2016 – 2021 Tacoma Supercharger – Boost New Life Into the Engine
The Toyota Tacoma is one of the most popular light truck models in the U.S. One of the best ways you can improve its performance is by installing a supercharger. Superchargers are air compressors that can help engines burn more fuel by pushing denser (compressed) air.
Based on the size of the supercharger, the car will be able to burn more fuel, and with it, get more power. The supercharger model is mostly based on the type of engine, and there are numerous companies designing these air compressors for specific car models.
You don’t need to worry about whether the compressor will fit the engine since it is designed specifically for your car model. Here, we will focus on the Toyota Tacoma and how you can improve it by installing the supercharger.
Note: Click on any link to choose your make & model truck, pricing options, shipping, free installation guide, warranty & more.
The TVS1900 supercharger is based on the roots type, and it offers exceptional performance for the third-generation Toyota Tacoma trucks
Tacoma Supercharger Kit Summary
There are a couple of superchargers you can try if you want to breathe new life into your Toyota Tacoma. Each of these models will boost the engine and improve an already great car.
Bear in mind that Tacoma is not a new model. It was introduced in 1995, and there are new models available today. The supercharger is best for newer models, but you can find kits for the previous generation as well. It is an excellent choice if you bought it a few years ago (or brand new).
The supercharger for Tacoma will give your engine a boost of over 370 hp, along with a 330-foot-pound force torque at the crank. As for the rear wheels, the boost is approximately 308 hp and 275 foot-pound force.
This is a significant increase in force for the stock V6 engine, and it is a boost of more than 30 percent. You pick a supercharger based on the type of engine and the age of the truck. The first generation of Tacoma can boost up to 25 percent with a stock engine.
The first generation covers models from 1996 to 2003, the second one includes 2005 to 2015 models, and the last one covers the newest models in production since 2016.
The kit arrives with everything you need to improve the performance of the Toyota Tacoma in no time.
Why Toyota Tacoma?
The Toyota Tacoma was first introduced in 1995. It is a pickup truck made in the U.S. and Mexico, and there are three generations of the model. Over the years, Tacoma’s popularity grew throughout the U.S., and it quickly became one of the best-selling pickup trucks ever.
It is among the most popular models in the country, following Ram, F-series, and Silverado. One of the main qualities of Tacoma is that it comes at an extremely affordable price. For anyone looking for a fine balance between price and quality, Tacoma is the way to go.
The model is reliable, and Toyota has resolved the problems earlier models have. The number of reports concerning the transmission or engine has declined significantly, and it seems that newer versions are a fine choice.
It is evident why someone would want to invest a bit more to supercharge the truck and give it a couple of hundred more horsepower. Since it can bring a 25 to 32 percent boost depending on the type of engine, it is a significant improvement at an affordable price.
Requirements for the 3rd Gen Tacoma Supercharger
One of the first things you need to know about models like the Toyota Tacoma TVS1900 supercharger system is that they are installed on the stock model. It also means that there are three different types of superchargers based on the year or generation of the model.
Each supercharger system is designed exclusively for the stock model of a specific generation of Tacoma. You won’t be able to install it properly if you don’t match the model and the series of the supercharger.
Another thing you need to worry about is the type of engine. There are three different models you can find in Tacoma:
- 2.4 L four-cylinder with 142 horsepower
- 2.7 L four-cylinder with 150 horsepower
- 3.4 L V6 with 190 horsepower
The majority of superchargers you can find are designed for V6 engines, and if you have an older model, you might want to skip on the upgrades. This doesn’t mean that supercharging a four-cylinder engine is impossible.
You can still get a supercharger and boost it. It will improve the fuel economy, and the engine will work as if it were a V6 from the start. The only thing you need to do is find an appropriate supercharger kit, which will be able to fit into your car.
What Do Superchargers Need?
Assuming you’ll go for an incredible model, such as the Magnuson TVS1900 Supercharger System, there are a couple of things you need to know before you go shopping. This supercharger is designed for the third generation of the Toyota Tacoma, which means all trucks produced between 2016 and 2021. These trucks are equipped with 3.5L V6 engines, and the supercharger will be a perfect match.
It is important to find an appropriate model of the supercharger to avoid additional adjustments and expenses. Another thing we should mention is that you can easily install the kit and revert to the stock. You won’t need to cut or weld anything, and it works for both the manual and automatic transmission.
As for the additional parts, you probably won’t have to buy anything but the kit. In some cases, you might need additional elements since it is impossible for the manufacturer to cover every possible change to the truck.
For older models, like gen 1 and 2 of the Toyota Tacoma, you won’t be able to use the TVS1900 supercharger, and you will have to look for an alternative. The third generation of Tacoma has a 2GR-FKS 3.5L V6 engine, while the second one has a 2TR-FE 2.7L I4. The stock version of the former is the target, and you’ll be able to fit the supercharger without (or with minimal) modifications.
TVS1900 Supercharger Components
Here, we will go through all the components you will find if you decide to get yourself a TVS1900 supercharger kit for the Toyota Tacoma:
- TVS1900 supercharger assembly, with a large capacity front inlet (for front-drive);
- Roots-type (positive displacement) design with Eaton TVS Technology, with verified original equipment manufacturer (OEM) durability;
- Integrated vacuum bypass that will allow instant boost even on lower rpm;
- High-efficiency intercooler system for maximum charge air cooling, as well as sustainable performance;
- Custom-engineered supercharger belt-drive system that will enable worry-free driving, both off-road and on-road;
- Waterproof intercooler pump that will enable peak performance in wet conditions;
- Bolt-on installation that will keep OEM design, fit, and finish.
