What to look for in a supercharger

[ryankmasuda]

I found alot of threads on here about installing a supercharger and the like but what are some things to look for in buying a used supercharger? Are there signs that you can look for that indicate it's damaged or needs repair? Signs that you should stay away from it? I've seen a couple pop up on Craigslist and I've thought about it. But I don't want to end up with a cool looking paper weight.

 

[IanB]

I would plan on changing the oil on anything I bought used, so you'll have to pull the nosecone if it's a 1st gen (90% sure of this), and you'll have a chance to see if it needs anything at that point. If it's a 2nd gen I think they have a drainplug.

I'm not sure how to check it, but you don't want any play in the pulley, up/down/side to side/ and rotational. If there is play, you're going to want to rebuild it before using it. Check the rotors and see if the teflon coating is still there (you should probably make sure it's supposed to be there 1st, this has been the case with other Eaton units but they aren't all the same).

And make sure the kit is complete, and you know what the parts are worth so you know at what price it's still a good deal if it is missing parts.

 

[ryankmasuda]

Isn't the black with silver "TRD" the 2nd gen ?

 

[Hepar]

Isn't the black with silver "TRD" the 2nd gen ?

Yep. 1st gen is grey.

 

[A.Wilson013]

Ask how many miles are on it, of course.

Spin the pulley and listen for any strange rattles...

Put your hand over the TB side and spin the pulley, you should be able to feel it suck your hand.

Other than that, I am not sure.

 

[ryankmasuda]

Thanks guys. I came across a 2nd gen that was installed after the truck was bought. The new owner purchased the truck and he has no use for the S/C. The S/C was removed with 75k on the truck and it comes with the original box and pulley's. He's asking $1600, doesn't seem like a screaming deal. I'm assuming a rebuild would be needed before it's installed.

 

[BrianSD_42]

One poll I would like to see results from is:

Did you add a SC to your NA V6?

How miles on the truck at the time of the addition?

Did it need to be rebuilt within 2 years of purchase?

:bat:

 

[4-Ripcord]

One poll I would like to see results from is:

Did you add a SC to your NA V6?

How miles on the truck at the time of the addition?

Did it need to be rebuilt within 2 years of purchase?

:bat:

yes

about 104k

within 6 months. lol.


Luckily, the rebuild on the 2nd gens costs like 250 and is DIY. Versus like 600+ shipping on 1st gens.

 

[BrianSD_42]

4Ripcord,

Your truck is so young in miles that it seems totally worth the $ risk.

 

[ryankmasuda]

From what I've heard, the S/C's need to be rebuilt every 100k. My 4runner just hit 186k but I have 315/70R17's on the way and I do tow a boat on steep grades and a little more power would be nice to roll the 35's and tow.

I'm curious to the maintenance that is involved with an S/C. Is it cost effective for 75 more HP?

 

[4-Ripcord]

yeah. I bought mine used with like 80k on it. Changed the oil before install. Bearings started whining about 3k miles later.

Since the truck has 108k on it now. the SC is good to go until the truck is about at 200k itself.

 

[A.Wilson013]

From what I've heard, the S/C's need to be rebuilt every 100k. My 4runner just hit 186k but I have 315/70R17's on the way and I do tow a boat on steep grades and a little more power would be nice to roll the 35's and tow.

I'm curious to the maintenance that is involved with an S/C. Is it cost effective for 75 more HP?

Once you get everything you need (including the 7th injector) the maintenance will be the same, aside from changing the oil in the charger...

In my opinion, at least. I do nothing special with mine.

Worth the 75hp? Every time I step on the gas.

I am not sure how much hp I put to the crank, but I think it's more than 75 up from stock.

 

[tinman]

Man, every time I see one of these supercharger threads it makes me want one! I'm just a little concerned that even if I got the S/C, rebuilt & installed it, my ENGINE would need a rebuild within 3k miles!

