MID-MOUNT TURBO KIT from Topgunspeedworks

Hey guys,
I have been seeing this kit for a while and they finally put it up for people to buy. It doesn't seem bad at all and produces around the same power as the Magnuson supercharger/ Procharger supercharger with a stock tune for almost 2K$ less and less labor time supposedly. I know the main differences between the boosted applications and I know there probably isn't a aftermarket tune yet to ramp up the power like the superchargers so they will have that advantage but it does seem promising. The only thing I really don't like is the intake and turbo is under the truck. I don't know if this will be an issue but what about mud/water and other elements getting into the intake and such. This seems like it will be an issue but I do not know all the sciences of this or what people have done with their turbo'd vehicles I know I have seen these kind of setups before on other vehicles but really only in certain areas and usually on more racing type vehicles but still seems strange to me. Any thoughts? just trying to get some info on this or any other info that people may think is helpful.

Thanks guys,

Here is the kit it self

https://www.topgunspeedworks.com/toyota-tacoma-3rd-gen-1/3rd-gen-tacoma-mid-mount-turbo-kit

 

I agree it is kind ridiculous... I know for the Magnuson supercharger just had a new tune come out from a Tacoma tuning group that made just over 400Whp and thats badass but damn man its still 7k+ and labor.

 

Air cooled turbo. Interesting.

 

Since it seems to be Shakespeare day:

Me and my taco:

The miserable have no other medicine, but only hope.” – William Shakespeare

 

Not really, I’m actually pretty happy with it, I just have reasonable expectations.

 

Air cooled single turbo? I’m out

 

I’m pretty sure the comp turbos require rebuilds every 50k miles. So that sucks.

IMO the biggest downside to a rear mount turbo is the risk of water intrusion or just straight up road grime right into the filter. I would be nervous as hell driving on a rainy week or when there’s a serious downpour.

 

I’ve come to the conclusion that I will eventually succumb to FI within the next few years and have been trying wrestle with the idea of paying so much for Magnuson set up, so when this kit popped up I was definitely intrigued. Thanks for noticing that the kit was finally out for purchase. I have the same apprehensions as you do @Strange_Taco with this sort of set up on an off-road oriented vehicle. Curious to see what other think about it.

 

Or you could just trade in for the new 2024 when it comes out

 

i would do that but i dont wanna be a guinea pig for the new generation. plus I like my truck the way it is for the most part haha

 

I definitely understand whatcha mean but iv seen quite a few setups on other platforms of course that did the same and they seemed to work well and with reliability when done right. Though seems like something could be done a little better.

 

Right

 

5200$ I’d pass… Their breakdown is vague. Shocked to see the have a blow off valve Instead of a diverter valve. I’d would have thought at least a vgt turbo. Comp turbo says rebuild every 50k miles and grease every 3k miles…… procharger would be a better option.

 

Or just accept the truck for what it is

 

That would have to rank up there with the most annoying turbo spooling sound I’ve ever heard. I can’t imagine how bad that would be as a daily driver.

 

@Topgun Speedworks

Might as well link the source here in this thread to assist in answering some of these question's about their product

 

These guys built bad ass kits for the Z platform. Wouldn’t expect anything less from them

 

Is that for a 4 banger???????

 

Modern turbo vehicles have made every possible effort to mount turbos as close as possible to the engine (including integrating them into the exhaust manifold), to reduce turbo lag. With a turbo mounted far from the engine, under the car (in place of the muffler, per their description), the resulting distance from the engine of both exhaust as well as the return compressed air lines, will probably cause significant turbo lag.

 

Some thoughts on this from an old mechanic.

Turbo lag is going to be horrid. Putting it that far from the engine is pretty much the opposite of how you design a turbo kit.
Air-cooled turbo with no engine oil flow, is the worst idea ever. We had these back in the 80s, they last about 30-50k tops before having to be rebuilt.
On 7 psi it makes an additional ~16hp? 306 was quoted on the site at 7psi boost. That's pretty weak.

It's $5200.