To us, there’s no arguing that the 5th Gen Toyota 4Runner is a fantastic vehicle both on and off road! Capable, well-rounded, and just as comfortable in bumper-to-bumper traffic, as it is dragging bumpers on on the trails. But the other point that deserves no argument, is that while these rigs have many merits, their major drawback is the 1GR-FE engine’s glaringly underwhelming power output across the board.
Sure, it’s Toyota reliable and will basically run forever with minimal attention, but the more adventurous owners are left wanting a bit more than this engine can deliver in factory form. The solution? A supercharger system from Magnuson Superchargers, of course! And that’s what Greg brought us his 2019 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road to have done!
With the stock intake manifold removed, the Magnuson Supercharger can now be set into place!
Oh, yeah, looking much better already!
Nicely designed supercharger drive belt system, as always from Magnuson Superchargers!
And the finished product! Now, this is one of the many things we absolutely love about Magnuson Superchargers systems… Stock-like fit & finish. It looks like it came from the factory that way! Even the factory airbox is retained, which is an added bonus for those with an aftermarket snorkel, as most are designed to connect to the factory airbox.
And of course, one of the other things we love about Magnuson Superchargers, is the POWER! While Greg did not opt for custom tuning with this project, we normally see between 320-330hp & 300-310lbft at the wheels with Magnuson Supercharger equipped 4Runners! And considering that these rigs in factory form normally put down a flat 220-230hp & 230-240lbft at the wheels, that’s a significant improvement not only at peak, but also under the curve where you use it most!
Have you noticed the new pump handles at your local fuel station that say “E85” and wondered what they are all about? What if we told you that this is the key to unlocking more horsepower from your engine while also helping it run more efficiently, and all for less than what you’re paying for premium gasoline? E85 fuel provides these benefits and more which is why we call it the automotive “nectar of the Gods”, but there are a few things to consider before pulling the trigger on the yellow pump handle. In this article we will take you through the good, the bad, and the beautiful of running this fuel in your vehicle, but if you simply want to see how you can add more power to your ride with E85 then our team is standing by on the phones to answer your questions today!
What is E85?
E85 is a fuel that consists of a mixture of ethanol and gasoline. Ethanol is alcohol that is derived from plant matter such as corn or sugar cane, and when used as a fuel for automotive engines it can provide properties that allow for increased performance. However, most vehicles cannot operate on ethanol alone as this fuel is very corrosive to fuel system components in its isolated form, as well as it requires much more energy to ignite making it difficult for engines to start on ethanol in cold temperatures. To overcome these two issues traditional gasoline is blended with the ethanol. This provides additional detergents to the fuel to protect against corrosion, as well as lowers the energy required to ignite the fuel so that vehicles can easily start in cold climates.
Benefits of E85
To fully understand the benefits of E85 fuel you must first be aware of the actual ethanol content in the fuel you are filling with. In the United States E85 fuel can range from an ethanol content of 50% to 85% with the remaining content of the fuel being traditional gasoline. The actual mixture that you will receive from the pump will vary based on the region that the fuel is being sold in as well as the time of year as the ethanol content is reduced to help with those cold-start conditions that we mentioned earlier. The main point here is that the performance benefits from E85 fuel will increase as the content of ethanol increases in your fuel.
Now that we understand ethanol content in E85 fuel we can look at what key factors actually allow engines using E85 to outperform those using traditional gasoline:
Octane Rating – The first factor to consider is that E85 carries a higher-octane rating than standard gasoline. Depending on the final ethanol content of the E85 being used the octane rating can range from 100-105. This is a significant increase from most premium gasoline in the United States which only carries a 91-93 octane rating. By providing a higher-octane content the engine can safely run higher boost pressure and/or ignition timing with a lower risk of detonation. Prior to E85 being readily available this level of octane was only found in very expensive and hard-to-source racing fuels, but now E85 provides this same level of performance and protection at your local pump and for a cost that is generally lower than premium gasoline.
Cooling Effect – E85 also provides a significant cooling effect that is not found in gasoline. This cooling effect will provide lower temperatures in the combustion chamber during the ignition process which allows for a safer environment in high-performance engines that run high boost pressures or ignition timing. Also depending on the fuel system in your vehicle, some engines may experience a reduction in intake air temperatures that can lead to an increase in horsepower as well.
Due to many variables in combinations it is impossible to put a general number on how much horsepower and torque will increase on E85 versus gasoline. However, it is safe to say that any vehicle will show a performance increase by using E85 as long as E85-compatible components are installed and the vehicle’s ECU has been properly calibrated for E85 fuels. These benefits coupled with the low cost of E85 make for a compelling argument to change your vehicle over to E85.
We ran tests between E85 and other fuels on our A90 Supra test vehicle to see how it stacked up. To see the results, watch the video below.
Drawbacks of E85
While the additional performance at a low cost with E85 is significant, there are a few additional factors to consider before deciding that E85 should be the preferred fuel for your vehicle.
