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by: JasonLancaster
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Here's a quick look at the numbers for the new Toyota Tundra supercharger from TRD: it adds 504 HP and 550 lb-ft of torque; sells as a complete kit for $5 875; and costs about $6 800 total when installation is figured in, based on a labor rate of $105/hr.

The evolution towards the 5.7-liter TRD supercharger is truly intelligent design. TRD has developed horsepower/torque pushers for the 2000-03 Tundra, the V-6 Tacoma, the Camry Solara, the Scion tC and others. Tundra watchers knew it was only a matter of time before the wizards at TRD addressed the big '07 Tundra. Then, at the November 2007 Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) show in Vegas, a concept Tundra Double Cab was spotted with a supercharger and air-to-liquid intercooler generating "approximately" 500 horsepower. Since the Toyota booth display vehicle was attached to a 10,200-pound gooseneck car hauler, the extra power had to be more than simply wishful thinking.

The new Tundra TRD supercharger is an Eaton-Roots-type, or positive displacement, supercharger. The patent dates back to 1860 when Philander and Francis Roots used the technology to ventilate mine shafts - an interesting tidbit to toss out at your next barbeque. When automakers were faced with upping performance by increasing engine size or engine efficiency, they opted for efficiency. The concept of a blower was incorporated into automotive engines in the early 1900s by Gottleib Daimler and by the 1920s, appeared in racecars and premium autos. Eaton-Roots type superchargers are reliable, nearly maintenance free, and eliminate drag on the engine when the boost is not required.

The TRD Tundra supercharger contains Eaton's Twin Vortices System (TVS), which features twin four-lobe rotors with 160 degree twist, improving air-handling, and reducing noise and vibration. The supercharger kit comes with 8 new high-flow fuel injectors, lower heat range iridium-tip spark plugs, and an intercooler. The intercooler decreases air inlet temperature to the engine, which allows for more aggressive ignition timing.

TRD's new high performance air intake, which is quite similar to the cold air intake kit offered as a standalone part, supplies the supercharger with its air. During the supercharger installation, the engine control unit (ECU) is reprogrammed with a new high performance engine management profile, which changes the engine timing and the transmission's shift points to maximize power. This allows the Tundra to use all the extra power which the supercharger provides, while maintaining 50 state emissions certifications.

It takes approximately 9 hours in install the TRD Tundra supercharger, and Toyota will honor the remainder of their 5yr/60k miles powertrain warranty on the condition that the supercharger is installed by your local Toyota dealer. Adding the supercharger is a safe investment, given TRD's high quality of engineering and Toyota's agreement to honor the full warranty.

There's only one catch if you're hoping to buy your new Tundra with the supercharger. The TRD supercharger is only authorized to be retailed as a dealer installed or over-the-counter option AFTER the sale of a new Tundra. The supercharger and Tundra cannot be sold together at the same time, or financed together. Your local Toyota dealer may be able to find some sort of compromise or deal, but if you're determined to have a supercharger on your new Toyota Tundra, be prepared to fork over some cash.

About the Author

The author Jason Lancaster administrates TundraHeadquarters.com, a web site with information, news, and reviews of Toyota Tundra parts and Tundra accessories.

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