What is the price on Supercharger?
07-01-2003, 08:43 AM
#2
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: So Cal
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
whatever the price, it's probably too high unless you want to buy a half-baked offering from TRD. I say this as I am fed up with the infamous pinging that TRD finally admitted to me. I have a '99 4x4 Limited w/ 65K miles on it - s/c has about 40K miles on it. It has a Borla exhaust, TRD headers, Magnecor 8.5mm spark plug wires, Denso Iridium plugs (IK16).
Their solution was to buy the TRD thermo and colder spark plugs. And, if that didn't eliminate the pinging, have their 'ping' pulley installed. That's what the guy called the thing. I had the thermo and pulley installed. The pinging is almost eliminated, but the s/c only puts out 4 pounds of boost.
TRD should have either fully tested their product, or offered a complete kit (if thermo and plugs were required, they should have included them).
I have also had the infamous oil leak from the nose cone. Their solution was to have the belt tensioner installed under warranty. OK, I now have the belt tensioner, but how does this help the leaking??? DOH!
I'm considering having TRD do a buy-back. I'm not willing to go to the next level of the fuel injectors, FMC, TMC stuff. If I had to do it again, I wouldn't do the TRD s/c.
Their solution was to buy the TRD thermo and colder spark plugs. And, if that didn't eliminate the pinging, have their 'ping' pulley installed. That's what the guy called the thing. I had the thermo and pulley installed. The pinging is almost eliminated, but the s/c only puts out 4 pounds of boost.
TRD should have either fully tested their product, or offered a complete kit (if thermo and plugs were required, they should have included them).
I have also had the infamous oil leak from the nose cone. Their solution was to have the belt tensioner installed under warranty. OK, I now have the belt tensioner, but how does this help the leaking??? DOH!
I'm considering having TRD do a buy-back. I'm not willing to go to the next level of the fuel injectors, FMC, TMC stuff. If I had to do it again, I wouldn't do the TRD s/c.
07-01-2003, 09:37 AM
#4
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Wake Forest, NC
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
ThePretender had a point, an emotional one, but a point. The going price for the S/C is $2,500 give or take a bit. The newer trucks "seem" to handle the ping issue better, but plan on cooler plugs and thermostat. Then you should consider an automatic transmission cooler, the Hayden style will cost you about $50 depend on the size you use. 93 Octane fuel, all the time, is recommended. This is the MINIMUM configuration!
Many of us with the S/C feel the slow shifts of the A/T will damage the A/T over time and invest in the Level 10 valve body upgade. There is another vendor that performs a similar service the the Supra folks seem to like. Plan on spending the better part of $900 with Level 10, and that's doing the remove and replace yourself.
The topic of fuel modifications is a hot one! Some feel it's a REQUIREMENT, some feel it's a refinement. But, a new fuel pump, injectors and a piggy back computer with some knowledgable assistance, and your spending somewhere between several hundred and more than a thousand additional dollars.
The "ping pulley" is a way to reduce boost and therefore help the ping. Some seem to need it, other's don't.
Find someone local with the S/C and take it for a ride. See how you like the additional torque and HP. However, it is not a stand-alone, bolt-on and forget it upgade. There is a little more to it! More of a journey then an ending!
Many of us with the S/C feel the slow shifts of the A/T will damage the A/T over time and invest in the Level 10 valve body upgade. There is another vendor that performs a similar service the the Supra folks seem to like. Plan on spending the better part of $900 with Level 10, and that's doing the remove and replace yourself.
The topic of fuel modifications is a hot one! Some feel it's a REQUIREMENT, some feel it's a refinement. But, a new fuel pump, injectors and a piggy back computer with some knowledgable assistance, and your spending somewhere between several hundred and more than a thousand additional dollars.
The "ping pulley" is a way to reduce boost and therefore help the ping. Some seem to need it, other's don't.
Find someone local with the S/C and take it for a ride. See how you like the additional torque and HP. However, it is not a stand-alone, bolt-on and forget it upgade. There is a little more to it! More of a journey then an ending!
07-01-2003, 09:54 AM
#5
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 695
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I beg to differ if it is worth it or not. I spent the lucky 1700 last november and I couldn't be happier. Yes, I know I have fuel mods to buy, but the pinging is minimal at most on my truck and I do drive it hard but I only use chevron or texico premium gas. No am/pm for my truck! If I could only have one mod, that would be it. Period. 
