Used Supercharger question

Hey guys, Im looking at buying a used 3.4 trd supercharger. I checked it out today and everything seems okay but when rotating it I can hear something like every rotation. The sound is very faint almost not even a sound. Is this normal or should I bail on this blower? Supposedly it has 80,000 miles. Thank you

 

@1997tacomav6 might be able to give you some insight. He has rebuilt his multiple times. He has some pics in my thread methanol 4.0. My suggestion is buy it. What's the price anyway?

 

He was asking $1,600 but I talked him down to $800 somehow. I still haven’t bought it yet though

 

My thoughts are he doesnt feel like rebuilding it. I think you have a pretty good deal. Does it come with ALL the parts needed? Or is it missing parts? @1997tacomav6 would be the guy I'd talk to for sure. He has run his a half a million miles. Literally.

 

Buying a used supercharger is a gamble if you can’t hear it run. You really have no idea what condition it is until it is installed on the engine. Then you will know if there are bearing issues when the supercharger is spinning at 10,000 rpms.

Typically the supercharger will last 100,000 to 150,000 miles. So if it has 80,000 it will need a rebuild soon for 1000.00 as long as there are no other issues pending.

 

Is it the grey unit 1st gen or the black 2nd gen?

 

Either way if you got it for 800.00 that would be a bargain, but plan on 1000.00 for a complete rebuild top to bottom

 

You might feel some resistance or noise when it’s not on the truck, maybe?? Those impellers are really close together. I’d rebuild it prior to install even if it wasn’t high mileage

You could get it rebuilt for around $900. It’s probably worth it at $800 and it’s much easier to rebuild it before putting it on. It’s doable at home if you feel like it but if needed there is more they can do when it gets rebuilt.

Plus you could get it ported and have rebuilder put smaller pulley on for ya.

They are pretty tough and as mentioned will typlcally go a long time.

 

It is a 2nd gen black supercharger, and does come with everything except the throttle body bolts. Thanks everyone for the information, looks like Ill have to decide wether or not I want to rebuild it and everything. He said he bought it from an auction parts 4runner and is trying to recoup money selling parts.

 

I'd say its worth it.

 

Well you won’t find one cheaper than that, better jump on it

 

Do you ever get tired of using 93 all the time?

 

Mmmm nooo, If I was worried about 91 or gas prices I would be in a Honda Civic

 

The mileage and hp improvements of quality gas are worth it. Like your body, put low grade food in and get by or eat well and feel your best. Nothing great is the cheapest.

 

Plenty of info here on TW on rebuilding the 'charger yourself. I found a grey one for $500 from a guy in Delware that had 300k miles on it. I pulled it apart, rotors were in good shape so just pressed in new rotor bearings, shaft bearings, coupler and oil and was out the door for a few hundred bucks more. 40k on it now with no problems. Getting the bearing spacing just right on the nose cone shaft was the hardest part for me but having a boosted 5VZ-FE at elevation for pennies on the dollar was worth the learning process. I say jump on it!

And if you find a 'charger for a 1GR-FE for that price, please let me know! The new '14 Tacoma is crying for boooooooost!

 

I'll sell mine when the next bigger one comes available: )

 

For the same price I got the grey one for? DEAL!!!

EDIT: I'm looking, so all ears if you find any deals.

 

800 is a steal assuming it includes everything needed for install. Even if it needs a rebuild is a good deal.

The superchargers do make a rattling noise when the engine is on, you can hear it at idle especially with the hood up. If it's an obnoxious rattle though that you can hear when driving then it probably needs rebuilt.

They're supposed to need a rebuild every 100k or so

 

No. I'll have it ported, fully rebuilt, with a variety of pulleys. It's one of the last trd stamped blowers made. Price will reflect.

 

You have a 2nd gen Tacoma though right? Think he has a first gen Tacoma judging by his avatar