Wanting to beef up the beast

[juggernaut]

Hi, this is my first post on this wonderful site and my first attempt to learn about modifying cars. I have never done anything custom to a car and I know next to nothing about the parts, mods, ect.. (calling me a newbie would be definitely safe.) I have a 2002 SR5 3.4L 4Runner and I'd like to boost the horsepower. I was researching a bit and I found that there are a couple of cheap (relativity) parts that can boost the horsepower / torque.

1) Chip
http://www.nextlevelracing.com/Triphase.htm
2) Volant Cool Air Intake Kit w/ Box
http://www.suvxccessory.com/xccessory/vols-18634.html
3) Turbonator
https://www.turbonator.com/WhatIsIt.html

Now it is my understanding that these parts will improve the performance of my 4Runner. If I am gravely mistaken, please clue me in =)

Now for my questions..

a) Are these parts some of the "best bang for your buck" as far as horsepower / torque (basically performance) goes?

b) Are there better versions of what I have selected (say different brands, or different models, ect..)

c) Does the Volant Cool Air Intake Kit w/ Box come with an air filter, or must you purchase that separately?

d) Am I way off base? Are there better things to buy besides the ones I mentioned? I don

 

[juggernaut]

Also, would replacing the spark plugs be worth it?

 

[bflooks]

search on the deckplate mod for similar effects, and much cheaper, plus the ability to go back to stock performance at any given time. this is opposed to the volant.

stick with stock plugs.

don't even waste your time with the turbonator. same idea as the tornado. if it was really that simple and cheap, manufacturers would have already done it stock.

and i have not heard good things about chips on toyota motors. save up for the supercharger. THAT! will give you some power.

 

[juggernaut]

Is this what you had in mind?
http://www.performanceproducts4truc...OTA&pmodel=4RUNNER&referer=1469&vehicle=29187

That would be badass =d

 

[bflooks]

yup. that would be the way i would go if you are serious. you can find them cheaper too. just search around.

 

[juggernaut]

once you make that jump to get a supercharger, do you need to upgrade any other parts? does the s/c require that you upgrade anything?

 

[lee]

once you make that jump to get a supercharger, do you need to upgrade any other parts? does the s/c require that you upgrade anything?

yes.. fuel mods, air mods, mods to the computer, and some say a tranny cooler is nice.

you should go to this site and read up:

http://www.gadgetonline.com/super.htm (particularly "problems with the supercharger)

http://www.urdusa.com/information.php?info_id=4

 

[JohnInPA]

or if you like to go fast, leave your 4runner alone and get a car that has the proper platform for high HP #'s. pick up a used miata, turbo it, and tow it with your 4runner to the track

seriously though...a general rule of thumb and one I wish I would have followed before spending plenty of cash on bolt ons, is if you want real HP you can feel, save your money to buy a SC. but like these guys said, the SC is just the beginning. to get the most out of SC'ing, you need to address the exhaust, fuel management, tuning the ECU, pulleys, etc. the list is practically inifinte. then the quesiton of whether your internals can take the added power comes up, and are you prepared to take your otherwise reliable vehicle into uncharted, and potentially expensive territory, can be scary. If you've never modded cars, (engine-wise), you might consider a different vehicle to play with. just my 2 cents. there's not a true performance market for 3g 4runners. it's somewhat of a square peg and round hole situation i think.