Vehicle/Component Compatibility – The first item to consider when deciding to switch to E85 fuel is whether your vehicle is equipped to safely use E85. When comparing a vehicle on gasoline versus one on E85 with identical combinations, the E85 vehicle will demand 30-35% more from the vehicle’s fuel system than the gasoline vehicle. Because of this, most vehicles will require some form of fuel injector and fuel pump(s) upgrade before it can support E85. Also, many manufacturers did not provide ethanol-compatible fuel lines and components until the mid-2000’s, so it is best to discuss exactly what is needed to run E85 in your specific vehicle with your performance consultant prior to making the switch.
Fuel Economy – E85 vaporizes at a rate of 30-35% on average faster than traditional gasoline. Because of this, vehicles that operate on E85 fuel will typically see a reduction in fuel economy by that same 30-35% rate compared to what the vehicle would experience on gasoline. However, E85 is generally less expensive per gallon than premium gasoline so for most users this is not a significant concern.
Availability – While the availability of E85 fuel has drastically increased in the past several decades there are still many areas that do not have reasonable access to E85 at a traditional fuel station. Due to being produced primarily from corn matter, E85 is prevalent across the mid-west as well as larger cities where fuel transportation is frequent. However, regions that are more scarcely populated and located further from corn-producing areas may have more difficulty sourcing the fuel.
Is E85 Right for You?
Now that we have explored some of the benefits and drawbacks of E85, it is time to decide whether E85 is the right fuel for your specific vehicle application. After you’ve spoken with your performance consultant on what components will be needed to equip your car to be compatible with E85, the next step is determining the availability of E85 in your area as well as if you are comfortable with the reduction in fuel economy when using E85.
There are many resources to determine the availability of E85 and other ethanol-based fuels in your area. Most notably is www.gasbuddy.com which provides you with an easy to use search engine that locates all of the available fuels in your area based on your location. When conducting your search, you may find that E85 is not readily available in your area, however that should not put a stop to your consideration of E85 as many aftermarket fuel manufacturers such as VP Racing Fuels are now offering their own versions of ethanol-based fuels that can be ordered online and shipped directly to your house or local performance center. If your vehicle is more of a weekend warrior this may prove to be a great solution to increase performance without worrying about where to fill up.
The reduction in fuel economy is also easily justified by the traditionally lower price per gallon of E85 when compared to premium gasoline. While the reduction in fuel economy is real, the benefits of a higher performing and safer engine far outweigh the extra trips to the pump.
As you can see from this article there are many advantages to using E85 fuel in your vehicle and our team of performance specialists are happy to help in answering any additional questions that you may have about making the switch. Every vehicle application and combination differs slightly, and National Speed is equipped with the tools and resources to help in guiding you on a path to increasing the performance in your vehicle without compromising safety or reliability.
If you’ve got a 2018 or newer Ford Mustang GT, then we don’t have to tell you that they’re one of the best cars you can buy for a fun daily driver! But you know what makes it even more fun? Another 200whp without any compromise! And that’s why we chose the VMP Performance Loki supercharger system for our Stage-1 Supercharged package for 2018 and newer Mustang GT. Stock-like drivability, 600whp+ on 93 octane, all without affecting reliability. And that’s exactly what Josh – the owner of this 2020 example – was after for his daily driven Mustang!
And cool fact here: the Eaton TVS2650 rotor pack VMP used for their supercharger, is the exact same one Ford selected for the 2020+ Shelby GT500! Not a bad pedigree…
And to round out our Stage-1 Supercharged package, we also include a key reliability modification to keep your Coyote happily running for the long haul: MMR billet oil pump gears and crankshaft sprocket. These components withstand the added abuse of a supercharger – something the factory components don’t always do well – and ensure reliable oil pressure without risk of failure. Stock parts removed…
And the MMR billet components, ready for installation…
Installed, and ready for the supercharger system!
92mm supercharger pulley delivers usable boost, that’s safe for 93 octane pump gas operation…
Love the robust water-to-air intercooler bricks with the VMP Performance Loki and Odin superchargers!
Loki’s single-pass heat exchanger installed…
All together, with a beautiful stock-like aesthetic!
Over 200whp and 150lbft gained over stock! And what’s great, is that when Josh is ready for the next steps, he can easily upgrade to our Stage-2 Supercharged package. This upgrade includes the VMP Performance Twinjet twin-69mm throttle body, the Odin 120mm intake system produced by aFe POWER, VMP Performance triple-pass heat exchanger, and Stainless Works Stainless Power long-tube headers with high-flow catalytic converters. Without going any smaller on the supercharger pulley, this package adds an extra 100-120whp over this power, on simple efficiency alone! Not a bad option to have!
Ready for more from your Mustang? Reach out today to learn how we can help you have more fun behind the wheel!
When we say we’re living in the Golden Age of Internal Combustion Engines, we often cite the Hellcat line as a prime example. Seriously, what’s not to love about these cars? You know, unless the magnificent sound of a roots supercharged 6.2L Hemi hammering the rev limiter mid rolling burnout does absolutely nothing for you… in which case, you’re in the wrong place.
