Engine Supercharger Installed

Supercharger Installed

Anyone considering the 1ZZ supercharger, if you plan on keeping your Corolla for a while, I highly recommend the performance upgrade. I also like the throaty sound of the TRD sports muffler. And while I'm on it, the front strut tower brace has noticible handling improvement. On ramps and off taken at speed with no tire squeel (still on stock rims). Gas consumption is up but that's expected with an added fuel injector and more full throtle driving. Next upgrade will be the Unichip and tuning. I've read their site and feel that I can get more out of this engine with their product. When Toyota was working on the engine they noticed an oil leak from the cam shaft seal and replaced the seal under warantee. Had to keep the rental Echo for an extra day. I am very pleased with the added responsiveness and nimbleness. It's a totally different car.
I couldn't afford an EVO, (or the downpayment), so I chose the next best thing.

was the leak from the camshaft area there before the supercharger install?

The Corolla is very responsive, huh? That's what I like about it. It is a definite sleeper.

I never noticed any drips on the driveway and the dealer said it was a very small leak. He atributed the leak to being Florida's high heats and humidity, causing a premature failure of the seal. Now I will have to stay on top of these rubber seals throughout the life of my engine.

My only complaint is that they cut come corners to save labor costs. They forgot to trim the stock valve cover and replace it. Also they forgot to replace the stock plugs with the irridium ones though the price they quoted me incluled the more expensive and cooler burning irridium plugs.

Finally, they failed to clean the engine compartment prior to the install, as the instruction manual stresses, in order to prevent foreign matter entering the exposed engine. I know I am being a knit-picker here but I also know the labor cost is based on the number of hours it will take, and cleaning the engine, and cutting the cover are both part of that calculation.

I'm returning the car this afternoon and they will have the engine cover trimmed and replaced and I will also get 4 new irridium spark plugs for free! A savings of $50.

The only thing that happended to my aftermarket stereo system was the expected loss of preset memory stations. No biggee.

I realy like the car now. I can't tell you how much the sway bar helps handling too. Now I need to replace my factory 15" wheels. I am hoping to get '03 Corolla S 17" six spoke wheels to maintain that "stock" immage. Anyone who has my new wheels let me know.

If you are considering this upgrade, forget about fuel economy unless you get the Unichip. I will post later, once I get that pricy upgrade installed.

paul - where are you located in FL, and at what dealer did you have the install done?

Palm Beach Toyota. They did a great job. I brought it back today and they replaced the plugs with the irridium ones they originally quoted me, my valve cover was trimmed and ready, and the engine compartment was cleaned, all performed at no charge to me. The power diference is very noticable throughout the powerband and I am sure adding the Unichip will give me more hp and low end torque. There's a tuning shop over in Naples that'll do the work. I'll have to leave the vehicle for three or four days while they tune it and get a rental. I am still looking for new wheels and tires. I just missed out getting 03 Corolla S 17" rims for $800 including new tires from TX. Bummer.

One thing I love about the new cars is the warranty. I'll have to get my engine cleaned too because the dealer didn't clean mine when the supercharger was installed. I also have some warranty work that i want done to tighten the center console, the loose plastic interior piece on the driver's side window where the side mirrors are, and get a car wash too wihle they're at it. All done for free, man I love it.

sounds awesome...i'm hesitant to make a hefty power mod like this first, as things like the brakes on this car are a tad weak for the stock 130hp, adding another 30+ makes me go "hmm"...

how much did they charge for the install, and did it take more than a day (had they done it right in the first place)?