1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

2TR-FE supercharger stuff

Discussion in 'Performance and Tuning' started by Rola2010, Nov 9, 2020.

  1. Nov 9, 2020 at 12:54 PM
    #1
    Rola2010

    Rola2010 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2020
    Member:
    #344580
    Messages:
    142
    Honolulu, HI
    Vehicle:
    2010 Tacoma 2wd base RC
    Not sure if this is the correct forum to post this, mods please move if necessary.

    The Rotrex SC unit (C30-94) on my Tacoma has gone bad. The unit is past warranty, though I am following up with Rotrex and where the kit was purchased. My truck is the 2.7L I4 so it's the only advertised option out there.

    Has anyone had (or knows someone who had) success/experience with fitting another manufacturer's centrifugal SC unit to their truck in place of the Rotrex? Especially with a unit that is serviceable. Just want to see if there are other options available.

    Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.
     
  2. Nov 11, 2020 at 1:39 PM
    #2
    JL8Jeff

    JL8Jeff Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2018
    Member:
    #243662
    Messages:
    983
    First Name:
    Jeff
    Ewing, NJ
    Vehicle:
    2013 Tacoma reg cab
    OME 885/nitros, SPC UCA, 305/65/17, AAL
    I don't think there is a direct replacement option since the Rotrex is one of the smaller head units. I think they made changes and the new shaft might be stronger. The Procharger C1 head units are somewhat small head units but still a bit larger than the Rotrex so they are not interchangable.
     
  3. Nov 11, 2020 at 2:42 PM
    #3
    BassAckwards

    BassAckwards Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 3, 2016
    Member:
    #186002
    Messages:
    27,612
    I'm not aware of any direct replacements but you're already a good ways along to going turbo if you wanted to go that route. 5 lug fury did something similar whenever his rotrex died too. Manifold, turbo, oil drain/lines exhaust and you'd nearly be there!

    IMG_4769.jpg
     
    Hayrider, Steves104x4 and Jon64l like this.
  4. Nov 14, 2020 at 7:32 PM
    #4
    Torspd

    Torspd Tor-nication

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2009
    Member:
    #22958
    Messages:
    25,616
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Tor
    The Great America!
    Vehicle:
    MMVI 4.4L 4x4 Access Cab
    Torspd Custom Turbo kit [] Borg Warner 9180EFR Turbo [] Haltech Elite 2500 [] TiAL Q BOV [] TiAL V44 Wastegate @ 15psi [] CP Pistons [] CP Carrillo Rods [] ARP Head studs [] ARP Main Studs [] ARP Header - Head Studs [] Ported Heads w/ 1mm oversized valves intake/exhaust [] Brian Crower Forged Stroker Crank [] Darton M.I.D. Sleeved Block [] Kelford Camshafts [] Torspd 160* T-stat mod [] APR Large Fuel Rail [] Walbro 460 LPH E85 Fuel Pump [] FueLab FPR [] APR T56 Conversion Kit [] KP RACING Built T56 [] McLeod Racing Custom Twin Disk Clutch [] One Piece Aluminum Driveshaft [] MGW Shifter [] Custom lowering kit [] Ohlins Front Coilovers [] QA1rear shocks [] Custom Ron Davis Radiator [] Dual SPAL Electric Fans []
    Turbski !!!!!!!
     
  5. Nov 15, 2020 at 1:42 PM
    #5
    JL8Jeff

    JL8Jeff Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2018
    Member:
    #243662
    Messages:
    983
    First Name:
    Jeff
    Ewing, NJ
    Vehicle:
    2013 Tacoma reg cab
    OME 885/nitros, SPC UCA, 305/65/17, AAL
    Here's a picture they sent me of the updated main shaft spindle that should last longer but I circled where the weak spot seems to be.



    UpdatedSpindle3.jpg
     
    Hayrider and Torspd like this.
  6. Dec 5, 2020 at 1:08 AM
    #6
    Rola2010

    Rola2010 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2020
    Member:
    #344580
    Messages:
    142
    Honolulu, HI
    Vehicle:
    2010 Tacoma 2wd base RC
    Thanks for the info and replies guys. I took the Rotrex out of the serpentine belt loop and have been running it this way for a few weeks now; still really on the fence about buying another head unit. Someone mentioned the fear of it breaking was always in the back of their mind so they couldn’t fully enjoy the system and that really hit the nail on the head for me - on some level it just seems so fragile.

    I’m actually considering removing the whole system entirely but I need to do a bit more research to see how to go about doing it and what’s involved (or if I’m opening up an expensive can of worms). I do have a copy of the install manual from urd. If you guys have any thoughts I’d be happy to hear your take.

