Supercharger removal

J

joshjan02

New member
First post here, just wanted to say thanks for all of the information on the board and pose a question for you.
I have a 1999 4runner with the 1st gen supercharger. Truck has 160k miles on it and the supercharger has been on (to my knowledge) since day one. I'd like to remove the supercharger for a few reasons, mainly I because I keep getting codes that the truck is running lean and I do not want to mess with the fuel system. I'm willing to bet the supercharger will need some tlc down the road too. I have too little time as it stands so I want something simple!
What all do I need to take the 3.4 back to "normal"? Both upper and lower intake manifolds and what else? Will the stock computer be able to understand the lack of a supercharger?
Thanks for your answers...
 
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Ahha this thread is going to be filled with people wanting to buy one.
As far as I know the ECU is designed to not have a supercharger, unless they sold 4runners with stock SC's and modified ECUs that I don't know about. It should fix your running lean issue though.
Although if you don't want to give up the power that a supercharger has, URD sells a 7th injector kit to alleviate the lean issue.
 
I'm in south central PA. Thanks for the fast replies, but still looking for an answer! I would gladly sell it after I have it off. It will be on the classifieds or pm me.
 
And as far as I know, if you don't have any fuel mods its as simple as unbolt the charger, and bolt on the intake manifold. Not sure about the pulley though...
 
Basically, as you said, all you need are the two parts of the intake manifold, associated gaskets, hardware, and likely new vacuum hoses to route them back to the factory condition. You'll also need a new alternator belt. The computer is fine as is - it will just need to be reset, which can be accomplished by pulling the ECU fuse or just disconnecting the battery for a while.

How are the valve covers doing? This would be a great time to do any of this extra work since you're already 1/2 way there with the super charger off.

Spark plugs ? The supercharger benefits from colder rated spark plugs, but I dont know the effect of running colder spark plugs in a N/A engine. Again, just an easy thing to do since you have easy access now.
 
Make a post on CL and say that you'll sell it as long as the person buying it gives you their manifold. Then go and make the switch. You should be good to go with a few extra bucks in your pocket.
 
Thanks a lot! I actually picked up a set of manifolds on ebay for a little bit of nothing, so I'm good there. They have the gaskets with them. I was a little concerned about the computer so that is good news too. Hopefully with a little plumbing I'll be good to go.
I got into this 4runner (Highlander, elocker, manual) from a Jeep Liberty. I wanted something to take wheeling again. So far it's been a pain but hopefully after working through a few of these things it will be as good as I hear it is.
Thanks so much for the answers.
If anyone wants to PM me about the supercharger thats fine or I'll put it on the classifieds after it's all buttoned up. If someone has the time and energy to work with it more power to them!
 
you do realize that after you do this you could still be getting the lean on bank 1 issue and still have to chase that down.....did you try to diagnose the problem first? i mean fair enough if you just don't want the thing but i wouldn't a start with ripping it off thinking that's going to fix your codes....welcome to the fourm and look forward to some pics and a new member, i'm not being a jerk, i just don't know you or your intentions or what you have done and it seems funny to just go straight to trashing the S/C.....notice how everyone else is willing to buy your 160k mile super charger......you should still have a bit of life in there.
 
It most likely hasn't been throwing lean codes from Day 1. The lean code can be a pain in the ass to chase down but I wouldn't pull the S/C off because of it.

I'm in SEPA, just outside Philly. If you're up for it, bring it around some day and I'll try to help you chase down the code. Happy to help a fellow manual Highlander owner out.

Couple questions:

When did it last have a fuel filter?
Have you hooked up a fuel pressure engage to it at all?
Any other codes besides the lean code?
When is the last time it had O2 sensors?
 
Couple questions:

When did it last have a fuel filter? I don't know. I'm going through the truck item by item since I do not have much history.
Have you hooked up a fuel pressure engage to it at all? No.
Any other codes besides the lean code? No.
When is the last time it had O2 sensors?[/QUOTE] Last month. Also did a new mass air flow sensor.

I am under the impression that even though it (the SC) could possibly not be the culprit that I would have to throw some money at it in the way of the fuel system to get it dialed in. I'm not trashing it, just trying to simplify my 4runner ownership!
 
Well, this question is just to cover the super basics, but does it still have the stock pulley on the supercharger? the 2.625" one if i recall correctly?
 
With the stock pulley and tune, you don't need fuel upgrades. Was the O2 sensor Denso? And was the MAF an OEM piece?

I'd be willing to bet you that the lean code is fixable with your current set up, just a matter of tracking down the culprit.

Like I said, happy to help.
 
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