You have to remember that the best things aren't usually the easiest. I can't wait to add injectors/pump/controller just because it'll be almost as good as adding the SC in the first place!
You have to remember that the best things aren't usually the easiest. I can't wait to add injectors/pump/controller just because it'll be almost as good as adding the SC in the first place!
07-01-2003, 10:38 AM
#7
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: So Cal
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I forgot to mention that I also have the Amsoil filter with the deck plate mod. I junked the K&N FIPK after reading on Gadget's site that the K&N actually gets less hp. Prior to the 'ping' pulley install, I was able to spin the back tires with the deck plate mod - I wasn't able to do that with the K&N. Also, living in CA, best you can get is 91 octane gas - I use Chevron 91 octane. I still had the pinging when I used octane boost - I tried all sorts of 'em.
The wife and I just returned from a road trip (2,600) miles from LA to Denver and back. During the climbing on the way out and back, the 'Engine Check' light came on about 6 times. I pulled the EFI fuse to reset the light. Yeah, this gets rid of the light and the error code, but I got sick of looking at the light. I saw a post from a member on cleaning the MAF sensor with electronic cleaner. I've already done this, but I'll probably clean it again. I'll have the dealer look at the car next week.
I'm happy with the car, and really happy with South Bay Toyota in Torrance (Harold Young is the Man). TRD needs help.
Hey Phx TRDRunner - your 4Runner looks great! Did you lift it to get the bigger tires on it?
The wife and I just returned from a road trip (2,600) miles from LA to Denver and back. During the climbing on the way out and back, the 'Engine Check' light came on about 6 times. I pulled the EFI fuse to reset the light. Yeah, this gets rid of the light and the error code, but I got sick of looking at the light. I saw a post from a member on cleaning the MAF sensor with electronic cleaner. I've already done this, but I'll probably clean it again. I'll have the dealer look at the car next week.
I'm happy with the car, and really happy with South Bay Toyota in Torrance (Harold Young is the Man). TRD needs help.
Hey Phx TRDRunner - your 4Runner looks great! Did you lift it to get the bigger tires on it?
Trending Topics
07-01-2003, 01:02 PM
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
I read all the comments on this board about the supercharger and I’m having a really hard time deciding what to do. I can’t decide if I should just go with headers, and exhaust—or if I should take the gamble on the super charger working
—I don’t want to ruin the reliability of my Toyota—it’s a 5spd so maybe I won’t have as many problems....What do all of you think? by the way I think somebody mentioned that TRD is going to run another special this year sometime for around $1800.
FROSTY
—I don’t want to ruin the reliability of my Toyota—it’s a 5spd so maybe I won’t have as many problems....What do all of you think? by the way I think somebody mentioned that TRD is going to run another special this year sometime for around $1800.FROSTY
07-01-2003, 01:06 PM
#9
Contributing Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,916
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by FROSTY
I read all the comments on this board about the supercharger and I’m having a really hard time deciding what to do. I can’t decide if I should just go with headers, and exhaust—or if I should take the gamble on the super charger working —I don’t want to ruin the reliability of my Toyota—it’s a 5spd so maybe I won’t have as many problems....What do all of you think? by the way I think somebody mentioned that TRD is going to run another special this year sometime for around $1800.
FROSTY
I read all the comments on this board about the supercharger and I’m having a really hard time deciding what to do. I can’t decide if I should just go with headers, and exhaust—or if I should take the gamble on the super charger working
—I don’t want to ruin the reliability of my Toyota—it’s a 5spd so maybe I won’t have as many problems....What do all of you think? by the way I think somebody mentioned that TRD is going to run another special this year sometime for around $1800.FROSTY
It really depends on your needs. For me, I would rather have a rear locker, and headers than a SC. But that's just me, and for what I use my Runner for.
Last edited by rimpainter.com; 07-01-2003 at 01:09 PM.
07-01-2003, 01:44 PM
#11
Contributing Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,916
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by FROSTY
Home much HP do you think I can get with the deck plate, exhaust, and headers?---The ARB front and rear locker would be nice too
Home much HP do you think I can get with the deck plate, exhaust, and headers?---The ARB front and rear locker would be nice too
Deckplate: 5HP
Exhaust: 5HP
Headers: 10 - 15HP
ISR Mod: 5HP
Unfortunately, there are laws of Physics which come in to play, preventing a "mass" increase of HP by adding a bunch of small mods such as these. So, realistically, you are looking at a 15HP gain with all these mods. Remember, the HP gain of these mods will be realized at a very narrow part of the rev range vs. a much broader power gain starting at a lower RPM with the SC.
