Supercharged V8: Pros vs Cons??

[brodym25]

So I need some "professional" input. My daily driver is a '96 4Runner and I love it!! What I wanted to know was what's up with the TRD Superchargers? I'm looking at a '03 SC V8 but I'm not sure if that's something practical. I get 19-21 mpg with my 3.4L while driving pretty conservatively. What do you guys get with your SC V8s? Also, what kind of wear does the SC have on the engine over the course of its life? I'm already at 196k on mine and it's still got a lot of life on it. I know it all depends upon the way you drive but say you drive with an easy foot...what then? I'm caught up on some of the other threads about the 90k timing belt for the V8s, what's that run price wise with a SC or does that really affect the mechanic's hourly rates?? Is there anything else to consider (service, parts, etc) for the SC? Any input is prefered, unless deconstructive Thanks for the help in advance.

Brody

 

[eskimochaos]

So I need some "professional" input. My daily driver is a '96 4Runner and I love it!! What I wanted to know was what's up with the TRD Superchargers? I'm looking at a '03 SC V8 but I'm not sure if that's something practical. I get 19-21 mpg with my 3.4L while driving pretty conservatively. What do you guys get with your SC V8s? Also, what kind of wear does the SC have on the engine over the course of its life? I'm already at 196k on mine and it's still got a lot of life on it. I know it all depends upon the way you drive but say you drive with an easy foot...what then? I'm caught up on some of the other threads about the 90k timing belt for the V8s, what's that run price wise with a SC or does that really affect the mechanic's hourly rates?? Is there anything else to consider (service, parts, etc) for the SC? Any input is prefered, unless deconstructive Thanks for the help in advance.

Brody

The supercharger is no longer made due to the fact that the connecting rods in the 2UZ-FE are weak. Over time they would break and TRD was having to warranty too many of them. I think the step up from your breathless V6 to the V8 would be enough.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Brody, where do you drive? You are self described conservative driver. Unless you live at 10,oooft elevation or tow a camper in the mountains or want to run 35" tires with a regear a SC is probably overkill.

I'd test drive a V8. Some of the guys have reported some minor gains with CAI and exhaust. Most with a V8 (and for that matter a 4.0L V6) are very satisfied with the power and torque.

Have you driven a V8?

:cheers:

 

[progress4m]

I went from 1996 (3.4L, 4x4) to 2005 (V8, 4x4). Believe me: you do not need put SC on that V8.
You will have plenty torque and power for ANY situation. That V8 is very powerful, especially for 4Runner weight and size!
BTW, when I was thinking about upgrading my ride (from 3-rd to 4-th generation), one of the main factors that helped me finally convinced myself to go for it, was an option to get a V8.
If 4-th generation did not offer V8, I would be still driving my 1996 4Runner.

My $0.02

 

[TC3racerM11]

I went from 1996 (3.4L, 4x4) to 2005 (V8, 4x4). Believe me: you do not need put SC on that V8.
You will have plenty torque and power for ANY situation. That V8 is very powerful, especially for 4Runner weight and size!
BTW, when I was thinking about upgrading my ride (from 3-rd to 4-th generation), one of the main factors that helped me finally convinced myself to go for it, was an option to get a V8.
If 4-th generation did not offer V8, I would be still driving my 1996 4Runner.

My $0.02

Same here the decision to get a 4runner was based on the v8 option and of course 4x4. Better to have it when you need it rather than not have it when you need it. Even though there is a price difference it pays of in the end.

 

[Benjamin Choi]

I went from 1996 (3.4L, 4x4) to 2005 (V8, 4x4). Believe me: you do not need put SC on that V8.
You will have plenty torque and power for ANY situation. That V8 is very powerful, especially for 4Runner weight and size!
BTW, when I was thinking about upgrading my ride (from 3-rd to 4-th generation), one of the main factors that helped me finally convinced myself to go for it, was an option to get a V8.
If 4-th generation did not offer V8, I would be still driving my 1996 4Runner.

My $0.02

yea i'm pleasantly surprised at how sprightly and quick the v8 4runner is.... 90mph is no sweat. stomping off the line is fun sometimes.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

The V6 4th gens are nearly equal in 1/4 mile runs but the V8 shows it's biggest diff when towing since it's got a fair amount more torque.

If you don't tow then a V8 might even be overkill.

 

[Benjamin Choi]

The V6 4th gens are nearly equal in 1/4 mile runs but the V8 shows it's biggest diff when towing since it's got a fair amount more torque.

If you don't tow then a V8 might even be overkill.

it' not just for towing. everytime you step on the gas you can tell that you have extra power with the v8. priceless.

 

[Tempsho]

Do you guys figure that a 3rd gen SC'd 3.4L is as equally as quick as a 4th gen V8?

 

[progress4m]

it' not just for towing. everytime you step on the gas you can tell that you have extra power with the v8. priceless.

