VSsc400

iTrader: (1)

also what is the difference between the different 1MZ-FE kits? The charger itself is identical. That I know, but what is the difference between the kits? anyone know for sure?

flipside909

There are no real big differences between each TRD S/C kit other than EBC, strut bar (solara only) but will fit the Camry and etc and seperate part numbers.

FYI TRD S/C for the 1MZ-FE applies to non vvt-i model 1MZ-FE Camry, Solara, Avalon,Sienna. Camry didn't get VVT-i until the MCV30 (Gen5) Camry, Solara didn't get it til Gen 2 (MCV30/31) Avalon until Gen2 00-04 and the Sienna not until 99.

flipside909

Correct, the RX actually has more room in the engine bay. But like the Sienna, it will be tight to reach when changing out the belt/pulleys and etc.

All 1MZ-FE V6s Camry, Solara, Avalon, Sienna, Highlander, ES, RX, no difference they are all twin cam design aka DOHC 4 cams total, two over head cams over each bank of cylinders. Hence 24 valve four cam V6 EFI "F" economy head design.[/quote]

There's no such thing as a "chip" mod for any Toyota/Lexus ECU. All TRD S/C's are designed to work with N/A 1MZ-FE Non VVT-i models i.e Camry, Solara, Avalon, Sienna. (ES300 can use Camry & Solara's SC kit w/no problem. The Solara is the only one that comes with a TRD strutbar included in the kit.

The 1MZ-FE VVT-i versions have a larger twin chamber t/b design. The TRD S/C works off the 1MZ-FE single circular single t/b. Here are the differences between non-VVT-i and VVT-i t/b intake units on various 1MZ-FEs....throttle body and intake piping circled in red on purpose...

1MZ-FE VVT-i MCV20(99 ES300) twin t/b intake design:




1MZ-FE MCV20 (99 Solara) Pics are from my friend Steve's site (www.schung07.com) single t/b intake design & RMM Intake:



1MZ-FE MCV20 (99 Solara) w/custom red powdercoat on TRD S/C & valve covers...



You can run into a/c line issues with the pulley belt location. Because the engine is designed to rock back and forth, you have to make sure the a/c lines will clear, otherwise during hard acceleration, you can cut the a/c line like a dremel tool. It happend to my friend and his TRD Solara S/C on a track day at Streets of Willow a few years ago.

This is true. Exhaust/header pipe routing is a bit different though for RX/Sienna and the sedans.


There's no question that the TRD S/C itself will fit physically on the 1MZ-FE block. No one I know has attempted to put a TRD S/C unit on an RX300 or any VVT-i version for that matter because of the T/B design.

T/B design...not sure how it would interfere or hinder VVT-i and if you can change out the t/b to the non vvt-i version, I don't see why not physically, but electronically...I couldn't tell you.

lexus_perf

glad to see interest in adding a supercharger to a 3.0 VVT-i. Currently have a 01 Avalon with the same 3.0 VVT-i the RX300 has and i'm considering a RX300 (need more room). Would be nice to see a supercharger for it.

Is anyone actually trying to put a supercharger in right now?

lexus_perf

So I'm looking at the 4.5 supercharger on the TRD website and it says "Land Cruiser 1997-1998".

Then I do a search and find this: 4wheeler magazine doing a review of a 2004 4.7 4Runner with a TRD factory-equipped supercharger

Then I check Toyota's site and the new (and 2004) 4runner has the new (and 2004) 4runner has a VVT-i 4.7 V8

So what's the deal Toyota?? Obviously the TRD superchargers work fine with other engine sizes and even with VVT-i, so why when we call they give us the brush off and tell us it wouldn't work?

EDIT: nevermind, apparently the 4.7 used in that 4runner was not VVT-i, since the VVT-i 4.7 have more stock hp than what the article quotes. Still I'm confused why a new TRD supercharger hasn't come out now that nearly all toyotas are VVT-i and Lexus has been VVT-i for many years now. Who's going to keep buying the superchargers when they don't make engines that can use it?

lexus_perf

3.0 VVT-i with supercharger link
"uses the proven Toyota 3.0 litre all-alloy VVT-i engine equipped with Toyota's own supercharger which is coupled to an existing 4x4 drivetrain...Its supercharger, sourced from Toyota performance equipment specialist TRD USA, is belt driven by the V6 engine's crankshaft."

let's not forget the Scion's all use VVT-i yet there's superchargers for those engines.

I think the "no supercharger for VVT-i" claim is bogus and would like to see the results of a supercharged VVT-i 3.0

Lexmex

I like your posting and wish more people who follow up on this.

I earlier said that the existing superchargers and VVTI would have reliability problems. That is probably true, but the supercharger might still work just not as good as you want it.

When I get back to the states, I actually want the go the route of putting in a small turbo (I have researched this and it is doable) in.

Lexus/Toyota probably would not be interested in this project as they will happily suggest to you that if you want more power and like the RX...get a 400h.

SRT once developed a prototype turbocharger for the RX some years ago, but is was never commercialized due to lack of interest.

I think the supercharger is in much the same mold.

Perhaps we should get a signature or letter writing campaign to encourge TRD/Kazuma/Eaton to develop this.

lexus_perf

superchargers, in general, are much easier to install than turbos. They're basically "bolt-on", just unbolt the stock intake, bolt the supercharger on and put the longer pully on and volia your done.

Turbos require special headers and custom tubing and intakes and waste gates and all kinds of other special hardware, major PITA.

Don't get me wrong turbos are great if they're factory, but I'd much rather install a supercharger than a turbo anyday. Less hardware = less headaches.

lexus_perf

Sadly I've been looking at other vehicles since it seems there's nothing for the RX300.

the Lincoln Navigator uses the same 5.4 V8 that the Lightning does except it doesn't have the supercharger. Kenne Bell offers a supercharger kit turning 14 sec quarters & 0-60 in 6.3 for $3950. Funny thing is the Navigator weighs 1500 lbs more than the RX300 so a RX300 would easily do 14s with much less hp and get much better mpg.

Are you listening TRD??

The Lincoln Aviator has the same 300hp 4.6 32v DOHC V8 that the Mustang Cobra had so there's plenty of aftermarket support.

Unfortunately both engines require high octane stock and both get horrible gas mileage, mid teens if you're lucky, not to mention the spotty reliability.

lexus_perf

Both the SC300 and SC400 use VVT-i starting 1998 yet there's plenty of aftermarket support for them. I believe the GS 300 does too since engine specs are identical to the SC300's, right down to the compression.

I still think the 3.0 VVT-i V6 can handle a supercharger just fine.

HarrierAWD

I don't think there's any particular reason for it. Toyota or TRD simply do not make supercharger kit for the RX300/Harrier. Period.

They do make it for the old Sienna, believe it or not.

lexus_perf

makes sense, superchargers for minivans but not sport coupes

flipside909

Yes pre VVT-i 1MZ-FE Siennas only.

flipside909

It's not a question of will it fit, the true question is, can you change the VVT-i 1MZ-FE's dual t/b design to fit the single t/b chamber of the TRD/Eaton/Magnusson S/C.

flipside909

There's plenty of aftermarket support for the 2JZ-GE because of the Supra platform.

The biggest issues I see with running a s/c w/the 1MZ-FE V6 VVT-i version is working the throttle body and working with weak/touchy 1MZ-FE knock sensors.