To turbo or not to turbo

[MattyCash]

Hey everyone, I'm in search of what most tC owners are in search of after about a year of ownership... more horsepower.

I have a 2010 auto tC, and my biggest question is - is it worth it to turbo an automatic? I know people who have and they seem to like it, I'm just wondering what you all think.

I know the main pros and cons of getting a turbo (main con being voided warranty), just looking for some insight! Thanks.

[TJ]

+1

[Atomsk]

one other con is that u are limited by the auto transmission on how much power u can make. from my understanding the auto tc will only take up to 250 hp before it starts to slip. But if you want more power do it!
+1

[sako_nj]

i may turbo mine, i drive an 05 auto. I did a lot of research and yes 250 is the max, but look at it this way its better than the 130 u were pulling before lol. Make sure to get a tranny cooler and a really good tune. Dont boost beyond 6 Ibs depending with what kit you go with. My recommendation is dezod i have not heard one negative from them

[boost happy]

I recommend just TRD supercharging + other upgrades to reach the 250 hp mark. In the end it will cost you less than going with the turbo kit. I'm running Dezod S1 on a 5 spd and i love it, but if 250 hp is your goal, get the s/c and spend the rest somewhere else (i.e. header back, upgraded supercharger pulley, etc). plus you will retain your warranty. just my .02.
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[TJ]

^^ that is what I was thinking about doing.

[boost happy]

^^ that is what I was thinking about doing.

DO IT! lol

[TJ]

What I was thinking about was this:
Not sure on intake yet
Weapon R header or Megan Racing
And I've heard really good things about Injen exhaust.

I haven't really looked into pulleys and such. How's what I said sound? And any suggestions?

[boost happy]

What I was thinking about was this:
Not sure on intake yet
Weapon R header or Megan Racing
And I've heard really good things about Injen exhaust.

I haven't really looked into pulleys and such. How's what I said sound? And any suggestions?

I wouldn't get the Megan Racing header. I've had countless friends that have had fitment issues with them. But then again, there have been many who haven't had issues. Weapon R... I haven't heard anything about. I'm assuming that you want to go with a 4-2-1 style header? I've heard mad raves about MMW headers though. Also, consider the s-pipe. Do you want to retain one of your cats? Intake, i'll have to look into, because i don't think that you can just fit any intake on the s/c system. as far as exhaust goes, what kind of sound are you looking for? I have a Tsudo mid pipe (2.5" @ $135) & Greddy Ti-C axleback (60 mm @ $400) setup and i love it. loud and deep. but that may not be what you are looking for. let me know.

[\\\Boosted tC]

It honestly isn't even worth boosting an automatic car, you'll have transmission problems eventually, and automatic trannys aren't fun to fix.

[MattyCash]

I recommend just TRD supercharging + other upgrades to reach the 250 hp mark. In the end it will cost you less than going with the turbo kit. I'm running Dezod S1 on a 5 spd and i love it, but if 250 hp is your goal, get the s/c and spend the rest somewhere else (i.e. header back, upgraded supercharger pulley, etc). plus you will retain your warranty. just my .02.
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I would LOVE this option, however the TRD supercharger is discontinued and I don't think the older ones will fit a 2010.

[boost happy]

I would LOVE this option, however the TRD supercharger is discontinued and I don't think the older ones will fit a 2010.

Unfortunately, you are correct. The fact that the TRD supercharger is discontinued probably means that scion will not install it if you have one, unless it's brand new in the box... you would have to call your local dealership and ask to find out for sure. But we can search around and see if we can find a brand new one for you online if the dealership tells you that they will do it. That is of course, unless you have the balls to do this install yourself.

[TJ]

They don't fit the '10s? Or did you mean the '11s?

[boost happy]

They will fit '10. But apparently need an "adapter" kit.

[TJ]

Ah. Lame. I'll just stick with N/A on this car I think. Maybe later I'll get a manual and throw a Dezod kit on it.

[boost happy]

Ah. Lame. I'll just stick with N/A on this car I think. Maybe later I'll get a manual and throw a Dezod kit on it.

Good choice. Put the money elsewhere in your car or save towards a down payment towards your next car :)

[TJ]

I don't really want a monster under the hood anyway. Just enough pep to show that it isn't a "girly" car. I get bashed everyday by these two guys that have v6 mustangs. Haha if I was going to get a mustang I'd get the v8 at the least.

[boost happy]

I don't really want a monster under the hood anyway. Just enough pep to show that it isn't a "girly" car. I get bashed everyday by these two guys that have v6 mustangs. Haha if I was going to get a mustang I'd get the v8 at the least.