But clearly, David is on the same page with us, and brought his gorgeous F8 Green 2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat for our Stage-1 package! This package is proven to take these cars from a baseline of 640-670whp, up to around – and in many case well over – the 800whp mark, all on 93 octane, without any compromise whatsoever.
Now, while David liked the sound of our package, he likes the sound of his stock intake too, and decided to forego the JLT Performance air-intake system. While this seems like a small adjustment, it is responsible for 30-40whp, and definitely shows up on the dyno. The remainder of our Stage-1 package still showed up and did its job perfectly!
• National Speed In-house ECU/PCM unlocking service
Even without the extra help of the JLT Performance air-intake system, output still jumped up over 100whp to 771.65whp & 743.55lbft, at a perfectly safe boost level of 15psi! Usable power all over the curve.
2020 GR Supra owners weren’t thrilled when Toyota gave the 2021 model a 47hp bump in the form of an improved engine just a year after launch. And while the 2021 outperforms the 2020 in showroom stock trim, what happens when each get the same upgrades and calibration? In that case, the choice is not so clear. SPOILER: one of them gained 145hp on 93 octane…
In this video, we put upgraded 2020 and 2021 GR Supras head-to-head! Both are equipped with our Stage-3 package, both calibrated by Vlad via EcuTek, both tested on the same dyno, and both completed just days apart with similar conditions. It’s the ultimate 2-port versus 6-port engine comparison!
Stage-3 package contents for both 2020 and tunable 2021 models below:
MST Performance Auto Parts air-intake system
Optional MST Performance Auto Parts turbocharger inlet
Extreme Turbo Systems down-pipe with EPA compliant GESi high-flow catalytic converter
DYNO SHOOTOUT: Each of our Naturally Aspirated Staged Packages for 6.4L Hemi explained, installed & tuned, and put to the test back-to-back!
Follow along in the shop as we take this 2021 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack from showroom stock, to Stage-1, Stage-2, and Stage-3, with results highlighted throughout. Below are the contents of each Package covered:
Greg brought in his 2016 Dodge Challenger Hellcat early last year for our Stage-1 Stock Supercharger Package. After getting used to that additional power, he decided to take it up another notch and pull the trigger on upgrading to Stage-2!
With our performance packages, Stage-1 is a stepping stone to Stage-2 and up! All parts installed in the first round of work support what is done in Stage-2.
Parts installed this time around:
Kong Performance Supercharger snout, housing and bearing plate 5-axis CNC porting service
Kong Performance 108mm Throttle Body
Stainless Works 3 inch mid-pipe with GESi G-Sport UHO Catalytic Converters
High Horse Performance, Inc. Crank Pinning Kit
After Tim finished up the install in the shop, John strapped the Hellcat to the rollers so Vlad could perform a custom calibration. With the additional Stage-2 modifications, the output increased to 804.86whp and 692.42wtq!
Check out David’s 2019 Ford Ranger Baja! With a Pro Comp Level Kit, FOX 2.0 Performance Shocks and 18″ Fuel Off-Road Tactic wheels, this pickup was ready to add the power necessary to match its factory aggressive looks.
Performed by us:
• Mountune USA 1400-IC-AA Heavy-Duty Intercooler Upgrade
With the mechanical work complete, John strapped her down to the rollers for Vlad to perform a custom calibration via HP Tuners. With 93 octane in the tank, Vlad was able to increase the output to 332.71whp & 390.09lbft!
For its time, the 2007-2009 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 was an absolute game changer. 500hp Eaton M122 (1.99liter) supercharged Condor 5.4L Modular engine, strong Tremec TR-6060 6-speed transmission, all on the proven S197 platform. But fast forward 15 years later, and while it’s still nothing to thumb your nose at, it doesn’t quite stack up as strongly as it used to. Thankfully, the solution is rather straightforward: modernize the supercharger and supporting systems!
And that’s exactly what our Stage-5 Package is designed to deliver. Package contents below:
This customer had a goal of breaking into the 700whp range on 93 octane, and needless to say, that goal was smashed with results coming in at 732whp & 670lbft! With a baseline of 449whp & 444lbft, that puts our peak gains at 283whp & 226lbft! This package delivers modern output with the OEM-like drivability needed for the daily commute. Absolutely transformative performance.
800whp+ with just an intake and a calibration on 93 octane… Seriously, what’s not to love about the 2020+ Ford Mustang Shelby GT500?
For a sub-$100K production car, this powertrain in stock form is arguably one of the most potent of all time. Factory equipped Eaton TVS 2650 supercharger, 5.2L Predator engine which can turn to damn near 9,000rpm without breaking a sweat, and a powertrain proven to handle 1,100whp+ in 100% factory form, with essentially just bolt-on modifications. Brand loyalties aside, I think we can all agree that’s impressive.
While these cars normally lay down between 640-700whp in 100% stock form (depending on whether or not catalyst protection is active), you can see the impact that just our Stage-1 package has. Even crazier, is that there’s even more on the table, as the customer requested we keep the rev limiter below 8,000rpm. Again, absolutely insane.
