supercharger question ???

[trucold]

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.

[Brian R.]

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

[OBATDDSD]

Originally Posted by trucold

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.

[Shredhead]

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

[Brian R.]

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.

[Shredhead]

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?????????????????

[Brian R.]

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

[OBATDDSD]

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.

[Shredhead]

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?

[Brian R.]

The TRD units are pretty much bolt-in mods.

[OBATDDSD]

Originally Posted by Shredhead

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.

[Shredhead]

That's good info thanx.

[Kelly Hudgens]

Originally Posted by trucold

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.

[Shredhead]

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?

[Brian R.]

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