Would you supercharge a 2000 4Runner with 123K? I am expecting to have this truck at least another 8 years and thought it would be nice to have the extra power. Any thoughts?
Supercharging a 2000 4Runner (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter CBone
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
Sure, only if it is in good mechanical shape and the timing belt has been done. Be aware you will more than likely do the fuel mods so not to destroy the engine.
It's not going to be worth your while or last very long unless you do it the right way from the beginning.
Just so you know - you don't just bolt on the Supercharger and go.
Here is a pretty complete list of everything you'll need if you want to do it the right way, the 1st time.
I run the Supercharger fuel upgrade kit with the 6 hi-flow injectors, but back when i did my supercharger the URD 7th kit was not available. If I were to do it now, I would go with the URD 7th kit. It's easier to install, and easier to tune and control. For wideband, I'm using the Innovate Standalone Gauge Kit (LC-1 and XD-16).
If I had it to do all over again - I would absolutely do it all over again.
Pros:
Cons:
Neutral:
The biggest things for you to consider is the cost, and the "break-in" period (for lack of a better term).
Cost:
There's the price of the Supercharger kit. You need to do the URD fuel system mods. URD Pulley. If your truck is automatic like mine, you need the Valve-Body upgrade, and an additional Trans Cooler. You need all the tools to tune and monitor it (laptop, wideband o2, scan tool, etc).
"break-in" period:
After you install the Superchager, and fuel upgrades and initially tune it - THINGS ARE GOING TO GO WRONG. I guarantee it. Usually it's nothing big, but it is going to be very frustrating to troubleshoot sometimes.
BUT - once you get it dialed in, it's well worth it. It's been over 2 years since I've had any problems. It runs like a champion! I have no doubts of my trucks reliability.
Would I do it again? Yes! Would I recommend it? Yes! ...as long as you do it right. If you try to cut corners, you're asking for trouble.
Just so you know - you don't just bolt on the Supercharger and go.
Here is a pretty complete list of everything you'll need if you want to do it the right way, the 1st time.
- TRD Supercharger Kit
- URD 5VZ-FE Supercharger Fuel Upgrade Kit OR URD 5VZ-FE 7th Injector Kit
- URD 2.2" Supercharger Pulley
- IPT Valve Body Upgrade (if your truck is automatic trans)
- Hayden 679 Trans Cooler (if your truck is Automatic Trans)
- Your choice of Wideband o2 Kit
- Scan Tool - I recommend the Auto X-Ray EZ-Scan4000
- Laptop Computer
I run the Supercharger fuel upgrade kit with the 6 hi-flow injectors, but back when i did my supercharger the URD 7th kit was not available. If I were to do it now, I would go with the URD 7th kit. It's easier to install, and easier to tune and control. For wideband, I'm using the Innovate Standalone Gauge Kit (LC-1 and XD-16).
If I had it to do all over again - I would absolutely do it all over again.
Pros:
- Speed
- Horsepower
- You'll learn A LOT about how your truck works
- Cool factor
Cons:
- Very expensive to do RIGHT (lots of things to buy in addition to the Supercharger)
- It will take a while to get everything dialed in.
- There is the potential to really mess up your truck if you do something wrong.
- You must run premium gas
Neutral:
- Contrary to popular belief your truck will not be any less reliable
- As long as you drive normal your MPG will not noticably change.
The biggest things for you to consider is the cost, and the "break-in" period (for lack of a better term).
Cost:
There's the price of the Supercharger kit. You need to do the URD fuel system mods. URD Pulley. If your truck is automatic like mine, you need the Valve-Body upgrade, and an additional Trans Cooler. You need all the tools to tune and monitor it (laptop, wideband o2, scan tool, etc).
"break-in" period:
After you install the Superchager, and fuel upgrades and initially tune it - THINGS ARE GOING TO GO WRONG. I guarantee it. Usually it's nothing big, but it is going to be very frustrating to troubleshoot sometimes.
BUT - once you get it dialed in, it's well worth it. It's been over 2 years since I've had any problems. It runs like a champion! I have no doubts of my trucks reliability.
Would I do it again? Yes! Would I recommend it? Yes! ...as long as you do it right. If you try to cut corners, you're asking for trouble.
Last edited:
Mars
SILVER Star
Great info there!
What's the mileage on your truck, and was that a factor on whether you did the install or not?
Excellent summary
One small note, you don't have to use the URD pulley but is is nice to have a few more lbs. of boost!
One small note, you don't have to use the URD pulley but is is nice to have a few more lbs. of boost!
Excellent summary
One small note, you don't have to use the URD pulley but is is nice to have a few more lbs. of boost!
That's true, but as long as you're doing the thing, you might as well upgrade to the 2.2" pulley. That's the smallest pulley that you can run safely without getting into Water Injection territory.
IMO - for $99.00 - there's no reason not to get the 2 extra PSI of boost out of your junk.
When I installed my Supercharger I had 67K on the clock. I had just had my engine rebuilt by Toyota at 65K, so mileage really wasn't a factor for doing the Supercharger.
...even if I hadn't had my engine rebuilt, I still would have done it.
I Supercharged my 4runner this December, WOW!!! What a great mod. I bought the S/C, the 2.2" pulley, URD's 7th, TRD 160* t-stat, LC1-XC16 gauge, Scan Gauge II, I had a dead laptop that i re-installed windows on(this is a great way to go because the laptop lives in the truck, you can find an old one for like $50 and the old ones have a seirl port!!). I added a Short Throw shifter as well. The truck had 130,000 mi on it when the S/C went on, i am now at 140,000. I have not had a check engine light once.
3 websites you can read to your hearts content
Project SportRunner
Gadget's 4Runner
and URD - Underdog Racing Development
I can tell you that I love my 4runner now, its fast and fun to drive. I still get 19-22 mpg, and it tows the cruiser much better.
3 websites you can read to your hearts content
Project SportRunner
Gadget's 4Runner
and URD - Underdog Racing Development
I can tell you that I love my 4runner now, its fast and fun to drive. I still get 19-22 mpg, and it tows the cruiser much better.
- Thread starter
- #9
This is awesome information. I obviously have no idea what i am getting into. I thought the S/C on its own was all I needed. I will research these other components, determine prices and see where I stand. Thanks so much everyone for your thoughts.
