Turbo/supercharger kit install

[dmck Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dmck]

I've been doing a little dreaming (research) and have seen a few possible superchargers or turbos to add onto the 90 prado.

Doing these mods goes past my knowledge with cars and I was wondering how much something like this would cost to get done.

also what would be the go supercharger or turbo.

I would be looking at the trd supercharger and this turbo as an example

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/JDMS-...Q5fAccessories

Im mainly after more torque for towing and a bit more when i decide to slam my foot down. Mine is a 2000 3.4L auto GXL on LPG.

[Leethal Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Leethal]

Re: Turbo/supercharger kit install

In my opinion the supercharger is the better option.
1/ Boost in effect from idle so very good torque low in rpm range and great off road.
2/ No radiated heat issues like from a turbo- (yes the charge air is hotter as with a turbo)
3/ The TRD install is very neat, looks factory and no mods to exhaust required (yes extractors would be nice but not necessary) so you can return to standard easily.

However I believe you will need to also;
A/ Add an Unichip or similar to control timing and fueling (to prevent pinging & A/F ratios)
B/ May need to upgrade fuel pumps to supply adequate fuel to prevent air fuel ratio lean out at high rpm
C/ Fit a 7th Injector which helps keep A/F ratios under control (and cools slightly charge air) but will allow a slight increase in boost.

A, B & C apply to both Supercharger & Turbocharger as both are boosting the air supply to the engine.
A turbocharger can supply greater boost however that will necessitate larger upgrades to fuel supply (injectors & pumps) and possiblity decrease engine durability/reliability. (if boosting above the 6 -8 psi of a TRD supercharger)

Cost wise.... if you buy locally (say from Bullet Cars) appox $8,000 for supercharger supply & installed.
If you want source from the US anywhere from $1500 -$2000 for the Blower plus probably same again for Unichip, 7th Injector etc
The TRD install is easy, I took approx 4 hours for the install but I would recommend having it tuned (dyno'ed) immediately after install.

Performance of a blown V6, very easy car to drive , great on Highway with reduced fuel consumption.
Even better to drive offroad with the increased torque down low in the rev range you can approach slower and use the extra torque over standard.

Lee

[kav Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close kav]

Re: Turbo/supercharger kit install

get rid of the lpg and run decent fuel,youll probably get a 25% increase straight off the bat.

[croozza Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close croozza]

Re: Turbo/supercharger kit install

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think you can run a supercharger or turbo with an engine running on LPG with great success. They tend to detonate or blow your air box to bits.

[mudboy Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close mudboy]

Turbo/supercharger kit install

One of my mates has a 90 series and he just put on the Trd supercharger that he bought from the states and it just bolts on so easy to fit, he said it has made a huge difference especially up hills

[dmck Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dmck]

Re: Turbo/supercharger kit install

ive heard that its ok to put a super charger on LPG... anyone know from experience?

i understand its a bolt on kit.. im sure i could bolt it togther but not sure on assuring its working etc and spending that money i would wanna get it done right...

[mudboy Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close mudboy]

Turbo/supercharger kit install

It will work it is straight forward only thing u need to make u have no air leaks

[ultimate Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close ultimate]

Re: Turbo/supercharger kit install

We've had a TRD Supercharger on our Prado since about '98. It has since done 280,000km without any problems. The only part which has needed replacing was a bearing about 10,000km ago.

I have never once thought I need more power. The vehicle pulls so well with the supercharger and surprises a lot of people. Off road the torque is impressive and has never let me down. It originally cost about $7,000 US so it's good to see the price has come down a lot. I also believe the newer TRD kits have an upgraded bearing design which would have saved the replacement I did last year. The Prado was originally our rally support vehicle and has done multiple trips around Australia with one trip up to Malaysia. Given the good track record and decent power gains, I would recommend this to anybody who has the budget and application for it.

[rossy Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close rossy]

Re: Turbo/supercharger kit install

hi Dmck, go with the supercharger you wont regret it. as leethal said you would need to upgrade your engine management system. the supercharger wont hurt the engine they run 6 to 7 pounds of boost really good match for the engine. you can buy them out of the usa at a good price at the moment. good luck . cheers rossy.

[KAKADAZ Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close KAKADAZ]

I'm in the process of looking at TRD superchargers for my 150. Has anyone seen or heard of a 150 being done and where to go? I've seen the bullet site and they seem to have what I need but haven't replied to an email I sent on monday so haven't had my questions answered yet.

[GreenVX Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close GreenVX]

Hey Dmick,
All of the above have been pretty good advice. But just to add my two cents worth and from having had a couple of turboed cars in the past I would recommend taking it to a reputable workshop to have it fitted and dynoed on the spot. Unless youv got a fair amount of free time and alot of mechanical knowledge forced induction is best left to the guys that make it their lifes work.

Oh and btw dont forget to do a brake upgrade, even if its just new pads and some slotted rotors it'l be peace of mind with all the extra power that'll be on tap!
Look forward to seeing some pics when done.