I would love it if somebody knew the answer to my question, they answered it instead of this misguided redirection to searches and misinformation. Pretty please.
Your failure to find the information doesn't make me misguided or indicate that the information isn't there. There are multiple threads discussing octane in the 5th gen section and
I find them when I use the search function with no problem. The same with
the discussion on lack of a supercharger from TRD. No offense, but maybe you aren't trying hard enough or maybe you would rather be lazy and have someone else type it all out for you.
Whatever... I'll answer your questions.
Members,
Is the reason that the '10 4 Runner 1GR-FE takes a minimum of 87 Octane compared to previous versions of the 1GR needing 91 due to the dual VVTi compared to the intake VVTi? Is this the same reason that TRD does not produce a supercharger for the dual VVTi on the new 4 Runners? If a member sees this as a stupid question (I'm looking at you, Jed), humor me...I'm learning...
The short version: No, and No.
The long version: Octane has nothing to do with valve timing, it reflects the compression requirements of the engine. Higher octane gas resists combustion at higher compression, preventing pre-ignition and the subsequent melted pistons that come with it. The reason people think there is benefit is because higher horsepower engines require 91 octane... but again that is due to the compression ratio of the engine which provides the higher horsepower, not the gas.
The 2010 FJ Cruisers use 87 Octane per their manual, as opposed to the 91 Octane in the earlier models, because they use the same engine now. Yes, you can use higher octane fuel and the on-board computer with adjust the spark and valve timing accordingly, but there isn't any measurable benefit from it. The same additives are in the 87 that are in the 89 and 91, it just costs more.
There is no supercharger for this engine for two very good reasons... TRD hasn't bothered to make one and there physically isn't any room under the hood. TRD makes nice stuff, but they have to do a cost/benefit analysis on everything just like the other aftermarket businesses. Sure they could build a super charger, rock rails, winch bumper, dual battery set-up, etc., ad infinitum, but if they don't sell, all those man-hours were spent in vain. I'm guessing that right now,
they are watching to see which models sell, which don't, and planning their development accordingly.