 

[the great him]

ryan, when you sent me that text asking that question yesterday, i was standing right next to my father inlaw so i asked him... here is basically what he said about the SC

"-i wouldnt own one unless it was free, and then id probably sell it; you have to run premium gas, in stock form they dont do much other than make a cool noise, if you go to a smaller pulley to actually make power with them, you have to add about another $800-1500 in parts and electronics to make it work with out hurting things, and you still have to run premium gas no mater what. and their life span is ~100k. and the auto trans are not designed to handle the extra power, and will fail if you get in it a lot " (not an exsact quote, but the gist of what he said)
-he did say that for me running the large dual coolers that might not be such an issue, but the valve body(ies) still are not ment to be worked that hard.

i know i want one still, but for that cost nope sorry man, i might take one for like $500, but other than that, to me its not worth having to to fill up with 91 all the time just for a cool sound and maybe to get back to my stock power to weight ratio( if i want better, im gonna have to do the full URD kit and now im in it like $2k... ive got better places i can throw $2k+ into my truck at this time.

there is a trade off, and for some they are willing to go with it, for me at this point no the pros do not out weigh the cons.

 

[MDST]

Pitifully, is easier to get a sc for 3.4 instead of the 2.7. :redbrick:

 

[steezemcqueen]

Luckily, the rebuild on the 2nd gens costs like 250 and is DIY. Versus like 600+ shipping on 1st gens.

Yes and no. Replacing the nose cone on the 2nd gen is $250 but that is not a full rebuild. When you send it in to get rebuilt, they do much more that just replace the nose which is why it costs more.

ryan, when you sent me that text asking that question yesterday, i was standing right next to my father inlaw so i asked him... here is basically what he said about the SC

"-i wouldnt own one unless it was free, and then id probably sell it; you have to run premium gas, in stock form they dont do much other than make a cool noise, if you go to a smaller pulley to actually make power with them, you have to add about another $800-1500 in parts and electronics to make it work with out hurting things, and you still have to run premium gas no mater what. and their life span is ~100k. and the auto trans are not designed to handle the extra power, and will fail if you get in it a lot " (not an exsact quote, but the gist of what he said)
-he did say that for me running the large dual coolers that might not be such an issue, but the valve body(ies) still are not ment to be worked that hard.

i know i want one still, but for that cost nope sorry man, i might take one for like $500, but other than that, to me its not worth having to to fill up with 91 all the time just for a cool sound and maybe to get back to my stock power to weight ratio( if i want better, im gonna have to do the full URD kit and now im in it like $2k... ive got better places i can throw $2k+ into my truck at this time.

there is a trade off, and for some they are willing to go with it, for me at this point no the pros do not out weigh the cons.

This makes no sense. I don't understand how it can be argued that the S/C doesn't add power and "only makes a cool noise". If this was true, than why can't the auto trans handle the "cool noise"?

My truck gained a bunch of power once i installed the S/C and the only downside is that yes, i have to run premium which really isn't much more expensive anyway. Around me, premium is about 30 cent more per gallon. That comes out to about an extra $4.50 per tank. I will gladly pay that for being able to climb I-70 in 5th gear at 2500rpm vs 3rd gear at 5000rpm.

The URD kit is not required to run a S/C. Yes it does run better and allows you to produce more power but it is not required. I have been running my setup with a 2.2 pulley and have zero issues with leaning out or pinging.

