Official Supercharger Review Thread - The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

[FlightMedic303]

I myself do not have a Supercharger, yet... I'm not looking for this thread to turn into peoples opinions on which one they think is better, or why they think superchargers are a waste of money but simply personal experiences with actual supercharger owners in this forum, whether it is a Magnuson or URD I want to know what you like about it, dislike about it, what types of applications you have used yours in, ie. crawling, towing, desert mobbing etc. and how you felt it performed in each..

 

[jhguth]

There's already a thread with user reviews

Sent from my P00A using Tapatalk

 

[2016 4Runner SR5]

From URD tested at sea level with 93 octane gas. Seems like an easy decision to me if you want to drop the coin. This was on an FJ with a manual trans.

"Our testing shows a gain of 133 RWHP and 120 RWTQ with a low boost pressure of only 5.5-6 PSI."

 

[FlightMedic303]

There's already a thread with user reviews

Sent from my P00A using Tapatalk

I searched and couldn't find one.. the only thing I saw was the Magnuson SC thread that is polluted with a bunch of other garbage... Thanks for the help

 

[jrandom]

I searched and couldn't find one.. the only thing I saw was the Magnuson SC thread that is polluted with a bunch of other garbage... Thanks for the help

What make you think that the same thing won’t happen here?

I have seen a total of 3 people that have one installed and posted about. There may be a few more, it is a pretty limited few. I wouldn’t expect a deluge of info. Just sayin’ :shrug:

 

[808T4Runner]

thinking about buying right now

looking at the Mag SC. best deal is $5.4K w/o installation. been going back and forth on it. not much on videos on the web about it.

 

[Olddudesrule]

Don't have one installed on my 4Runner, but am not new to S/C's. Just installed an LSA on my 1LE Camaro, and at around $8K total for parts, tune, etc., I would have to admit the bang for the buck (8 lbs of boost, 91 octane), was barely enough to justify the expense. That said, I did it because I wanted more low end power for road racing. I really fail to see the need for it with a 4Runner unless you truly have money to burn. I admit, this thing is underpowered, but is very livable. I didn't buy it to race stop light to stop light, am ok taking a minute to merge on the highway, and overall can live with the powerband as it is. You also need to consider the need for a proper tune afterward, which seems to be an issue with these cars. With LS motors for instance, there are numerous reliable, capable tuners out there. Doesn't seem so for the 4.0. Adding a S/C also stresses every other part of the powertrain over time. All things to consider, and IMHO, not worth the time or effort for this vehicle in it's intended use.

 

[808T4Runner]

Don't have one installed on my 4Runner, but am not new to S/C's. Just installed an LSA on my 1LE Camaro, and at around $8K total for parts, tune, etc., I would have to admit the bang for the buck (8 lbs of boost, 91 octane), was barely enough to justify the expense. That said, I did it because I wanted more low end power for road racing. I really fail to see the need for it with a 4Runner unless you truly have money to burn. I admit, this thing is underpowered, but is very livable. I didn't buy it to race stop light to stop light, am ok taking a minute to merge on the highway, and overall can live with the powerband as it is. You also need to consider the need for a proper tune afterward, which seems to be an issue with these cars. With LS motors for instance, there are numerous reliable, capable tuners out there. Doesn't seem so for the 4.0. Adding a S/C also stresses every other part of the powertrain over time. All things to consider, and IMHO, not worth the time or effort for this vehicle in it's intended use.

Speaking for myself, i didnt buy a 4runner to race stoplight to stoplight. bought it to go offroad, sand, small rock crawling. the 4runner definitely has issue on the low end. the SC would help fix that. extra power on the pavement doesnt hurt neither but yes...ALOT OF MONEY.

 

[FlightMedic303]

Speaking for myself, i didnt buy a 4runner to race stoplight to stoplight. bought it to go offroad, sand, small rock crawling. the 4runner definitely has issue on the low end. the SC would help fix that. extra power on the pavement doesnt hurt neither but yes...ALOT OF MONEY.

I absolutely hear you there...
My desire isn't to be able to do burnouts are race around or anything. It would be nice to have just that extra bit of power to where I don't think about it every time I'm behind the wheel when driving in the mountains and not have to worry about dropping down to 3rd gear to make it up a pass, and to be able to tow my boat with a little more ease. I know regearing is an option and I know some people will say I have the wrong vehicle for towing. But this is my only vehicle that I enjoy putting to good use and a supercharger, if proven helpful in the areas I mentioned, just might be a better option than a 2nd vehicle.

This is why I would like to hear from members' personal experiences so far. I would have thought more than 3 people on the forum would have installed one by now.

 

[kodos]

After pulling a Moby 1 trailer (rented) from TX to CO (about 14 hours one way) - I can understand why someone would want more power, especially for towing. The combination of a lack of gear ratios (5 speed) and the weird throttle response make it a bit of a chore to drive with a trailer and when loaded up.

 

[Wowitsseamus]

I never had an issue with power until trailering from FL to CO. More than additional power I wanted a better transmission

 

[Argyle Edison]

I will admit I am a sucker for boost, but I don't need it in this slug. I would get even worse MPG and start accelerating wear & tear.

For me, tuning this f%#king throttle delay (eco mode), torque management, and improving shifting characteristics would be enough.

