I'm looking at a 2002 on CL that has a SC. I have a few questions about buying a used car with a SC.

1. Smog is a big issue in CA, am I going to have trouble smogging a SC vehicle in LA?

2. Not a CA question but an overall question. Will the vehicle be less reliable with the SC? I read that mpg isn't a big factor but I will need to run premium gas.

3. What should I look for, right or wrong, with the installation when I go look at it.

Thanks!

Most of the superchargers are CARB legal, so no issue with smog, generally. There was a couple year period where the superchargers that were for sale weren't CARB approved (recently, like 2017/2018) but if it was put on at the dealer, it is/was 100% legal.

Check if the install is using the dynamic tensioner or the fixed tensioner. You'll want the dynamic tensioner, if possible.

Otherwise, reliability doesn't seem to be affected too much. You may need to do extra repairs/maintenance on the supercharger every so often (nose cone fluid or rebuilds).

-Charlie

Charlie covered it well, I just have a few more points. You can check out my build thread for ideas on how far you can go while still passing smog, I live in CA and I'm still smog legal thanks to a lazy smog tech.

1. You need the CARB EO sticker in the engine bay or on the hood. Smog techs love stickers and will sometimes fail you without it. Also you'll want to have the vacuum diagram that applies to your 2002 4Runner, these can be found in the Supercharger installation manual online. It modifies the vacuum hoses and I've been asked to provided it before. The sticker you can find at a dealership for purchase or a few people on here sell them.

2. Nope, you'll be just fine. These engines take boost very well. The pistons and rods are rock solid. I'm coming close to doubling the stock HP (183 -> ~350) and it's running great.

3. The supercharger itself requires very little maintenance. If it sounds like a diesel engine at idle then it needs new bearings which can be done by just replacing the nose cone. It will always rattle a bit at idle but it shouldn't be deafening.

Thanks for the help guys.

I just talked to the owner of the vehicle and he says it doesn't pass smog and never will. Also the SC wasn't installed at a dealer. Too many red flags for me so the search for my 3rd Gen continues.

I have ran the EO numbers and I have found that the supercharger was only ok for 96-99 4Runner , Tacoma and T100

I do not believe it is legal for the 00-02 models. At least here in CA

But it is the same engine and will still fit so why the hell not

I have one in my 02 and my drivability and gas mileage is the same

I have the carb sticker just for show, but no one else will ever smog my truck so I don’t care

If the vehicle is older than 00 it is going to have to be Smogged on the dyno, and everything has to be working perfectly for it to pass

Good luck with your search. There are good ones out there


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Is the vacuum diagram really needed as well? I don’t have to smog until next year but I just want to Make sure it is 100% needed or you fail. Have the CARB but since I just had the supercharger installed After my last smog it I didn’t worry about it.

I've had mine smogged with the supercharger several times and was asked for the vacuum diagram once. The others techs did not ask so it's not required but if they do need it you'll have to find a way to bring it up on your phone or something.