    Anyhow, thanks again for the input and insight, appreciate it.
     
  7. Dec 5, 2020 at 7:11 AM
    #7
    Torspd

    Torspd Tor-nication

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2009
    Member:
    #22958
    Messages:
    25,616
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Tor
    The Great America!
    Vehicle:
    MMVI 4.4L 4x4 Access Cab
    Torspd Custom Turbo kit [] Borg Warner 9180EFR Turbo [] Haltech Elite 2500 [] TiAL Q BOV [] TiAL V44 Wastegate @ 15psi [] CP Pistons [] CP Carrillo Rods [] ARP Head studs [] ARP Main Studs [] ARP Header - Head Studs [] Ported Heads w/ 1mm oversized valves intake/exhaust [] Brian Crower Forged Stroker Crank [] Darton M.I.D. Sleeved Block [] Kelford Camshafts [] Torspd 160* T-stat mod [] APR Large Fuel Rail [] Walbro 460 LPH E85 Fuel Pump [] FueLab FPR [] APR T56 Conversion Kit [] KP RACING Built T56 [] McLeod Racing Custom Twin Disk Clutch [] One Piece Aluminum Driveshaft [] MGW Shifter [] Custom lowering kit [] Ohlins Front Coilovers [] QA1rear shocks [] Custom Ron Davis Radiator [] Dual SPAL Electric Fans []
    Your truck is half way to a turbo build! ;)

    I'd run it and enjoy it to its fullest, until you no longer can. Which could be ages from now.
     
  8. Dec 5, 2020 at 10:34 AM
    #8
    Rola2010

    Rola2010 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2020
    Member:
    #344580
    Messages:
    142
    Honolulu, HI
    Vehicle:
    2010 Tacoma 2wd base RC
    I’ve been thinking about it! I had a look at your (and other) turbo builds here and sourcing parts is going to be the biggest challenge, especially since I’m out here in Hawaii and fabrication is a pretty far out of my skill set and resources. It seems like there was a lot of interest in performance stuff for the I4 up until a few years ago and have since disappeared entirely.

    But you’re right, one of the main reasons I bought the truck was because it was fun to drive - it’s quite ordinary in comparison now and leaves a lot to be desired.
     
    Last edited: Dec 5, 2020
  9. Dec 5, 2020 at 12:38 PM
    #9
    Torspd

    Torspd Tor-nication

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2009
    Member:
    #22958
    Messages:
    25,616
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Tor
    The Great America!
    Vehicle:
    MMVI 4.4L 4x4 Access Cab
    Torspd Custom Turbo kit [] Borg Warner 9180EFR Turbo [] Haltech Elite 2500 [] TiAL Q BOV [] TiAL V44 Wastegate @ 15psi [] CP Pistons [] CP Carrillo Rods [] ARP Head studs [] ARP Main Studs [] ARP Header - Head Studs [] Ported Heads w/ 1mm oversized valves intake/exhaust [] Brian Crower Forged Stroker Crank [] Darton M.I.D. Sleeved Block [] Kelford Camshafts [] Torspd 160* T-stat mod [] APR Large Fuel Rail [] Walbro 460 LPH E85 Fuel Pump [] FueLab FPR [] APR T56 Conversion Kit [] KP RACING Built T56 [] McLeod Racing Custom Twin Disk Clutch [] One Piece Aluminum Driveshaft [] MGW Shifter [] Custom lowering kit [] Ohlins Front Coilovers [] QA1rear shocks [] Custom Ron Davis Radiator [] Dual SPAL Electric Fans []
    I am hoping to start working on a turbo header quite soon.
     
  10. Dec 6, 2020 at 1:53 AM
    #10
    Rola2010

    Rola2010 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2020
    Member:
    #344580
    Messages:
    142
    Honolulu, HI
    Vehicle:
    2010 Tacoma 2wd base RC
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    #10
  11. Dec 6, 2020 at 7:10 AM
    #11
    Torspd

