that if you are driving in water so deep that it would suck in at the factory air box you would be totally crazy anyway!)

I spent about eight hours doing the install the first time, but that was working leisurely and drinking some beer also. I don't seem to have the privelege of posting photos here on the forum, but I will e-mail them if you want to provide an address.

Kelly

I was a little off when I quoted 2800 for the kit it's actually more like 2000 for just the supercharger without the URD Performance Calibration Unit piggy back kit and so on but if you would take a look at this link and let me know if this is the supercharger that your talking about I would appreciate it, my email address is [email protected] here's the URL thanx again
http://www.urdusa.net/product_info.php?cPath=1_2&products_id=110001001&osCsid=643bba091f36c262acb0a5f5bde17b01

It sounds like your saying that it's pretty easy to install the kit just a little time consuming, did you have to attach another pully for the S/C or does it share the belt with another component?

I don't seem to have the privelege of posting photos here on the forum, but I will e-mail them if you want to provide an address.

Upload your image file to http://photobucket.com and then copy and paste the IMG link into your message.

Alternatively, upload the image file to your personal photo gallery on this site (see link under reply window). Then click on the "Copy of ..." and do the same process as above with the IMG link under the photo.

As far as water getting in the air cleaner box with the deckplate mod, driving in rain with the deckplate cover off will likely get your filter element wet. A wet air filter element will not flow air worth beans. I am not interested in find out how heavy the rain has to be for this to occur. I always cover my deckplate when it's raining.

Upload your image file to http://photobucket.com and then copy and paste the IMG link into your message.

Alternatively, upload the image file to your personal photo gallery on this site (see link under reply window). Then click on the "Copy of ..." and do the same process as above with the IMG link under the photo.

As far as water getting in the air cleaner box with the deckplate mod, driving in rain with the deckplate cover off will likely get your filter element wet. A wet air filter element will not flow air worth beans. I am not interested in find out how heavy the rain has to be for this to occur. I always cover my deckplate when it's raining.


Thanks for the photo information. I will try that.

You are right, rain could pose a problem theortically. I have never had any problem with that, but I will have to check that out next time it rains to see if it is actually happening. It could be that being stashed behind the headlight it doesn't get back there much, if at all. I wonder why I never thought of that!

Kelly

May not be a problem, but I don't take chances... :)

Heck no it's not to late for a sudgestion, but let me get this right your saying that all I have to do is put the supercharger in my truck? I don't need all the electronic adjusting equipment in like the sencor's new o2 unit and pigy back equipment because my 03 2.7L computer will do this automaticly is this correct, and one more thing will putting this supercharger in adversaly effect my emision's for smog inspections?
Check out tacomaterritory.com and customtacos.com forums
and do search for this topic. You'll find more information on different options and problems people have experienced with s/c installs. One of the guys just broke the 300hp barrier on his 2004 3.4 s/c 4x4 with extra mods. You'll get as much as you put into it.

About the deckplate mod - I've wondered the same thing and so this spring I popped the hood after driving in the rain for about 20 miles. It was bone dry around the air intake. Now, I'm not saying that everybody's will be that way, alot of factors, i.e. amount of rain coming down and puddled, which body style, etc...Just my 2 cents.

About the deckplate mod - I've wondered the same thing and so this spring I popped the hood after driving in the rain for about 20 miles. It was bone dry around the air intake. Now, I'm not saying that everybody's will be that way, alot of factors, i.e. amount of rain coming down and puddled, which body style, etc...Just my 2 cents.

The air box may get hot enough to fool you by evaporating the water very quickly. Did you actually touch the filter element to see if it had got wet? Also, the direction of the wind would make a big difference also if you were moving slow.