Don't mind the haters. V6+Mustang= FAIL. Ask them about their fuel economy compared to yours;) Also by saying that it's a "girly" car means that girls prefer it. That's not necessarily a bad thing if you're a guy. lol. Mustangs are just a me-too car. And the fact that they're V6's make it worse.

[TJ]

Haha yeah. My sis drives my old GT. It has I/H/E on it with a tune. It rides like a beast. Parents took it from me after like a week and I got a F150. I had a choice between the GT again or a new tC. I was like hmmm 10 year old car or brand new one...

And yeah I'm a guy. Every girl that sees it is "Aw your car is so cute! I wanna ride." Then I think in my mind "I'll show you a ride" mwahaha. I love my tC. Rides so nice. And I get so much better mileage than them. They get 20. I got 28mpg on my last tank.

[boost happy]

Haha yeah. My sis drives my old GT. It has I/H/E on it with a tune. It rides like a beast. Parents took it from me after like a week and I got a F150. I had a choice between the GT again or a new tC. I was like hmmm 10 year old car or brand new one...

And yeah I'm a guy. Every girl that sees it is "Aw your car is so cute! I wanna ride." Then I think in my mind "I'll show you a ride" mwahaha. I love my tC. Rides so nice. And I get so much better mileage than them. They get 20. I got 28mpg on my last tank.

That's what I'm talking about. lol. Why don't you look into I/H/E + wheels, suspension, lip kit, etc?

[TJ]

This is semi-on topic, but do you still suggest the MMW header with a N/A build? And as for exhaust I want a deep sound. I don't like those fartcan exhausts. Drives me crazy.

[boost happy]

This is semi-on topic, but do you still suggest the MMW header with a N/A build? And as for exhaust I want a deep sound. I don't like those fartcan exhausts. Drives me crazy.

Headers only work for N/A builds. lol. But I'll look around and get back to you on headers. As far as exhaust, Greddy Ti-C, HKS, or (if you are willing to take the chance with fitment) Megan Drift Spec sounds really good.

[boost happy]

Go with Weapon R. They're the only ones that produce a 4-2-1 header design for the tc. My question is, do you want to retain either of your cats?

[TJ]

Awesome. And I knew that. Excuse my mistake, I got woke up at 4 this morning and yesterday morning. And going back to sleep isn't an option. Nephews are the world's way of deterring having kids.

[TJ]

Idc if it's a 4-2-1. I've just heard good things about it. That's why I said it earlier. And as far as cat's, it doesn't matter. My mom is a po-po. No worries about tickets or inspection stickers here.

[boost happy]

Idc if it's a 4-2-1. I've just heard good things about it. That's why I said it earlier. And as far as cat's, it doesn't matter. My mom is a po-po. No worries about tickets or inspection stickers here.

That's awesome. Lol. Yeah, go with Weapon R then. Gotta find you an s-pipe and you gotta decide which exhaust you want.

[TJ]

Cool, cool. And sucks because there are NO modded tCs around here. With exhaust I have to go on word of mouth. If the Greddy are low/deep sounding I'll grab it. And honestly, I have no clue as to what s-pipe to get.

[DeadCannon]

HKS Hi-Power is my favorite sounding exhaust, but it's hard to compare because almost everyone else I've met runs the TRD.

[boost happy]

Cool, cool. And sucks because there are NO modded tCs around here. With exhaust I have to go on word of mouth. If the Greddy are low/deep sounding I'll grab it. And honestly, I have no clue as to what s-pipe to get.

S-pipe: Invidia. And all three of the previous exhausts are deep sounding. But the Greddy and HKS exhausts do not come with mid pipes. You can just get the tsudo mid pipe.

http://www.speed-element.com/servlet/the-136/tc-midpipe-performance-exhaust/Detail

This header looks similar and comes with an s-pipe:

http://www.speed-element.com/servlet/the-114/tc-header-spipe-exhaust/Detail

[TJ]

More stuff to buy. Aaagh. Oh well. It's for a good cause. Gotta pull the economy out of the recession. I'll see if I can find videos of those exhausts.

[boost happy]

More stuff to buy. Aaagh. Oh well. It's for a good cause. Gotta pull the economy out of the recession. I'll see if I can find videos of those exhausts.

You live in Louisiana? Why don't you come down to Sibling Rivalry 6 in Jacksonville on Nov 6? Then you can hear them all in person, and have a great time! Not to mention, the show is completely free! But trust me, you won't regret the sound of any of those three exhausts.