    Torspd Tor-nication

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2009
    Member:
    #22958
    Messages:
    25,616
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Tor
    The Great America!
    Vehicle:
    MMVI 4.4L 4x4 Access Cab
    Torspd Custom Turbo kit [] Borg Warner 9180EFR Turbo [] Haltech Elite 2500 [] TiAL Q BOV [] TiAL V44 Wastegate @ 15psi [] CP Pistons [] CP Carrillo Rods [] ARP Head studs [] ARP Main Studs [] ARP Header - Head Studs [] Ported Heads w/ 1mm oversized valves intake/exhaust [] Brian Crower Forged Stroker Crank [] Darton M.I.D. Sleeved Block [] Kelford Camshafts [] Torspd 160* T-stat mod [] APR Large Fuel Rail [] Walbro 460 LPH E85 Fuel Pump [] FueLab FPR [] APR T56 Conversion Kit [] KP RACING Built T56 [] McLeod Racing Custom Twin Disk Clutch [] One Piece Aluminum Driveshaft [] MGW Shifter [] Custom lowering kit [] Ohlins Front Coilovers [] QA1rear shocks [] Custom Ron Davis Radiator [] Dual SPAL Electric Fans []
    Ships from Australia.
     
  12. Dec 6, 2020 at 8:43 PM
    #12
    Rola2010

    Rola2010 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2020
    Member:
    #344580
    Messages:
    142
    Honolulu, HI
    Vehicle:
    2010 Tacoma 2wd base RC
    That not withstanding, is this essentially all the hardware I’d need to recycle my urd kit with a turbo? Not to say that it’ll be simple, but I’ve never owned a FI car until this one and it seems much less involved than I thought it would be.
     
    Last edited: Dec 6, 2020
  13. Dec 7, 2020 at 7:21 AM
    #13
    Torspd

    Torspd Tor-nication

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2009
    Member:
    #22958
    Messages:
    25,616
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Tor
    The Great America!
    Vehicle:
    MMVI 4.4L 4x4 Access Cab
    Torspd Custom Turbo kit [] Borg Warner 9180EFR Turbo [] Haltech Elite 2500 [] TiAL Q BOV [] TiAL V44 Wastegate @ 15psi [] CP Pistons [] CP Carrillo Rods [] ARP Head studs [] ARP Main Studs [] ARP Header - Head Studs [] Ported Heads w/ 1mm oversized valves intake/exhaust [] Brian Crower Forged Stroker Crank [] Darton M.I.D. Sleeved Block [] Kelford Camshafts [] Torspd 160* T-stat mod [] APR Large Fuel Rail [] Walbro 460 LPH E85 Fuel Pump [] FueLab FPR [] APR T56 Conversion Kit [] KP RACING Built T56 [] McLeod Racing Custom Twin Disk Clutch [] One Piece Aluminum Driveshaft [] MGW Shifter [] Custom lowering kit [] Ohlins Front Coilovers [] QA1rear shocks [] Custom Ron Davis Radiator [] Dual SPAL Electric Fans []
    Ahh, yes. Looks like most everything you'd need.
     
    Rola2010[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  14. Dec 30, 2020 at 6:24 PM
    #14
    Rola2010

    Rola2010 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2020
    Member:
    #344580
    Messages:
    142
    Honolulu, HI
    Vehicle:
    2010 Tacoma 2wd base RC
    During the winter break have been doing more research and found something - it’s a “universal” unit from HKS:
    https://www.vividracing.com/hks-gts7040-supercharger-p-151104113.html

    According to customer support at Vivid, it looks to be very similar in design and size to the Rotrex - kits for the same car have pretty much identical peripherals and hardware. Main difference in mounting is that the HKS has a three bolt in triangular orientation, Rotrex has four - I’m thinking the URD mounting bracket can be easily modified/redrilled to accommodate the different bolt pattern. There may also be a difference with the roller bearing layout - from what I’ve read the Rotrex has three identical rollers, the HKS I think has a larger roller at the top and the shaft is offset (see here); I’ve read an opinion somewhere that the one bearing at the 12:00 position is the weak point of the system; perhaps the larger roller is made to address that.

    The biggest difference is the price - I’ve found the HKS unit for as much as $1k cheaper. The unit in the link is discontinued so they are probably on clearance pricing.

    I haven’t seen much on the HKS unit, but with my lack of experience I am wondering if this could be a possible replacement or if I am overlooking major items/considerations in trying to find alternatives. Any thoughts?
     
