G’day

As you probably know, our Prado is a 98 3.4lt V6 which performs very well in most areas.

However, there is one area that I feel really let down.

Let me explain. You come to this very steep hill and a decision has to be made to run in 1st or 2nd low range.

First is slow and steady, putting an enormous amount of torque through the wheels. If the track is rocky, no problems as the tyres will grip the rock easily and you need nice and slow to avoid damage to the vehicle, but probably most important to keep the wife happy.

But say the track is wet and slippery, then 1st is more likely to get the wheels spinning (lost grip) and have the vehicle come to a stop. This is where 2nd comes into its own. You have more momentum and less torque through the wheels, so less chance of spinning.

This all sounds fantastic until you realise after the slippery clay bit, the rock section is too bad to take at 2,500 RPM in second low, but you know if you drop the revs much more, you will lose power and the motor will stall.

I have had this happen so many times, it is starting to bug me, so I am looking for answers.

The Prado’s EFI engine has a light flywheel and short stroke, so is a little low on low down torque. The EFI doesn’t help either, knowing you are only crawling and just letting the exact amount of fuel for the speed. You see, as smart as these computers are, they can’t possible know the track is getting steeper and you need more fuel.

The old carby engine was great, floor the accelerator at any speed and you pumped ridiculous amounts of petrol into the engine, even in the above situation, and allow you to take off in second low on extreme slopes.

Anyway, I have just found this electric supercharger, no not one of those $20 eBay things, but a fair dinkum electric supercharger. It promises to pump air into the motor with a fan spinning at 23,000 RPM which will be enough to give a 1PSI boost to the motor.

This 1PSI boost is enough to give a 5% increase in power.

Have a look at the site, I’m sure like me you will be very interested. I won’t go into the full workings, as their site does that well, but it has certainly got me thinking.

See you out there!

If you're like the majority of 4x4 Drivers, you won't be able to change the diff oil until you get home, because you won't have spare oil and a sump pump to change it. If you suspect contaminated oil (a deep water crossing without extended diff breathers or perhaps you have leaking diff seals) then you can try and remove the water by draining the diff until only oil comes out the drain hole. Do not drain too much and leave your diff short of lubrication. Collect this oil and water emulsion as you should never dispose of oil into the environment. Save it till you get back home and dispose of it properly. Its not only diffs that can have water contamination, but also your gearbox, transfer case and engine oil. However, it is usually only when a vehicle is stationary in deep water that these components are contaminated.