Question about spark plugs, oil, and super charger

[VeganGirl]

Hi, I recently purchased a super charger and patiently waiting for it to arrive. I know a little bit about cars but I would appreciate guidance on a few questions I don't know the answer too. I live in Florida and I bought the edelbrock kit if that helps answer some of my question

So first question is about my spark plugs, currently my engine is at 71k miles and the spark plugs have never been changed. Is this something I need to do before putting the super charger on? I read in the manual that it was recommended to do them at 60k miles but I haven't noticed the car running weird or anything.

My next question is about the type of oil to use now. I heard something about using a different weight of oil when you are super charged, is this true? Last week I had a full synthetic oil change with 020-w something like that I think.

I have another question about transmission fluid. When I went to get my oil change they told me I should do that but I declined. Should I let them exchange it for me?

Also question about rear differential fluid, I am at 71k miles and to my knowledge has never been touched, is this something I need to address right now also?

Pretty much I have only done oil changes to the car I never did anything else. If there is something major I'm missing please let me know, I know going super charger reduces the life of the car but I'd like to do anything I can to increase it

[go_a_way1]

Originally Posted by VeganGirl

Hi, I recently purchased a super charger and patiently waiting for it to arrive. I know a little bit about cars but I would appreciate guidance on a few questions I don't know the answer too. I live in Florida and I bought the edelbrock kit if that helps answer some of my question

So first question is about my spark plugs, currently my engine is at 71k miles and the spark plugs have never been changed. Is this something I need to do before putting the super charger on? I read in the manual that it was recommended to do them at 60k miles but I haven't noticed the car running weird or anything.

My next question is about the type of oil to use now. I heard something about using a different weight of oil when you are super charged, is this true? Last week I had a full synthetic oil change with 020-w something like that I think.

I have another question about transmission fluid. When I went to get my oil change they told me I should do that but I declined. Should I let them exchange it for me?

Also question about rear differential fluid, I am at 71k miles and to my knowledge has never been touched, is this something I need to address right now also?

Pretty much I have only done oil changes to the car I never did anything else. If there is something major I'm missing please let me know, I know going super charger reduces the life of the car but I'd like to do anything I can to increase it

Spend the money and do it all. Maintenance is key to keeping a car running and reliable. Expect to change fluids (including oil) more often with FI. Sparkplugs are a real pain but they should be done

[Matt@Cosworth]

If your're going FI then replace the 0W20 engine oil with some 5W30

if you read the owners manual this is also Toyota's recommendation for cars that are used hard

[menikmati]

What are your expected driving habits after going FI?

I believe the folks at CSG @CSG Mike have always ran 0w20 without any issues on their JRSC car.

Assuming that you're having the supercharger installed by a shop, I would recommend getting the spark plugs and transmission/differential fluid swapped while it's being worked on.

[VeganGirl]

Originally Posted by Matt@Cosworth

If your're going FI then replace the 0W20 engine oil with some 5W30

if you read the owners manual this is also Toyota's recommendation for cars that are used hard

I will be using it for daily driving. I do not drive the car hard at all. I do drive the car a lot though(I have put 30k miles just this past year itself).

I just got this oil change last week and paid like almost 100$. Do you think it would be okay to run it for the first 5k miles with this oil and then switch to 0w30? or just switch before going FI..

[menikmati]

Originally Posted by VeganGirl

I will be using it for daily driving. I do not drive the car hard at all. I do drive the car a lot though(I have put 30k miles just this past year itself).

I just got this oil change last week and paid like almost 100$. Do you think it would be okay to run it for the first 5k miles with this oil and then switch to 0w30? or just switch before going FI..

0w20 would be sufficient for your application.

Since you already have fresh oil, I would aim for a shorter oil change interval and just change it regularly.

When in doubt, a used oil analysis can help you determine your OCI for future oil changes.

[wbradley]

Use thicker 5W30 oil if driving the supercharged car fairly hard for any sustained periods, the heat thins the regular oil resulting in insufficient oil pressure at highest temperatures. Perhaps do so at the next interval.
At your mileage the differential and trans fluid are probably not premature for a change. I thought the spark interval was longer, but the manual knows best. The sparks can be removed without lifting the engine as a good Subaru or boxer familiar mechanic might be aware.

Driving a lot of miles, going FI means reduced reliability (Edelbrock good choice though), higher engine temps, more maintenance, more fuel consumption. Much more fun getting on the highway though!

[BRZ'13]

Originally Posted by VeganGirl

I will be using it for daily driving. I do not drive the car hard at all.

whats the point of the supercharger if you do not plan on driving it hard? better off saving the money and keeping it stock.

[VeganGirl]

Originally Posted by BRZ'13

whats the point of the supercharger if you do not plan on driving it hard? better off saving the money and keeping it stock.

Because it's my money and I do what I want. I enjoyed the car stock for just over a year and now I'm ready for more power

Just because I have a super charger doesn't mean I should drive the car hard. I just like the feel of the car with it. My boyfriend has dropped 20k into modifications in his car body kits and supercharger suspension etc and shocker, he doesn't do car shows or events and has turned down sponsorships. It's our car and our money and if we just want to be low key and do stuff to make ourselfs happy that's all we need!

[go_a_way1]

I run 0w-20 with a oil cooled turbo so I think your fine to use it.

Quick FYI a 0w-30 oil is technicly thinker when cold and at operating temps the a 5w-30. I wouldn't go any thinker then 5w30 personally

[BRZ'13]

Originally Posted by VeganGirl

Because it's my money and I do what I want. I enjoyed the car stock for just over a year and now I'm ready for more power

Just because I have a super charger doesn't mean I should drive the car hard. I just like the feel of the car with it. My boyfriend has dropped 20k into modifications in his car body kits and supercharger suspension etc and shocker, he doesn't do car shows or events and has turned down sponsorships. It's our car and our money and if we just want to be low key and do stuff to make ourselfs happy that's all we need!

no need to get all defensive jeez. was just curious. 100% of the people i have spoken to get a supercharger to go faster, drive it harder etc because stock the car is slow as shit. Interesting to see someone buy it for "more power" but not driving it hard. learn something new everyday i guess

[VeganGirl]

Originally Posted by go_a_way1

I run 0w-20 with a oil cooled turbo so I think your fine to use it.

Quick FYI a 0w-30 oil is technicly thinker when cold and at operating temps the a 5w-30. I wouldn't go any thinker then 5w30 personally

I am going with a custom tune, would I have to get retuned if I switched to using a different oil weight? I'm not sure if what would cause having to get retuned. I know my boyfriend wants to get different headers and then he will get retuned, is it the same if I put a different oil in or add an oil cooler down the road? Do both of those require retune?

[JDMChris]

Changing your oil, or adding a oil cooler doesn't require a re-tune.

[go_a_way1]

Originally Posted by VeganGirl

I am going with a custom tune, would I have to get retuned if I switched to using a different oil weight? I'm not sure if what would cause having to get retuned. I know my boyfriend wants to get different headers and then he will get retuned, is it the same if I put a different oil in or add an oil cooler down the road? Do both of those require retune?

No retune will be required for that