Magnuson Supercharger: 7 Benefits To Consider

After building four different 5th Gen 4Runners, I decided to install a supercharger on our latest 2023 SR5P with portal axles and 37″ tires. I’ve always wanted a blower but never felt like any of my builds justified “needing” one – especially considering how expensive the upgrade is.

After driving for six months (7,000 miles) with the blower installed on my 2023 SR5P, I now realize that every previous build needed more power.

Our last build, “Jade,” was a 2016 TEP with steel armor, a drawer system, a rooftop tent, 35″ tires, and much more. When fully loaded, Jade weighed over 6700 lbs (reference our GVWR calculator if you want to weigh your rig). Jade was outrageously slow due to the added 1800 lbs of weight. I didn’t think much of it then, but after running a blower on the new build, I realized that not installing the supercharger was a huge mistake.

The additional 30% horsepower and 28% torque increase is impressive, but there are additional benefits. I didn’t even consider most of the benefits until I tested and experienced the product over the last six months.

SD Truck Shop

We worked with SD Truck Shop out of San Diego on the installation, and their team was pretty impressive, to say the least. They installed the SC in one day. The 4Runner was dropped off at 9 am and was finished by 6 pm – with a VF Tune for the 2020-2024 model years. I highly recommend this shop for the installation as they have dedicated Toyota/Lexus Supercharger techs for installations, troubleshooting, repairs, and/or swaps if you ever buy a used unit or need to swap your blower to another build. They have blowers in stock for all models as well; 4Runner, Tacoma, Tundra, and Lexus models.

I wanted to throw these benefits out there for anyone considering a Magnuson Supercharger.

There is much more to it than just power gains alone and anyone who says a supercharger isn’t worth it hasn’t test-driven one or daily driven with one on a heavy build with big tires.

We’ll start with a driver review and then jump into the benefits.

Driving Review

I’ve always had heavy 4Runner builds with big tires. Once the larger tires and extensive modifications are installed, the truck’s drivability and performance go out the window. After the weight gains, you can expect poor on-road acceleration, poor off-road performance, a loss of low-end torque, poor towing performance, decreased fuel economy, and more. With a blower installed, you can expect all those areas to improve – almost back to a stock feeling. You’re never going to feel “stock” again but with a good tune and the blower installed, you sure as hell feel the power again.

• Freeway Driving: This is where the blower shines. Getting on the onramp and opening it up to 60-70 mph is not only easy but seriously exciting. The power can be felt throughout the powerband. Low-end torque kicks in immediately, drops the ass-end, and lifts the front end. The higher the RPMs, the more air is pushed into the block so power increases faster and harder as you push into a higher RPM range. On 37″ tires, I can get up to 75mph quickly and compete with traffic aggressively.
• City Driving: The blower provides impressive response around town. I can aggressively change lanes when needed and then hammer down to push past slow traffic. No one would expect a 4Runner on 37″ tires to jam through traffic, switch lanes, and pass cars aggressively but when I need to, the blower is on my side.
• Dead Stop: The low-end torque acceleration will throw you into your seat. From a dead stop, off the line, I can get up to speed quickly.
• Rolling Start: From a rolling start around 10mph, the blower doesn’t show any real difference compared to off-the-line. It’s just as responsive from a dead stop.
• Off-Road Driving: I’ve noticed that it’s easier to climb over rocks and ruts with the extra power. On previous heavy builds, I’d be at 50% or more throttle to get over an obstacle whereas with the blower, I’m only around 30% throttle.

1. HP and Torque

Superchargers provide a significant boost in horsepower and torque. When you look at the numbers, it might not seem like much but when you get behind the wheel, it makes all the difference.

Horse Power At The Crank:

Base:

• Max Horse Power: 270
• Max Torque: 278

Supercharger:

• Max Horse Power: 335
• Max Torque: 345

Rear Wheel Horse Power (RWHP):

Base:

• Max Horse Power: 231
• Max Torque: 237

Supercharger:

• Max Horse Power: 302
• Max Torque: 297

Specs pulled from a previous Magnuson review.

2. Off-Road Performance

When it comes to steep inclines, rocks, deep mud, and sand – the supercharger provides extra power to assist in getting through it with ease.

