TRD/ Magnuson 4.0 Supercharger Tips, Tricks, and Mods

Has anyone here picked up the Lotek pillar gauge pod? I'm considering picking up one and mating an AEM 30-0311 OBD displays to it so I can monitor ECT and maybe even battery voltage to it. I know of a few who have to pillar pod are on here, but what have you guys done to address the gray color mismatch issue that they have?

 

I like mine, color is pretty close. Some trimming required to fit gauges

 

How long ago did you get yours? I wonder if they are getting closer to the actual OE color now.

 

Early 2016

 

I got mine back in 2013 and the color isn’t off enough to bother me. The fit and trimming of the pod for the gen handle is kinda garbage but with patience you can get it to fit decent.

 

I bought a cheap pair of these ratchet locking hose clamp pliers when I installed my charger. They made dealing with hose clamps almost fun and were one of the more memorable tools I used.

Canadian store though

https://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/hose-clamp-pliers/A-p2920951e

Think this looks like the same thing from Amazon.

$41 OTC 4524 Stinger 45° Hose Clamp Plier , Red

https://www.amazon.com/OTC-4524-Stinger-Clamp-Plier/dp/B005J3L142

Also a thin belt tensioner like this permanently resides in my truck with a spare belt. Mine didn't have the case but looks the same.

$68 OEMTOOLS 27115 Serpentine Belt Tool

https://www.amazon.com/OEMTOOLS-27115-Serpentine-Belt-Tool/dp/B0014WDKQ4

 

Like @GT7 and @wrmathis, I'm (mostly) satisfied with my Lotek 2-Pod Full Pillar. I'm neither a woman nor an iteriror decorator, so the color match is close enough. The biggest issue I had/have was/is fitment, that required a little Dremel work to optimize. IIRC, I had to tweak one of the gauge holes to seat the gauge and both mounting holes for the handle required adjustment. The gauges ended up fitting pretty well, but the handle will never be perfect.

 

I really should just cut the crap and get one. The ECT display alone for me would be worth it.

 

I was pretty worried about color match and fitment, neither of which was/is too bad. I think you'd be satisfied with one. In the overall scheme of things, they're not very expensive, so giving one a try won't break the bank.

Forgot to mention I bought mine within the past year, so I don't think much has changed since earlier adopters picked-up theirs.

 

Good call. I had one from NAPA that is one a 24” extension. The radiator hose clamps were challenging. Easy stuff mechanically just a pain in the butt. The only other thing that stumped me was trying to hold the crank for the 215 for/lbs called for torque. I built a holder and then bent it at 195 ft/lbs. Since then I never bought the holder and just crank up the impact gun to 11 and let it rip. A 1/2” ratchet with a cheater bar will be fine but you do need to consider a way to hold the engine.

A way

$70 Schley Products 64300 Lexus And Toyota Harmonic Damper Pulley Holding Tool

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0051XDBB...olid=1X59JMAD2UEFU&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

 

Does anybody have feedback on the URD Flexpod Gauge Mount? Before I learned about Lotek, I was leaning this way, but they look like they might obstruct your view of the gauge cluster (which would drive me nuts).

https://www.urdusa.com/flexpod-gauge-mount-tacoma-2005-2015/

 

Quite a few run it here. I had the same concern. It isn’t as bad as you think. It would sell quickly if you don’t like it.

 

I don't run one, for the exact reason you mention. @zippsub9 is, however, correct - lots of folks really like their Flexpods and they do seem to sell when they come up for sale.

@JuanitoBunito has posted several photos of his setup, running both a pillar pod and a Flexpod...

 

My view

 

Mine was close enough color-wise that it doesnt bother me, and im super OCD.

 

I am manual trans so put it in high gear, disabled fuel and ignition, leaned the breaker bar against the frame and bumped the starter. It made a horrible noise for a second and the bolt and bar dropped to the floor.

 

Oh that's hot man.

Yeah I feel like I've gotten a little more OCD lately, it's a seriously annoying issue and I can't stand it.

 

Been meaning to get that same emblem. Looks dope!

 

The extra attention to detail can be a real plus though.

 

So true! Sucks to have to be like that, but you can count on a jam-up finished product