Just wondering if anyone has had any problems with blowing their head gaskets after a s/c intall? I've had mine on for 2 weeks (200Kms), with some pinging up hills. I'm just wondering if the s/c may have caused the blown gasket (maybe the pinging). Although, I did notice the cooland low the day I installed the s/c. Its a pricey fix and I don't want it to happen again. I was looking to buy the URD 7th injector but this is setting me back some. I'd much rather keep the s/c as it was just starting to run better. Also, if I do add the fuel mods, will my stock auto tranny hold up? I have 170K on the vehicle.

 

i have had my TRD S/c on my 2002 since i got it. the S/c has about 80k with no problems except that it chewed up a belt a bit early.
i get the pinging up hills as well and in the process of correcting it with a urd 7th injector since the trd 7th injector is no longer made.
other than that its been great city driving and in the hills.

 

The issue on the auto tranny's is the 1-2 clutch pack. With enough hard, WOT shifts between 1-2, you'll inevitably fry it. So, do the VB now, or replace the tranny later. Or, drive it like a granny all the time.

Oh, and what you'll see with the HG/LR ping problem is high EGT's followed by sudden drops as you hear the pinging. Thankfully these engines are so durable...otherwise we would never have so many people claiming everything is fine with their stock engine and the SC'r installed.

At the very least, get the "must haves" on there:

Walbro 190
170 thermo
2-step colder plugs
Redline Water Wetter/coolant flush (more water)
Wrap fuel lines in heat reflective tape under the hood

That should buy some time anyway.

 

Thanks for the info. I did change the plugs to the IK22, and cooler thermostat. I'm having the head gasket changed this week.

 

what year is the rig? the 96 motors did have hg issues..

 

99 4Runner 3.4l. The dealer ran the vin just in case. I'm really surprised, the thing is in amazing shape.

 

maybe it was just a little cooling system neglect? i'm throwing a sc in mine after next week but might wait till i get the 7th injector and stuff.

 

your gonna SC it, Vitally?! man, when im up there in june, i gotta come by to see it!

 

If you're piging, fix it. Pinging can definitely blow a head gasket. I don't have a lot of 5VZ experience, but I do have a lot of forced induction experience in general.

Retard the timing (if possible), run a larger pulley on the SC to reduce boost pressure, run higher octane fuel, or just run more fuel in general.

 

I've heard of guys cracking heads and toasting valves with the SC. Make sure they check the heads good. And get the proper fuel ratio, running lean is very hot.

 

Good call. On the 5VZ you have to piggyback it to gain complete timing/fuel control. And the fuel part is assuming you have enough psi at the rail and large enough injectors. I run Supra 308's on mine.