(Group Buy #2) Red Bullet Modified VVT-i Solenoids !!!

Sorry to clutter up this thread with other non-related chat haha. I did go with the 70mm adapter and got myself a pretty clean-looking used TB off ebay for 85 bucks. All in all, only cost me around $200 with shipping and taxes total. Not too shabby, now I gotta save up some more to get a set of these solenoids. I can throw everything on at the same time then.

 

Although the HP gains with the solenoids May be minimal, they really smooth out the engine. Adding multiple engine performance enhancements with these solenoids will def increase your HP gain.

 

That's the plan, get all the little/easy stuff done and then get an OTT tune eventually to make the most out of all of it.

 

Installed mine this past weekend with an intake manifold spacer. Old ones were a bit tight getting off, new solenoids went on easy. Intake manifold spacer is supposed to lower the torque rpm range and it seems to be doing just that with help from cam gears mod. Engine is running smooth as ever!

 

Is that all blow by in the intake?

 

100% agree with your research. I sold off the Crank pulley and kept the stock even though i had a NST steel sleeved crank pulley for the reliability concern. V6 engines fundamentally have bad harmonics. The water pump and alternator pulley was still a big upgrade. For a short time there was a lightweight power steering pulley but it fell through quickly from members not returning cores.

 

you can thank the PCV valve for that crap in the intake. Catch cans help reduce this snot from reaching the intake runners and TB.

 

Glad to hear that, you think there's any issue running their alternator pulley if I have the higher output alternator that comes with the OEM tow package? I was considering getting the other 2 but didn't want to mess with my alternator pulley without finding out first. I plan on towing with my truck down the road and don't want that affected at all if possible. If it was underdriven then I wouldn't even bother, but just a lightened pulley I wouldn't think would affect output at all.

 

Welp that picture alone is enough to make me want to buy a catch can.

 

The NST alternator pulley is not underdriven. It's the same diameter but weighs less because it's aluminum. It's not going to affect your alternator output.

 

I know those pulleys aren't underdrive pulleys, I was just saying that if it was then I wouldn't even chance using it because it'll underdrive the alternator. I wouldn't think a lightened pulley would affect the output.

 

There's also 2 different types of alternator pulleys for the Tacoma. A flat back or one with a hump. It's best to remove yours to confirm before ordering from nst.

 

I've seen worse lol. I've heard mix reviews about getting a catch can. What are the negatives of having a little oil make it's way to the intake runners? If anything I would think it would help catch more dirt and aid a small bit in lubrication. I can see it would dirty up the air-fuel mixture slightly, but nothing that would harm reliability.

Edit: Initial impressions of the solenoids + intake manifold spacer: Engine runs super smooth. Low-end torque feels good, butt dyno doesn't feel a huge increase, but the delivery is close to perfect. Engine has 160k on it and has never felt this smooth. I also have the cam gears mod, so between those three additions (no tune), it's made a good difference.

 

"Oil catch cans are simple devices that greatly benefit direct injection engines. The oil catch cans prevent oil and other contaminants from causing a buildup of debris inside the engine's intake manifold."
Can mess up plugs, pistons, valves, etc if it builds up. A little blow by is probably fine, but a lot is not ideal as it builds up.

 

Pretty sure that is a worst case scenario. Seen stock 4.0L go 400k+ unmodified. However, I agree your point of view, keeping the intake manifold clear of excessive debris for protection of the valves and plugs would be more optimal. Not like catch cans are difficult or expensive to add anyways. I'll probably add one soon.

 

I'd say monitor it for a while and if it's not catching much between changes it's probably fine. If you're having to dump it between changes, then there may be an issue.

 

I have a few more sets available.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/fs-red-bullet-performance-vvt-i-solenoids-1gr-fe.801241/

 

I also have the URD Cam gears and intake manifold spacer. How did these work with the mods? I also have the OTT tune

 

After reading through this thread and your input, I'm leaning towards doing all these mods even with 278,xxx miles. My motor is super healthy but, damn its a dog due to all my added weight. I can use all the power I can get.

 

You still have residents in Webberville? Or you move on already?