Another awesome build [MENTION=8329]MillerPKA[/MENTION] !! I'm liking this one even more than the old one.
And after reading all through this thread, I am really wondering your thoughts on the 5VZ + supercharger now that you've ran it for a while. I found it interesting that you were originally thinking of dropping a 2UZ in and then ended up going with the SC instead. Thoughts on the SC route? How's it treating you? Any other fuel mods yet thus far? (been a while since you posted on here it seems...) Have you driven that GX470 much? How does your rig's power compare to that beast? Can you keep up with that GX with your 4runner on the highway? on fast desert roads?
Reason I'm asking is cause I just came from an '05 GX470 that I really didnt want to sell but had to at the time and then decided I really needed a small truck anyway for my type of wheeling/camping...so I bought back into a 1st Gen Tacoma....and I gotta say, I am really, really, REALLY missing that 2UZ in that GX470... This Tacoma is a freaking slug compared to that thing (and I had the GX decently built up). So I have been thinking about similar upgrades as you initially... a nice, small toyota V8 swap... a 1UZ or 2UZ. I know it'd be a ton of $$ for a swap, but once you're into the SC + URD and other fuel mods, its well over $5-6K if you are doing all the labor yourself, and even more if you're having to get professional help. And then I've heard and read of some guys just having constant fueling/tuning issues with the 5VZ + SC. I dont want to get into a mess like that. Would much rather have a NA 1UZ/2UZ dropped in and just run. (Plus if 2UZ, you can do that awesome 5-speed auto as well!!)
The 1st Gen Tacoma is just about perfect for me in every other way, I would not trade it for a Tundra nor back for a GX470 (nor other SUV) so I'm def going to be going one way or the other on the SC vs small Toy V8....
Anyway, would love to hear your real-world experience/thoughts on it.
Thanks!
Sorry for the wait man. I completely understand where you're coming from. The supercharger is great, no doubt. I don't have fuel mods yet and still the power is immediately noticeable and a huge help with the regear. Still, I have a ton of weight on this thing and only adding more, so I do worry about how much stress weight + boost puts on this engine despite maintenance. I think the 2UZ swap will eventually happen in the next year or two. My problem is I work in motorsports marketing which helps subsidize my out of pocket, and going into something like the 2UZ swap would be 100% personally funded, which with everything else going on is a huge investment.
Latest mods have been a dual battery setup with a TuffStuff CS144 alt upgrade. For that I used the National Luna dual battery monitor, Optima Red/Yellow tops and the RuffStuff Specialties Dual battery tray. While it was down I also changed my intake piping as well as tackled a bunch of maintenance - timing, water pump, t-stat, valve cover gaskets, pulleys - everything I encountered on the way down was replaced. Also painted the valve cover gaskets to brighten things up down there. When the weather breaks here I'm finishing up the maintenance with Tundra brake upgrade, transmission service, LCA bushings, steering rack bushings, SS brake lines, panhard drop bracket and new fuel filter.
The expedition project I've made has been gaining lots of ground, and we've been commissioned for our first expedition. If you're interested, you can check out our landing page at
The All Terrain Tour - Outworld Overland, but essentially it's 9 days from San Diego > Zion> Moab > Telluride. We're working with a ton of companies on this, including Lib Tech for our Telluride sessions, and have even hired a videographer from Warren Miller's production team to capture the action. This is a huge step for us and hope everyone enjoys the final product. Regardless there will be a ton of good footage along the way.
We got a major care package from ARB - front bumpers, air compressors, tire inflate kits, swag tents, awnings, living rooms, camp chairs, ground tents, 50 qt fridge. The reality of this upcoming trip is finally sinking in.
I'm spending just as much time on our other 2 builds, the 2005 GX470 and our latest addition the 07 4Runner. Trying to get these things right before diving back into mine. Next major step will be the interior. Haven't decided on going complete reupholster or just doing Wet Okoles, but regardless the rest of the interior is being changed to gray/black and will eventually add a storage system to the tailgate section for better organization as well as a slide-out for the fridge.
Hope all my friends are doing well and most of you I'm keeping up with on Facebook through those groups. But anyways, miss ya love ya and I'll be back.
Some of the ARB haul
Announcement for our trip
Base camp - as it stands right now
Out and about
Fitting the dual batteries
Getting the wiring together - peek at the painted valve covers
All buttoned up
Word of caution to anyone considering the cs144 upgrade, be wary of remanufactured parts! I grabbed my first alt from O'Reilly just because it was local, and right before we installed I noticed two small cracks in the back of the housing. Not willing to take the risk, I went to Napa instead and found one with no cracks. However, the first day driving home my truck died and wouldn't crank. Turns out the housing had completely cracked. Once my TuffStuff alternator came in I removed the NAPA one, and not only was it completely cracked along both top through bolts, the cast was complete shit and some of the crappiest metal I've ever seen. I spent an extra $90 on the alternator I have now, but it's put my mind at ease.