 

[SCRunner12]

ryan, when you sent me that text asking that question yesterday, i was standing right next to my father inlaw so i asked him... here is basically what he said about the SC

"-i wouldnt own one unless it was free, and then id probably sell it; you have to run premium gas, in stock form they dont do much other than make a cool noise, if you go to a smaller pulley to actually make power with them, you have to add about another $800-1500 in parts and electronics to make it work with out hurting things, and you still have to run premium gas no mater what. and their life span is ~100k. and the auto trans are not designed to handle the extra power, and will fail if you get in it a lot " (not an exsact quote, but the gist of what he said)
-he did say that for me running the large dual coolers that might not be such an issue, but the valve body(ies) still are not ment to be worked that hard.

i know i want one still, but for that cost nope sorry man, i might take one for like $500, but other than that, to me its not worth having to to fill up with 91 all the time just for a cool sound and maybe to get back to my stock power to weight ratio( if i want better, im gonna have to do the full URD kit and now im in it like $2k... ive got better places i can throw $2k+ into my truck at this time.

there is a trade off, and for some they are willing to go with it, for me at this point no the pros do not out weigh the cons.

I don't really agree with this assessment of the s/c. They definitely make a bigger difference than your father in law states. I had one on my stock 99 Tacoma and the power difference is definitely worth it. I definitely wouldn't need a s/c for in-town or wheeling, but they come in handy when you hit inclines. The extra hp make driving up hills a much easier, which is where I really want the extra hp.

Regarding using 91 octane, it's not that big of a difference. Typically I use 13-16 gallons per fill up so I'm spending $2.60-$3.20 more per fill up. Based on my driving I fill up around 45-50 times a year (1 fill up every 1-1.5 weeks). So at 50 fill ups per year I'm looking at an extra $160 per year. That's not all that much considering the upside of the s/c. Thats about an extra $10-15 per month, which I always rationalize as one less dinner out. That's just the way I look at the 87 and 91 octane issue.

 

[the great him]

Yes and no. Replacing the nose cone on the 2nd gen is $250 but that is not a full rebuild. When you send it in to get rebuilt, they do much more that just replace the nose which is why it costs more.




This makes no sense. I don't understand how it can be argued that the S/C doesn't add power and "only makes a cool noise". If this was true, than why can't the auto trans handle the "cool noise"?

My truck gained a bunch of power once i installed the S/C and the only downside is that yes, i have to run premium which really isn't much more expensive anyway. Around me, premium is about 30 cent more per gallon. That comes out to about an extra $4.50 per tank. I will gladly pay that for being able to climb I-70 in 5th gear at 2500rpm vs 3rd gear at 5000rpm.

The URD kit is not required to run a S/C. Yes it does run better and allows you to produce more power but it is not required. I have been running my setup with a 2.2 pulley and have zero issues with leaning out or pinging.

i didnt say(nor did he) that it will not add power. it does add power. but the trd sc is so "detuned" from its potential the way the factory/dealer sells it that they really are not worth the cost, they dont make that much more power... sure you can do the 2.2 and other upgrades with it, but you have to add more fuel. its a pretty simple equation. the stock auto trannys were never designed to handle the added power potential of the SC, thats why its so "detuned". toyota from day one would never honor the warranty for damage to the auto trans to either, the taco or the 4runner if they found out you had put the 2.2 on the truck. in stock form the trd sc does not make that much more power, i think its only like 40hp sure its capable of making over 100 more hp put your fuel system will never keep up with it.

I don't really agree with this assessment of the s/c. They definitely make a bigger difference than your father in law states. I had one on my stock 99 Tacoma and the power difference is definitely worth it. I definitely wouldn't need a s/c for in-town or wheeling, but they come in handy when you hit inclines. The extra hp make driving up hills a much easier, which is where I really want the extra hp.

Regarding using 91 octane, it's not that big of a difference. Typically I use 13-16 gallons per fill up so I'm spending $2.60-$3.20 more per fill up. Based on my driving I fill up around 45-50 times a year (1 fill up every 1-1.5 weeks). So at 50 fill ups per year I'm looking at an extra $160 per year. That's not all that much considering the upside of the s/c. Thats about an extra $10-15 per month, which I always rationalize as one less dinner out. That's just the way I look at the 87 and 91 octane issue.