After wheeling multiple terrain types, having the blower just makes wheeling easier and fun. The amount of power provided on the low end is enough to keep the RPMs down while still being about to power through the terrain. Having the extra low-end power is almost cheating.

3. High-Altitude Performance

At higher altitudes, naturally aspirated engines can experience a decrease in power due to the thinner air. A supercharger can help compensate for this loss of power by forcing more air into the engine, resulting in better performance at high elevations. I have not tested the supercharger’s performance in places like Colorado, for example, but I have a trip planned soon and will update the post when I return.

4. Better Towing Capacity

Superchargers will improve towing capacity by increasing the low-end torque output. This can be incredibly beneficial for towing trailers, boats, overland trailers, or other heavy loads without sacrificing performance or fuel efficiency. I don’t tow often but I do own a 20′ PJ Trailer with a dovetail and tow occasionally. The difference in power for towing is absolutely insane. The power generated from the blower is enough to feel comfortable on the road with traffic while the trailer is hooked up. You can still feel the trailer weight with the blower but towing anything is much more manageable.

5. Bigger Tires

Bigger tires always make the 4Runner feel sluggish and less responsive, especially when accelerating or cornering. This is probably the single most important area to improve upon for me. After mounting up 35″ or 37″ tires on the 4Runner, it destroys performance. I’ve always dealt with this in the past and it’s never been high on my priority list until experiencing a blower paired with larger tires. The increased power and torque will help offset larger tires by providing immediate throttle response and much more power over stock. If you hate the way your 4Runner drives with bigger tires then you will love what a blower can do to help improve performance here.

6. GVWR Increase

Like bigger tires, adding more weight to your rig will decrease your performance overall. To compensate for the added weight, a blower will help get you back to that “stock” feeling.

7. Engine Longevity

While superchargers increase engine power, they do so without putting excessive strain on the engine, as long as they are properly installed and tuned. This means that, when installed correctly, a supercharger can actually improve engine longevity by reducing the need for the engine to work as hard to achieve the same level of performance.

Pros: It’s Practical

It’s one of the most practical mods you can buy – other than cost. You will use it every day.

Unlike most mods we put on our trucks, you will use the Supercharger every time you drive. There are very few parts on my truck (although very built) that I use every day. The supercharger and a phone mount are the only two that I use every time I drive the truck. Every time you hit that skinny pedal, you’re reminded of just how much additional power the 4Runner has.

Some of the reasons why you might need a blower:

1. Heavy rig
2. Larger tires
3. You tow often
4. You find yourself driving long distances
5. You find yourself driving up grades
6. You live in a high altitude area
7. You just want more HP and Torque

The Magnuson is hands down the best mod I’ve ever put on any 5th Gen 4Runner – and I’ve built 4 of them over the last 10 years. There is no review online of a 4Runner or Tacoma owner who regrets doing this.

Cons: Price

Throwing a blower on your rig is likely one of the best mods anyone can do after adding a bunch of weight and bigger tires. But, is it worth it?

Upfront Costs: 

SD Truck Shop was $9984.50 for the parts and labor OTD. So, is $10K worth it for more power? It depends on how much disposable income you have and whether or not you are willing to spend some serious coin on a mod you may or may not need. If you’re running 35″+ tires or a really heavy rig, I say go for it. You will notice a huge difference in performance. This is not a mod I would recommend spending $10K on if you’re living paycheck to paycheck. You have to want/need more power or you have to be sitting on some extra cash.

Ongoing Costs: 

In addition to the price of the blower, you will have an increased cost in premium fuel. Where I live in California, premium fuel costs $5 – $6 per gallon. The 4Runner has a 23-gallon tank so at that rate, you’re looking at $115 – $130 to fill up your tank. The national average for premium is $4.20 right now (April 2024) so on average expect $96 per tank.

Trail Takeaway: 

I think owners with lots of added overland weight, 35″ – 37″ tires, and/or anyone who tows will see the most bang for their buck. If you put $5000 down and finance the rest, it’s not that bad of a monthly payment.

To each their own on the cost side but at the end of the day, the blower has made me genuinely love driving my 4Runner again.