 

[charlatan]

I live in Denver, and have a keen interest on finding out how these SC's work out.

My use case is certainly not unique... but I haul all manor of bikes, tents, food and half of my family camping every so often, and driving up I-70 is an adventure. If you don't have GOOD power, you'll find yourself mixed in with the commercial trucks begging for an opening to get over and around them. Add to that - passing as fast as you can on two lane roads, and I find myself wanting all the power I can get.

I am actually currently shopping for my daily driver + everything hauler (no trailers at this point). I always wind up with V8's in the end, but I am trying like hell to keep the 4runner on the shortlist.. and Toyota is making it very difficult to keep it there. I think at this point my only shot of getting one would be if I bolt the SC on top of it, but I dunno if it's worth trying at this point. The JGC Diesel is on the short list too, but I am very concerned with reliability.

Hoping to hear more from the folks that have the URD especially.

 

[6172crew]

Don't have one installed on my 4Runner, but am not new to S/C's. Just installed an LSA on my 1LE Camaro, and at around $8K total for parts, tune, etc., I would have to admit the bang for the buck (8 lbs of boost, 91 octane), was barely enough to justify the expense. That said, I did it because I wanted more low end power for road racing. I really fail to see the need for it with a 4Runner unless you truly have money to burn. I admit, this thing is underpowered, but is very livable. I didn't buy it to race stop light to stop light, am ok taking a minute to merge on the highway, and overall can live with the powerband as it is. You also need to consider the need for a proper tune afterward, which seems to be an issue with these cars. With LS motors for instance, there are numerous reliable, capable tuners out there. Doesn't seem so for the 4.0. Adding a S/C also stresses every other part of the powertrain over time. All things to consider, and IMHO, not worth the time or effort for this vehicle in it's intended use.

Interesting, my brother installed the magnason on his LS3 and gained 300+hp. Hes 660 to the wheels, those chevys like boost. I have already mentioned this on this forum but his buddy used the magnason tune with his chevy SS and the tuner said it was running so lean it could have caused damage. I guess data logging the 4runner magnason tune would tell if this is the same way as the chevy tune but I'd be careful about using the smog tunes they send out with the kits.

 

[hayde89]

I live in Denver, and have a keen interest on finding out how these SC's work out.

My use case is certainly not unique... but I haul all manor of bikes, tents, food and half of my family camping every so often, and driving up I-70 is an adventure. If you don't have GOOD power, you'll find yourself mixed in with the commercial trucks begging for an opening to get over and around them. Add to that - passing as fast as you can on two lane roads, and I find myself wanting all the power I can get.

I am actually currently shopping for my daily driver + everything hauler (no trailers at this point). I always wind up with V8's in the end, but I am trying like hell to keep the 4runner on the shortlist.. and Toyota is making it very difficult to keep it there. I think at this point my only shot of getting one would be if I bolt the SC on top of it, but I dunno if it's worth trying at this point. The JGC Diesel is on the short list too, but I am very concerned with reliability.

Hoping to hear more from the folks that have the URD especially.

If you are hauling or towing this is easy. Do not buy a 4runner. Look in to a GX 460, LX 570, Land Cruiser, Tundra, Sequoia or something of a another brand. The 4runner isn't fit for your needs. In my opinion the supercharger is cool but not worth it for your needs.

 

[epjfsa]

If you are hauling or towing this is easy. Do not buy a 4runner. Look in to a GX 460, LX 570, Land Cruiser, Tundra, Sequoia or something of a another brand. The 4runner isn't fit for your needs. In my opinion the supercharger is cool but not worth it for your needs.

Agreed, sounds like he may really benefit from a pickup. Not sure how they're reviewing yet (and since it's FCA, would want to wait to get a feel for build quality) -- but the new RAM has an optional mild hybrid that adds 130 lb.-ft. torque on the low end which could be useful at higher altitudes.

 

[charlatan]

If you are hauling or towing this is easy. Do not buy a 4runner. Look in to a GX 460, LX 570, Land Cruiser, Tundra, Sequoia or something of a another brand. The 4runner isn't fit for your needs. In my opinion the supercharger is cool but not worth it for your needs.

Thanks for your input.... yeah, I think I need to move on. Been looking at the GX 460. Maybe someday they'll slap the V8 back in the 4runner!

 

[Olddudesrule]

Interesting, my brother installed the magnason on his LS3 and gained 300+hp. Hes 660 to the wheels, those chevys like boost. I have already mentioned this on this forum but his buddy used the magnason tune with his chevy SS and the tuner said it was running so lean it could have caused damage. I guess data logging the 4runner magnason tune would tell if this is the same way as the chevy tune but I'd be careful about using the smog tunes they send out with the kits.

Your brother is likely running more than 8 lbs of boost to get 660 at the rear wheels. Smaller upper pulley or E85 will allow that. I chose a more modest level because using it while road racing creates other issues.

 

[6172crew]

Your brother is likely running more than 8 lbs of boost to get 660 at the rear wheels. Smaller upper pulley or E85 will allow that. I chose a more modest level because using it while road racing creates other issues.

8lbs, but headers (kooks), E85, and a cam. If the SS was still avilable I would be looking at them. I'm probably going to go the kia stinger route and ditch my E63. I had a older RS6 and loved the crazy torque of boosted cars. :first: