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A Quick Intro to the Toyota Tundra Supercharger

by: JasonLancaster
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Here's some quick stats on the new TRD supercharger for the Toyota Tundra: it adds 504 HP and 550 lb-ft of torque; sells as a kit for $5 875; and will cost a grand total of about $6 800 including installation, assuming a $105/hr labor rate.

There is truly intelligent design behind the evolution of the 5.7-liter TRD supercharger. Toyota Tundra fans eagerly anticipated TRD's concept for the big '07 Tundra, knowing it was only a matter of time before the company would set its sight on the redesigned truck. After all, TRD's horsepower/torque pushers were already in the 2000-03 Tundra, V-6 Tacoma, Camry Solara, Scion tC, and more. Finally, at the November 2007 Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, a concept Tundra Double Cab was displayed with a supercharger and air-to-liquid intercooler purported to generate "approximately" 500 horsepower. Since the vehicle was attached to a 10 200 pound gooseneck car hauler, that extra power couldn't be just a fanciful imagining.

The new Tundra TRD supercharger is an Eaton-Roots-type, or positive displacement, supercharger. The patent dates back to 1860 when Philander and Francis Roots used the technology to ventilate mine shafts - an interesting tidbit to toss out at your next barbeque. When automakers were faced with upping performance by increasing engine size or engine efficiency, they opted for efficiency. The concept of a blower was incorporated into automotive engines in the early 1900s by Gottleib Daimler and by the 1920s, appeared in racecars and premium autos. Eaton-Roots type superchargers are reliable, nearly maintenance free, and eliminate drag on the engine when the boost is not required.

The Tundra's supercharger features Eaton's Twin Vortices System (TVS), which has twin four-lobe rotors that feature a 160 degree twist. This design improves air-handling while reducing noise and vibration. The kit includes 8 new high-flow fuel injectors and lower heat range iridium-tip spark plugs. It also comes with an intercooler, which reduces the air inlet temperature to the engine and allows more aggressive ignition timing.

TRD's new high performance air intake, which is quite similar to the cold air intake kit offered as a standalone part, supplies the supercharger with its air. During the supercharger installation, the engine control unit (ECU) is reprogrammed with a new high performance engine management profile, which changes the engine timing and the transmission's shift points to maximize power. This allows the Tundra to use all the extra power which the supercharger provides, while maintaining 50 state emissions certifications.

It takes approximately 9 hours in install the TRD Tundra supercharger, and Toyota will honor the remainder of their 5yr/60k miles powertrain warranty on the condition that the supercharger is installed by your local Toyota dealer. Adding the supercharger is a safe investment, given TRD's high quality of engineering and Toyota's agreement to honor the full warranty.

There's only one catch if you're hoping to buy your new Tundra with the supercharger. The TRD supercharger is only authorized to be retailed as a dealer installed or over-the-counter option AFTER the sale of a new Tundra. The supercharger and Tundra cannot be sold together at the same time, or financed together. Your local Toyota dealer may be able to find some sort of compromise or deal, but if you're determined to have a supercharger on your new Toyota Tundra, be prepared to fork over some cash.

About the Author

Author Jason Lancaster operates TundraHeadquarters.com, a web site with information, news, and reviews of Toyota Tundra parts and Tundra accessories.

A Quick Intro to the Toyota Tundra Supercharger

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