160 per year plus the initial cost of $3k, and the rebuild every 80-100k... if you can afford it then great, do the up grade. but in stock form the trd sc isnt gonna give you a big bang for the buck... most people are not as pleased with is as they thought they would be, hence the 2.2 pulleys ect....



im not trying to say the SC is junk and dont waste your time, nor was my father in law, just simply their are pros and cons, and if it works for you then great, but i think too many people just think "oh added hp yeah..." and forget about the other side of the coin and then are kinda remorseful. im not saying some arent happy with it, im just trying to be objective and give a friend a fair assessment and clear view of everything. again, if i got a killer deal on one(like under $500 id jump on it in a heart beat. but right now with not a lot of work and a family to feed and look after, and increasing fuel costs, it makes me less and less inclined to sc my runner. (id rather dump that $$$ into a td conversion and get better power, mileage and have more options with type of fuels...

 

[BigFishAllDay]

i didnt say(nor did he) that it will not add power. it does add power. but the trd sc is so "detuned" from its potential the way the factory/dealer sells it that they really are not worth the cost, they dont make that much more power... sure you can do the 2.2 and other upgrades with it, but you have to add more fuel. its a pretty simple equation. the stock auto trannys were never designed to handle the added power potential of the SC, thats why its so "detuned". toyota from day one would never honor the warranty for damage to the auto trans to either, the taco or the 4runner if they found out you had put the 2.2 on the truck. in stock form the trd sc does not make that much more power, i think its only like 40hp sure its capable of making over 100 more hp put your fuel system will never keep up with it.

What are you smoking? Pass it to dee lef han' side!

TRD claims HP increase from 183 to 265. The torque is improved from 220 to 267.

Maximum horsepower gain: 75hp at 5200 RPM

Maximum torque gain: 77lb.ft. at 5200 RPM

Peak horsepower increase: 64hp (187hp to 251hp)

Peak torque increase: 50lb.ft. (225lb.ft. to 275lb.ft.)



BTW, the A340 transmission is also used behind several other Toyota engines... most notably the 2JZ-GTE found in the '93-'97 Toyota Supra Twin Turbo. That car makes 320hp stock. The only difference in the two applications is the valve body.

The transmission is more than capable of dealing w/the power. The only thing needed for bulletproof reliability is a valve body upgrade. Or you can simply back off the throttle on upshifts.

160 per year plus the initial cost of $3k, and the rebuild every 80-100k... if you can afford it then great, do the up grade. but in stock form the trd sc isnt gonna give you a big bang for the buck... most people are not as pleased with is as they thought they would be, hence the 2.2 pulleys ect....

Initial cost of $1-1.5K is more like it now that there are so many used S/C's on the market.

Rebuild every 80-100k... that's just a nice round number people like to throw out. Mine has 120k on it w/NO issues whatsoever. It PURRRRRRRS.

RE the upgrades to 2.2's... have you ever owned a boosted vehicle? If so, you should know that boost is simply addictive. Once you have it, you always want "just one more PSI".

im not trying to say the SC is junk and dont waste your time, nor was my father in law, just simply their are pros and cons, and if it works for you then great, but i think too many people just think "oh added hp yeah..." and forget about the other side of the coin and then are kinda remorseful. im not saying some arent happy with it, im just trying to be objective and give a friend a fair assessment and clear view of everything. again, if i got a killer deal on one(like under $500 id jump on it in a heart beat. but right now with not a lot of work and a family to feed and look after, and increasing fuel costs, it makes me less and less inclined to sc my runner. (id rather dump that $$$ into a td conversion and get better power, mileage and have more options with type of fuels...

You're just jelly because you don't have one. :flipoff:

 

[A.Wilson013]

You're just jelly because you don't have one. :flipoff:

Of all the incredibly intellectual things you have said on this forum, I think this is my favorite.

Ryan, it's not cheap, but I truly think it's worth it.

But, like my Dad told me when I bought the 7th Injector: "Alex, it's still a *dang* 4Runner..."

One day I'll be able to afford a quick car, and an SUV to hit the mountains. But for now, I have my 4Runner.