Exactly!
Torque curve of 4.7 V8 is very impressive. You get 280 ft/Lbs around 1300 RPM and is very flat. And that is where V8 outshines V6. Actually, if you just look at a torque curve of V8 you would think you are looking on SC engine.

 

[Benjamin Choi]

Do you guys figure that a 3rd gen SC'd 3.4L is as equally as quick as a 4th gen V8?

don't know but i'm positive it won't be as smooth and refined which is a huge part of the experience

 

[Benjamin Choi]

Exactly!
Torque curve of 4.7 V8 is very impressive. You get 280 ft/Lbs around 1300 RPM and is very flat. And that is where V8 outshines V6. Actually, if you just look at a torque curve of V8 you would think you are looking on SC engine.

combine that with great nvh, superb smoothness and quiet operation.. awesome v8 mated to a great chassis. love it.

 

[p nut]

Do you guys figure that a 3rd gen SC'd 3.4L is as equally as quick as a 4th gen V8?

Yes, but the power delivery is different. My old 98 Limited with a supercharger was fun. It would keep up with the V8

 

[ALLEGRO]

don't know but i'm positive it won't be as smooth and refined which is a huge part of the experience

I agree

Both are powerful engines, but WHERE the V8 makes power is amazing. It all happens much lower in the RPM range so you never have to work the engine or tranny. Considering a 4500lb+ truck, the V8 really scoots.

 

[nc211]

My daily driver is a 07' Mazda 3 GT sedan, which is quite quick and fun. My previous car was a 95 Lexus LS400 with the bullet proof 4.0 V8, and it would scoot. BUT, the 05' TR4 V8 4x4 in the garage, simply amazes me when I drive it. That engine, matched with the traction of the perm 4x4, will simply snap your head into the headrest. It will throw you deep into your seat, and have you at 70mph way before you realize it "which is around 80mph".

Put it to you like this: I would never turn a teenager loose with the V8. Not dimishing the V6 by any means, it's got real kick too, but is more managable. The V8 is so fast, so torquey, that it demands respect from the driver. Otherwise, you could find yourself in deep trouble in a matter of a few seconds. I, being 35 years old with significant driving experience and even stuntman training in evasive techiques, found myself with a few white knuckles when we first bought ours. Turning left from a stop, on a busy road, I had to scoot across the lanes. I didn't stomp on it, but certainly pushed the gas about halfway down. It simply took off like a loaded rocket, and I nearly went over the edge of the road into the ditch. It was close. But the fun part about the V8 is when you're coming off of a cloverleaf and have to merge into freeway traffic. I love it when on coming cars merge over to the left lane to let me in, stomp on it, and they "going 70 mph" never even catch up to me, and merge back over to the right, behind me! Now, that's fun! Of course, you've got to ignore the racers sometimes, who want to challenge you, the gas needle when you drive like that, and Al Gore. I simply can't image this engine with a super charger attached to it. It'd be too much!

Mine now has 70k on the clock. This past weekend I changed the brakes for the first time. They weren't even that bad, but the dealership that I bought it from "used - 52k miles", had put aftermarket pad on the front. They weren't very good, and warped the front rotors something horrible. I still have the original rotors on the back, with many many more miles left on them. That is the only "repair" needed in the car's history. Heck, I'm still on the original Michelin tires, with probably 10k left on the tread before hitting the tread bars. Infact, they're actually rotting and cracking. Pretty amazing if you ask me, that a tire will need to be replaced due to age, before tread life.

 

[eskimochaos]

My daily driver is a 07' Mazda 3 GT sedan, which is quite quick and fun. My previous car was a 95 Lexus LS400 with the bullet proof 4.0 V8, and it would scoot. BUT, the 05' TR4 V8 4x4 in the garage, simply amazes me when I drive it. That engine, matched with the traction of the perm 4x4, will simply snap your head into the headrest. It will throw you deep into your seat, and have you at 70mph way before you realize it "which is around 80mph".

Put it to you like this: I would never turn a teenager loose with the V8. Not dimishing the V6 by any means, it's got real kick too, but is more managable. The V8 is so fast, so torquey, that it demands respect from the driver. Otherwise, you could find yourself in deep trouble in a matter of a few seconds. I, being 35 years old with significant driving experience and even stuntman training in evasive techiques, found myself with a few white knuckles when we first bought ours. Turning left from a stop, on a busy road, I had to scoot across the lanes. I didn't stomp on it, but certainly pushed the gas about halfway down. It simply took off like a loaded rocket, and I nearly went over the edge of the road into the ditch. It was close. But the fun part about the V8 is when you're coming off of a cloverleaf and have to merge into freeway traffic. I love it when on coming cars merge over to the left lane to let me in, stomp on it, and they "going 70 mph" never even catch up to me, and merge back over to the right, behind me! Now, that's fun! Of course, you've got to ignore the racers sometimes, who want to challenge you, the gas needle when you drive like that, and Al Gore. I simply can't image this engine with a super charger attached to it. It'd be too much!