Last edited by rimpainter.com; 07-01-2003 at 01:45 PM.
07-01-2003, 03:39 PM
#12
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Keep away from the s/c, that's my advice. I don't have time to write out all the reasons why, but suffice it to say it takes a lot of dedication, know-how, and worst of all MONEY. If you have other plans like off-road upgrades, wheels, etc., do that and forget the blower. The only reason I even looked into the s/c was because TRD said it was a "bolt on part". Which of course is BULL_FUGGING_$HET. Then I found these wonderful boards like yotatech, TTORA, Gadgetonline and got most of the bugs worked out.
Still...the 3.4 5VZ was definitely NOT engineered with the s/c in mind. I realized this fully this weekend when my pops bought a Ford Lightning....same s/c, but the motor was built AROUND THE S/C WITH A FORCED INDUCTION APPLICATION IN MIND. What a nice truck, runs flawless, fast! Even comes with an intercooler STOCK! sigh....long story short, if I had it to do all over again I would not. There are a half dozen or so folks yanking their s/c off from the TTORA boards right now.
Still...the 3.4 5VZ was definitely NOT engineered with the s/c in mind. I realized this fully this weekend when my pops bought a Ford Lightning....same s/c, but the motor was built AROUND THE S/C WITH A FORCED INDUCTION APPLICATION IN MIND. What a nice truck, runs flawless, fast! Even comes with an intercooler STOCK! sigh....long story short, if I had it to do all over again I would not. There are a half dozen or so folks yanking their s/c off from the TTORA boards right now.
07-01-2003, 04:43 PM
#15
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 695
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by heliax
Keep away from the s/c, that's my advice. I don't have time to write out all the reasons why, but suffice it to say it takes a lot of dedication, know-how, and worst of all MONEY. If you have other plans like off-road upgrades, wheels, etc., do that and forget the blower. The only reason I even looked into the s/c was because TRD said it was a "bolt on part". Which of course is BULL_FUGGING_$HET. Then I found these wonderful boards like yotatech, TTORA, Gadgetonline and got most of the bugs worked out.
Still...the 3.4 5VZ was definitely NOT engineered with the s/c in mind. I realized this fully this weekend when my pops bought a Ford Lightning....same s/c, but the motor was built AROUND THE S/C WITH A FORCED INDUCTION APPLICATION IN MIND. What a nice truck, runs flawless, fast! Even comes with an intercooler STOCK! sigh....long story short, if I had it to do all over again I would not. There are a half dozen or so folks yanking their s/c off from the TTORA boards right now.
Keep away from the s/c, that's my advice. I don't have time to write out all the reasons why, but suffice it to say it takes a lot of dedication, know-how, and worst of all MONEY. If you have other plans like off-road upgrades, wheels, etc., do that and forget the blower. The only reason I even looked into the s/c was because TRD said it was a "bolt on part". Which of course is BULL_FUGGING_$HET. Then I found these wonderful boards like yotatech, TTORA, Gadgetonline and got most of the bugs worked out.
Still...the 3.4 5VZ was definitely NOT engineered with the s/c in mind. I realized this fully this weekend when my pops bought a Ford Lightning....same s/c, but the motor was built AROUND THE S/C WITH A FORCED INDUCTION APPLICATION IN MIND. What a nice truck, runs flawless, fast! Even comes with an intercooler STOCK! sigh....long story short, if I had it to do all over again I would not. There are a half dozen or so folks yanking their s/c off from the TTORA boards right now.
07-01-2003, 05:46 PM
#16
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Pointless when its factual...you know what they say about arguing on the net...but anyways...I call lowering compression, adding an intercooler, bigger injectors, different pulleys, etc etc as engineering a motor with forced induction in mind (I.E.- the ford lightning). I guess bolt holes count as engineering the 3.4 with the s/c in mind? sigh....just about every major manufacturer uses a "learning computer" on their cars nowadays, at least all the ones I'm aware of (all of them), even Ford....btw Mustangs use a 4.6, the Lightning has a 5.4
Last edited by heliax; 07-01-2003 at 05:51 PM.
