When it comes to the overall performance of your custom vehicle, nothing comes close to an upgrade like a supercharger.
With the new look, sound, and an extra 30- to 35-percent gain in horsepower, it's one engine mod that will get you noticed. Superchargers are beltdriven from the crank, delivering more torque and horsepower from idle to redline.
There are many choices out there, but when it comes to Toyota performance LC Engineering offers positive-displacement Roots-type superchargers for most Toyota applications. This kit is designed and developed extensively for the popular Toyota 2RZ that we are working on here. This original TRD supercharger kit manufactured by Alpine comes with all the hardware and electronics you need to complete this build. Follow along and see the steps we took to install this supercharger.
For more information, contact the company listed in the source box.
1. We began with a fairly...
1. We began with a fairly stock Tacoma 2RZ ready for some serious gains.
2. We wanted to get our baseline...
2. We wanted to get our baseline hp numbers, so they drilled a hole into the exhaust for the sensor for the dyno readout.
3. With an old plug, the new...
3. With an old plug, the new bung was welded into place-wouldn't be a Mini Truckin' tech story without sparks!
4.
5. Now for the stock run on...
5. Now for the stock run on the dyno, which gave us our base horsepower number. Coming in at a meager 152 hp, we were ready to make some major improvements.
6. With our base horse numbers...
6. With our base horse numbers in hand, the pros at LC Engineering wanted to check the fuel pressure to make sure it was safe to proceed.
7. The fuel pressure came...
7. The fuel pressure came in at 32 pounds and dropping. Toyota calls for 42, so we knew this was something we would have to address after the install.
8. At the start of every install...
8. At the start of every install it's a good idea to make sure you have everything you need to complete the project.
9. Anytime you're working...
9. Anytime you're working on the motor or electrical systems-safety first-so be sure to disconnect the battery.
10. Next, the teardown starts...
10. Next, the teardown starts paying close attention to removing everything safely and effectively while carefully labeling and mapping where everything is located to make the reassembly an effortless task.
11.
12. With everything marked...
12. With everything marked and labeled, it's safe to remove the stock throttle body.
13. It's always a good idea...
13. It's always a good idea to crimp off any fluid lines while removing attached parts.
14. Once everything was out...
14. Once everything was out of the way, the stock intake was removed.
15. This Step Is Critical:...
15. This Step Is Critical: Make sure to remove all the old seals and gaskets and thoroughly clean the surface area. If anything is left behind, it will really affect the install.
16. The supercharger was test-fitted...
16. The supercharger was test-fitted to gauge any clearance issues.
17. With the supercharger...
17. With the supercharger bolted into place, we noticed the hard lines on the power steering pump would need a little persuasion.
18. With all of the clearance...
18. With all of the clearance issues addressed, the supercharger was bolted in place for the final time.
19. The new pulley properly...
19. The new pulley properly routes the belt and shares the location and bolts with the power steering pump, making it an easy swap.
20. Next, the new fuel block...
20. Next, the new fuel block was installed to supply fuel to the injector on the back of the supercharger.
21. Now that the fuel was...
21. Now that the fuel was handled, it was time to work on airflow. We opted for the larger throttle body for increased airflow, which means larger gains.
22. The new throttle body...
22. The new throttle body was installed along with all-new gaskets.
23. With the belt installed,...
23. With the belt installed, the tensioner pulley was adjusted to the proper belt tension.
24. Next it was time for some...
24. Next it was time for some dress-up. The stock valve cover was unbolted.
25. The new black powdercoated...
25. The new black powdercoated LCE valve cover gives the engine the mean and clean look that we're all about.
26. The reassembly of the...
26. The reassembly of the intake, wires, and cables went together rather nicely thanks to all the prep work done in the beginning.
27. The LCE pros ran clean,...
27. The LCE pros ran clean, factory-style wiring for the supercharger's injector and sensors.
28. Next, we moved to the...
28. Next, we moved to the inside to hook up the piggyback system that ties into the stock computer. The Uni Chip piggyback system was installed wire for wire, being very careful to follow the step-by-step instructions. This is not the place to make a mistake.
29.
30. The anticipation was building,...
30. The anticipation was building, and we couldn't wait to see her in action. So back to the dyno for some tuning and to see how that fuel pressure problem could be handled.
31. As we thought in the beginning,...
31. As we thought in the beginning, the stock fuel pump wasn't giving us the pressure we needed, so a new Walbor 255-liter-per-hour pump was quickly installed, giving us the fuel delivery we needed to handle the new mods.
32.
33. With the install complete...
33. With the install complete and the bugs worked out, the Taco screamed on the dyno showing impressive numbers with a peak of 207 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque. With a gain of 55 hp, this mini is quickly becoming the beast it deserves to be.