Mine now has 70k on the clock. This past weekend I changed the brakes for the first time. They weren't even that bad, but the dealership that I bought it from "used - 52k miles", had put aftermarket pad on the front. They weren't very good, and warped the front rotors something horrible. I still have the original rotors on the back, with many many more miles left on them. That is the only "repair" needed in the car's history. Heck, I'm still on the original Michelin tires, with probably 10k left on the tread before hitting the tread bars. Infact, they're actually rotting and cracking. Pretty amazing if you ask me, that a tire will need to be replaced due to age, before tread life.

Pretty much sums it up right there. I have done 110 easily multiple times. The engine is real quick until 110 and still has power after the limiter kicks in.

Although I have driven much faster cars - there is nothing like a truck that flies. It still amazes when you mash the pedal to the floor at 65 how quickly you get to 90.

 

[04 sc V8]

The V8 4Runner is an impressive machine in stock form, but it's a whole lot more fun with the TRD supercharger. The extra 100+ HP and ft. lbs of torque is awesome! I installed it on my T4R 45k miles ago and haven't had any problems at all. I definitely don't have any regrets about installing it.

 

[pmrowczynski]

The V8 in the 4th Gen is frankly amazing. I've had sport cars for a bit (BMW's, Supras, etc.) and coming from a 2006 Infiniti G35 6 speed manual...

Well, I drive the 4Runner more often.

Powering up grades (US 50 to Tahoe) is easy and can drop you one gear. Passing up those same grades is never a challenge on a straight (just get worried when you hit the windy parts where you have cliffs).

IF you want to power off the line, you can. Breaking traction is more of a concern than power for me.

 

[RamThis]

I'll throw in a couple pennies.....

I drive a 2000 Dodge Ram with a 360 (5.9L) V8 Magnum with 4.10 gearing, duals, flowmasters, Edelbrock headers, Auburn LSD, Shift Kit, SCT Tuner, Lowered, its a fast truck. I cannot truly enjoy driving if what Im in is totally gutless.

I was amazed at how powerful the 4.0L V6 was in the 4Runner, and for a guy who daily drives a hot rod Ram truck, it has plenty of power to keep me happy. No it's no hot rod, but it's not meant to be. It has more than enough power to accelerate out of most any situation and leave most other cars in it's dust. (And honestly I think my 06 4.0L 2WD may be faster than my Ram was in it's stock form .... I need to take the 4Runner to the dragstrip one day just to see what it actually lays down but Im betting on a mid 15, maybe a 15.7 with about a 2.4 60')

Also think of this (main reasons I went with the 4.0 over the 4.7)

1 - Oil filter, right up top by the battery. It's beautiful!!! No oil dripping into your armpit hairs!!!!

2 - 4.0 still uses a Chain Drive for timing, which pretty much lasts the life of the engine. The 4.7 uses a timing belt, which has to be replaced around 90-100K and isnt very cheap to do.

3 - Starter on the 4.0 is in the standard location, down underneath by the oil pan. Easy to get to if it needs attention. The starter on the 4.7, its under the intake manifold. BIG job to replace I hear. No thank you!

If you dont NEED the extra torque and displacement for towing, or you arent pulling a 4WD truck around there is really no need for the V8. I'd only get the V8 if I were towing or had a 4WD and even then, I think the 4.0 would pull the extra weight of a 4WD around very respectfully.

There's some points from a driver's perspective, and from a maintenance perspective.

 

[nc211]

I'll throw in a couple pennies.....

Also think of this (main reasons I went with the 4.0 over the 4.7)

1 - Oil filter, right up top by the battery. It's beautiful!!! No oil dripping into your armpit hairs!!!!

2 - 4.0 still uses a Chain Drive for timing, which pretty much lasts the life of the engine. The 4.7 uses a timing belt, which has to be replaced around 90-100K and isnt very cheap to do.

3 - Starter on the 4.0 is in the standard location, down underneath by the oil pan. Easy to get to if it needs attention. The starter on the 4.7, its under the intake manifold. BIG job to replace I hear. No thank you!

If you dont NEED the extra torque and displacement for towing, or you arent pulling a 4WD truck around there is really no need for the V8. I'd only get the V8 if I were towing or had a 4WD and even then, I think the 4.0 would pull the extra weight of a 4WD around very respectfully.

There's some points from a driver's perspective, and from a maintenance perspective.

As someone who has the 4.7 V8, I certainly agree with this! I change my own oil, and I can tell you, that I absolutely HATE having to mess with that heavy undergaurd piece to get to the filter. I did this last weekend, and was cussing up a flippin' storm during the whole time! In fact, due to the rusting of the bolts, I sheered one off completely, which cost me $70 to have a mechanic drill out and retap. I now have new bolts underneath throughout.

I love the V8, as mentioned. But if you're a DIY type of guy, the V6 is much easier to maintain and repair.