[TJ]

Jacksonville, FL?

[boost happy]

Jacksonville, FL?

Yep.

[TJ]

That's 800 miles. Haha.

[boost happy]

That's 800 miles. Haha.

Yeah, but it's going to be a bomb ass show. Already 200+ preregistered. Plus I got a friend that's driving in from Virginia. You should think about it. Maybe your local Scikotics club will drive in and you can roll with them?

[TJ]

Haha think about it? I want to. And we are actually trying to get the CenLA chapter started. We've got 5 but only 3 have posted in the roll-call. I'll also have to see if I can get off work.

[boost happy]

Haha think about it? I want to. And we are actually trying to get the CenLA chapter started. We've got 5 but only 3 have posted in the roll-call. I'll also have to see if I can get off work.

Hells yeah!

[Krazylowgsx]

my vote is still turbo your car... but then again... i'm thinking about putting a turbo on my lawn chief! lol

[TJ]

Turbo a lawn chief? Pshh. Get a Dixie chopper. Problem solved.

[MattyCash]

Thanks for the info, I'll look into the supercharger option and talk to my dealership to see what it takes to get one installed and keep the warranty in effect... in the meantime I'll tint my windows

[boost happy]

Thanks for the info, I'll look into the supercharger option and talk to my dealership to see what it takes to get one installed and keep the warranty in effect... in the meantime I'll tint my windows

Glad I could help

[DeadCannon]

Hasn't the SC been discontinued for a couple years?

[TJ]

I know it got re-done in '07 so it was probably '08 or '09 that it was discontinued. However when I bought my '10 tC three weeks ago the guy tried to sell me a TRD supercharger.

[DeadCannon]

Weird. Still got one leftover from the cutoff or an idiot sales guy?

[boost happy]

Weird. Still got one leftover from the cutoff or an idiot sales guy?

Yeah, they've been discontinued due to (based on what my local Scion mechanics told me) the fact that Scion is losing too much money on installation and repairs. But you can still find them brand new if you look hard enough. But the mechanics were also complaining that Scion sets the installation prices, and the dealerships supposedly take a huge hit on this due to the fact that the install prices are set way too low. What's funny about that is, is that I know for a fact that installation prices are inconsistant from Scion dealership to dealership. When I had my TRD springs installed (when i first purchased my car), the dealership closest to me wanted $1300 and said that it would take 3 DAYS!!! My three year old could do it in less time! lol. So i drove up to the next closest one and they did it for $165. Anyone see a red flag?

[DeadCannon]

1300 for SPRINGS!? That by itself is retarded.

[boost happy]

1300 for SPRINGS!? That by itself is retarded.

Yeah, and trust me, there was no miscommunication. I was talking to them like they were 4 year olds to make sure that we were on the same page. It went kind of like this (short version)...

"Hi. I have a set of TRD lowering springs. How much will it cost for your shop to remove my stock springs off of the car and put my new ones in
?"

"$1300."

"Are you high? I said, I already have the parts. How much for the installation of these parts?"

"$1300."

"Yup, you're high. The other Scion dealership only charges $165 for install and alignment."

"No they don't. That's insaine. It's at least a 3 day job."

The next morning, I took them the receipt and showed them the car. The woman was speechless.

[TJ]

Definitely wasn't an idiot sales guy. Haha. In northern La there isn't a tuner scene at all. I'm sure they've got all kinds of stuff in stock.

[boost happy]

Definitely wasn't an idiot sales guy. Haha. In northern La there isn't a tuner scene at all. I'm sure they've got all kinds of stuff in stock.

No tuner scene in northern LA? Really?

[TJ]

Not LA, La. LA- Los Angeles. La- Louisiana. Mwahaha.

[boost happy]

Not LA, La. LA- Los Angeles. La- Louisiana. Mwahaha.

Yeah, that was my bad. Lol.

[TJ]

It's cool. I totally baited you. I put just "La" on purpose to see if somebody would think it was Los Angeles. Don't feel bad.

[boost happy]

How far from Shreveport/Bossier City are you? My brother is stationed there in the air force. I know that there's a supercharged silver tc there also...

[TJ]

I'm like less than an hour from there. 50 miles south. I go there all the time because my brother lives there. Obviously not often enough cause I haven't seen another tC there.

[wlfpck]

Talk to the guys at IPT. The biggest weakness to the auto transmission is the clutch packs. At 250, the clutch packs fry and you're left slipping.


