Street Build TRD Supercharged 2011 SR5

Looks hella nice! You're ready for winter now.

 

I just had a mind-blowing realization. One could theoretically use an electronic boost controller attached to the bypass valve in order to control boost at a certain level. One could run the bypass valve such that there would be more than one setting for boost, indicating modes for improved fuel economy, less intensity and more driveability, and possibly even a valet mode.

I might actually try it.

 

I like this idea. Quick google and found this which looks feasible. Probably more options out there too

https://www.nengun.com/apexi/power-fc-boost-controller-kit

I think the tricky part would be controlling/interfacing with the mechanical bypass valve. Would possibly need to replace the bypass valve with a small pneumatic actuator of some sort.

 

Nice. That looks like a really good one. And you're right on changing the actuator's mechanism because a boost controller uses positive gauge manifold pressure to actuate the wastegate, whereas our bypass valve uses negative gauge manifold pressure to activate. This may be as simple as retrofitting a turbo wastegate to actuate the valve, but in likelihood, it will require like, real engineering or something. Definitely a hack that I would attempt.

 

Some stuff is happening.

 

How many gauges does that make?

 

What do the new switches do?

Did you finally add the thing that shoots oil behind your truck to make cops wipe out?

 

Nice! Are you putting the intake temp probe in the blower lid?

 

That is 7 gauges. Had to make it a prime number to appease the boost gods.

 

How did you know?? Just kidding. But don't give me any ideas.

Actually the switches are a bit inane. Glovebox heater, toolbox heater, and momentary switch for water meth transfer pump. The fourth switch will probably be the hand throttle, which is a little more interesting.

 

Interesting glove box heater eh

 

Keeps lunch warm lol

 

It's actually in a hole in the back of the manifold, near the bypass valve. where no one can see it.

 

nice! If I was bored enough to convert it into a cooling glove box that would be a neat feature. Saw that on a few cars.

 

Newest weird-ass mod. I installed a water/methanol reserve tank in the bed. Why, you might ask? Because now that I run 900ml/min, on a stint of very spirited driving or on a long highway drive, the engine bay reservoir is drained quickly. This will allow me to refill the engine bay reservoir using one of my overhead switches - there is a small pump and a basic inline fuel filter in front of the tank.

 

Mid flight re-fuel sounds like it would be satisfyingly fun to do!

Question: is there a way to tell when the main reservoir is filled so you know to turn off the pump or does the pump turn on for a timed delivery? If you forget to toggle a manual on/off pump it could possibly get damaged trying to fill the full main reservoir.

 

Good question - I start to re-fill the engine bay reservoir using the cabin switch once the low-level indicator turns on, and basically just guess by counting in my head. But the switch used to pump the fluid is a momentary one, so I won't be able to leave it in the "on" position. The engine bay reservoir also has pressure relief in the cap in case I do overfill it a bit.

 

Nicely done! Extra capacity is always a good thing.

 

You should do a timed test to fill to get a baseline.

 

Now that I can pretend to weld, projects are starting to come to me. I shortened my Hurst shifter, having a 5" long billet shift knob somewhat negated the short-ness of the shifter (even though it is also combined with URD short shifter). I also welded one of the shifter's joints because it would always come loose and lead to a sloppy feeling in the shifts. And yes, I'm fully aware of how bad the welds are. I tested them with a hammer so I might be good.