TRD/ Magnuson 4.0 Supercharger Tips, Tricks, and Mods

First one to make a TVS Carb legal gets my money.

 

The “forced induction 1GR-FE tips, tricks, and mods”.

 

I almost don't see this happening honestly. Looking at how large the blower intakes are and where they are located on the 3rd gen.. If they want to come close to carb compliance they are going to have to use the stock air box on our trucks which is a joke really.

 

A few weeks ago (seems like years ago in Tacomaworld time) I posted about having some issues with boost gauge readings on my AEM at higher altitude elevations. Recommendations from the crew ranged from vacuum leaks to me being an idiot (that last one was mine); however, after conducting some research and having discussions with AEM technicians I have an update to my issue and subsequent resolution.

As mentioned in my earlier post (lost in the mounds of chatter on this forum), I was having issues with my AEM gauge reading only about 3 psi at WoT. I had just installed the 2.85 pulley (I know) and was expecting a bit higher number, as my set up is similar to what others have had in the past and reported seeing about 7-8 psi. I re-checked my installation and had someone check for any vacuum leaks and all seemed right. Furthermore, with the ignition key on (no engine crank) the gauge was reading about -4.5 in/Hg, an indicator that the sensor was reading slightly off (per AEM techs it should read zero). Furthermore, I was informed that AEM's sensors are calibrated near Mean Sea Level and do not adjust for altitude, and given my elevation, the sensor was reading what it should be; something I found surprising. Now, I could have gone with a mechanical application, but most of the gauges I found out there lacked any customization options. I finally decided to go with a speedhut gauge after talking with their techs (their sensors adjust for actual atmospheric pressure) and finished installation last night. My boost numbers jumped about 4 psi to where I thought they should be given my application. I'm now pulling about 7 psi at WoT and am overall happier with the gauge setup.

This is in no way an indictment of AEM, I love the look of their gauges and the quality is what drove my decision to go with them in the first place. However, it seems that their gauges (or sensors rather) are not designed to adjust to real atmospheric pressure, causing readings to be off by as much as 4 psi, depending on your elevation (mine being at almost 7000'). This has been confirmed through AEM technicians as well as other folks with F/I applications here in CO.

Okay, why am I blabbering about this? Simply, I just want to share my experience for anyone else that may have a similar issue. As I was going through this, there wasn't much information out there on the interwebs that I could find; and maybe it's not a thing. Maybe I just had a weird experience, AEM's website doesn't mention anything about it. However, after talking with their techs, and their acknowledgement of the issue, it seemed pretty validating to me. Why this isn't mentioned more is beyond me; maybe it is and I'm not privy to those conversations. All I know is that once I changed out gauges (and sensors) my boost numbers went up, without doing anything else to my setup. That tells me my assertions were correct.

Having said that, if anyone is interested in a pair of AEM 30-0306 X-series (52mm) boost and AFR gauges, I have a slightly used pair that I will posting for sale soon. Thanks to all that gave advice on how to address/ troubleshoot the issue.

Now, where did I put that snout cutter......

 

I agree. That carbon trap secondary filter is bullshit and if there was an issue with extra combustion vapors getting past the intake the engine will just reburn it when it makes its way through a second time. Regardless, if the vehicle is running 14.7 which is where it should be most of the time, why the hell should it matter what intake is on there! It's literally the stupidest thing I have ever heard of.

I have never been a fan of AEMs boost gauges, the look is awesome but the functionality is iffy at best. Their strong suit is on the UEGO gauges for AFR, where Innovates is on their boost gauges, as they have well designed MAP sensors for the gauges. It's actually why I left my Innovate boost gauge in place.

 

Thanks for the update, I appreciate it since I’m at 4500 ft and need to get gauges. Can you show how yours look installed?

 

These are the revolution/legacy models. Others here can attest to the quality of Speedhut, but I found the whole process to be pretty awesome. They are very customizable and the techs knew what I was talking about with the sensor thing and knew that I wanted the TRD font logo on the faceplate. They are a little pricey, and you should be comfortable putting together wire harnesses (it's not that hard, you just have to be diligent), but I like the overall aesthetics of the setup now. It looks more like the rest of the instrument cluster; the AEM gauges, being digital, looked a bit out of place. Plus, I found that I don't really like the digital readout; I found that it was always trying to draw my attention. The analog face plate feels better because the information is there when I want to look at it, but it's not distracting when I don't need it. Worth checking out.

 

I like the speedhut stuff as well. I wanted to ask though; Do they have a 0-5v output for datalogging? Those with the MPVI2 pro would need that.

I’m currently running the AEM 30-4900 failsafe gauge. It handles AFR as well as boost/vac. It works well for me here in PHX, and has the outputs. But, I’d sure like a nice set of custom speedhuts. They look great.

 

The AFR gauge has a pink wire that is used for data logging but the instructions don't specify if it's a voltage output or not. I'm not that familiar with the application, but I assume that it is. Am I going to need to log that when I go with the HPtune? I'm still running the stock headers and have the original narrowband O2 sensors, will that suffice?

 

Why not post em all!!

 

^Noice.

I was wondering if I should have matched the bevel rings on my gauges to match the cluster, but maybe now I'll just paint the ring on the cluster.....

 

Got an update from the shop today. My disappearing coolant WAS in fact a missing O-Ring on the Lid side, like I had suspected. Better than a cracked intercooler, that's for sure. glad it was only that. The threaded holes on the manifold side have been fixed with Helicoils and all the gaskets are all being replaced. Y pipe is getting the cats removed as well, finally. Just waiting for Toyota to send the correct seals, and should have it back end of the week.

 

yeah I wanted the ones on the column to match the cluster

 

Also, could somebody link me the recommended place to buy an HP Tuner? Once I get the truck back and I slap this new-to-me plate bumper and winch on, I want to start prepping for that. I'll have that to do, plus all the NST pulley's.

 

What color bezels do you want? You need some for the 2 1/8” revolution gauges right?

 

Is 2 1/8" convert to 52mm? My maths suck at fraction conversion to metric, I think they are 2 1/16... I think at this point it may be easier to take apart the dash to get to the instrument cluster ring to paint and match the gauges instead. I need to do it anyway while on my search for a illumination wire to tap into for the gauges. Anyone have any suggestions?

 

i have a new 2.6 in black if you like sir!

 

what are you asking for those?

 

It is 2 1/16”, I forgot. Anyway, I ordered some black ones and kept the silver. If they made through my last PCS you can have them. I don’t think I tossed them but need to find them first.