Blower reliable Loooooong term? And where to get installed?

I like my 4Runner. I hear the v8 on the GX is going bye bye so now I am in a pickle. I like the 4R aesthetic and the utility of it and how I have it dialed to my liking. I read the thread on here about the people who made the change and it is enticing. Its now or never to make the change as I won't buy used and the v8 is gone after this year apparently. So I am thinking maybe I do the supercharger instead. Do any of you aficionados/engineer/smart people know about the long term reliability of the 4Runner with a supercharger? I like the idea that the 4Runner is so reliable and don't want to hurt that. I like to pretend I will keep this thing forever even though I know its a super long shot. Does the 4Runner retain its super reliable long term prognosis even with a supercharger? And where the fuq does one get this installed? Bergen County NJ ideal as I trust no one in nyc to do it.

Also, people with the GX make me switch vehicles please. Thank you.

4Runner Pros:
cool looking.
reliable.
no unnecessary bs.
this community is amazing.

Cons:
power.
Toyota service is horrible (not that it matters as my buddy helps me).

GX pros:
v8.
headlights.
black headliner (yes, I am that petty).
ac vents at head level for rear passengers.
cooled seats.

cons:
ugly as ugly gets.
community is booty cheeks compared to this place.

 

The 1GR is capable of so much more power and torque. Toyota probably left it detuned for reliability and MGP reasons. Adding any forced induction will affect both of these. If I could have it my way, I would have a 4Runner Pro in Solar Octane and a GX460 in Nori Green.

 

Put one at 90K on my Tacoma and it held up to many hard 4wd launches until someone ran a red and totaled it at 145K miles. No real issues except the rich tune from Toyota.

https://youtu.be/kolLHEFxioo

 

Crap! Argh. Thanks for the input.
I don't want both vehicles as they're too similar and I have another SUV. I am looking at a nori green but I dislike the light grey interior. I have dogs. So I think it would be a grey one with red interior.

 

Sorry about your loss. That sucks when its someone elses fault. How did you like it? Was it as epic as I am thinking it is?

 

https://trail4runner.com/2018/12/17/magnuson-supercharger-review/

 

Not really. After the pulley is was better but a touch slower than an Ecopoop Raptor and faster than an Ecopoop Mustang. Highway passing power was better but it was still a slow turd.

 

nice! Thank you!

Oh man. Air right outta my sails. Thanks for the honesty.

 

Lol. It's better just not fast overall which is why I bought a GTO for go fast stuff right before I lost the Taco and had to daily the GTO before I settled on the Runner.

 

I haven’t watched it yet.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=iF9M0MyJlBA

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jHVoWaNoQr8

 

I have fast cars, I just need this one to be the 'truck' that I can haul the dogs and stuff from Home Depot. Its not bad as is, but a little more pep would be nice. Argh. Not sure if its worth the trade off of potential reliability. Thanks for your first hand account. I legitimately appreciate it.

 

Take a step back and look at it from a common sense perspective...

Toyota meticulously designed an engine to last a very long time while operating within the factory specs of 278 hp and a 10.4:1compression ratio.

A supercharger significantly increases the compression ratio and power output. Now, with 10.4:1 CR, that is a serious CR. I'm surprised it is that high, which explains why SC kits for the 4Runner don't see as much gains as other similar-sized engines; because the CR is already very high and too much boost is going to break things.

That being said, any time you increase boost and power, you will lose longevity. How much? No idea.

 

Just remember, if you marry a blower it doesn’t work as well after the honeymoon.

 

As MountainMan pointed out, there’s no free lunch. If you’re priority is perceived power and acceleration, then the 4Runner may not be for you.

 

I get where you are coming from but my advice is slow down and smell the roses. Enjoy the 4R from the perspective that you have one of the most reliable vehicles built.

Even with a GX the sound is great but is 0-60 time much different?

I say this though as a guy who dreads the new turbo 4’s coming out. But that is more from the unknown reliability and potential loss of towing capacity.

Myself I learned to slow down a bit the last few years and not rush it’s a lot more enjoyable. But I am not judging I get it I think we have all been there.

 

I think that the 4Runner has some really good road manners but gives some of that up for something that you can take offroad occasionally. The GX460 is refined even more in the road manners department but sacrifices a little in the offroad department. The V8 isn't going to be mind-blowing power over the 4Runner but will not feel so anemic. The transmission on the GX adds an additional gear to aid in both towing and highway MPG.

If I was to add forced induction on the 4Runner, it would need to be for a specific purpose such as rock crawling. I wouldn't add it to have a faster brick. There are so many other options out there that would suit your needs better if you don't need the 4Runner's or GX460's BOF capability.

At the end of the day, it really will depend on what your daily needs and wants are and match that to the perfect vehicle.

 

I put the supercharger on mine last year. Actually, @whippersnapper02 helped a lot with his input and experience. I have driven over 10K now, been to the east and west coast. It does make a difference on the highway between 50 and 70mph, especially when you are trying to pass a big truck uphill.

Longevity? I am not sure...I guess don't abuse the thing and be mindful of maintenance. I think Magnuson knows how to do this stuff. I wouldn't mess with the Procharger kit even though is similar concept. If you want to keep the 4R for a while do it....because I don't think you will ever recoup your investment. If you want the V8 and turbo thing or whatever GX offers, go that route...but mindful that setup also has some limitations. Please go to an outfit that really understands the install if you decide to put it on.

 

Magnusson sure knows how to make a nice looking unit. Love the black with bright bolts.

I have a suggestion along the lines of enjoying it for the brick that it is. Re-gearing it would make it snappier, but arguably reduce loads on the drivetrain (or keep them similar with oversized tires). Of course, snappiness will come at the expense of speed. Then get a slightly firmer suspension with a little lift. Use stock UCAs so you’re forced to deal with lowish caster numbers that give livelier steering at highway speeds. Then loud AT tires.

Between the noise of the tires, higher cruising rpm, and the ride, it will feel all around a bit more exciting than the usual 4runner. I did all those things except the re-gear. And honestly, feels more in line with it’s character.