MotoIQ Project Tundra Update – TRD Supercharger Time
Benjamin | Jun 06, 2011 | Comments 9
When we last checked in on the MotoIQ Toyota Tundra Project just a few short months ago, the truck had been tastefully customized with a few practical accessories, seen its paint and windows protected by 3M film and had a TRD cold air intake, air filter and high performance brake pads installed. This gave it a nice mix of both “show” and “go.”
The advanced roots-style supercharger that comes with the TRD kit.
Well, the latest chapter in the MotoIQ Tundra Project sees the “go” aspect turned up to 11, thanks to the decision to boost engine output through the use of a TRD supercharger kit. The pickup’s 5.7 liter V8 will be treated to an Eaton TVS supercharger that includes an intercooler and which provides a very healthy 504 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque, with the latter starting a nice and low 4000 rpm.
Reliable and Smog Legal
One of the primary concerns throughout the MotoIQ Project has been to maintain stock levels of reliability as well as the truck’s full factory warranty – important considerations given that the team’s Toyota Tundra is called upon to perform a variety of different towing and hauling duties on a daily basis. Part of the appeal of the TRD supercharger kit was the assurance from Toyota that the blower would stay smog legal and not negatively impact the dependability of the truck. Not only that, but Toyota maintains that if the truck is driven “normally,” then fuel mileage can improve by as much as two miles per gallon with the supercharger installed. Whether or not the MotoIQ team will be able to resist the siren song of 500-plus horsepower waiting under the right foot is of course another matter entirely.
The Eaton TVS supercharger that is part of the TRD kit is a very advanced unit that aims to improve on several of the weak points traditionally associated with roots-style blowers. Specifically, the TVS is much more efficient and less noisy than older supercharger designs, and the compact size of the unit allows for a water-to-air intercooler to be incorporate directly into its casing.
A Very Complete Kit
The kit itself came with all of the brackets, wiring and hardware needed to install the supercharger, including an electric centrifugal pump for the intercooler, a dual pass aluminum heat exchanger (that mounts easily in front of the AC evaporator on the Tundra) as well as a surge tank. Also included were a set of high flow fuel injectors, a more powerful fuel pump, iridium spark plugs and an ECU reflash that tunes the stock engine management program so that it can wring as much power as possible out of the supercharger setup. The MotoIQ team will also be forced to replace the original TRD cold air intake that they had put in months beforehand in favor of the filter and casing that came with the supercharger kit.
The kit comes with a performance air filter and air box from TRD.
The next MotoIQ update will describe the results of the supercharger installation as well as an evaluation of how it has improved their pickup from a drivability standpoint. Anyone looking to add a serious dose of horsepower to their own V8-powered Tundra will undoubtedly be interested to hear what the MotoIQ team has to say about the pluses and minuses associated with the TRD supercharger kit.
Filed Under: TundraHeadquarters.com
I dont agree with is this statement “an ECU reflash that tunes the stock engine management program so that it can wring as much power as possible out of the supercharger setup”
Im leaning towards a good tune should unleash another 30-40WHP. Just leaning up that fuel mixture a good bit would work wonders.
cater – Fair enough. The text should read “as much power as possible out of the supercharger setup without exceeding Toyota’s limits for maximum reliability.”
After-market tuning can always gain more power, and when done correctly it won’t compromise performance. However, as I’m sure you know, Toyota’s engine tune is a little conservative in the interest of maximum reliability in all circumstances.
Don’t want to knock superchargers, but unless racing, what is the point? You have to cough up 5K or more and use premium gas which is much higher price. My stock 5.7L will already keep up with the best of the best stock vehicles on the road.
I would say that on a pickup, a supercharger is a good choice for certain towing applications, particularly higher altitude towing.
Also – it’s just a lot of fun to modify a vehicle, and I that’s a big part of the truck community: making a truck your own through customization.
According to Toyota the supercharger should not be installed on the E85 5.7l V8. Anyone know why?
Cephus – interesting thread on that very question here:
http://www.tundrasolutions.com.....ercharger/
mk – You’re correct of course – the S/C isn’t a practical accessory so much as it is fun. BUT, it does make towing in the mountains a lot easier (as Benjamin says).
Benjamin – I’m with you. FUN.
Cephus – I’ve always been told it was emissions, but one of the explanations given in Benjamin’s link makes sense too: Toyota wouldn’t warranty the truck if you ran E85 into the supercharger…which could cause some real damage.
i have installed TRD S/C on my 507 tundra. i am looking to upgrade it for more boost. what is the max boost i can go for? is their any fit pulley for S/C. if i smalled the size of the pulley shall i install uni ship or re tune it?
is their any impact to the transmission ? is their a way to improve the shifting of the transmission?
Bati – Unichip can be used to re-tune your truck if you go with a smaller pulley. I’m not sure of the size, but I’ve been told you can go as high as +10psi without impacting reliability (vs. +8.5psi on existing s/c)