So for the past several nights I have been searching the web far and wide and can't seem to find the information I am after..

Without getting into the debate of turbo vs supercharger, or whether it is even worth the hassle, etc. My question is related to the ECU.

I am seeing some conflicting info on what people are doing with the ECU once forced induction is added.

Are the factory cars with the TRD superchargers running a different ecu? Or is the factory ECU capable of dealing with small amounts of boost? A few builds I have come across look like they are running at least one or another type of piggyback solution (which obviously the would net better results and probably make it a bit safer overall) but I have also seen another half of the builds that suggest that the factory ECU is OK in upwards of 6-8 psi.


So what is the verdict? Could you run a small kit with boost levels in the 4-6 psi range on the factory ECU with no issue?

No. You will need the 9th injector, there is no functional solution that does not have it. Unless you would like your engine to be destroyed, then Yes.

9th injector?? Now that just sounds too complicated..

6psi isn't something that a $200 DET3 piggyback, upgraded fuel pressure regulator and 8 replacement 300cc injectors couldn't handle

coming from a turbo world of various builds I know the "proper" way to introduce forced induction to the motor, I was just looking for a quick and easy way to slap on an ebay turbo for a little chinese whistle fun. But if just upgrading the fuel pressure regulator to max out the factory fuel system isn't an option to make up even for a small amount of boost I guess this will wait until I run out of other projects to work on... lockers, regearing and fj t-case sound like a more sensible way to spend the same amount of money vs going the turbo route..

You may want to wait around and hopefully get a first hand response from @V8Man , he's has a 2004 supercharged V8, so he most likely your best bet for an answer from someone who should know what a factory supercharged T4R V8 has.

Also, @Satori has a v8 supercharger, he can probably chime in as well

@AuSeeker ; @aemravan ; @duffdog
Currently #4 is at my father’s shop 150 miles away. He is 86 and my mom is 84 and a lung cancer survivor. They both get their second shot next week, so hopefully in a few more works I'll get to see them.
The truck hasn’t moved in a year!
I have a pdf of the installation manual for the TRD Supercharger. It has a ninth & tenth injector.
DM me with your email and I can send the pdf to you, it's too large to attach.

The supercharger kit I have came from URD and I believe is a different type than the TRD supercharger. The URD one comes with a rotrex centrifugal s/c and I believe the TRD is roots style?

The kit that I got from URD also came with a piggy back ECU, larger injectors, fuel pump upgrade, intercooler that I have had / run ever since the supercharger was installed so I can't say first hand what it would be like without a piggy back ecu / fuel mods. This was all recommended by URD for just running low boost only.

That being said, my runner is just over 220,000 miles and I was able to take an 8k mile road trip this year with the supercharger on and had ZERO ISSUES (knock on wood this continues).

Another thing to note is that my runner is an 08 and has the vvti version of the 2uz in it.

I'm jealous of your 4runner lol, thanks for the good info!

All the input is much appreciated. The supercharger route may be the way to go.

The piggy back that URD included I am assuming was something already pre-tuned by them for the application?

Yes exactly, it came pre tuned for the application as well as a "self tuning" feature that helps you get it dialed in even more as you drive / break it in.

@awhitney1 haha I'm jealous of your 4runner too! and thanks for tagging me into this thread