  15. Dec 30, 2020 at 6:59 PM
    #15
    Torspd

    Torspd Tor-nication

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2009
    Member:
    #22958
    Messages:
    25,616
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Tor
    The Great America!
    Vehicle:
    MMVI 4.4L 4x4 Access Cab
    Torspd Custom Turbo kit [] Borg Warner 9180EFR Turbo [] Haltech Elite 2500 [] TiAL Q BOV [] TiAL V44 Wastegate @ 15psi [] CP Pistons [] CP Carrillo Rods [] ARP Head studs [] ARP Main Studs [] ARP Header - Head Studs [] Ported Heads w/ 1mm oversized valves intake/exhaust [] Brian Crower Forged Stroker Crank [] Darton M.I.D. Sleeved Block [] Kelford Camshafts [] Torspd 160* T-stat mod [] APR Large Fuel Rail [] Walbro 460 LPH E85 Fuel Pump [] FueLab FPR [] APR T56 Conversion Kit [] KP RACING Built T56 [] McLeod Racing Custom Twin Disk Clutch [] One Piece Aluminum Driveshaft [] MGW Shifter [] Custom lowering kit [] Ohlins Front Coilovers [] QA1rear shocks [] Custom Ron Davis Radiator [] Dual SPAL Electric Fans []
    Do it!
     
  16. Dec 30, 2020 at 8:04 PM
    #16
    JL8Jeff

    JL8Jeff Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2018
    Member:
    #243662
    Messages:
    983
    First Name:
    Jeff
    Ewing, NJ
    Vehicle:
    2013 Tacoma reg cab
    OME 885/nitros, SPC UCA, 305/65/17, AAL
    I think the HKS is the same design as the Rotrex so it might still have the same issue with locking up and breaking the shaft. Definitely do some searching around to see what people have to say about the HKS unit.
     
  17. Jun 7, 2021 at 10:03 PM
    #17
    Rola2010

    Rola2010 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2020
    Member:
    #344580
    Messages:
    142
    Honolulu, HI
    Vehicle:
    2010 Tacoma 2wd base RC
    So it's been 6 months, but I am finally able to update this thread. I emailed LHT about a Rotrex disassembly video and was pointed to Dave, a rebuilder in the UK: Repair was a fraction of the cost of a new head unit, and turnaround time was a little more than a month (including shipping from/to Hawaii) - there were some parts delays but Dave was good about staying in touch and keeping me posted. Upgraded bearings, shaft, seals, and an upgraded billet 7-blade impeller for a bit more boost:

    EE1A2D2C-4E86-42BB-94D9-299994C19B3C.jpg

    Finally got around to getting it installed and so far so good. If you have a Rotrex head unit sitting around as a paperweight, may want to give him a shout. I think he will buy your unit for spares if it’s not cost effective to repair.

    Anyhow, happy that she breathes again. Now I need a new boost and wideband AFR gauge. Any recommendations?
     
  18. Jun 8, 2021 at 1:30 PM
    #18
    BassAckwards

    BassAckwards Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 3, 2016
    Member:
    #186002
    Messages:
    27,612
    Awesome find, will be keeping this in mind for when mine inevitably decides to self destruct. Did yours break the shaft off like others i've seen on here? Also if you dont mind me asking, what was the price to repair all in?
     
  19. Jun 8, 2021 at 1:33 PM
    #19
    BassAckwards

    BassAckwards Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 3, 2016
    Member:
    #186002
    Messages:
    27,612
    I'm running AEM in mine on the lotek gauge pillar
    0A04FEC0-FFEC-48D5-9DD0-F7A02397E04D.jpg
     
  20. Jun 8, 2021 at 3:13 PM
    #20
    Rola2010

    Rola2010 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2020
    Member:
    #344580
    Messages:
    142
    Honolulu, HI
    Vehicle:
    2010 Tacoma 2wd base RC
    Mine didn't physically break but I did have the deafening whine that precedes it; the shaft surface was breaking up and it looked like the traction fluid was not changed as it should have been by the previous owner. I'm surprised how much that seems to play into the longevity of the Rotrex; I know a guy who has had his for more than 5 years without issue, and swears by changing the fluid at proper intervals; I'm sure there's more to it than that but I will try to be more diligent this time around.

    Also, I reviewed my emails and I should correct that it was actually about two months from the day I shipped to the day I got it back, but that does include almost two weeks for the package to arrive in the UK and a few week's wait on some of the parts that were experiencing shipping delays earlier this year. In any event, he did keep in contact throughout and responded to emails typically within a day. Total cost, including shipping to and from Hawaii was less than $800 - I could rebuild it two more times before I got in the neighborhood of the cost of a new one, so it was definitely worth it to me. There are different "levels" of repairs he'll do and I think he has pricing sheets on his page (but they're in GBP so you'll need to convert.)

    Thanks for the info on the gauges. I was thinking about getting a wideband/boost combo gauge - AEM has one but it seems to be hard to find, and I've found the Innovate one but the reviews on it are mixed. The gauges I have do work (though the AFR illumination light is burnt out and non-replaceable), but I'm hoping to get rid of the two pod gauge (I have the Cravenspeed pod).
     

Products Discussed in

To Top