The kit is calibrated by Magnuson, and it is designed to work on stock models and engines. This means that the vehicle shouldn’t have gone through any types of modifications before you proceed to the installation. Modifications include all changes to the engine, torque converter, flywheel, transmission, tires, wheels, exhaust system, or nearly any other part of the truck.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t use the TVS1900 kit if you have upgraded your car before. You will just need to contact the company and provide them with all the necessary information about the changes and upgrades. The company will then be able to calibrate the supercharger (if needed) and ensure you can use it without any problems.
It also comes with a three-year warranty or, less than 36,000 miles. One of the selling points is that Magnuson uses the highest-quality materials and components, which improve the supercharger’s lifespan and performance.
Toyota Supercharger Installation Process
There are two options when it comes to installation—you can either do it by yourself or let the professionals handle it. The choice is completely up to you. If you love tinkering with your car and making adjustments, it probably won’t be a problem, and you can finish it in a day or so.
Bear in mind that you will need appropriate tools if you plan to do it yourself. Based on the manufacturer’s installation manual, you will need a set of metric wrenches, Allen wrenches (hex), a serpentine belt tool,a funnel, cutters, a heat gun, etc.
You also need to ensure that you’re safe during the process, and we always recommend using safety glasses, gloves, and any other equipment that may prevent injury.
The first thing you need to do after the preparations is remove the fuel pump, battery, cooling system and grill, intake manifold, and so on. The process itself is not complicated, and the manufacturer even offers a step-by-step guide you can follow.
The second option is to go to the registered service and let them do the job. It is up to you, but many car enthusiasts enjoy doing the necessary work by themselves. If you stick to the guide and follow all the tips and tricks, you won’t experience any problems, and you’ll be able to finish it in a few hours.
Tacoma Supercharger Optional Components
If you buy the Toyota Tacoma supercharger, you will get all the components you need to finish the installation process. You don’t need to buy any additional parts separately, at least if you own a stock model of the truck.
The only thing you will need if you want to install it by yourself are tools. To make things simpler for those who love doing all the work by themselves, here is a list of necessary tools you will need according to the manufacturer’s manual for the 3rd gen Tacoma supercharger:
- Metric wrench set
- Metric 3/8” and 1/2” drive metric socket set (standard & deep)
- 3/8” and 1/2” drive ft-lbs and in-lbs torque wrenches
- Metric Allen socket set 3/8 drive
- Metric Allen wrenches
- Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
- Serpentine belt tool
- Funnel
- Drain pan
- Hose cutters
- Hose clamp pliers
- Safety glasses
- Nut driver
- Compressed air
- Impact gun and 24mm impact socket
- Air gun
- Torx socket set 3/8 drive
- Clip removal tool
- Telescoping magnet
- Anti-seize assembly lube (for spark plugs)
This list should cover everything you need for the installation process. Once again—if you don’t feel safe or comfortable installing the kit by yourself, you can always contact the manufacturer to see what kind of options they offer for the installation process.
Initial Preparations and Maintenance
Another thing we need to talk about is the preparation for the supercharger and potential maintenance. One of the first things you need to know is that the intercooler system is sensitive. It can corrode easily, and you should always use the recommended coolant mixture.
The system also requires the use of 91-octane gasoline fuel (at a minimum), and it isn’t compatible with E85. Always stick to the products listed by the manufacturer since it is the easiest way to avoid damaging the equipment or causing any problems in the process.
When it comes to preparations, Magnuson recommends that you run at least one tank of premium fuel through the system before the truck is ready for installation. Running a lower octane fuel through the supercharged engine can cause problems if you jump straight to it.
Since the TVS1900 supercharger is designed for stock engines, it means that the car needs to be in good condition. It is a great idea to visit the mechanic before the installation to ensure that everything is in perfect order.
The manufacturer also recommends changing the fuel filter and engine oil prior to installation and using the recommended brand and viscosity.
As for the maintenance—once the supercharger is installed, you won’t need to do anything. There are no external coolers or heaters, and it doesn’t require special maintenance.
Why You Should Install a Supercharger
Now that we’ve covered everything about the topic, there is one last question remaining—why should you even install a supercharger in your Toyota Tacoma? The short answer is—power. It is a simple yet effective way to boost the power of your engine and make it almost equal to V8, which is more than impressive.
That’s not all. The superchargers are reliable and dependable. They don’t require nearly any maintenance, and they can give a boost of over thirty percent. This means that the boost on the Toyota Tacoma is over 370 horsepower and over 330 ft-lbs of torque at the crank.
Magnuson offers numerous superchargers, and you can probably find one that suits you regardless of the type of car you drive. As for the older Tacomas, there are different superchargers for each generation. We have talked about the TVS1900, which is the model for the third-gen Tacomas, but you can also check the ones for the previous two generations.
A supercharger can transform your engine, and the horsepower and torque it produces will make your car feel like it has a V8 engine.
Toyota Tacoma Supercharger Kit Conclusion
Magnuson’s Toyota Tacoma supercharger comes with a three-year and 36,000-mile powertrain warranty. They offer support for both stock and modified Toyotas, and you can even install the supercharger by yourself.
There is a superb manual that covers every step of the process, which means you won’t have to spend hours wondering what goes where. The entire installation shouldn’t take you more than a day, and you don’t need to worry about emissions since the supercharger is legal in fifty states.
The best thing about Magnuson’s kit is that you won’t have to make permanent modifications, i.e., you won’t need to weld, cut, or modify any existing parts. You can easily go back to the stock model if you are not satisfied with it (which probably won’t happen). With the boost you will get from the kit, you will be more than satisfied with the purchase.
For those who own a gen one or gen two Toyota Tacoma, you can check out the 5VZ-FE 3.4L V6 and 1GR-FE 4.0L V6 superchargers. For Tacomas made between 2016 and 2021, the TVS1900 will do an incredible job boosting the engine performance and breathing new life into it.
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