Hi-

My name is Kyle, I am about to buy a 1997 4Runner with a 5vz and a TRD supercharger.
This will be my 5th Toyota Truck after a 2 year break from them, and this will be the newest truck I have owned. I spend most time on Outdoorwire and pirate4x4.

I'll get to the point. I am concerned about the TRD supercharger and detonation. From what I see on here, you guys are getting about 17MPG and are running 92 octane, with the supercharger. Is this correct? This supercharger has been on since new, and the owner claims he has no issues EVER with 92, and he always runs 92. I have also followed several threads on here that involved URDUSA.com. It almost seemed as if the TRD supercharger was a bit of a hassle.

Are you guys happy that you have a supercharged truck, even when gas is $4.50 a gallon? Is it reliable? or a PITA? This truck is only 6k, and is in great shape!


Kyle

 

Dude, the supercharger is definitely worth it! With out fuel mods, yes you will likey have detonation. Many people run this way with out another thought. And for the most part, if you stay out of high gear low RPM situations, then you can avoid damage to your engine. But overall I think people running the supercharger without fuel mods will see shorter engine life.

The URD 7th kit is really pretty easy to install. Gadget and his team put together some great instructions and will help you on the phone if you get stuck...class act setup. The kit is easily worth the money IMHO, especially when you find the extra power that it unlocks.

With the fuel mods and supercharger I would not hesitate to drive my truck on a long overland expedition (in fact thats the plan). No worries about reliability at all.

As far as the fuel...well premium isnt really that much more than regular (do the math, it really isnt that big of a diff). And my truck gets about the same with the SC as it did without (if I keep my foot out of it, of course). Before the install I got about 16-17 in town. Im on par for that with this tank (although I havnt dont the actual math yet, but the mileage is about the same). These truck really suck on mileage no matter what, supercharger, spend all day in $lo, haul a trailer, mine never strays to far from that 16-17.

If its really in good shape as you say, Id pull the trigger. Check out the frame though!

 

You can overcome the detonation issue, so don't let that deter your purchase. There's a lot of tricks out there (ie., 7th injector) to cure that ailment.

92 octane is going to be standard with the S/C; no getting around that. Still though, it's worth every bit of it!

 

Since when did the S/C's come stock on the 4runners ?

 

Never on a 4runner rolling off the assemlby line, but was a dealer installed option.

 

today i calculated 19 mpg. which i am pretty happy with. what are you gona be payin for that 4runner? i picked up a 96 all done up for 2500. best deal ever

 

I've never had an issue even here at altitude (5400 ft in Boulder). I've had it for 70K without fuel mods. The biggest difference with mine came when I installed the exhaust (hi-flow cat and magnaflow muffler). It's an awesome addition to an already amazing vehicle... Do buy the premium though...

 

I am hoping to pay about 5k for the truck, it is a Limited, and it appears as if it has been maintained very well. I second that no 4Runner has come off the line with a blower. I believe I have owned the ONLY factory SC Toyota to come to the states outside of a Previa van. 4AGZE ring a bell?



Kyle

 

Photos are here:


http://public.me.com/kyle_harris

 

How about a first gen MR-2, 4agze ring another bell? But yes it was a dealer installed option. They will put TRD stuff on for you if you ask (and pay).

 

Thats the bell I was talking about! YES!..........

Now I just need to find a club that is better than Toyx4's in MN. I am sure there is one in central TX.

 

Any of you guys with the s/c had any issues with the Auto Transmission? I know that they recommend upgrading the valve body but I'm curious how many actually do it.

 

You know, Id like to know that same thing.

I just don't see Toyota offering, as a dealer installed option, with a warranty, a product that needed all kinds of added fuel and timing components and driveline upgrades. As conservative as Toyota is, I just don't see it. I must be wrong.

 

Actually Toyota will honor their warranty even if you install the supercharger yourself. (you must drive to a dealer and have it tuned though)

 

Thats good to hear, but I bet most of the supercharged 5VZ's here on the forum are long out of warranty.

 

There's a valve body modification a few shops do that kicks in the clutch packs a little faster. People have compared it to a shift kit installation; a little snappier shifts and a little less stress on the system.

Not being too worried about it, I just put the biggest tranny cooler on, switched it to synth, and haven't had any problems yet.

That being said, I'll probably blow my tranny on the way to work tomorrow.

 

What synthetic are you running? Amsoil? I assume these take a Type T equivalent?

 

Well I pulled the trigger and bought the truck, the pics are in the link above. It has a bit of a harsh disengagement out of 4wd but no big deal. I paid 5k even for it, and it seems like a great truck. I have all service history incl. timing belt and supercharger install, as well as the window sticker.

It was 103 in austin today, and I had NO detonation issues at all. Will continue to run 92.


Kyle

 

I have had mine on for about 1 1/2 years, i installed it with 145k on the motor. I track my MPG every tank, in the winter i get 17mpg and in the summer like right now i get 20mpg. I got 21 on my last tank, i drive 70 miles a day all in LA traffic.

 

Congrats! You're gonna love it.