07-01-2003, 08:13 PM
#17
Registered User
I had a trd s/c installed on my 99 runner a few weeks ago and have noticed no pinging.. I recently drove up to bellingham from bellevue putting my truck through the gamut of acceleration and rpm possibiliteis and it performed great. I do notice some lean out at higher speeds (above 80 or so), but that was minor and not really important to me (33s with lift) Maybe I got lucky, but I am happy that I got it installed. Just my opinion.
07-01-2003, 08:48 PM
#18
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 695
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by heliax
Pointless when its factual...you know what they say about arguing on the net...but anyways...I call lowering compression, adding an intercooler, bigger injectors, different pulleys, etc etc as engineering a motor with forced induction in mind (I.E.- the ford lightning). I guess bolt holes count as engineering the 3.4 with the s/c in mind? sigh....just about every major manufacturer uses a "learning computer" on their cars nowadays, at least all the ones I'm aware of (all of them), even Ford....btw Mustangs use a 4.6, the Lightning has a 5.4
Pointless when its factual...you know what they say about arguing on the net...but anyways...I call lowering compression, adding an intercooler, bigger injectors, different pulleys, etc etc as engineering a motor with forced induction in mind (I.E.- the ford lightning). I guess bolt holes count as engineering the 3.4 with the s/c in mind? sigh....just about every major manufacturer uses a "learning computer" on their cars nowadays, at least all the ones I'm aware of (all of them), even Ford....btw Mustangs use a 4.6, the Lightning has a 5.4
An example of an engine "engineered" for forced induction is a 2jz-gte. Larger rods, huge mains and crazy cooling systems are normally associated with this.
07-01-2003, 09:14 PM
#19
Contributing Member
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: portland oregon
Posts: 705
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by Greedy
I had a trd s/c installed on my 99 runner a few weeks ago and have noticed no pinging.. I recently drove up to bellingham from bellevue putting my truck through the gamut of acceleration and rpm possibiliteis and it performed great. I do notice some lean out at higher speeds (above 80 or so), but that was minor and not really important to me (33s with lift) Maybe I got lucky, but I am happy that I got it installed. Just my opinion.
I had a trd s/c installed on my 99 runner a few weeks ago and have noticed no pinging.. I recently drove up to bellingham from bellevue putting my truck through the gamut of acceleration and rpm possibiliteis and it performed great. I do notice some lean out at higher speeds (above 80 or so), but that was minor and not really important to me (33s with lift) Maybe I got lucky, but I am happy that I got it installed. Just my opinion.
i dont think thats going to help trd sell any superchargers. just my take on it....
07-01-2003, 10:14 PM
#20
Contributing Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Tempe, AZ
Posts: 324
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I don't think anyone here is looking at the REALLY BIG picture.
TRD sells THOUSANDS of these S/C's. Maybe 5% of the owners are online and talk about this stuff. The other 95% think all is well, and don't really care about a little ping here and there, or about new spark plugs, fuel pumps or piggy-back computers.
The TRD S/C is hands down the best modification I have done to my runner. If I could only do one thing, I would have done the S/C. I had 94k on my runner when I did it, and I am at 108k now. That's 14k with not a single hiccup.
Sure, I am doing the fuel mods and messing around with the ISR Mod and everything else. That's because I am like most of you and I cannot leave well enough alone.
To complain about the S/C is crazy in my opinion. And to those of you who don't have one and say it is a waste of money - go drive a runner with one. When I step on the gas and get to 60mph 3 seconds faster than I used to... and do the quarter in 15.56 seconds... that's not too shabby.
I cannot wait to see what the new numbers will be once the fuel mods are done.
Anyone want to go wheeling?
Dan
TRD sells THOUSANDS of these S/C's. Maybe 5% of the owners are online and talk about this stuff. The other 95% think all is well, and don't really care about a little ping here and there, or about new spark plugs, fuel pumps or piggy-back computers.
The TRD S/C is hands down the best modification I have done to my runner. If I could only do one thing, I would have done the S/C. I had 94k on my runner when I did it, and I am at 108k now. That's 14k with not a single hiccup.
Sure, I am doing the fuel mods and messing around with the ISR Mod and everything else. That's because I am like most of you and I cannot leave well enough alone.
To complain about the S/C is crazy in my opinion. And to those of you who don't have one and say it is a waste of money - go drive a runner with one. When I step on the gas and get to 60mph 3 seconds faster than I used to... and do the quarter in 15.56 seconds... that's not too shabby.
I cannot wait to see what the new numbers will be once the fuel mods are done.
Anyone want to go wheeling?
Dan
