stock trans OK with supercharger?

[bmanning]

Hey Guys/Gals...

I am seriously thinking of treating myself to a supercharger for my 1997 4Runner SR5 (5VZ-FE 3.4L). I know it'll be expensive but I'm planning on keeping the truck a long time, at least 3+ more years, so I just about have myself talked into it.

My question is: is my stock 4-speed auto trans OK to handle the additional torque? I haven't found any type of "trans upgrade kit" from TRD, so my guess is, it isn't necessary if driven within reason? I do not have a lead foot, but I do plan on towing a small camper in the future, so the additional power would be welcome in that situation.

Opinions? Has anyone added a charger to their stock 4Runner and had/not had trans problems? And, is it a waste to add the charger and not also add a freer-flowing intake & exhaust?

Decisions, decisions...

 

[ebelen1]

Most w/ the supercharger will recommend a valve body upgrade by Level 10 or IPT. What these guys do is upgrade the clutch packs in your auto trans to shift harder and more appropriately for the s/c. The cost of this is about $500 after you've removed your valve body and shipped the item over.

If you don't do this and you're hard on 1st and 2nd gears, you'll fry your auto trans. You can take it easy on these gears, and hopefully you won't have any issues but why take the chance.

You may also want to look into the fuel upgrades (TRD 7th injector or URD Racing fuel mods). Koz and others on this board have not had any issues w/o fuel mods as you can see from some research but guys on yotatech feel that this is a "must-have" or you risk grenading your motor.

BTW, I only have this info as I've looked into the same thing for my '99. After talking w/ many that have the s/c, I've decided that the cost related would not be worth it to me, and I plan on keeping this truck much longer than you. Good luck and I hope this helps.