I don't see why you wouldn't be able to handle 250+ with:

Transmission oil cooler
IPT Valve Body
Upgraded clutch packs

[Spoofa]

Watch out for the supercharger, It's a B to maintain and breaks frequently.

The supercharger for tC's was poorly designed, which is probably the main reason they were discontinued ("Repairs" more like replacing the whole thing every year or so.)

I would seriously reconsider buying a supercharger for the tC. Its just bad, I've read too many horror stories about it. Turbo is the only way to go for us.

[kenshinta]

I have a 08auto, and i was wondering the same thing.
What if I can get a used turbo kit including engine management by $1500? Because as far as i known, a S/C and its upgrade stuffs and an engine management would cost about that amount too... What's the best option?

[wlfpck]

Talk to the guys at IPT. The biggest weakness to the auto transmission is the clutch packs. At 250, the clutch packs fry and you're left slipping.


I don't see why you wouldn't be able to handle 250+ with:

Transmission oil cooler
IPT Valve Body
Upgraded clutch packs

If you are worried about the auto transmission failing, simply upgrade it. See above.

There is no reason why you could not run a turbo. The supercharger simply runs at low boost. Then people upgrade the pulley for 9.5 psi. There's no reason why you couldn't get a turbo installed and run it at 5 or 6 psi. Would it be worth your while? It depends on you.

I have the IPT valve body and I love it. I know tcchris used to have it as well before he swapped to a 5 speed.

[boost happy]

If you are worried about the auto transmission failing, simply upgrade it. See above.

There is no reason why you could not run a turbo. The supercharger simply runs at low boost. Then people upgrade the pulley for 9.5 psi. There's no reason why you couldn't get a turbo installed and run it at 5 or 6 psi. Would it be worth your while? It depends on you.

I have the IPT valve body and I love it. I know tcchris used to have it as well before he swapped to a 5 speed.

Just don't ever buy a used turbo unless you are 150% sure it's in good condition. But as wlfpck said, it's definately preferred that you upgrade the tranny for added reliablility. And don't forget that a typical tune on AEM FI/C (what most kits come with) starts around $350 and goes up quick (depending on your location). Reguardless of your decision, DO NOT BOOST ON A BUDGET!

[Spoofa]

If you get the supercharger your going to regret it big time trust me. Turbo and do it the right way.

[Blown_MatchBbox]

Hey everyone, I'm in search of what most tC owners are in search of after about a year of ownership... more horsepower.

I have a 2010 auto tC, and my biggest question is - is it worth it to turbo an automatic? I know people who have and they seem to like it, I'm just wondering what you all think.

I know the main pros and cons of getting a turbo (main con being voided warranty), just looking for some insight! Thanks.

Don't take this personal, but if your car is not payed off, and you do not have some kind of cash in your secondary account to cover the unexpected costs from modifing the car, I would not do anything to it until I have the money to do so. It is not worth voiding your warranty, as you may need it, especially if this is your ONLY car. If you decide to go with the factory TRD supercharger kit, you will be limited to the amount of power you can make. Outside of keeping the factory warranty, superchargers do not give you the option for expandibility that turbos will give you, if you want to make more power down the road. In addition, your tC is an auto, and in my opinion, it is not worth dumping money into anyways. Why not just start by puting a nice set of wheels on it and giving it a good drop, that way, it will give you more time to think about the worth of investment and also down the road, if you later decide to trade it in for another car, you will not be hit with a higher opportunity cost by having so much money invested into the tC you may not be happy with? There are many great cars out there to mod that will give you a higher performance ratio per dollar than the tC, why not do some research before dumping money into it?

[boost happy]

Don't take this personal, but if your car is not payed off, and you do not have some kind of cash in your secondary account to cover the unexpected costs from modifing the car, I would not do anything to it until I have the money to do so. It is not worth voiding your warranty, as you may need it, especially if this is your ONLY car. If you decide to go with the factory TRD supercharger kit, you will be limited to the amount of power you can make. Outside of keeping the factory warranty, superchargers do not give you the option for expandibility that turbos will give you, if you want to make more power down the road. In addition, your tC is an auto, and in my opinion, it is not worth dumping money into anyways. Why not just start by puting a nice set of wheels on it and giving it a good drop, that way, it will give you more time to think about the worth of investment and also down the road, if you later decide to trade it in for another car, you will not be hit with a higher opportunity cost by having so much money invested into the tC you may not be happy with? There are many great cars out there to mod that will give you a higher performance ratio per dollar than the tC, why not do some research before dumping money into it?

My tc @ 2k miles = turbo install. warranty? uh... about that... lol. I agree with ^